Taxi or private driver, how to choose
The Complete Guide to the Differences Between a Taxi and a Chauffeur service: Mandatory Reservations for Professional Chauffeur Services vs. Taxis Picking Up Passengers on the Street, a fixed price agreed upon in advance versus a meter-based fare, a quoted price versus a variable fare, a professional license versus a taxi license (ADS), and, most importantly, when each is the right choice—a national, honest, and well-sourced comparison.
Key Points at a Glance
- Taxi or pre-arranged car service? Both take you from one place to another with a licensed chauffeur, but you hail a taxi on the street or pick one up at a taxi stand without making a reservation, whereas a chauffeured car service must be booked in advance.
- The the difference between a taxi and a chauffeur service The most tangible issue is the price: the taxi charges meter (amount known upon arrival), the executive car service quotes a fixed price agreed upon before departure.
- The price of a taxi depends on the department and the details of the trip; any quoted price is an approximate estimate to be confirmed at the time of booking. The chauffeured service provides a price quote before confirmation.
- Regarding permits: Taxis hold a license (ADS) that grants them the right to pick up passengers on the street; professional chauffeur services hold a professional license and are not permitted to pick up passengers on the street or park while waiting for customers.
- Taxis have special traffic privileges: bus lanes, dedicated pickup areas at train stations and airports, and immediate pickup while cruising for passengers.
- The pre-booked chauffeur service, on the other hand, focuses on predictability: prices known in advance, nighttime surcharges already included, scheduled reservations, and a vehicle of your choice.
- Neither is "better" in an absolute sense: a taxi is the better choice for immediate pickup without a reservation, while a chauffeur-driven transport is better for a price known in advance and a planned trip.
- With us, a ride with a chauffeur starts at €30 (Eco), a fixed price guaranteed in advance—including the nighttime surcharge, with no pickup fee.
Taxis or professional chauffeur services: What are we talking about?
6:40 p.m., exiting Saint-Jean Station. Two lines await you. On the right is the taxi stand: a car with its “for hire” sign lit up pulls away as soon as you get in, meter running—you’ll find out the fare when you arrive. On the left, the professional chauffeur you booked the day before is waiting for you with a sign bearing your name; the price is already set and known to you. Both will take you home; neither is “better” than the other. The taxi offers immediacy—you didn’t have to make any arrangements. The executive chauffeur service offers certainty—you knew the price even before you left. The entire difference between a taxi and a pre-arranged car service lies in this choice: taking the car that happens to be passing by, or ordering the one that’s waiting for you.
Taxis and professional chauffeur services meet the same need—being driven from one place to another by a licensed chauffeur—but they are two services governed by different rules, and confusing them often leads to unpleasant surprises. This national guide compares the two impartially: what truly sets them apart (booking, price, fare, licensing, street hailing), how much each costs and how the price is calculated, what the law has required since 2016, and, most importantly, in which situations one is a better choice than the other. We are a chauffeured car service, and we stand by that; but you’ll see that we openly recommend taking a taxi when it’s the right choice. For a detailed, locally applicable cost comparison, our page on alternatives to taxis in Bordeaux breaks down the analysis trip by trip; here, we’re taking a broader view and looking at both industries in general.
"Taxi or executive car service": The real issue isn't the price
The question of “taxi or professional chauffeur service” rarely boils down to “which is cheaper,” because the two are priced differently. A taxi offers immediate availability: it’s there right away, without any advance planning on your part, and you pay for the service by the meter. A chauffeured service offers predictability: a price agreed upon and confirmed before departure, a pre-booked vehicle, and a well-organized experience. Comparing the two solely on price is missing the point—much like comparing an umbrella bought in a panic during a downpour to one chosen the day before while it was still dry. So the real question is: did you plan your trip in advance, or not? If so, the pre-booked chauffeur service with its fixed price is a viable option; if not, the taxi and its on-demand service remain a step ahead. Everything else—licensing, fares, and the legal framework—stems from this fundamental difference.
