Car Rentals in French Riviera, FRA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around French Riviera

Renting a car in the French Riviera is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the region at their own pace. With the freedom a rental car provides, you can easily visit key attractions such as the scenic Promenade de la Croisette, located 14 km away, or the historic town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which is 17 km from the French Riviera. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and accommodating children, while couples can enjoy romantic drives along the coastline. The vibrant city of Cannes is just 13 km away and offers attractions like Rue d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pins Beach. Additionally, a quick drive to Grasse, only 2 km away, allows you to experience the International Perfume Museum. The nearby neighbourhood of Saint-Jacques, just 1 km from the French Riviera, also provides access to beautiful beaches and charming streets. With a rental car, you can create flexible travel plans and easily explore the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences the French Riviera has to offer.

Most popular car hires around French Riviera

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle type is popular for accommodating up to 5 travellers with ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and flexibility during their travels in and around the French Riviera. With a spacious interior, they provide a comfortable ride for longer journeys while allowing you to manage your luggage effortlessly.
• Compact: The compact car option is well-suited for up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. Compact cars offer the convenience of navigating through the charming streets of the French Riviera while ensuring that fuel costs remain economical. They balance comfort with practicality, making them a popular choice among tourists.
• Economy: Economy cars are perfect for those travelling in groups of up to 5, accommodating up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is particularly favoured by solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer to keep their travel expenses low while maintaining the freedom to explore. Economy cars provide an efficient way to experience the French Riviera, making it easy to manage both your budget and your itinerary.

Top rated car suppliers around French Riviera

• Enterprise: With a rental location situated 10 km away from French Riviera, Enterprise provides excellent convenience for travellers. Their most booked options include Compact and Midsize SUVs, making them a great choice for those looking for a versatile vehicle to navigate the stunning coastal roads. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a smooth and enjoyable rental experience.
• Hertz: Offering two rental locations, the nearest being 11 km from French Riviera, Hertz is a popular choice among tourists. They are well-known for their Midsize SUVs and Mini vehicles, which cater well to various travel needs. With their reliable service and quality fleet, you can easily explore the beautiful scenery of the French Riviera at your leisure.
• Europcar: Located 11 km away from French Riviera, Europcar is another top choice for car hire. Their most booked vehicle is the Compact, which is ideal for navigating tight streets and enjoying city attractions. With a focus on providing quality service, Europcar ensures that your rental experience is both pleasant and efficient.

Where to stay around French Riviera

• Cannes: Located 13 km from the French Riviera, Cannes is a vibrant city ideal for family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful esplanade of the Promenade de la Croisette, enjoy shopping on Rue d'Antibes, or relax at Juan-les-Pins Beach. With local restaurants, wineries, and a golf course nearby, Cannes offers a delightful blend of activities for all travellers.
• Grasse: Just 2 km away from the French Riviera, Grasse is renowned for its outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes. This charming city is home to attractions like the International Perfume Museum and the Museum and Parfumerie Fragonard. With nearby beaches and valleys, Grasse is perfect for those seeking culture and nature while enjoying local wineries and restaurants.
• Mougins: Located 8 km from the French Riviera, Mougins is a picturesque city that caters to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and sports lovers. Explore the serene Les Jardins du MIP or the inviting esplanade of Promenade de la Croisette. With Juan-les-Pins Beach close by and a variety of restaurants and wineries, Mougins combines relaxation and recreation for an enjoyable stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around French Riviera

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget considerations, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to benefit from lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to hire and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This restriction can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Other agreements may have full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that the car is returned empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind if unexpected events occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around French Riviera

The best value period to rent a car in the French Riviera is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. This is followed closely by October, which also offers slightly low prices with low demand. March and April can provide average prices and demand, making them decent options as well. However, September tends to be the most expensive month, with prices rising and demand increasing, making it a busy time for car hires.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Slightly Low
July	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
November	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High