If you have made the move to the Côte d’Azur, you will definitely want to get a car to explore this stunning region. Here is our quick guide for expats to driving on the French Riviera. If you’ve just arrived from the UK or Australia, remember the French drive on the right-hand side of the road. Usually, it should take you no more than 3 months to get comfortable driving. And those hair-raising moments exiting roundabouts on the wrong side of the road will soon be a distant memory! (We find it helps to chant right is right in the beginning.)
Driving Licence
If you have teenagers, they must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving licence (permis de conduire) to drive in France. One word of warning, it is common to have random police controls in the South of France. So make sure to carry your licence with you at all times, just in case. And if you plan to stay on the French Riviera indefinitely, it might be a good idea to get a French driving licence.
How to apply for a French driving licence
1. If you have an EU issued driver’s licence, you can use it in France indefinitely or exchange it for a French one.
2. If your driver’s licence was issued in a non-EU country, it must be exchanged within one year of official residency in France. You will need to get a certified translation of your valid driver’s licence before you can get a French one.
3. If you cannot fulfill the conditions listed above, you will have to undergo a full driving test (both theory and practice) in order to obtain a French driving licence. Good luck!
For more information, please visit: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1460?lang=en
Where to buy or lease a car
Antibes, Cannes and Nice all have large car showrooms, just google the brands that spark your interest. But if you are looking for a car to match your superyacht, Monaco is the place for you. You will find many supercar showrooms in the Principality and car dealers such as Monaco Luxury and Monaco Occasion who specialises in pre-owned vehicles. And it won’t be long before you drive away in your Lamborghini or Aston Martin.
