Car Hire Lyon

Our Lyon car rental desks can be easily located at Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport, as well as the city’s three main train stations and a number of convenient posts downtown. Wherever you decide to check in, our efficient teams will soon have you en route to exploring France’s third largest city and the mountainous Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Our car rental agencies in Lyon offer a fleet of vehicles suitable for city driving, business trips and longer journeys. You can choose a practical city car perfect for navigating city streets or winding roads through hilltop villages, a comfortable sedan or an SUV offering more space. Additional equipment is also available including GPS, child seats plus additional driver options.

Ahead of your Avis car rental in Lyon, you can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on your booking plus fast-track service and exclusive offers when you join Avis Preferred, our free loyalty scheme.

Yes. One-way car rental with Avis makes travel easy. You can collect your rental car in Lyon and return it to another Avis office depending on your travel plans.

What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Lyon?

The minimum age to rent a car in France is 21. A young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25, and certain premium vehicle groups may have higher age restrictions.

Is it worth hiring a car in Lyon?

Hiring a rental car in Lyon gives you complete freedom to explore Central France and the stunning Rhone Valley as well as giving access to coastal cities in the South of France like Cannes and St Tropez, hilltop villages and the Alps in the east without relying on public transport.

What type of vehicle should I choose to get around Lyon?

A compact car is generally suitable for navigating city streets and winding roads and parking in towns and villages. For greater comfort on longer journeys, a sedan or SUV may be more appropriate.

What is parking like in Lyon?

Car parking in Lyon is plentiful with a good mix of parking from city centre car parks close to main attractions, metered on street parking. On the edge of the city, there are also plenty of park and ride options with direct connections to the city's public transport network.

If you have not driven in Lyon before, be aware that you will be driving on the right hand side of the road as in the rest of France and mainland Europe and it may be helpful to familiarise yourself with the road rules for France before you pick up your Avis hire car.

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
• In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Lyon is an incredibly attractive city with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. Stunning architecture from ancient times through to the modern day is found at every turn. This includes the Great Theatre of Fourvière – France’s oldest theatre built in the Roman times by Emperor Augustus around 15 BC. Today, this ancient site hosts outdoor performances and festivals.

Lyon town centre is brimming with grand buildings, monuments and fountains. Be sure to visit Lyon Town Hall – one of the city’s largest and grandest buildings. This 17th century gem is located between Place des Terreaux and Place de la Comédie – two impeccably pretty public squares. In the summer, locals and visitors head to the Croix-Rousse district perched at the top of the city. Besides being a few degrees cooler due to its height, this area has a fascinating heritage.

A burgeoning silk industry began here in the 18th century, while this quarter was also home to Jacquard – the inventor of the loom machine. The history of this trade can be fully understood with a visit to the Maison des Canuts (House of the Weavers) museum. Other attractions here include a farmer’s market, ancient churches, charming cafes and an array of quirky shops.

From fascinating ancient towns and quaint villages to gorgeous landscapes road trips from Lyon guarantee scenic delight.

Vienne

Sitting majestically on the banks of the river Rhône, just 30 minutes south from Lyon, is Vienne – a city renowned for its art and history. The rich archaeological heritage can be appreciated through an abundance of ancient sights, including landmarks dating back to the Roman times. This includes the Théâtre Romain, a huge amphitheatre that was restored during the 20th century. It now hosts performances and leading events, including the annual summer International Jazz Festival. Another must-see sight is the Temple of Rome and Augustus that was built around 30 BC.

Beaujolais region

If you crave quintessentially French countryside, head north and in just 45 minutes you’ll arrive in the beautiful Beaujolais area.

The landscape is picturesque with rolling hills as far as you can see. Stunning views are pleasantly interrupted by charming villages and historic sights, including Beaujeu and its ancient Church of Saint-Nicholas.

• Fully flexible
  Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
  
  
• Savings on coverage
  When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.

• Loyalty benefits
  Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
  
  
• Faster collection
  Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.

• VIP treatment 
  Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.

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