Driving in France
Driving in France is far less daunting than most people realise. Of course some will be totally put off by the fact that "the Frogs drive on the wrong side of the road". If you are totally uncomfortable by this prospect, then perhaps you should avoid it and use one of the many excellent alternatives.
France has probably one of the best established, sign posted and maintained road systems in the world. However, it is still often quite easy to get lost, but then, that little back road you never knew existed could lead you to the most amazing surprises: a hidden little village, a local market.
A car is a convenient way to move around in France. Roads are very well maintained and the French road network includes over 10,000km of motorways (many with tolls) which link Paris and the main provincial towns and cities.
MAPS, DISTANCES, SUGGESTED ITINERARIES. ( Click on headings below.)
Driver's License
A valid national driver's license is sufficient. The legal driving age in France is 18 years. An international driver's license is not required. You are also required to carry the vehicle's registration document, and the current insurance certificate (a green card is not mandatory but remains internationally recognized and helpful). Also, a nationally plate or sticker is required. Car rental agencies will provide their customers with all these necessary documents. If the vehicle you are driving is borrowed, in addition to all the above, a letter of authorization from the owner is necessary.
What services on the highways (autoroutes)?
Every 10km: rest areas for short stops. Every 30 or 40km: service stations and restaurants. Every 100km or more: motels for overnight stops.
When to leave? Which route to take?
Information on the cost of tolls, the total mileage, restaurants, service stations and hotels along the way are all available on the web site: http://www.autoroutes.fr
More than 13 million routes and itineraries can be consulted to travel between any of the 3600 towns featured. Information on cultural sites and the heritage of each region is available also from this service.
Finding your way
Road maps can be found in bookstores and in all service stations. I.G.N. maps give the most detailed coverage of France. Michelin maps cover main road networks and regions.
Hitch-hiking in France
The French often stop to take on hitchhikers. It's a good idea to indicate your destination clearly on a sign. To be sure of a ride, contact the organization 'Allostop', which puts hitch-hikers in touch with drivers in exchange for a modest fee (inscription fees + 22 centimes per km).
Highway code
Cars in
France drive on the right. Unless indicated otherwise,
speed limits are 50km/h in towns, 80km/h on the
Paris beltway, 90km/h on main roads, 110 km/h
on dual carriage ways and 130 km/h on motorways.
In cities and towns the right of way is given
to vehicles coming in from the right. Vehicles
in traffic circles have the right of way over
vehicles entering, as indicated on road signs.
Important Information
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Most motorway service stations have 'baby corners' with changing facilities and high chairs.
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All passengers must wear seat-belts and heavy fines apply for non compliance.
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All riders of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles must wear helmets.
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Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles.
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Drivers license, insurance certificate and vehicle registration documents must be presented at controls.
In case of accidents
In the event of a car accident, you must fill out a damage assessment form (you will find them in the glove compartment of your rental car or you may request it from your insurance company). It must be signed by the other party, and in the event of a dispute or a refusal to complete the form, you should immediately obtain a constat d'huissier. This is a written report from a bailiff (huissier). In the event of an dispute, call the police so that they can make out an official report. In the event of an injury, call the SAMU (15) or the fire brigade (18). The police are only called out to accidents when someone is injured, a driver is under the influence of alcohol or the accident impedes traffic flow.
Rush hour
In Paris and all major towns, traffic is at its most congested at rush hours when people set off to or return from work - usually between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Fridays, traffic can be difficult earlier, especially at the exits from Paris. Between rush hours, traffic is usually fluid, even in Paris
Where to park
Parking is strictly regulated in many areas. Dotted road markings indicate parking spaces. Remember that you can only park on white spaces. Those marked 'Payant' are pay-for-parking spaces and unmarked spaces are free. Yellow markings indicate spaces reserved for utility vehicles and other markings (GIC-GIG) for people with the relevant card. Dotted yellow lines on the edge of a pavement indicate that brief stops are authorized (for dropping off passengers). Many parking spaces in major cities are regulated by parking meters that can be found along the edge of pavements. You can pay for between 15 minutes and 2 hours (from 5F to 15F an hour). Your ticket must be displayed clearly inside your car. In case of non-payment or parking longer than the time allowed, you risk a fine of 75F. A large number of modern and safe underground parking stations exist in town centres. They cost more than parking at ground level, but guarantee a space and flexible hours of stay.
Before Setting Off
For information on road conditions, consult regional information centres before you set off:
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Ile-de-France/Centre 33 (0) 1 48 99 33 33 North 33 (0) 3 20 47 33 33 East 33 (0) 3 87 63 33 33
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West 33 (0) 2 99 32 33 33 South-West 33 (0) 5 56 96 33 33
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Rhone-Alpes/Auvergne 33 (0) 4 72 81 57 33 Mediterranean 33 (0) 4 91 78 78 78
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For motorway conditions throughout France: Autoroute info 33 (0) 1 47 05 90 01
Types Of Roads
Autoroutes (Marked on signs with A) Express highways for which you must pay tolls.
Routes Nationales (Marked on signs with N) National motorways for which there are no tolls, often with several lanes. Routes Departementales (Marked on signs with D) Smaller scenic country roads with less traffic.
Tolls
Highway tolls in France are charged on most major Autoroutes and can add up considerably on a long trip, and travellers should be prepared to stop several times during their trip to pay (toll booths are called peages). Cash and all major credit cards are accepted.
Seat Belts
Seat belts are required for all passengers riding in cars.
Car Rental
It is recommended that you make arrangements to hire before your departure. This works out a lot cheaper than renting locally after your arrival in France. Many packages from travel agents and tour operators include a car rental as a cost effective option. The main car rental companies are represented in France, including Hertz, Budget, Avis and National. The renter must have had a valid driver's license for at least one year. The minimum age to rent a car in France is 21, although many companies require that the renter be at least 25 years of age and hold a major credit card. Most rates include unlimited public liability, property damage insurance and comprehensive coverage against the loss of the vehicle by fire and theft. The renter is responsible for collision damage to the rented vehicle, up to a certain limit. Optional collision insurance can be purchased. It is always a good idea to check with your auto insurance provider before you travel.
See Car Hire for more information on car rental and leasing.
Break Downs
If your car breaks down, try to move it to the side of the road so that it obstructs the traffic flow as little as possible. You are advised to seek local assistance as, at the present time there is no nationwide road assistance service in France. On autoroutes, emergency phones are located every 2km. The use of warning triangles or hazard warning lights is mandatory in the event of an accident or break down.
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