Car rental companies in France

Everyone hates car rental companies, just read any reviews. I recommend a consolidator such as Autoeurope, mainly because they are always but a free phone call away; usually have very competitive prices, and if any problems arise, they speak English.

Quotes are free: https://www.autoeurope.com/

I agree with the above recommendation about using Auto Europe. I've used Auto Europe on pretty much every trip I've driven in Europe (including France), with the exception of the UK as I have a favorite car rental company there. Definitely in France, I would go with it. You can choose the rental you want based on the price and services, and Auto Europe is good about making sure that you are protected. I've been renting through them for over 30 years and have never had a problem.

Thank you both and for the contact info

Auto Europe is especially useful if you are renting a car in a country whose language you do not speak fluently. On our 2024 Italy trip DH's wallet with driver's license was stolen the day before we were planning to pick up the car. The Auto Europe rep who was bilingual worked with us and the Avis agent to figure out a work-around. Without her help our driving trip would have been ruined.

Wow - that sounds like a traveler’s nightmare! And that is quite a positive experience with a rental agency! Good recommendation and thank you for your input

I've used Hertz, Avis, and Budget several times in France with no problems.

Not sure why I would want to engage with a third party company like Auto Europe. I generally avoid that kind of complication.

Just be aware that if you rent from a US brand you recognize that the outlets in Europe are in fact NOT owned by the corporation, they are licensees/franchisees.

Years ago I rented from "Avis" in Dijon and there was some discrepancy about drop charges. When I got home I naturally reached out to Avis corporate and they naturally told me to get lost and deal with the folks in Dijon. They passed that ball back and forth several times until I believe there was some resolution.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with Thrifty? I booked with them, picking up in Caen and dropping at Chartres. Thank you.

We are driving in Normandy for the first time. We've visited France many times but never driver, as coming from Australia, it is the "wrong" side of the road for us.

I started looking at AutoEurope as everyone recommended it but I found it very expensive with limited options.

In the end I have booked directly with Sixt, where we got a far better deal. It is fully cancellable and pay there, so if reviews and comments make me change my mind I can cancel it.

We are picking up in Rouen and dropping off ten days later in Caen.

I started looking at AutoEurope as everyone recommended it but I found it very expensive with limited options.

One thing I should have mentioned is that Autoeurope pricing becomes very competitive with a minimum 3 day rental. If you rent only 1 or 2 days, AE will likely not offer the lowest quote.

I almost always rent from Hertz in France (CDG, Paris, Caen, Bayeux and Cherbourg) and have had no issues. Once I rented from Enterprise near Saint-Malo either because there wasn't a Hertz office, or their hours didn't work for my trip.

We are big fans autoeurope for car rentals. At least once upon a time they offered price match. So if you see a direct price you might at least ask them. Also be sure you are comparing apples and oranges with same kind of car and insurance coverages.

I've used Sixt several times in Spain and France. Their prices were the best when I was making the reservations. Never had any issues with them - employees courteous, etc. I always pay the premium for full coverage even though I have a credit card that provides coverage. It's one less thing on my mind - you just never know what might happen. Someone keyed our rental in Spain - very long scratch from rear to front on passenger side. No one batted an eye upon return.

We have used Enterprise a number of times throughout France with good success. I'm not sure I'd say any have offered "great" service but everything was as expected with no hidden fees and no hassle. Make sure you take a video of the whole car while the rental representative is there. While I cannot be sure, I feel it has eliminated any problems when returning the rental car.

Excellent advice on the video. And I think we will opt for the insurance as well. My main issue now is absolutely no services open on Sundays! Naturally this is the day of the week we need to pick up and drop off! 🙄

Goanywhere, that is great to hear about Sixt.

We've never rented in Europe before, or driven for that matter, so I've definitely booked for an automatic and with the full insurance. I agree that we don't want to be stressing about scratches and so on.

I also found that their opening hours for pick up and drop off were better than many.

JoGibbs0657, we too needed to pick up on a Sunday and nothing is open.

We have decided to pick it up on the Saturday afternoon, which will give us time for a practice drive. Luckily our Rouen hotel has parking so we'll pay for it for that night.

I am an American who lived in France for 8 years. (I left in January 2026.) I rented cars from numerous companies in different cities, and I had major problems with Sixt and Avis. Enterprise is consistently good and professional. They actually come with you to do a visual inspection when you rent and when you return. Avoid Avis at Aix-en-Provence. SCAMMERS. I booked a 2-day rental with insurance through Travelocity. Total charges should have been €141, but Avis charged my bank card €790. In the past 3 months, I have called Avis dozens of times. No one EVER answers the phone. My bank and Travelocity have also tried to contact Avis with NO success. This week, I finally received an email from Avis asking me to send photos proving that I did NOT damage the car. Seriously. My bank told me that it sees scams like this with car rental companies all the time. AVOID this Avis. I’ll never use anyone but Enterprise again.

What a nightmare - thanks from the community for the heads up! Good luck