Med In Heaven
The department of the Alps Maritimes has benefited from extensive road-works connecting it in the best possible conditions with neighbouring regions. Its major motorway network connects Nice to the major European cities. The city itself is on Motorway A8 'La Provencale' from Aix-en-Provence to the west to the Italian border to the East. One can travel to Paris by motorway within 9 hours. When hiring a car have a valid European driver's licence or an International driver licence for citizens outside the EU. The minimum driving age in France is 18.
If travelling with your own car, insurance is essential. The Green Card or International Motor Insurance is an internationally recognized document that is accepted by the authorities of all countries in which the Green Card is valid. There are a total of 45 countries participating in the Green Card system
In France, the speed limit while driving on an autoroute (national highway, freeway system, motorway system) is 130 km per hour (81mph) and 110km per hour (68mph) for expressways. Two lane roads or single lane roads separated by an island is 110kn per hour (68mph) When driving on major roads outside town, the speed limit is 90km per hour (56mph) and 50km per hour (31mph) while in urban areas.
Most motorways in France have toll booths, where payment can be made by credit card or cash. The amount payable is roughly based upon the distance travelled. A telepeage card/unit from Escota is a quick way to pay local tolls. Application brochures may be found from the toll booths or if you call in your local branch.
La prioite a droite (right of way) is one rule of the road that causes a lot of accidents especially for foreigners in France. When driving in a city, town or village, the right of way at an intersection is automatically given to the vehicle on the right, unless otherwise indicated by stop or yield/give way signs. This applies even in the case of a small side road entering a major main road. The vehicle travelling on the main road must give way to the vehicle entering on the right.
The airport, the train station and the promenade are among a few place where car hire is possible. When renting a car most car hire companies require that a credit card with a minimum limit of €500 and a valid European or International drivers licence are in the same name. There are many companies to choose from. Among a few are:
Avis
Where
- Airport
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 21 36 33
Ada
Where
- Riviera International Airport
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 21 36 47
email
- aeroportnice@ada.fr
Budget Milton SAS
Where
- Riviera International Airport
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 21 42 51
Where
- SNCF Railway station
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 16 24 16
Where
- City Centre
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 97 03 35 03
Elite Rent a car
Where
- 15 Promenade des Anglais
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 92 14 77 77
email
- elitenice@eliterent.com
Europcar
Where
- Riveria International Airport
Telephone
- 0 825 810 081
Where
- SNCF Railway Station
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 82 17 34
Where
- City Centre- 3 av Gustave
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 21 43 54
Hertz
Where
- SNCF train station
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 97 03 01 20
JML
Where
- City Centre- 34 av Aubert
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 16 07 00
Locauto
Where
- City Centre- 46 rue Trachel
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 88 48 92
Rent a Car
Where
- City Centre - 38 av Aubert
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 88 69 69
Sport Classe
Where
- 6 rue J.Arnaldi
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 31 21 20
Station Republique
Where
- City Centre - 2 rue Cais de Pierlas
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 56 41 11
Ste Wallgreen
Where
- City Centre - 222 rte de Grenoble
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 18 05 15
email
- wallgreenice@aol.com
Chabert 4x 4
Where
- Outskirts of Nice - Lingostiere
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 29 83 16
email
- 4x4-chambert@wanadoo.fr
Parking
It is wise to check what the availability of parking in your location. Some hotels come with parking included in the room price, otherwise, parking can be quite expensive. One may expect to pay €25 to €30 per day. The following is a list of car parks in Nice.
Acropolis / P. des Sports J.Bouin / Vinci Park
Road
- Av. du XVe corps
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 85 58 85
Mozart
Road
- Rue Rossini
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 88 69 85
Promenade du Paillon
Road
- Av. Felix Faure/Bd Jean Jaures
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 80 05 62
Palais de la Mediterranee*
Road
- Rue du Congres
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 92 17 52 52
Promenade des Arts*
Road
- Avenue St Sebastien
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 92 17 52 52
Ruhl-Meridien
Road
- Avenue Gustave-V et av. De Suede
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 9382 13 48
Corvesy*
Road
- Rue de l’Hotel de Ville
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 92 17 52 52
Nice Etoile
Road
- 30 avenue Jean Medecin
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 92 17 38 29
Marche des Fleurs
Road
- Cours Saleya
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 85 17 39
Marshall*
Road
- Place Marshall
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 13 90 82
Gare Thiers
Road
- 12 avenue Thiers
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 82 13 06
Louvre
Road
- 20 bd Victor Hug, rues A. Karr et Rossini
Telephone
- +33 (0)4 93 82 16 20
*45 free minute parking
Breakdown service
In an unfortunate event of a breakdown, Nice Depannage, an emergency breakdown service, which tows over all distances 24hs per day 7 days a week can help. They are located at 75 Boulevard Barel. Tel +33 (0)4 93 26 42 43/ +33 (0)810 06 24 24
Chauffeur Driven Vehicles
To take the hassle out of traveling one may opt for a more luxurious mode of transport and rent out a chauffeur driven vehicle. This service may be rented out with for a minimum of 3 hours costing around €228 for a maximum 3 people (€1382 daily) or if one would like to explore the coast it may be rented for set travel destinations with the cost varying for each destination. If interested in this service on your trip to Nice, contact us and we will arrange it for you.