Car hire in Nice
From the minute you arrive in the capital of the French Riviera you’ll be captivated by the sparkling waters, fantastic cuisine and effortless glamour the city exudes. From art and architecture to luxury shopping, Nice has it all.
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Popular car hire locations in Nice
Plan your trip to Nice
Pop into the French Riviera's capital – Nice - for busy markets and high-end boutiques, antiques, art and bric-a-brac.
Park up to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where you'll find rollerbladers, beachgoers and assorted fashionable folk. The construction of the walkway along the sea started in 1820. To this day you'll find numerous events taking place here - but if you want a slower pace, find the trademark blue deck chairs and cabanas along the Mediterranean coastline.
Be sure to explore the Cathédrale Sainte-Reparate in the old town of Nice. Built between 1650 and 1699, it has been officially classed as a 'Monument Historique' since 1906 by the National Heritage of France.
Want to watch the world go by? Le Jardin Albert 1er is a picturesque public park with aged trees, and beautifully maintained lawns. If you're looking for entertainment, you'll also find a band stand and even an open-air theatre in the summer months.
Road trips from Nice
From Nice, climb the winding roads up to the Col de Turini in the Alps, famous for being a stage on the Monte Carlo rally. The hairpin turns have also featured in three different years of the Tour De France.Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter hop to the medieval village of Gourdon, where magnificent views of the Mediterranean coast can be had. Gourdon castle has been open to visitors since 1950, boasting picturesque grounds and gardens.
Alternatively, drive along the narrow, winding roads of the Côte d’Azur to plush Monaco, just over an hour's drive east. You'll live the high life in the sovereign city state, where the beautiful scenery, climate and local attractions combine to make Monaco well worth the trip.
Alternatively, head into the opposite direction for the beaches of Cannes. Press on to climb Provençal heights - or further afield, to trail the valleys of the Dordogne and the Loire.
Driving rules in France
Which side of the road?In France, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
- In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
- Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
- It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
- 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
- Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.