What this guide compares—without making anything up
This guide is based on verifiable facts, not on common misconceptions. As a rough estimate, the cost of a taxi ride depends on the department, the time of day, the route, and any waiting time; ask for an estimate when you book. For a ride with a professional chauffeur, the price is quoted before confirmation. Neither service is consistently cheaper than the other. The rules governing services with professional chauffeurs (professional license, vehicle age, legal framework) are derived from the Transportation Code, the decree of March 26, 2015, and the information sheets on service-public.fr, all of which are cited at the end of the article.
What is a taxi, and what is a chauffeur-driven transport?
Taxis: Street Hailing, Meters and Licences
A taxi is a private transportation vehicle authorized to pick up passengers without a prior reservation. This is its exclusive privilege: a taxi can “cruise” for customers—that is, drive around looking for passengers and be hailed on the street—or park at a taxi stand at train stations, airports, and key locations throughout the city. It can be recognized by its roof light and its meter (taximeter), which calculates the fare in real time based on the distance traveled and the time elapsed. To operate, the driver must hold a parking permit (ADS), often called a “license,” issued by city hall (or the Paris Police Prefecture). This license, which is limited in number and can be expensive, is precisely what grants access to picking up passengers on the street and to reserved taxi stands. The price of a ride depends on the department and the conditions of the trip; any price comparison is an approximate estimate to be confirmed at the time of booking.
Executive chauffeur service: reservations, fixed rates, and professional chauffeur licences
A pre-arranged car service—also known as a “chauffeur-driven car”—is a passenger vehicle driven by a professional chauffeur, but one that can only operate by prior reservation. This is the key difference: a chauffeured car service is not allowed to cruise for customers or park on public roads while waiting for a client; it must be booked in advance, even if only a few minutes ahead of time. In return, the price is fixed and provided in writing before departure, with no meter: you know exactly what you’ll pay at the time of booking. The driver holds a professional chauffeur licence issued by the prefecture after passing an exam, and the fare is set by the company itself. According to Article L3122-1 of the Transportation Code, as amended by Law No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016, professional chauffeur services operate by prior reservation only and are not permitted to pick up passengers on the street—see the text on Légifrance. Our sedans and vans fall under this system: each trip results from a booking, at a price confirmed in advance.
A common misconception: an executive car service is not a “private taxi”
We often hear the terms “private taxi” or “taxi with a chauffeur,” but both are misleading: a chauffeur service is not legally a taxi. The two professions fall under the same transport code but follow separate rules. A taxi may accept advance bookings and pick up passengers without a reservation; a chauffeured service may operate only with a prior booking. Picking up a customer from the street without one would breach the rules on street solicitation, which the Grandguillaume Act reinforced. A taxi, by contrast, may also accept a booking and quote a flat rate. The real dividing line is therefore not “with or without a driver,” but “with or without street hailing”: metered service versus a pre-agreed rate, regulated taxi tariffs versus a written chauffeur quote, and a taxi licence versus a professional chauffeur licence. Keeping this distinction in mind prevents confusion when booking.
Taxis vs. Professional Chauffeur Services: A Comparison Chart
Here, criterion by criterion, is the difference between a taxi and a chauffeur-driven transport, summarized in a clear table. First, keep in mind the five points that make all the difference in your daily life: the reservation (optional for taxis, required for service with a professional chauffeur), the price (variable rate vs. fixed rate), the price (regulated vs. unregulated), the bachelor's degree (ADS in exchange for a professional license) and the scout (allowed only for taxis). These differences aren’t just administrative nuances: they actually determine how you get in, how you pay, and what you know about the fare before you set off. The table below compares them side by side, without jargon. Keep in mind that no single column is “the right one”—each describes a service designed for a different purpose, which we’ll detail below with actual prices and real-life examples.
| Criterion | Taxi | chauffeured car service |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation | optional (call or station) | required (in advance) |
| Coverage | authorized patrol | by special order only |
| Price | meter reading, known upon arrival | fixed-rate package, agreed upon before departure |
| Rates | varies by department and program | open-ended, determined by the company |
| Authorization | license (ADS), issued by City Hall | professional license (prefecture) |
| Distinctive feature | roof light + taximeter | red sticker, without a meter |
| Bus Lanes / Stops | Restricted Access | no dedicated access |
| Night Shift Premium | on the meter, added upon arrival | already included in the advertised price |
Price: Taxi meter or flat rate for the chauffeur service?
