Gare De Lyon car hire, tailor-made for you
Paris Gare de Lyon is one of the six large mainline railway stations in Paris and a great place to start your French adventure.
Start your journey with Avis car hire today.
Your journey starts here
Paris is a city that's famous for its landmarks and cultural treasures. Famous throughout the world a centre for art, fashion and cuisine, there's so much for visitors to enjoy.Must-sees include the impressive iron structure of the Eiffel Tower. Standing at over 300 metres, the views from the top are breath-taking, truly an iconic Parisian landmark. Or for shorter queues and a view over Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower, visit the terrace at the top of Tour Montparnasse.
Don't miss Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, a fine example of French Gothic architecture. From there, cross the River Seine and enjoy a stroll through its bohemian left bank area. Venture into the Latin Quarter for shops, restaurants and cafes and, after sampling the famous French cuisine, head back to the river Seine and towards Beaubourg and the Pompidou Centre.
Road trips from Paris
Paris to the Loire ValleyIt’s around three hours' drive from Paris Gare de Lyon to the spectacular Loire Valley, also known as the ‘Garden of France’. Head south on the A10 and you’ll soon find yourself wandering around the storybook châteaux, historic towns and vineyards, it’s no wonder that the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Paris to Versailles
From Paris Gare de Lyon you're less than an hour’s drive from Versailles. Experience the famous Palace of Versailles and its exquisite landscaped gardens built by King Louis XIV. It is one of France's foremost tourist attractions, and features royal and state apartments; the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Museum of the History of France. The classic French landscaped gardens are stunning, and if you're there during the summer look out for the fountain and musical shows at the weekends.
The town of Versailles is also famous for its religious architecture and houses some of the best preserved churches in France including the Saint Louis Cathedral and the Saint-Symphorien church.
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: 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.