Are you planning a road trip to Nice? Nestled along the southeastern coast of France lies Nice, renowned for its vibrancy and glamour. From stunning beaches to delicious local cuisines, the city has plenty to offer. Nice is a gateway to the sparkling French Riviera and enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers all year round. It is a popular travel destination because of its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. To top it off, the surrounding areas are just as exciting.
With so much to see and plenty to do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This is where Holiday Cars step in to bring you the perfect car hire. Alongside a quality vehicle, we'll give you the rundown on driving in Nice and France. Here is your guide to everything you need to know before you hit the road: from the rules of the road to required documents.
How to Plan Your Route and Avoid Traffic in Nice
Driving Rules and Regulations in Nice
Driving can be a wonderful experience in France with its superb scenery and diverse landscapes. The majority of the roads throughout the country are smooth and well-maintained. However, you may encounter winding and narrow lanes in rural and mountainous areas. It's important to be familiar with the general driving rules and regulations before jumping behind the wheel.
General Rules and Regulations
From motorways to country lanes, France has an extensive road network. Driving is a good option if you plan to explore the countryside. French cities and towns are introducing low-emission zones to combat air pollution (ZFE). In these zones, the most polluting vehicles are not allowed to drive or park. You will need to purchase a Crit’Air stickers (air quality certificate) from official sources online in order to enter if you don't have the correct vehicle. The zones are marked with signs of a red circle on a white background.
Take the following pointers into consideration when preparing to drive in France:
- To rent a car in France you must be at least 21 years old or 25 years old (minimum age varies by rental agency), and have a credit card in your name. Some agencies may require you to have had your driver’s license for at least one year. Check specific rules with individual rental companies before booking.
- Drive on the right side of the road with passing and overtake on the left.
- At all intersections, priority must be given to traffic approaching from the right unless there are road signs indicating otherwise.
- All drivers are forbidden from using headsets or headphones while driving, whether for music or calls.
- The Drink Driving maximum limit in France is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Police are allowed to make random breath tests.
- On steep hills in France, uphill traffic has priority – downhill traffic must give way.
- Speed camera detectors, also when used by onboard satnav systems are illegal in France.
- It is illegal to allow passengers to travel inside a moving caravan.
- Always carry your documents with you
- Speed Limits in Nice
Speed limits and other road signs in France are presented in kilometres and metres.
- Dual Carriageways: 110km/h
- Main roads outside built-up areas: 80km/h
- Main roads in built-up areas: 50km/h - 48km/h
- Motorways: 130km/h
- Variable Speed Limits: Some areas, especially around major cities or sensitive
zones may have variable speed limits displayed on electronic signs. - School Zones and Residential Areas: In some specific areas, the speed limit can be as
low as 30 km/h.
How to Navigate Toll Roads in Nice
Navigating toll roads in Nice involves understanding the toll system, payment methods, and the general layout of the toll roads.
Understanding the Toll System: The toll roads in France are primarily on auto routes. They are marked with an "A" followed by a number for example, "A8". Payment is expected at the péages (toll booths). These can be found at the entrance and exit of all toll roads as well as at specific points along the route.
Payment: As you approach the toll booth, follow signs to the lane designated to your form of payment. The booths accept cash, card and télépéage. For cash payments follow the coin symbol, the card payment lane will show the credit card symbol, and the "t" symbol will take you to the télépéage lane.
Specific Tips for Nice: The primary toll road running through Nice is the A8 which connects it to major cities like Cannes and Monaco. Nice can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. Plan your journey and consider travel times to avoid congestion.
Tips for Driving in Nice
Navigation: Nice can be both an exciting and challenging driving experience, especially during congestion periods. It's crucial that you pay attention to traffic signals, speed limits and road signs to avoid unnecessary accidents. Always yield to traffic in roundabouts and expect peak times. Familiarise yourself with French road signs and always carry essential documents like your driving license and insurance. It's best to plan your route using a GPS as the roads of Nice can be confusing.
Rush Hours: Being a newbie on the road, it would be smarter to embark on driving adventures when there are fewer vehicles around. Try your best to avoid peak traffic hours such as mornings (8 am to 10 am) and evenings (5 pm to 7 pm). Traffic congestion is the worst during these periods and could potentially really stress you out.
Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers in France is 0.05% (50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood). This limit applies to both residents and tourists driving in Nice and throughout France. It is better to not drink at all when getting behind the wheel, however on occasions where it cannot be avoided, be aware to only consume alcohol below the BAC to avoid severe consequences.
Drive Attentively: It's important to stay alert and attentive when driving in Nice as the streets can be quite chaotic, especially during rush hours. Make sure to anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react quickly. With the correct mental preparation, you'll be able to stay calm and relaxed under pressure, and will easily adjust to the hectic roads.
Parking Options and Tips in Nice
Parking in Nice
- Promenade des Arts: This car park is convenient for visiting the Old Town (Vieux Nice). It is located near the Acropolis and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
- Parking Masséna: If you're keen to shop and dine in the city centre then take advantage of Parking Masséna located near Place Masséna.
- Parking Palais de Justice: Close to Cours Saleya and the Old Town, great for exploring local markets and historic sites.
- Parking Saleya: Conveniently situated near the waterfront and market area allowing easy access to the beach and coastal attractions.
On-Street Parking:
Blue Zones (Zone Bleue): Limited free parking requiring a parking disc. Typically allows for 1-1.5 hours of parking.
Paid Parking Meters: Common throughout the city. Rates and maximum durations vary by location, so check the signage.
Car Hire Services and Prices in Nice
If you're flying into Nice then take advantage of the numerous reputable car rental agencies operating at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE). It's often easier to book your vehicle in advance as it allows you to compare prices in your own time, as well as be guaranteed a booking. However, if a prior booking isn’t made then hiring from the airport is still a straightforward procedure.
Hiring from the airport tends to be more feasible and with Holiday Cars you're bound to find a vehicle perfect for you. We work with the best suppliers available at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport such as National, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz and Alamo. At Holiday Cars we strive to provide our customers with both excellent service and affordability. Our aim is to allow our customers to travel with comfort and ease. Our wide database does just that with its range of options catering to different needs and preferences. Our filters narrow down your search, allowing us to curate results specific to you. You'll be securing excellent deals at budget-friendly prices in just a matter of clicks.
Nice Airport and Car Hire Facilities
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is situated just over 7 kilometres southwest of the city of Nice. The airport features two terminals nestled along the Mediterranean coast offering spectacular views of the sparkling sea.
The car hire facilities are typically situated within the terminal buildings, specifically in the arrivals area. Passengers can easily locate the car rental desks upon arrival. You'll find most of them clustered together in a designated section of the terminal. These rental counters are conveniently located near the baggage claim area, allowing travellers to quickly complete the necessary paperwork and collect their rental vehicles. Additionally, some car rental companies may offer the option of picking up vehicles from designated parking areas within the airport premises.