The moment we hand you the keys is when it all begins. You're in the capital of the Riviera with the open road ahead, ready to explore.  Exit the car rental centre and follow the signposts for Nice, it will take you about 15 minutes to arrive in the city centre.

Nice is famous for its food and antique markets, the main market in Cours Saleya sells food (fruit, vegetables, cheeses, spices, olives) and flowers in the mornings. While you're there stroll around the narrow streets of Nice's Old Town close by and discover the artisan shops and eateries.

The main shopping street in Nice is Avenue Jean Medecin, which runs north-south the length of the modern city centre. Don't miss the high fashion and designer boutiques.

When the sun starts to go down, park up and take a stroll along the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais alongside the rollerbladers, beachgoers and fashionable folk of the Côte d'Azur. Follow the prominade around the 4kms of the Baie des Ange, all the way to the new port and the sparkling yachts for a well-deserved drink in one of the many bars that line the shore.
 

Col de Turini
For an exciting, inspiring drive, climb the winding roads up to the Col de Turini, a high mountain pass in the Alps. It's famous as a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally and has also featured in the Tour de France.

Grasse and Goudon
Grasse is considered the world's capital of perfume. Just a short drive from Nice, you can visit one of the many perfume houses in the town and learn about the history and skill involved in perfume production.

12 kms north east of Grasse is the medieval village of Gourdon. Sitting at an altitude of 760 metres it offers magnificent panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast.

Monaco
Follow the winding costal road to the the glitz and glamour of Monaco, just over an hour's drive east. Visit the famous casino and the royal palace.

Head west for the beaches of Cannes and Saint Tropez. Press on to traverse Provençal heights, or further afield, to trail the verdant valleys of the Dordogne and the Loire.

The very finest of the south of France is yours to discover with an Avis car hired from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

 

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: 80 km/h (50 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.