As you prepare for your journey through the lavender fields and cobblestone villages of Provence, there is one small but mighty document you'll definitely want to tuck into your travel folder alongside your passport:
The International Driving Permit (IDP).
There's a lot of people & articles on the internet that say you don't need it... So here's the bottom line: while it's never been strictly enforced, French Laws say you have to have it... so now most of the rental car agencies require it... So by law, we as your Tour Operator, have to tell you that you need one to drive. And their fine for not having one if you get caught is around 200 Euro... Let it suffice to say we just always get ours... and we strongly suggest you get yours! There's no test or anything, it's actually just a translation of your drivers license. Have one from a recent trip? They're only valid for a year, so you may need a new one! Go to your local AAA office, it only takes 5 minutes... they take your picture, put it in this little folder and it's a great souvenir... Costs about 20 bucks... Again, if you're not driving the car, you don't need one
Much like your passport, the IDP has now become a standard "must-have" for international travelers who need rental cars in France. While your home driver’s license is perfectly valid for driving, French rental agencies have recently updated their policies to mirror those in Italy. To ensure a smooth hand-off at the rental counter, most all the rental car agencies now strictly require an IDP to release the keys.
We’ve seen firsthand that without this permit, even a confirmed reservation can be turned away, and we want to make sure your arrival is as effortless as a glass of chilled Rosé! (last September, when we were picking up our car in Florence, I couldn't find mine, and they wouldn't give me the car! We had to lay out our suitcases on the floor and dig thru everything to find it... Thank God, I found it, because they were adamant about it!)
The Essentials at a Glance:
The "Double-Up": Think of the IDP as a companion to your license, not a replacement. You most often need to present both at the rental desk.
Easy to Get: In the US, a quick visit to a local AAA office is all it takes. It costs about $20 and is processed quickly.
Peace of Mind: Beyond the rental counter, having an official French translation of your credentials ensures you are fully compliant with local regulations and insurance requirements while exploring the countryside.
Getting this sorted now means that the only thing you'll need to worry about upon arrival is which scenic route to take to the Villa!
(PS: if they don't ask you for it at the Rental counter, please don't scream at us; we're legally bound by law to tell you that you need it to rent a car... But if they do ask you for it, and you can't produce it, you might be in a bit of a predicament...)
