Driving in France, International Driving Permit ,
IDP
Car Rental and the IDP
Car rental companies ask only for your license to drive in your home country.  There are
countries in Europe that do require by law that non Europeans carry the IDP, however.  
How scrupulously they enforce these laws is a question and often depends on the
officers ability to read the language on your existing license.  It is best to carry the IDP,
since it is easy to obtain and not expensive.
AAA, the American Automobile Association, has been sanctioned by the US
Government to issue these Driving Permits and does so for $15.00 and two passport
type photos that you provide or that they take at the time of application.
The permit is in many languages and will prove that you are licensed to drive in case you
are stopped.  
International Driver's License, required or Not
When Driving in France,
non-Europeans need to
carry only their drivers
license from the home
country; they do not need
the International Driving
Permit ,  IDP.
The International Driving
Permit  is not needed to
rent an auto in Europe but
Driving in Italy Spain,
Portugal, and in the former
Soviet Union countries will
require the IDP.
In France, the  
International
Driving Permit,
though not
required, could
be helpful if you
will drive in
remote areas.
An exit sign showing
the route number of
the feeder road with
the towns listed.  The
speed limit is listed on
a white sign with a red
circle: 90 KM per hour
or about 56 miles per
Car Rental agencies will rent without the
International Driving Permit but in
countries other than France you are safer
to have one
Standard shift rental will be the least expensive
but require skill in the hillside villages.
Driving in France is done on the right side and is  
similar to the USA, Canada, and Mexico
Highway Driving in France differs little from
US, Canada, and Mexico
In Canada, the CAA issues the
International driving Permit.
While driving in Europe you
should have both the IDP and
your drivers license with you.
Driving in France does not require the
International Driving Permit ,  IDP.
The International Driving Permit  or IDP is not
needed to rent an auto in France but Driving in
Italy Spain, Portugal, and in the former Soviet
Union countries will require the IDP.
Custom Search
Return the rental car with an empty tank?  See Policy details
Auto Europe offers selection, price, and ease of booking on the web. . Shop
online well ahead of your trip and choose diesel or gas, luggage space,
standard or automatic, two door, four door and other options.  Renting for
more than 17 days; see their options
Speed limits will be clearly marked and the Rotary will be a welcome site with its directions to various towns.  
Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are available in all
large cities and at many TGV Train Stations.
Information for those renting a vehicle in France and Italy
Save On Air Travel
When traveling by air you can start saving on your air fare by Parking your Car for Two Weeks Free after one
night Lodging in Airport Hotels near your home city.  (60 US cities and hundreds of others worldwide

The early shuttle from the hotel to the airline terminal will allow you to book an early flight and save money
on the airfare. Two weeks of free parking offsets the cost of the hotel room and you do not need to arrange
for a limo from your home to the airport.  Some of the hotels in the program offer Free, 24 hour shuttles to
the airport.
Most hotels offer two Weeks Free parking (link) with one night stay, some three weeks or a reasonable day
rate for extra days.  
Cruise passengers can take advantage of these deals also at some hotels.   See more info at link below
with detailed information and photos of included hotels with reviews.
Convenient Two Week Free Airport Parking with a one night hotel stay could save you money and
enhance your experience.  
Shop Arles Hotels from $60 USD
Shop Aix-en-Provence  Hotels
Photos and reviews   from $60 USD