Taxis use a regulated fare structure that takes into account the pickup fee, distance, waiting time, and local conditions; any fees charged before pickup are set by department and disclosed in advance. The executive car service provides a price quote before the ride is confirmed. The DGCCRF, in its Fact Sheet 2026, therefore recommends asking for an estimate when ordering a taxi.
How does the taxi meter work?
The meter calculates the fare based on the pickup location, the distance traveled, and the time spent traveling at low speed or at a standstill, in accordance with the department’s maximum rates. For reservations, any fees related to the taxi’s journey prior to pickup are subject to departmental regulations and must be disclosed in advance. This rule was specified by the DGCCRF in 2026.
The package includes the service with a licensed chauffeur, as specified prior to departure
The chauffeured service works the other way around: a fixed rate, calculated and confirmed in writing before departure. There is no meter; the price is determined at the time of booking based on the route or duration, then guaranteed in writing, and it doesn’t change by a single cent, even if traffic is heavy or the trip takes longer. The nighttime surcharge—approximately 30% in the evening, on weekends, and on holidays—is already included in the quoted price and is never added afterward. There are no pickup fees when departing from Bordeaux Métropole (pickup is at your address), and tolls, VAT, and luggage are included. You approve the quote before getting in, and that’s exactly what you pay the driver, down to the last euro. For detailed rates on a spacious vehicle, see our guide to van rental prices with a driver, which follows the same flat-rate principle.
A telling example: Night changes everything
At night, maximum taxi fares may vary depending on the department and the conditions of the ride. Any price comparison is therefore only an estimate and should be confirmed at the time of booking. The pre-booked chauffeur service, on the other hand, displays the applicable fare before confirmation; neither service is consistently cheaper.
| Price component | Taxi | Executive chauffeur service (our trips) |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Run | Any fees will be determined locally and announced before the ride | none from Bordeaux Métropole |
| Rate per kilometer | depends on the department and the ride conditions | Included in the package; not billed per kilometer |
| Waiting / Traffic | hourly rate added to the meter | without affecting the fixed price |
| Night Shift Premium | added upon arrival | already included in the advertised price |
| Baggage / Tolls | Additional baggage allowed | understood |
| Price Known | only upon arrival | before departure, in writing |
Taxi or Pre-arranged car service: When Should You Choose Which?
No single option is “the best” in absolute terms: whether it’s a taxi or a chauffeured car service, each has its advantages in specific situations, and the best approach is to choose based on your circumstances rather than on preconceived notions. A taxi is unbeatable when you need immediate pickup without a reservation: leaving the train station, a downtown stop, or needing a vehicle on the spot. A chauffeur service has the edge whenever you can plan ahead: you want a price you know in advance, a vehicle waiting for you at the appointed time, or a trip planned the day before. Both options share one essential feature: a professional, insured, and vetted driver. What sets them apart is when you make your decision—right here, right now for a taxi; in advance and at a fixed price for the executive car service. Here’s a case-by-case look at which one is best suited to what you’re really looking for.
When a Taxi Is the Right Choice
Taxis are the go-to option whenever you need one immediate and unplanned. You get off a train without having made a reservation, it’s raining, and there’s a taxi stand right outside the station: hop in—that’s exactly what taxis are for. The same goes for an urgent need right on the street, or when you simply want to hail a passing car. Taxis also offer right of way — designated bus lanes and stops reserved for train stations and the airport — which can save time during rush hour. The trade-off: a a price you won't know until you arrive, which varies depending on traffic and the time of day. If immediacy is more important than knowing the fare in advance, and you haven't had time to plan your trip, a taxi remains the most direct option—and we say this bluntly, because it's simply true.
