In brief. There are few strict rules: the driver works for you, and you can address them as you would any professional, politely and directly. Tips are optional, you do not have to eat lunch together, and the route can change within the booked time. Give advance notice about smoking, eating in the car, pets and the possibility of a longer day.
The first meeting
The driver arrives at the agreed time. For an airport transfer, they wait with a sign; in town, at the specified address. Say hello and introduce yourself: in France, “Bonjour” is always appropriate. You do not have to speak French: our drivers also speak English.
Discuss three things straight away: where you are going first, when you need to arrive, and whether you plan any stops. It takes a minute and resolves most questions for the day.
Where to sit
Guests usually sit in the back, particularly on business trips. If you are travelling alone and want to watch the road or chat, ask whether you can sit in front. The driver may open the doors, but there is no need to wait for this. In France, everyone needs a seat belt, wherever they sit.
Conversation on the road
It is fine to stay quiet; nobody will be offended. A good driver understands: if you are working, sleeping or talking among yourselves, they will not interrupt. If you feel like chatting, ask about the region. Drivers use these roads frequently and can suggest a viewpoint, market or coffee stop.
Remember that a driver is not a guide. If you want explanations of the region’s wines and history, book a guide separately or a tour with a sommelier, rather than expecting a lecture from behind the wheel.
Personal and business conversations in the car are normal for a driver, so do not feel uncomfortable having them.
Routes and changes
With the car-and-driver service, you can change your route during the day: add a stop, skip one or stay longer somewhere you like. Give as much notice as possible rather than mentioning it at the last turn, especially on a motorway.
Flag three things:
- the day is running beyond your booked hours (overtime costs €60 per hour);
- you are adding kilometres beyond the allowance (up to 200 km per day in the one-day package);
- a winery appointment is changing when they expect you at a particular time.
Do not ask the driver to exceed the speed limit or stop somewhere prohibited: they bear the fine and risk, while you are unlikely to arrive much sooner.
Tips
Tips are optional: the driver’s work is already included in the price. If you enjoyed the service, leaving something extra is a welcome gesture. As a guide, allow 5–10% of the cost or simply round up. For an airport transfer, €5–10 is enough; for a full day, €20–50. Give it personally at the end of the journey, or on the final day of a multi-day trip. If you cannot leave a tip, a kind review and thanks are appreciated too.
Lunch and waiting
You do not have to invite the driver to your table, but you can: it is your choice. The driver usually eats separately while you are at the restaurant. Say roughly how long lunch will take beforehand so they can organise their time. Waiting within the booked period does not cost extra, and the driver’s meals are already included on trips longer than 8 hours.
On multi-day routes, the driver sleeps in a separate room, also included in the price. You do not need to worry about it. Just confirm the departure time the evening before.
What is allowed in the car
| Can you… | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Eat | a snack is usually fine; save hot or strong-smelling food for a stop |
| Drink water | yes, water is available on board |
| Drink wine | preferably not in the cabin: taste at the winery and keep bottles closed in the boot |
| Smoke | no, only during a stop; smoking with children in the car is also prohibited by law |
| Charge your phone | yes, just ask |
| Travel with a pet | yes, but mention it when booking |
| Play your own music | yes, if the car allows it; ask the driver |
After a tasting, be careful about smells and stains: red wine is difficult to remove from upholstery. Put the wine you buy in the boot and do not leave it in the sun for long: the driver will advise you on packing it.
Payment and paperwork
A 30% deposit confirms the booking; the balance is due no later than 24 hours before the start. Overtime and other expenses arising during the journey are calculated at the end. We provide invoices and receipts on request. You can pay by Visa or Mastercard, bank transfer or cash in euros. If you need paperwork for a company, say so at the outset.
If something is wrong
Mention it calmly and immediately while it can still be put right. A hot cabin, excessive speed or an inconvenient stop can be resolved with a sentence. If the issue remains, contact support on WhatsApp or Telegram: it operates around the clock.
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping a driver compulsory in France?
No. Leave a tip only if you want to and enjoyed the journey.
Do I have to pay for the driver’s lunch?
No. On trips longer than 8 hours, the driver’s meals are already included.
Can I change the route during the day?
Yes, with the car-and-driver service, within the booked time. Extra hours cost €60 per hour.
Can I drink wine in the car?
It is better not to. Taste at the winery and keep bottles closed in the boot.
Which languages does the driver speak?
Our drivers speak French and English.
Book a driver
Send your dates, city and plans for the day; you can refine the route during the journey. → Car with a driver · Transport in France
