Taxis in France
Taking a taxi in France is rarely as simple as stepping into the street and hailing one. Outside major towns, taxis usually must be booked in advance, especially in rural areas such as the Pyrénées-Orientales.
France is one of the most tightly regulated countries in Europe when it comes to taxis. Licences are limited, and drivers must hold an official licence de stationnement (often called a “parking licence”), issued by the local mayor or prefect. This strict system explains why taxis can sometimes be hard to find — and why prices are expensive and none-negotiable.
Fixed and Regulated Prices
If your taxi journey feels expensive, don’t blame the driver. Taxi fares are set nationally by the French Ministry of the Economy and applied locally by each préfecture. Drivers have no freedom to adjust prices.
Fares can vary depending on:
- Time of day (day or night)
- Distance and journey type (one-way or return)
- Waiting time in traffic
- Number of passengers
- Luggage, animals, or bulky items (bikes, skis, wheelchairs, etc.)
All official tariffs must be clearly displayed inside the taxi, and a minimum fare usually applies for very short journeys.
How to Tell if a Taxi Is Free
Look at the illuminated sign on the roof:
- “TAXI” sign lit, coloured lights off → Taxi is available
- White light → Day rate, return journey (Tariff A)
- Orange light → Night rate, return journey (Tariff B)
- Blue light → Day rate, one-way journey (Tariff C)
- Green light → Night rate, one-way journey (Tariff D)
These tariffs are standard across France, though the actual prices vary by département.
Waiting Time
When the taxi is stationary or moving very slowly, a waiting-time rate applies instead of distance. This can add up in traffic or if the driver is asked to wait.
Useful Tips
- Book ahead, especially evenings, weekends and holidays
- Always use licensed taxis — unmarked vehicles are illegal
- Ask for a receipt (reçu) if you need one
- Card payment is common, but it’s wise to check in advance in rural areas
Taxis in France may not be cheap, but they are safe, regulated and transparent — and once you know how the system works, there should be no surprises.
What about an Uber?
🚗 Officially available in the P-O, you can request a ride through the Uber app BUT Uber tends to be more visible and reliable in Perpignan itself and requests in rural areas and smaller communes often go unanswered because there are few or no drivers nearby, and you may have to wait a long time or get no driver at all. So while Uber is technically present in the department, it isn’t yet as widespread or dependable as in major cities.
It’s fascinating to learn about the strict licensing system and regulations that govern the taxi industry in France, particularly in cities like Paris. Knowing that taxi prices are regulated by the government provides peace of mind for travelers, ensuring fair and transparent pricing.I appreciate the reminder to be respectful towards taxi drivers, especially when it comes to pricing. Understanding that they have no control over the fares and that prices vary based on factors like region and luggage helps foster empathy and appreciation for their service.