When a Chauffeured service Is the Right Choice
A pre-booked chauffeur service becomes the best choice as soon as you can make a reservation, even at the last minute. Transfer to theBordeaux Airport At 5 a.m., returning from a night out with a fare you know in advance, a business trip where you need a receipt and a specific vehicle, or a long-distance trip to another city: these are all situations where the Fixed pricing and planning are worth more than just a quick ride. A chauffeur-driven transport also shines for trips where the taxi meter would work against you — the night, the Sunday, or whenever there are a lot of kilometers to cover, such as a long-distance from Bordeaux. You get into a pre-booked vehicle at a confirmed price, with the nighttime surcharge already included. If you know in advance where and when you’re leaving, the executive chauffeur service offers you the the peace of mind that comes with knowing the price and a driver waiting for you, holding a sign.
What about a group or an event?
For a group, an event, or a trip with a lot of luggage, booking a ride almost always takes precedence, and a pre-arranged car service in a spacious vehicle becomes the simplest solution. A van with a driver can transport up to seven passengers and their luggage in a single vehicle at a fixed price, whereas you’d otherwise need to coordinate two taxis and add up two meter readings. For a wedding, a seminar, or a wine tour to Saint-Émilion, renting a van with a driver for the day ensures the vehicle will be waiting for you between each stop—something a taxi on the street can’t offer. Taxis still have the advantage for a single person in a hurry without a reservation; but as soon as the group grows or the day is planned out, the flat-rate package for a chauffeur-driven service and its organization clearly win out, both in terms of comfort and cost per person. This is typically the tipping point for groups of five or more travelers.
| Your Situation | The Right Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate need, no reservation required | Taxi | Routes and stops, per-minute billing |
| Leaving the station without a reservation | Taxi | Station dedicated to exiting; no command required |
| Route planned the day before | chauffeur service | fixed price agreed upon in advance, vehicle waiting |
| Early-morning airport transfer | executive car service | Reservation, price known, no booking fees |
| Night, Sunday, or holiday | chauffeured service | Surcharge already included; no meter running wild |
| Group, Luggage, Event | Pre-booked chauffeur service (van) | One vehicle and one price—not two taxis |
The Legal Framework: the Grandguillaume Act, License, and Professional Card
The Grandguillaume Law: The Line Between Taxis and Professional Chauffeur Services
The distinction between taxis and professional chauffeur services is based on the Grandguillaume Act No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016, which reorganized the entire private passenger public transportation system. The basic principle: reserving the scout to taxis only and prohibited professional chauffeur services from picking up a customer without a reservation. It put an end to the ambiguous practices that existed before 2016 and provided greater certainty for both industries, which are now regulated by the Transportation Code (Articles L3120-1 et seq. for the general framework; L3122-1 et seq. for a service with a chauffeur). In practice, a service with a professional chauffeur may not park on public roads while waiting for a customer, nor may it be hailed on the street: each trip must result from a advance order. A taxi, on the other hand, has both rights—reservation and operates—thanks to its license. It is this law that explains why “taxi or chauffeur-driven transport” is not just a matter of branding or the vehicle itself, but rather a matter of two distinct legal regimes, each with its own rights and obligations.
Taxi License (ADS) vs. professional chauffeur licence
The two professions are based on different permits, and that is the other major fundamental difference. Taxis operate under a parking permit (ADS)—the so-called “license”—issued by the city hall: it grants the right to park and pick up passengers within a given municipality, is available in limited numbers, and can be resold for sometimes substantial sums. Professional chauffeur services, on the other hand, operate under a professional license issued by the prefecture following a theoretical and practical exam; this license is valid for five years. There is no cap on the number of licenses issued, nor is there a license to purchase. an executive chauffeur service company must register with the national registry (REVTC) for €170, provide proof of a financial guarantee of at least €1,500 per vehicle, and maintain professional liability insurance; failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €3,750. There are, therefore, two entry points for two ways of carrying out the same core business: transporting customers in full compliance with the law.
