Travel always makes one worry, even when in possession of perfect documentation. Have fun driving around.

>>We bought as much insurance as they offered, and off we went.<<


We usually rent 2 cars each year in France, and we always let our Master Card cover CDW. Others who do not have coverage available in their card, claim that Autoeurope provides more cost effective insurance than Europcar offers.


Stu Dudley

I suspect that this will be the case 99% of the time. All anyone really wants to see (in France) is your passport, credit card, and drivers license.

One thing that a lot of people tend to forget when they go into paranoia mode is that the mission of the police is not to "get you." Even when you have committed an infraction, they do not necessarily want to punish you if you are contrite and polite.

Yes, I have no argument with that statement, but it wasn’t really my concern. I was worried that the car rental agency would not allow us to have a car. A few people had posted on various threads that they had had such an experience.

We we will be careful to follow all the driving laws, but should we be stopped by the police, we will certainly be cooperative and polite.

You can follow letter of law but there are random police checks (my son currently driving in France says he got one) where they check for car papers and alcohol, etc. But he's never had an IDP even though I told him this time it has become law - but being French and with his French mum probably not a factor- he just has his Michigan license which I do not think comport's with the new state licenses that are honored. Ask you rental agency before hand about needing to have one to rent car.