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:
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.
*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.