The Vehicle: Distinguishing Features and Requirements
Each service can also be identified by its vehicle and distinctive markings. Taxis are equipped with a roof sign, an approved meter, and an ADS license plate; they are the only vehicles authorized to use certain bus lanes and occupy reserved taxi stands. The pre-arranged car service displays a distinctive red sticker—on the lower left corner of the front windshield and on the rear of the vehicle—has no roof light or meter, and does not have access to reserved lanes. Chauffeur-driven vehicles must meet specific requirements set forth in the decree of March 26, 2015: less than 7 years old for a gasoline-powered vehicle, at least 4.50 m long, 1.70 m wide, with 84 kW of power, and four doors. In short, a chauffeured car service worthy of the name is a registered, insured, and regulated business—just like a taxi, but with different visible markings and traffic privileges. Checking for the red sticker is the first thing you should do before getting in.
| Legal criterion | Taxi | executive car service |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | Bachelor's degree (ADS) | business card |
| Issued by | City Hall | the prefecture (after review) |
| Validity | attached to the ADS | 5 years, renewable |
| Scavenging | authorized | prohibited |
| Meter (taximeter) | required | prohibited (fixed price) |
| Distinctive feature | light + plate | red sticker |
| Legal Framework | Transportation Code L3120-1 | Grandguillaume Act, L3122-1 |
How do I book a taxi or a chauffeured service?
The booking process depends on the service you choose, and it's straightforward in either case. For a taxi, three options: call out to him on the street if he's free, or go to a station (train station, airport, downtown), or call a dispatch center—knowing that the meter will be running and that the fare will be determined upon arrival. For a pre-booked chauffeur service, everything goes through a advance reservation, online or by phone, with a fixed price confirmed before departure. That’s where the difference really becomes apparent: you just hop in a taxi, but you have to book a chauffeur-driven transport. If you choose the executive chauffeur service and the convenience of a price you know in advance, here are the specific steps to book your ride in Bordeaux—with no upfront payment required and written confirmation received in just a few minutes.
How to Book a Pre-arranged car service, Step by Step
- Enter your route: starting address, destination, and any stops along the way. The fare is calculated based on this information—no meter, no surprises when you arrive.
- Select the date, time, and vehicle: Eco for the basics, sedan for comfort, or van for a group. The nighttime surcharge is already included in the price.
- Please specify the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, as well as any options (child seat, pet, welcome sign), to ensure you get the right vehicle the first time.
- Receive a fixed quote, confirmed in writing, specifying the vehicle, the total price, and the terms. No call-out fee from Bordeaux Métropole.
- Confirm the reservation: You'll receive a confirmation, and then, on the day of the trip, the driver's contact information and the exact meeting location.
- Pay the driver (by card or cash) or via an optional link: no advance payment is required when departing from Bordeaux Métropole.
Ready to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a price you know in advance? Book your chauffeured car service online: enter your route, schedule, and vehicle preference, and receive a guaranteed fixed price in writing—including a nighttime surcharge—with no obligation. An Eco ride starts at €30, a sedan at €50, and an airport transfer at €45 during the day. Cancellations are free up to 12 p.m. before departure. Whether it’s for a city trip, a ride to the train station, or a long-distance trip, a chauffeur and your chosen vehicle will be waiting for you at the scheduled time—with no meter running. Before confirming, be sure to review the criteria for a reliable professional chauffeur. Still undecided between a taxi and a chauffeur service? Refer back to the comparison above, or browse our private chauffeur services and the map of all our destinations: they’ll help you determine which option best suits your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a taxi and an executive car service?
The price of a taxi depends on the department and the details of the trip; any price comparison is an approximate estimate that must be confirmed at the time of booking. The chauffeured service provides its price before confirmation. Neither service is consistently cheaper.
