Driving in France
Roads in France are generally high quality with little congestion outside big cities so driving can be a real pleasure. If you’re taking your car from the UK, check out our great deals for discount ferry crossings on all routes.
Key points to know when travelling in France:
- The excellent network of motorways or autoroutes are identified as A roads. They have good surfaces and some offer sweeping countryside views. Most are toll roads with fees payable by cash or credit card. Rest areas or Aires are frequent and attractive, ranging from picnic/toilet/petrol stops to full-scale service stations with restaurants and shops selling local produce.
- Main non-motorway routes or routes nationales are identified as N roads. A good choice if you want a break from motorway driving or to see more small towns, villages and scenery. Road numbering can be confusing so best to follow destination signs.
- Avoid seasonal congestion at the beginning and end of August when most French people holiday en massse. Also avoid if possible the week around July 14th and around August 15th, both big national holidays. HGVs are banned from the roads on Sundays all year round so motorways are quieter on this day outside seasonal peaks.
- Direction signs starting with Bis indicate bison futé, a holiday route avoiding crowded roads. Worth taking at busy times like summer Saturdays. Maps showing these alternative routes are available free from garages.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers. Children must be properly protected up to the age of ten by the use of car cots for small babies and baby or child seats for toddlers and young children. Crash helmets must be worn for all forms of motorbike travel.
- Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit is 50 kph in built up areas, 90 kph on other roads, (80 in the rain) and 130 kph on autoroutes (110 in the rain).
- It is an offence to drive with levels of alcohol above 0.5 g per litre of blood (about two glasses of wine).
- Carry your insurance, car log book - original not a photocopy, (or a letter from the car hire company if it is a company car), and your driving license with you at all times whilst driving. It is an offence to not to do so.
Discounted Ferry Fares
If you are travelling by car from the UK, our association with Chateau Vary Travel can give you great discounts on Ferry Crossings. Just quote the French Connections property reference number that you are booking for a competitive quote. Thousand of people save money each year by using their services.
Tel/Fax: + 44 (0)1691 626929