| There is only one way to discover the real France, | | | | Most of Southern France is off the beaten tourist |
| and that is by car. Backpackers will attempt to | | | | trap, littered with medieval villages, and containing |
| uncover the hidden features of this part of the | | | | acres of glorious and scenic vineyards. The areas of |
| continent by using public transport, but that doesn't | | | | Languedoc are particularly beautiful and you can also |
| give you the freedom and convenience that comes | | | | sample some of the country's tastiest wines. Travel |
| with having your own car. And, unless you have the | | | | to the coast and you can sample the high life in Nice, |
| patience of a saint, using public transport in most | | | | or pop into the principality of Monaco and sample the |
| parts of France can be frustrating. A car allows for | | | | casino. |
| spontaneity in a way that public transport can't; spot | | | | One tip if you do decide to opt for car hire in France: |
| something interesting from the car and you can | | | | get one with GPS. It will be your best ally when it |
| merely stop and investigate - try doing that on a | | | | comes to navigating the region. Unless you are fluent |
| train! | | | | in French you will find it difficult to ask for directions, |
| Taking your own vehicle to France is obviously an | | | | and road signs can be confusing, especially in the |
| option, but if you plan a prolonged Gallic trip then | | | | mountainous regions. But, don't rely solely on GPS; |
| hiring a left-hand drive car may prove beneficial. Car | | | | also take a good up-to-date road map. Michelin maps |
| rental in France is as competitive as anywhere on the | | | | include details of the amount of tolls you have to pay |
| continent and, like everything it pays to shop around | | | | on motorways and bridges, plus it has explicit details |
| before you commit yourself. | | | | about to find petrol stations. |
| Although the whole country has lots to see and do, | | | | Finally, if you do try this adventure you'll find that car |
| for a real treat fly to the scenic South of France and | | | | hire in France is easy to arrange on the web before |
| pick up your vehicle at the airport. With both the | | | | you go, or if you are going on spec, you'll probably |
| Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees within a few | | | | pick up a reasonable vehicle at the your airport |
| hours drive you will be spoilt for choice when it | | | | without booking. |
| comes to planning your day's journeys. | | | | |