Taxi or pre-booked chauffeur service: Which is cheaper?
The price of a taxi depends on the department and the details of the trip; any price comparison is an approximate estimate that must be confirmed at the time of booking. The chauffeur-driven transport provides its price before confirmation. Neither service is consistently cheaper.
Can you hail an executive chauffeur service on the street?
No. A pre-arranged car service is not allowed to be hailed on the street or to park on public roads while waiting for a customer: this is the exclusive privilege of taxis, known as “maraude.” Every ride with a chauffeured car service must be booked in advance, either online or by phone, even if it’s just a few minutes beforehand. A chauffeur service that picks up a customer on the spot, without a prior booking, would be in violation of the law (soliciting) under the 2016 Grandguillaume Act. If you need a vehicle immediately and without making a reservation, a taxi is your best option.
Do I need to book an executive car service in advance?
Yes, always, but not necessarily far in advance. Reservations are required for a service with a licensed chauffeur—that’s what sets it apart from a taxi. You can book the day before for a scheduled transfer, or just a few minutes in advance, depending on driver availability. The advantage of booking early—especially during peak hours and at night—is that it guarantees you a vehicle and locks in the price. You’ll receive a fixed quote confirmed in writing, with no surprises, and the driver will be waiting for you at the agreed-upon address and time.
Why is the taxi fare only known upon arrival?
Taxis charge according to a regulated framework: the fare is determined by the pickup fee, distance, waiting time, and the department’s fare regulations. When booking, any fees charged before pickup are regulated locally and disclosed in advance; they do not mean that the meter automatically runs while the taxi is en route. The DGCCRF 2026 recommends asking for an estimate. Professional chauffeur services announce their price before you confirm the booking.
Does the chauffeured service have a meter?
No. A pre-booked chauffeur service is not permitted to use a meter (taximeter); this is reserved for taxis. A chauffeur-driven transport charges a fixed flat rate, calculated at the time of booking based on the route or duration, and then confirmed in writing before departure. This price does not change if traffic is heavy or if the trip takes longer. This is one of the visible differences between the two vehicles: taxis display a “Taxi” sign and a taximeter, while professional chauffeur services display a red sticker and operate without a meter, at the price quoted in advance.
What is street hailing?
"Cruising" refers to a taxi driving around in search of customers or parking on a public road to wait to be hailed or picked up at a taxi stand without a reservation. This is an exclusive right of taxis, tied to their license (ADS). Professional chauffeur services are strictly prohibited from doing so: they may only pick up a customer upon prior request. Cruising is the key distinction between the two professions, far more so than the vehicle or level of comfort. It is this distinction that explains why a taxi can pick you up on the spot, but an executive chauffeur service cannot.
What is the Grandguillaume Act?
The Grandguillaume Act (No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016) is the legislation that reorganized private passenger transportation in France, including taxis and professional chauffeur services. It clarified the distinction between the two professions: street hailing remains exclusive to taxis, while professional chauffeur services may operate only by reservation. It also strengthened training and registration requirements for drivers. This is the primary legal framework, supplemented by the Transportation Code (Articles L3120-1 and L3122-1 et seq.) and by the decree of March 26, 2015, on the specifications for chauffeur-driven vehicles.
Taxi license or service permit with a chauffeur: What's the difference?
Taxis operate under a parking permit (ADS), or “license,” issued by the city hall: it grants the right to pick up passengers and park within a municipality; the number of permits is limited, and they can be resold. Professional chauffeur services operate under a professional license issued by the prefecture following a theoretical and practical exam; this license is valid for five years and is not subject to a quota or the need to purchase a license. In addition, pre-arranged car service companies must be registered in the national registry (REVTC) and provide proof of a financial guarantee and professional insurance. Two different authorizations for two different ways of operating.
Can the chauffeured car service use bus lanes and taxi stands?
