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Home/Italy/to France
Cross-border route

Italy France

Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Italy into France, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. France expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Mont Blanc Tunnel links Chamonix with Courmayeur; the Fréjus Tunnel and the coastal A8/A10 at Ventimiglia are also major routes.
Get my permit for France France requirements

Last reviewed June 2026

Route at a glance
FromItaly
ToFrance
IDP in FranceRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in FranceEUR
Italy → France

Crossing the border

The Mont Blanc Tunnel links Chamonix with Courmayeur; the Fréjus Tunnel and the coastal A8/A10 at Ventimiglia are also major routes.

Driving rules in France

  • Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
  • Carry a reflective vest and warning triangle in the vehicle.
  • Priority to the right (priorité à droite) applies at unmarked junctions.
  • Strict 0.05% blood-alcohol limit (0.02% for new drivers).

What to see when you arrive in France

  • the Eiffel Tower in Paris
  • the Palace of Versailles
  • the French Riviera
  • Mont Saint-Michel
  • the châteaux of the Loire Valley

Common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Italy to France?
Yes — France requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. France recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Italy and France?
No. Both Italy and France drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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