10 Things You can Do in Paris Using a Rental Car

Taking public transport in a foreign city can be a headache, not only is it difficult to figure out it can also turn a fun day in Paris into a logistical nightmare. Renting your own car to zip around the notorious city of love can make your experience that much more fun. Not only will you have the freedom to go wherever you wish, you are also not tied down by public transport times, prices, and schedules.

Paris is known for being one of the most touristy cities in the world. People from all over rush towards the city of love to get engaged, view the Eiffel tower, see the Mona Lisa, and experience the delicious cuisine.

But if you are confined to a tour bus or using public transport, you can only see a limited amount of everything that the city has to offer. When you want to get the full Paris experience, we advise that you rent a car and travel around the magical city on your own terms.

Here are 10 things you can do in and around Paris, France, in a rental car:

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower

We can’t write a list without putting the Eiffel tower way ahead of it. It is common knowledge that the queue to view the Eiffel tower can be as long as a 3 hour wait. When you arrive too late, you might miss the chance to get up close and personal with the tall steel structure. When you hire a car, you can get up before public transport opens at 6 am and park in a car park area to get first in line.

2. Palais-Royal Gardens

The tranquil haven of the 17^th century Palais-Royal is neatly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the place where Louis the XIV spent a part of his childhood.  An easy drive to view the magnificent gardens and enjoy browsing through designer boutiques and unique antiquaries.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Popularly known for its exquisite architecture and being the home of the famous Disney character, Quasimodo, the Notre-Dame cathedral is a must-visit. There are 12 car parks near the cathedral for your parking convenience, such as the Les Halles, Rivoli-Sebastopol, Lagrange-Maubert, and Centre Pompidou.

A sunset visit to the gothic cathedral is ideal if you want to gaze upon the exterior, whereas an early morning park and visit of the interior will allow you to skip the queues.

4. Shopping at the Rue Saint-Honoré

Anyone who loves fashion and famous brand houses will enjoy a shopping day at the Rue Saint-Honoré. From Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton to Zara and Hermes, you are guaranteed to quench your thirst for shopping in this area.

Having a car nearby, will give you the freedom to shop as much as you like. Since you can safely and securely store your packages in the boot and continue your shopping spree.

5. Street Food Markets

Many visitors are so focused on visiting different city monuments and museums, that they overlook the unique vibes that Paris’ street markets offer. The Rue des Martyrs is one of Paris’ most famous street markets and have loads to offer visitors. It’s famous because it has been operating for over two decades.

You can expect to find pastry shops, fisheries, chic boutiques, and chocolatiers. A great idea would be to buy a basket full of delicious snacks, beverages, and light meals that you can enjoy while driving around the countryside.

6. Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

This amazing Basilica is also known as the Sacred Heart. It looks like a white castle in the sky and is perched on top of the Montmartre. In 1873, the architect Paul Abadie designed the gorgeous piece of architecture by incorporating Byzantine and Romanesque styles and designs.

After many years of building and construction, the Basilica was finally consecrated outliving World War 1. Nearby parking lots like the Saemes Parking Avners and Parking Fetrier, makes visiting the Sacred Heart Basilica an easy and accessible task.

7. Champs-Élysées

Just like the Eiffel Tower, the popular Champs-Élysées is another landmark of Paris. Just like London’s Piccadilly Circus and New York’s Time Square, Paris’ Champs-Élysées is a mecca for keen travelers. Sure, it’s a very busy street, but if you plan your day according, you can sit in the comfort of your own private car while driving underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

Avoid all the crowds and drive down this amazing lane in comfort. After driving through Napoleon’s monument, you will find the Grand Palais at the end of the street. This place hosts some of the most exquisite art exhibitions and is worth finding parking for.

Check out this guide to the most touristy attractions you can consider visiting too: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/paris-f-p-paris.htm.

8. Chocolate Tastings

You can’t leave Paris without eating at least a pound of chocolate.  Visit the St. Germain des Pres to taste over twenty high-profile chocolate brands from world-renowned chocolatiers. An abundance of bonbons, ganache, wafers, truffles, and caramels can be found in the city’s chocolate central.

As an added bonus, you can view chocolate sculptures created by Michel Chaudun and Jean-Charles Rouchoux.

9. Wander Around

Something you can’t do if you use public transport is drive around the city on your own time, at your own pace, and wherever you want. Discover less popular streets and neighborhoods by driving out of the city center and exploring less commercialized spaces.

Stop at scenic viewpoints or little churches that sparks your interest. Renting your own car will give you the freedom to stop anywhere to take photos or grab a quick coffee at a small neighborhood coffee shop.

10. Visit Small Museums

The Louvre Museum is a must-visit, for sure, but smaller museums shouldn’t be overlooked. For those keen on looking deeper into French culture, a visit to the city’s smaller museums is a must.

You can find a great collection of Japanese and Chinese art at the Musée Guimet, a collection of period weapons, contemporary art, and paintings at the quirky Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, or experience romanticism of the city of Paris at the Musée de la Vie Romantique. Because these museums aren’t as highly commercial, you’ll find parking nearby and won’t have to stand in long queues to enter.

Even those a bit apprehensive of getting behind the wheel and drive through the streets of Paris will feel like a true local once the car starts. Dodge the long waits for taxis and invest in your own rental while experiencing the city from a different view.