No. Dedicated bus lanes and taxi stands (at train stations, the airport, and downtown) are privileges associated with a taxi license. A chauffeur service does not have access to these areas: it operates like a private vehicle and picks up its customer at the address agreed upon at the time of booking. This is a real advantage of taking a taxi during rush hour. On the other hand, an executive car service picks you up right at your doorstep—without you having to go to a taxi stand—and at a price set in advance. Each service has its own rationale.
Taxi or chauffeured service to get to the airport?
Both options work; the choice depends on how far in advance you plan. If you haven’t made a reservation, there’s often a taxi stand at the airport and outside major train stations: it’s immediate, but you’ll be charged by the meter. If you’re planning your trip in advance, a pre-booked chauffeur service is often preferable: a fixed price known in advance, no pick-up fees, and a driver who waits for you with a sign and tracks your flight. For a very early morning departure or a late-night return, the flat-rate chauffeur-driven transport avoids the unpleasant surprises of a surcharged meter. For a group with luggage, a van service with a professional chauffeur can transport everyone in a single vehicle.
Is the nighttime surcharge the same for taxis and professional chauffeur services?
The principle applies to both, but it’s implemented differently. For taxis, at night (as well as on Sundays and holidays), the meter switches to a higher per-kilometer rate, which is added to the fare as the ride progresses and revealed upon arrival. With an executive chauffeur service, the nighttime surcharge—typically around 30%—is already included in the flat rate quoted at the time of booking: the price confirmed in advance is what you pay, with no additional charges added afterward. This is why professional chauffeur services are often more transparent—and frequently more economical—for nighttime trips.
Is a pre-arranged car service as well insured and regulated as a taxi?
Yes. Like a taxi, a chauffeured car service is operated by a licensed professional: the driver holds a professional license issued by the prefecture after passing an exam; the company is registered in the national registry (REVTC), provides proof of a financial guarantee of at least €1,500 per vehicle, and carries professional liability insurance covering passengers. The vehicle must be less than 7 years old, at least 4.50 m long, and have a minimum power output of 84 kW. All of this is governed by the Transportation Code and the Grandguillaume Act. A legal chauffeur service is therefore registered, insured, and subject to oversight, just like a taxi.
Further Reading
- Book your ride: Request a quote for an executive car service —fixed price guaranteed in writing, including a nighttime surcharge
- The Local Comparison: Our Alternative to Taxis in Bordeaux —Fixed Price vs. Metered Fare, Applied to the Trip
- All Our Services: Discover Our Private Chauffeur Services in Bordeaux and the Gironde Region
- The price of a van: our guide to the Price of a van with a driver, detailed package
- Traveling Far: Our Guide to Professional Long-Distance Chauffeur Services from Bordeaux, Where a Flat Rate Beats the Meter
- For groups: Compare the option of a chauffeured service with a taxi van in Bordeaux —from capacity to booking
- Professional License and Exam: The Steps in Training to Become a Professional Chauffeur
Sources and References
- Public Service — Becoming a Professional Chauffeur (Form F31027) — Professional chauffeur licence (prefecture, 5 years), REVTC registration (€170), red sticker, €1,500 financial guarantee, professional liability insurance
- Public Services — Taking a Taxi (Rights and Fares) — official fare schedule; the comparisons on this page are for illustrative purposes only
- Public Service — Taxi Fares in 2026 (A15396) — official fare schedule; the comparisons on this page are for illustrative purposes only
- Légifrance — Order of March 26, 2015 (specifications for vehicles with a driver) — 4 doors, ≥ 4.50 m, ≥ 1.70 m, ≥ 84 kW; age limit reduced to less than 7 years
- Légifrance — Transportation Code, Article L3122-1 (Pre-booked chauffeur service Regime) — Chauffeur-driven transport Regime as amended by Law No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016 (Grandguillaume Law)
- Légifrance — Law No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016 (Grandguillaume Law) — reorganization of private passenger transportation: street solicitation reserved for taxis; mandatory reservations for services provided by chauffeurs
Article updated on July 21, 2026.
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