When driving in France, you will need a recognized full driving license. You may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit.
Although an International Driver's License is not required for short term visitors (up to 90 days) from countries of the EU, EEA, USA, and Canada; it is either recommended or else required for visitors from other countries. For specific details, check with the local French embassy in your country of origin.

The minimum age for driving a car in France is 18; thus no-one under the age of 18 can drive a car in France, even if he or she holds a valid license in another country.

If stopped by the police, you may be asked for the 'carte grise' (grey card): it is the vehicle's registration certificate that you are being asked to show.

Alcohol level test - It is obligatory to carry one of these from 1st March 2013.

A red reflective triangle that can be placed at a suitable distance behind a car if it is immobilized on the highway or hard shoulder.

All cars are required by law to carry a high-visibility waistcoat (fluorescent yellow or orange). This must be carried IN the car, not in the trunk, so that it can be slipped on immediately by any driver who needs to get out of an immobilized vehicle, notably on a motorway or main road.