Driving in France

One of the things we like about Le Bar-sur-Loup is it's relative remoteness. You will need a car to get here and to do stuff.  This page is all sorts of advice for driving and parking etc in France. 

Driving license - A US license is accepted for visitors. By law, you are supposed to have a version translated into French. I have one but have been pulled over without it and get yelled at but that was about it.  If you are up to it, go to AAA and spend $50 on a translation.  I was pulled over this summer and the police loved that I had it. Still gave me a ticket.

I like Sixt and Europecar.  Good brands and they will have English speaking call center agents if something goes wrong. All rental cars from the majors will be expensive in the high seasons. All the majors at the Nice airport. 

If you want to save some money, you can be adventurous and use Turo (the pier to pier option).  I have used it a bunch but speaking some french might be needed. 

Go as small as you can.  Seriously, pack light and get the smallest cars. Ok, maybe not the Fiat 500 but maybe something like this:

https://www.peugeot.co.uk/models/peugeot-208/hybrid.html

or https://www.citroen.co.uk/models/new-c3.html

If you do not drive stick shift really well, ask for an automatic. In fact, when you hand them your license, they will recommend an automatic when they see its from the USA. I have to make them give me a standard and even once had to show the guy a pic of my 1974 911!. 

Get a car with Apple Car Play or Android Auto.  See comments below, you do not look at your phone and drive in France. 

Your call as its expensive.  I always get some coverage and just pic a deductible I can live with. They will inspect the heck out of the car and they will send you a bill for scratches and minor damage. Your insurance might cover us in France BUT, the rental company will hit your credit card with any damage and up to you to get money from your insurance company.  Credit card coverage?  Dunno. Do your research and maybe call your agent.