Traveling in France

You can get from Paris to just about anywhere in France in just a few hours by train. Passage is first or second class and some trains have sleepers and dining cars.

If you purchase the France Railpass, you can get unlimited rail transport throughout France for three days within one month. You can combine a rail pass with a car rental from Avis. You can take the train to a major city and then drive through the countryside to the small villages. The France Rail and Drive Pass allows for first class train travel, two days of unlimited train travel, and two days car rental with unlimited mileage. You can purchase additional days of train travel and car rental days.

The Eurailpass permits travel in twenty countries with four different options. The global pass allows you to visit twenty countries with travel from ten days to three months. The select pass allows you to visit three to five countries. The regional pass allows you to visit a specific region for a short period of time. The one country pass allows you to explore a single country. Reservations are required for some trains. Sleeping cars are extra.

Once you get to France and want to explore the villages and countryside, you will find that renting a car is usually the best way to travel. It may be best to travel to a major rail station and rent a car. France's railway system is extensive and inexpensive.

When you rent a car in France, you will need to present your passport and a valid driver's license and a credit card. You also have to meet the minimum age requirement for the specific car rental agency. You may find the best deal is to rent the car for a week with unlimited mileage. Car rental bills in France are also taxed by the government.

Check the rental agreement to see if there is an optional collison-damage waiver. In the event of accidental damage to the car, you will have coverage except for a deductible. You should check to see if your credit card covers this expense. If not, you may want to make the extra purchase.

Gasoline is expensive. You want to make sure you get the right type for the car you are driving. If you are exploring the countryside, you want to make sure you top off your gas tank because you can drive for miles without encountering a gas station.

Wearing seat belts is required for passengers in the front seat and in the back seat. Children under 11 should be seated in the back. Familiarize yourself with the driving laws and speed limits before you start out.

If you breakdown, you can call the nearest police station and they will assist you in finding a garage.

Exploring the villages and countryside of France will make for an interesting vacation.

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