Car Hire Paris Orly Airport

Driving to central Paris is relatively simple with a hire car from Paris Orly Airport. Go north along the D7 for the most direct route in 10 minutes, or take the A106 onto the E5 to reach the edge of the city. From here, the Boulevards des Maréchaux runs around to the west, offering your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

Head further into the centre to find your way around the eclectic Parisian streets. Here the road system changes from wide avenues and boulevards to tight medieval lanes. It’s a good idea to plan your journey in advance so you know the most efficient route and have an idea of what to expect.

When driving in Paris, stick to the right side of the road. France has two sets of speed limits – for dry and wet weather. In built-up areas, the limit is generally 50km/h all the time, unless signs indicate differently. Recent changes also mean that two-lane roads outside built-up areas are now set at 80km/h (dropping to 70km/h in wet weather).

On the Paris ring road, which is mostly four lanes wide, the speed limit is now 70km/h. On dual carriageways and non-toll motorways the limit is 110km/h (100km/h in wet) and on toll motorways it’s 130km/h (110km/h in wet).

Parking in Paris is cheaper after 8pm, and free on Sundays. If you’re parking Monday to Saturday, underground car parks are the more affordable choice, and they’re open 24/7. Tariffs vary between neighbourhoods, depending on how close they are to the centre.

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world – famed for its art, culture and food. It’s perhaps the most popular place in the world to take a romantic break, with many couples visiting to take in the iconic sights, effortless class and thriving culture.

Embrace the tourist trail

If you’re a first-time visitor to Paris, famous landmarks will likely be at the top of your list. Start big – at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Understandably, it’s one of the busiest attractions, so arriving early is advised. Here you can choose your route – either climb 674 steps to the second floor and take the lift, or take the lift the whole way. However you choose to get there, the reward at the top is the same: stunning 360-degree views of the entire city.

Cross the Seine river to see to the Arc de Triomphe, a national monument that stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. It offers magnificent panoramic views from the terrace at the top, while on the ground beneath the iconic arch, the flame for the Unknown Soldier is rekindled every night.

Almost directly in the centre of Paris is the Louvre, the largest art museum in the world – instantly recognisable by the glass pyramid that sits in the middle. A colossal 38,000 objects are on display alongside its most treasured piece: the Mona Lisa. A short walk onto the Ile de la Cité around the corner takes you past Notre Dame Cathedral. This is one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture – and another unmissable landmark.

Go green in the parks

Paris has a bounty of parks and green spaces. Right in the heart is the Jardin des Tuileries, first opened in the 16^th century. The hexagonal ponds are divided by a central walkway, with plenty of statues dotted around.

Jardin des Plantes is the city’s main botanical garden, home to more than 10,000 different species. Opened in the 17^th century, it retains a regal feel thanks to the four old buildings housing various museums and plants. There’s also a small zoo and some laboratories where Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity.

Outside of central Paris is the Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, a huge park covering 256km² (about the size of Honolulu). Hire a car from Paris Orly Airport and it’s just 40 minutes’ away. Forests, fields and rivers make up the natural beauty of the parkland, while there are various historical sites within the park. These include the well-preserved Chateau de la Madeline and what remains of the Port-Royal-des-Champ – an ancient abbey established in the 13^th century. 

Shop in style

The Champs-Elysees is world-renowned as one of the most glamorous streets in Paris. It’s a shopper’s paradise, adorned with big brand fashion houses such as the Louis Vuitton flagship store, and many premium clothing boutiques. With new retailers cropping up all the time, it’s worth revisiting even if you’ve been before.

Rue Saint-Honoré is another streak of the finest luxury French brands, home to Chanel and Balenciaga. At the opposite end of the scale, you can find hidden treasures and antiques at the world’s oldest flea market, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

Whatever you plan to do and see in and around the French capital, with a hire car from Paris Orly Airport you can tick it all off your list in total style.