Hertz - Need advice on French rentals?

I've always taken the train before, but this year I need to rent a car at the Lyon airport for a trip to Leymont. Any suggestions, advice, about differences in the French system, options to take/avoid, and advice in general??? Any gold cards/etc to apply for now???Pick up and return policies???

Thanks in advance.

Nothing special comes to mind...

Your credit card should cover CDW, and perhaps TP (which is desirable if parking overnight in a big city). If not, find a CDP which includes it (most European ones do, since usual European insurance policies are tied to a specific car, not a specific driver).

Request a diesel vehicle, which will cut your fuel costs in half.

Double-check your contract to verify you aren't being charged extra for snow tires or a 'skierized' vehicle, which can happen in the winter near ski areas.

I haven't rented from that location, but most European stations don't have the Gold service found in the US.

As always, try a number of CDP's. Oftentimes unlimited mileage is not included in European rentals, which may or may not be a consideration for you. Air France's CDP often does better than other generic airline FFP's, in France.

I shouldn't have any urban experience on this trip. I chose the Lyon airport pickup as it was on the outskirts and Leyment is truly isolated, which is why I have to drive at all. Since this will be an end of Aug/beginning of Sept expedition, I will notice if anything is "winterized". Thanks for the advice.