The moment we hand you the keys is when it all begins. You're at the capital of the Riviera with the open road ahead, ready to explore. Whether you fancy a snappy hatch for an urban jaunt, a classy coupé for a romantic road trip, or a spacious people carrier for a family holiday, unlock the perfect car.

Ramp it up and go Prestige … Avis offers a compelling range of seriously luxurious cars in France. From Porsches to Mini Coopers, BMWs to Mercedes, cruise through the country in one of our speciality models.

And, you don’t have to drive full-circle: make the most of one way car hire across France.

Founded by the ancient Greeks of Marseille in around 350 BC and named after Nike, the Grecian goddess of victory, Nice has lured everyone from aristocrats to artists. Today, it is the second largest French city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with a population surpassing one million and a flourishing art, nightlife and fashion scene.

With mild winters and hot summers, Nice’s balmy climate entices visitors year-round. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a five-mile palm and pergola-lined stretch skirting the Baie des Anges, or uncover the old town of Vieux Nice. Its bustling food stalls, pavement-spilled brasseries and busy oyster bars marry under a colourful array of awnings and trees at the Cours Saleya flower market.

The works of Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall showcased in Nice’s magnificent musées will captivate modern art enthusiasts. For insights into how the nobility lived in this glamorous enclave in the early 1900s, the white-marbled Musée Masséna and gold and blue-turreted Russian Orthodox Cathedral are exceptional places to start.

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
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles

• 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”)
• 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)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)

• Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 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 weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36 kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is provided for general guidance only. For more information on driving in France, check out our dedicated France road rules page. We endeavour to keep all information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Nice Airport is a mere 5km away from the dynamic city centre and within comfortable driving distance of Southern France’s pebbled beaches, hilly national parks and glamorous metropolises.

Journey along the clifftop Corniches to the chic neighbouring city of Cannes and St Tropez’s pretty coves in under two hours, or enter the opulent realm of Monaco, the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican City, in just 30 minutes. Here you can admire the sprawl of the Prince’s Palace before trying your luck at one of the casinos opposite the dazzling superyachts docked in the marina.

Pitted by deep valleys and home to the 3,143m-high Cime du Gélas, outdoorsy types can escape the stylish hives of the Côte d'Azur by heading into the Parc National du Mercantour. Popular summer pastimes include hiking and cycling, while in the winter the region is a major hit with skiers and snowboarders.

Further inland, lose yourself in undulating rural pastures, medieval walled towns, lavender groves and farmer’s markets offering spectacular cheeses and pastries. Provence offers the potential for a very memorable road trip around the world’s most visited country when you hire a car with Avis at Nice Airport.

What is the best car to hire in Nice?

If you are staying in the city centre, you may feel more comfortable in a compact model that will be easy to park. Heading out of town on a longer trip? Consider a snazzy convertible from our Prestige range or give your family a comfortable ride in an SUV or family-sized saloon.

Can I return a rental car to the airport?

If you've rented a car from a different Avis hub but wish to return it at Nice Airport, then you must arrange your return prior to the commencement of your rental agreement. If you return your car to the airport without specifying in your rental contract, a fee will apply.

Do I need winter tyres to drive in France?

No, there is no legal requirement for passenger cars in France to be equipped with winter tyres. However, most of our cars in our rental hubs in Nice and elsewhere in the country will have winter tyres available. They’re definitely recommended if you’re planning on staying in the country for a while and heading further north, towards the French Alps.