Driving in France - The Basics
Everything about France awakens the senses - including the driving. Don't forget that you drive on the right in France, so it is compulsory to place converters on your headlights to ensure that your dipped beams won't dazzle oncoming traffic.
Headlight converters are available at most car accessory stores. You must also display a GB sticker (oval, with GB in black letters on a white background - at least 6.9in by 4.5in) at the rear of your vehicle and caravan or trailer, if applicable. These GB stickers are available from most Ferry Companies or any general car accessory shop. Finally, you must carry a warning triangle - it is compulsory to use one after an accident or breakdown in France. A spare set of vehicle bulbs is also recommended.
You can't help but notice the "aires" every 10 to 15 kilometres along the motorways of France. "Aires" (areas) are specially designed for motorists to stop at and generally have a wide range of facilities. You'll find everything from WCs right through to picnic areas and, for those of you wanting to do more than simply stretch your legs, some "aires" even feature exercise circuits! The other thing you'll notice straight away are 'Les panneaux marrons'. These are the brown panels on the side of the motorway that give you information about the area you're driving in. Fuel stations have all the facilities you'd expect in the UK and you'll also find WCs and cardphones after most toll barriers.
Each motorway network you drive on is run by a separate company under government concession. Each network is entitled to collect tolls for the upkeep and development of their motorway. Currently there are eight different networks: SAPN - Autoroute Paris - Normandie SANEF - Autoroutes du Nord et de l'Est de Ia France SAPRR - Autoroutes Paris - Rhine - Rhône COFIROUTE - Compagnie Financière et Industrielle des Autoroutes ASF - Autoroutes du Sud de Ia France ESCOTA - Autoroute Esterel - Côte d'Azur AREA - Autoroutes Rhône - Alpes STMB - Tunnel Routier sous le Mont Blanc.
You'II come across two types of péages on the motorways: PAY PER NETWORK - In this case you take a ticket from the machine when you enter a particular network and then pay when leaving it. You can pay in either French Francs or by credit card (but not for amounts less than 50FF). PAY PER SECTION - Tolls are calculated for each section of the network you're driving on and you pay regular amounts along the way (it's useful to have small change ready). The tariffs vary depending on the type on vehicle, but cars are all charged at the same rate.
You'll find the orange SOS phones every 2 kms along motorways and in many of the larger aires.
There are regular security patrols day and night on all the networks. Speeding can result in large fines, payable on the spot. Remember to always keep your distance and take regular breaks - share the driving if you can. Never overtake on the right. If you're driving at night and want to take a rest, try one of the "aires". You'll find that most "aires" are lit up at night. Overnight parking is not officially allowed in "aires", but everyone does it.
NEW for 2008 High Visibility Vests are compulsory in France from July 1st 2008, and in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU). The rules vary from country to country concerning number of vests required and whether they should be carried in the car or boot. Common sense suggests that there should be a vest for every occupant, and that the vests should be carried in the car, and put on before getting out. Do this and you will not have a problem.
Here’s one supplier selling them for £1.52 each;
http://www.hivis.net/
Motorways: 80mph (130 kph).
On urban stretches 68mph (110kph) and
49mph (80kph) on the Paris ring Road.
Dual carriageways: 68mph (110kph).
Outside built-up areas 55mph (90kph).
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph).
In wet weather, lower limits apply -
49mph (80kph) outside built-up areas,
62mph (100kph) on dual carriageways
and 68mph (110kph) on motorways.
These lower limits apply at all times to drivers who have held a licence for less than 2 years.
Appearing about 2 kms before an exit, these panels give you information about the local road and traffic conditions, such as traffic hold-ups or roadworks.
Try and stop on the hard shoulder as far to the right as possible. Put your hazard lights on and find the nearest emergency phone (there should be one every 2 kms). The calls are free and go straight through to the police who will send an approved mechanic who will try to fix the problem or arrange to tow you to a garage.
If you’re at all unsure about the reliability of your car consider taking out RAC breakdown cover. It’s not that expensive for a week and can be a real lifesaver. Click here to read the experiences of one of our field testers, Jim Kelly... he was certainly glad he had RAC cover!
As in Britain service stations vary their fuel prices on the motorway, so it's best to check before you fill up. Most stations have shops offering a variety of products, such as snacks and drinks, and services including fax and telephone.
The WCs are generally well kept and have disabled and baby facilities.
Some "aires" have hostesses on hand to help with babies and most fuel stations will be happy to warm baby bottles for you.
Mini-buses adapted for the disabled pay the same toll as private cars. It's also worth noting that telephones do not have wheelchair access. However, the majority of "aires" (especially the more sizeable ones) offer good access and facilities.
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