Car Rental or Short-term Leases

Auto leasing for tourists is France is NOT leasing as we typically understand it in the U.S. In France it is just another way of getting a car for short-term use. If you will be driving in France at least 17 days, and have your legal residence outside of Europe then we suggest that you consider leasing a car. Advantages are:
1. You always get exactly the car you reserve. A one or two model upgrade may sound great, until you have to buy additional gas for a larger tank, or you try to drive through the twisting, small streets, or park in small spots. The price of gas in France ranges from $5.00 to $8.00 per gallon.
2. The car is brand new, direct from the factory.
3. You save money because short term leases are not subject to the VAT (value added tax.)
4. You get full comprehensive insurance, with no deductible and no extra charges. This also can save a lot of hassles if you have any problems.
5. Service is handled by the Peugeot or Renault dealers around France.
6. There are many pick-up and drop-off spots around France and outside Geneva, usually at major airports.
7. You get two car keys
8. Drivers as young as 18 can lease, with no upper age limit.
9. Pick-up and drop-off procedures are very simple. You get a phone number to call when you arrive, and someone usually picks you up. In Lyon, for example, there are airport buses to take you to the leasing agency, but if you have small children, or a lot of luggage, just ask for a pick-up.
Disadvantages:
1. The minimum lease period is 17 days for Peugeot, and 21 for Renault.
2. The leasing paperwork must be done AT LEAST 3-4 weeks before you pick up the car. We have had great luck with Peugeot leasing a car just 2 weeks before pick-up, but this requires some fast talking. They don't like to do this but if you guarantee you will do the paperwork ASAP, you may succeed. They provide pre-paid FEDEX envelopes for you.
3. There is a little more paperwork; in essence this is a "buy-back"; you "purchase" the car and sell it back but the cash outlay is only for the amount of the leasing. Both companies have agencies in the U.S. who are very helpful and minimize the amount of paperwork required.
4. Your residence must be outside the European Union
5. You pay for the lease at the time of signing the documents.

Peugeot leases are handled through Auto Europe in the U.S. You can also rent cars through Auto Europe; they sub-contract to the major companies, e.g. National, Budget, etc. It is best to check with more than one company since they have different models available.

http://www.autoeurope.com/buyback_home.cfm
1-888-223-5555

Renault Eurodrive requires a minimum of 21 days:
http://www.renault-eurodrive.com/cms/etatunis/

If you wonder why the French do this, it is to provide a large supply of barely used cars to be sold within the European Union; the VAT on these cars is much less than on a new vehicle.

You can also rent cars through Auto Europe; the sub-contract to the major companies, e.g. National, Budget, etc.

In Vaison, you can get service at the Peugeot Garage de Luca, avenue Marcel Pagnol (also known as the "route de Nyons.") 04 90 36 24 33

For more information on short-term car leasing, please see:

http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/articles/short_term_car_leasing.htm