Car Rental CDG - Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Driving around Paris offers you the opportunity to see all the spectacular sights the capital has to offer.

Traveling in your rental car from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport into the city is straightforward. From the terminal, it will typically take less than an hour to get into the center via the A1 route. A beltway – called the Boulevard Périphérique – encircles the city, providing access to the different neighborhoods and districts.

Journey along the famous Champs-Élysées avenue to catch your first glimpse of the spectacular Arc de Triomphe, or head to the Île de la Cité, in the middle of the River Seine, to visit the Notre-Dame cathedral.

There’s an underground parking lot within walking distance, while the nearby Autocité Louvre Samaritaine is handy if you’re planning on exploring the Louvre museum and the Pompidou center. 

It's best to plan your journey ahead of time where possible, as traffic can be busy during peak hours. One-way systems and pedestrianized zones are also in place across parts of Paris, which are also worth noting in advance.

In France, as back home, you’ll be driving on the right side of the road. Speed limits vary according to the road type and weather conditions. In normal, dry conditions, there’s typically a 130km/h (80mph) limit on major highways, known as autoroutes, 110km/h (68mph) on divided highways, and 50km/h (30mph) in urban areas, unless otherwise signed. The network of autoroutes connect Paris with the rest of the country, and most are tolled.

To visit the 17^th-century Palace of Versailles in all its splendor, travel down the A13 and you should be there within an hour. For a fun-filled day of rides and rollercoasters, head to Disneyland Paris – the theme park is around a 30-minute drive away via the A4.

The town of Fontainebleau is surrounded by ancient woodland, and is worth a trip to see its breathtaking château. Follow the A6 south and the journey should take around 90 minutes. If you’ve got more time to play with, head east along the A4 to historic Reims in the Champagne region.

Bask in the beauty of the Champs-Élysées, drive around the Arc de Triomphe and visit the pyramid of art in Le Louvre as the Eiffel Tower majestically dominates the skyline.

The French capital is home to a wealth of world-famous attractions – and that’s before you discover the treasures in its suburbs, and the wonders beyond.

Art, architecture and lip-smacking cuisine

The first stop on any trip to Paris has got to be the Eiffel Tower. The 19^th-century structure has long been the symbol of the city, soaring more than 1,000 feet from the grassy Champ de Mars. Take the glass elevator to the top and enjoy the mesmerizing views of Paris spread out below.

Go from one icon to the other with a visit to the Musée du Louvre. This world-class art museum is famed for being the home of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but among the priceless exhibits you’ll also find pieces from Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

Finish off your day by feasting on classic French cuisine. Cozy bistros with the day’s specials on chalkboards, chandelier-decorated Michelin-starred restaurants and ruby-red vintage-style brasseries all compete for your attention in Paris. Pick your favorite and dine on traditional dishes, such as steak and frites, garlicky snails (escargots) and confit duck.

Explore Paris’ Latin Quarter

The cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter are quintessentially French – sprinkled with sophisticated cafes, independent art galleries and quaint antique stores. Park up and wander through this historic neighborhood in search of medieval Paris.

With spooky gargoyles peering over the edge of the cathedral arches, and flying buttresses splaying out wide, gothic Notre-Dame de Paris is the district’s most iconic landmark. Stand in front of the medieval cathedral as its ornate towers and spires loom over you. Head inside to see the pretty rose windows and climb the steps to the top of the bell towers for incredible views across Paris.

For a moment of peace from the bustling Parisian streets, venture into the Jardin des Luxembourg. This slice of paradise lies in the grounds of Napoleon’s old palace, with more than 60 acres of land to roam. Wander between chestnut trees and admire the views of Palais du Luxembourg.

Discover lavish beauty at Versailles

Be transported back to the 17^th century when royal banquets, grand balls and noble gatherings took place behind closed doors at Château de Versailles. Arguably the most powerful palace in the world at the time, its grandeur is still mesmerizing to this day.

Drive out on a day trip and marvel at the jaw-dropping beauty of this elegant, embellished masterpiece. Notice the cut-out detailing of the façade, then head inside to see the opulent rooms and frescos decorating the ceilings, walls and staircases.

The must-see, though, is the Hall of Mirrors, a lavish ballroom bedecked with 357 mirrors. Take your eyes off the walls for a second and look skywards to admire the glistening chandeliers and flamboyant vaulted ceiling.

The manicured gardens share the same pomp as the palace, and are said to be the best in the world. Enormous and spectacular, they’re decorated with fountains and statues. Drink in the tranquility of the jaw-dropping grounds as you wander from the orangery to the groves.

Rent a car from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to see the best of the French capital and beyond.