Which car should you hire for your road trip in France: 4×4 or city car?
France is a magnificent country with an incredible wealth of culture and nature. To make the most of your holiday, there's nothing like a road trip through the different regions of France. But which car should you choose for this type of trip? What criteria should you take into account? Discover our advice on choosing the right car for your road trip in France.
Criteria to take into account when choosing a car
Before hiring a car for your road trip in France, it's important to determine your needs in terms of comfort, space and fuel consumption. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- The number of passengers How many people will be travelling with you? The capacity of the car must be adapted to the number of passengers to ensure optimum comfort during the journey.
- The storage space you need Think about the amount of luggage you'll be taking with you, and opt for a car with a large boot if you have a lot of stuff to carry.
- The budget When choosing a car, not only the cost of hire but also fuel consumption should be taken into account. Some cars are more economical than others.
- The type of road Depending on your destination, you may need a car that is suitable for winding roads or off-roading. In this case, opt for a vehicle with good roadholding and comfortable suspension.
The different categories of car for hire
There are several categories of car available for hire, each suited to a specific type of trip. Here are a few examples:
City cars
They are ideal for short city breaks and short journeys. They generally offer a good compromise between comfort and fuel consumption.
Saloon cars
These are versatile cars, suitable for motorway journeys as well as country roads. They offer ample space for passengers and luggage, as well as appreciable comfort on long journeys. Recent models are also equipped with modern technologies such as GPS, parking assistance and multimedia systems.
MPVs and SUVs
For large families or groups of friends going on a road trip, these vehicles offer greater interior space and a large boot. They are also suited to difficult terrain thanks to their high ground clearance. However, they generally consume more fuel than saloons and city cars.
Campervans and converted vans
These options are perfect for lovers of nomadic travel and outdoor adventures. They offer the advantage of being able to sleep, eat and relax directly in the vehicle. However, they can be more expensive to maintain and less easy to drive than conventional cars.
A few tips on choosing the right rental car
- Compare offers Car hire: don't hesitate to consult several car hire websites and compare the prices, models and services on offer. Some online comparators will help you find the best deal in just a few clicks.
- Read customer reviews Reviews: an excellent way of getting an idea of the quality of service offered by a rental agency is to consult the reviews of customers who have already rented a car from them.
- Check rental conditions Certain criteria, such as the minimum age required or unlimited mileage, may vary from one rental agency to another. Take the time to read the rental conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Taking out suitable insurance Insurance: It is essential to take out insurance to cover any damage to the vehicle during the rental period, as well as any incidents that may occur during the journey (theft, accident, etc.). Some rental agencies offer their own insurance policies, but you can also take out an independent policy if this seems more economical.
In conclusion, your choice of hire car will depend on your needs and your budget. Don't hesitate to think carefully about these criteria, compare offers and opt for suitable insurance to make the most of your road trip in France.
English (UK) 
Français 
Nederlands (België) 
Français de Belgique 
Nederlands 
Français du Canada 
Deutsch 
Italiano