Across both urban and rural France, a rapidly growing network of vehicle hire schemes for locals is making car ownership optional, as journalist Katy Wright explains.
For the many car owners who don't need their vehicles every day, but do they need them sometimes for longer trips or buying heavy or bulky items, France has a third way - autopartage.
The country has a rapidly growing network of autopartage schemes - which essentially works as short-term, low-cost vehicle hiring, aimed at locals (in some areas proof of residency is required).
What’s more, with ambitious government targets in place and new laws around rural transport provision being discussed, the network looks set for significant further growth.
Listen to the team at The Local discuss autopartage on the latest episode of the Talking France podcast
