One way car rental in France for multi-city trips & road travel

Travelling to France and looking for a perfect commute to enjoy road trips, multi-city travel without returning to the same city? One way car rental in France makes this possible for tourists from all over the world.

We have covered everything you might be searching for, like pick-up locations, how exactly it works, rules and some popular routes to help you move according to your itinerary.

How one way car rental in France works

Here is a step-by-step guideline for understanding the process from booking to drop-off.

Choose your pickup & drop-off locations

First, you need to select your pickup city, airport or train station in France. Proceed by entering your preferred drop-off location. Enter your trip dates & select the car category.

For example, you are picking up your vehicle in Paris and returning it in Nice.

Compare deals from different suppliers

Before making a reservation, compare the offers given by various providers. Check the inclusions they are providing in the rental price, compare different categories, features and book accordingly.

Book the car online

After selecting a vehicle that meets your travel requirements, you have to enter driver details and can even add extras like GPS, child seat, insurance, etc., for a more comfortable experience & thereby pay a booking amount.

Pick up your vehicle from the selected location

At the rental desk, you will be asked for some important documents, which include your booking voucher, a full & valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit if your original driver’s license is not in the Roman alphabet.

In case your country does not issue an IDP, then an official translation of the national license must be presented (accompanied by your domestic license). A passport or any government ID is also mandatory for identity verification.

Lastly, a valid credit card in the name of the main driver is required for a car hire in France.

Drive your route & return the rental to a different place

You can freely travel across your planned route and after the rental agreement ends, return the vehicle to your preferred drop off spot, like an airport, downtown, railway stations or any neighborhood area.

Is one way car rental allowed from France for cross-border trips?

One way rental car is very popular among tourists doing multi-country Europe road trips. Many companies like Europcar, Sixt allow cross-border travel. You must obtain prior approval from your provider because a cross-border permit or authorisation needs to be presented to enter a different country.

This permit is added to the rental contract and the required documents remain the same as mentioned above (passport, valid driving licence, IDL, etc.).

Common cross-border one way routes

Tourists frequently visit these routes:

• France → Italy (Riviera road trips)
• France → Spain (South France itineraries)
• France → Switzerland (Alps routes)
• France → Belgium or Germany (Central Europe trips)

5 Most popular one way trips in a car rental in France

• Paris → Nice

  A road trip from Paris to Nice (932 km) is France’s most iconic one-way road trip, passing through various regions in a single direction. Best for first-time visitors seeking countryside, culture and the Mediterranean all in one trip.

  Best stops on the route?

  Dijon and Beaune are ideal for Burgundy wines, Lyon for cuisine, and Avignon or Aix-en-Provence for Provence's charm. Riviera stops like Cannes or Antibes provide a scenic coast finale.

  Things to do

  Wine tasting in Burgundy, exploring historic old towns, village hopping in Provence and relaxing on Riviera beaches at the end of the journey.

• Paris → Bordeaux

  Driving to Bordeaux from Paris is the simplest way to access France’s premier wine region. The journey (590 km) is direct, picturesque and perfect for a relaxed trip.

  Best stops on the route?

  Tours and Amboise in the Loire Valley for visiting chateaux, along with Poitiers for a brief historic stop. These points of interest effectively break up the drive.

  Things to do

  Visit castles in the Loire Valley, take vineyard tours near Bordeaux and explore riverfront walkways and historic old town districts.

• Lyon → Nice

  The route from Lyon to Nice (290 to 300 km) merges Alpine scenery with Provence landscapes and concludes on the Mediterranean coast. It bypasses Paris traffic and offers a more authentic local experience compared to north–south routes.

  Best stops on the route?

  Choose Grenoble or Annecy for mountain views, Sisteron for a scenic stop and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie near Verdon Gorge for charming village scenery.

  Things to do

  Lake walks, mountain drives, canyon viewpoints at Verdon and exploring Provencal villages before reaching the coast.

• Nice → Marseille

  This short, scenic and simple route (197 km) from Nice to Marseille is ideal for a relaxed Riviera itinerary. It appeals to travelers seeking beaches and coastal towns without lengthy driving days.

  Best stops on the route?

  Antibes and Cannes offer Riviera vibes, Saint-Aygulf features quieter beaches and Cassis is close to the Calanques.

  Things to do

  Beach hopping, coastal walks, harbor lunches and boat trips or hikes in Calanques National Park.

• Bordeaux → Biarritz

  The trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz (199 km) links the wine country to the Atlantic coast and Basque culture. It’s less busy than southern routes and offers a relaxed, scenic experience.

  Best stops on the route?

  Arcachon for coastal scenery, Dune du Pilat as a highlight, Hossegor for surf culture and Bayonne to experience Basque heritage.

  Things to do

  Climb the Dune du Pilat, surf or relax on the Atlantic beaches and explore Basque food markets and historic towns.

How to book a cheap one way car rental in France?

• Booking in advance

  France gets really busy and crowded during the peak tourist season in the months from June to August, resulting in a shortage of vehicles. It is highly recommended to make bookings well in advance, like around 2-4 weeks before your trip.

• Comprehensive price comparison

  To find the best-suited, low-cost one way car rental deals in France, always compare prices across different trusted platforms. Verify what all is included in the deal.

• Be mindful when selecting the mileage policy

  Select an appropriate mileage policy. Usually, an unlimited mileage policy is said to be a bit more cost-effective than a limited mileage policy. Analyse your trip type and travel requirements, and then make a decision accordingly.

People also ask

• How much deposit is required for a one way rental car in France?

  The security deposit amount depends on several factors, including the car category and the rental company. For precise details, check the policies of your selected supplier.

• Is there a drop–off fee for renting a one way car in France?

  Yes, the drop-off fee is charged for a one way rental car in France. It is included in the total rental cost when you book online and is not to be paid separately.

• Is an International Driving Permit required for one way rentals in France?

  If you are travelling with a non-EU license, then it is mandatory for you to carry an International Driving Permit. You must present an IDP accompanied by your original driving license at the rental desk.

• Can tourists book cross–border one way rental car from France?

  Some companies permit crossing borders from France. You have to ask the supplier well in advance and be equipped with the necessary written permissions in the rental agreement. Read the rental terms of the company to know about the neighbouring countries that your supplier allows you to cross borders to.

• Is insurance covered in my one way car rental in France?

  Basic insurance is included in your rental price such as the Collision Damage Waiver, Third Party Liability & Theft Protection Waiver. These inclusions vary from supplier to supplier, so refer to the rental terms when making a reservation. You can always consider upgrading the insurance for more protection when you book online.