Transportation in France
While I'm a firm believer in slow travel and the slow food movement, the French have always been at the forefront of really fast transportation. France is, after all, the land of the high speed TGV train, the late and quite zippy Concorde jet, and the LeCar. Ok, I'm kidding about the LeCar, although I did race a Renault Gordini for a year in California and got a lot of laughs.
Leasing a Car in France - The Lease Buyback Plans
Several French car rental companies offer lease buyback plans. The reason is simple: In France there is a high tax levied on new vehicle purchases. If the French want to save money on their "new" car, they'll save big bucks (well, Euros) by buying a slightly used one. And companies have moved in to make sure the use is "slight" by offering special programs for tourists outside the EU to take some of the newness out of the vehicles. You lease the car for about the same price as a rental (with the difference being that all insurance is taken care of), drive it on your vacation (17 days minimum, usually) and when you return it they clean it up and pass it on the person who has "pre-purchased" the car--minus the new car tax. Everyone benefits--you get a brand new car to drive for pretty much the same as a rental, the owner saves on taxes, and a company just made a few Euros from your rental.
You need to think about buyback deals at least a month before your departure date. There is somewhat more paperwork to deal with on a buyback than a rental.
The French Rail System
You can get many places on the French Rail System. If I'm planning to be in Paris and a few larger cities, I'd take the train. Advantages? You get right to the city center where there are usually hotels. You don't have to drive through town looking for parking. You can relax on the train, meet other travelers, and plan the rest of your trip or just read a book.
Planes
There are also lots of airports in France. Still, I'd think twice about using airplanes as your primary means of transport. Why? Most people see today's low prices for a flight and are mesmerized by the half-facts. Wow! 35 Euros and you're there in 45 minutes!
But wait. You forgot that you have to be at the airport an hour ahead of time. Then there's the fact that the taxi ride to the airport costs 20 Euros and takes a half hour if you're willing to bet there isn't going to be traffic to further slow you. Then, at the other end, you're still a train or taxi ride and luggage transfer away from anywhere you'd like to stay.
So I'd think twice. Three times even. There's a reason trains are popular in compact Europe.
Further resources to help you plan your vacation in France
Buy back programs are offered by the companies in our Lease Buyback Directory.
Why you should rent a diesel if you're looking for savings.
European Transportation Resources
