Attractions - France

Attractions - Paris

Driving Tips for France

· Any special requirements for driving in France?
· How do I recognise a motorway and minor roads on signs or on a map?
· What should I know about Parking in France?
· How much does fuel cost in France?
· What is the speed limit on French Roads?
· What is the conversion for kph to mph?
· What is the alcohol limit in France?
· Are there any Toll roads in France?
· What are the seat belt regulations in France?
· What is the minimum age for driving in France?
· Can I use my domestic licence in France?
· What documents may I need to carry?
· What terms may I find useful when driving in France?
· What do I do in the case of an accident?
· What number do I call for the emergency services in France?
· To check driving conditions, telephone Paris...

Any special requirements for driving in France?
The French drive on the right and overtake on the left. If you are from the USA you should have no problems other than reading the signs. If you are from the U.K or Ireland however, you will need to take great care in driving on the opposite side. Driving on sidelights is not permitted in France. Lights must be switched on in fog, mist or poor visibility during the day. When driving in France motorists must carry a warning triangle (In case hazard lights are inoperable). Which in the case of an accident or breakdown should be placed on the road thirty metres behind the vehicle and clearly visible from One hundred metres. Right of way is given to ambulances, fire-engines, police motorcycles, Police Secours, Prefecture de Police, public utility cars (Electricite, Gaz, Compagnie Generale des Eaux, Service de Nettoiement) and any vehicle coming from your right.

How do I recognise a motorway and minor roads on signs or on a map?
Motorways bear the prefix 'A' and national roads 'N'. Minor roads (marked in yellow on the Michelin roadmaps) are maintained by the Départements rather than by the Government and are classed as 'D' roads.

What should I know about Parking in France?
Parking restrictions are strictly enforced, particularly in major towns. In Paris you face on-the-spot fines or having your car towed away, as a result of failure to comply with parking legislation. When parking, keep an eye out for ‘alternate side parking or ‘ stationnement alterné semi-mensal’ this means that you can park on one side of the street for the first half fo the month and the other for the rest of the month. Road signs marked 1-15 or 16-31 mean that you cannot park on the side of the road where the sign is posted between those dates. Parking on the left side of a street is allowed along one-way streets only. Pay-and-display machines (horodateurs) are very common throughout France. Provincial towns often offer free parking from noon to 1:30 p.m. The tariff and time limit are shown on the machine. FF1, FF2, FF5 and FF10 coins are accepted. Press the red button to get a ticket. The end of a no parking zone is indicated by a sign reading "Fin d'interdiction de stationner." Parking is free of charge from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. and on weekends, public holidays, and during the whole of August, unless otherwise indicated.

How much does fuel cost in France?
At the time of writing unleaded (sans plomb) costs around 7.2ff per litre and diesel (gazole)cost 4.6ff per litre. Prices vary and if you fill up at motorway service stations you could find yourself paying a lot more than at supermarket filling stations.

What is the speed limit on French Roads?
Normal Conditions
Speed limit on Motorway: 130kph
Speed limit in Towns: 50kph
Speed limit on Major roads: 110kph

When Wet
Speed limit on Motorway in wet conditions: 110kph
Speed limit on major roads in wet conditions: 90kph

"Rappel" means a continuation of the restriction.

What is the conversion for kph to mph?
1 mile=1.6 km 1 U.S.
1km=0.6 miles

What is the alcohol limit in France?
The blood/alcohol limit in France is 50mg. If you are caught over this limit you could face fines of up to 30,000ff and two years in jail. Your license can also be taken off you immediately.

Are there any Toll roads in France?
France has over 9000km (5600 miles) of motorways (autoroutes), some of which are free whilst others are toll roads (autoroutes à péage) There are over 28,500km (17,700 miles) of national roads (routes nationales). Most motorways in France are toll roads (identified by a blue sign) non toll motorways can be identified by a green sign. At Toll motorways take a ticket on entering, and produce it later for payment according to the distance traveled. Prices vary depending on the route, and caravans are extra. Count on paying about 40ff per 100km. For a car, Paris to Bordeaux costs 254ff and to Marseille it will cost you about 267ff.

What are the seat belt regulations in France?
In France seatbelts are compulsory front and rear. Children under ten years of age must travel in the rear. If you are on motorcycle, scooter or moped, you are required to wear a helmet; these laws are strongly enforced by police road checks and you will be heavily fined in case of non-compliance.

What is the minimum age for driving in France?
The minimum driving age in France is 18.

Can I use my domestic licence in France?
A valid International driver's license is required for those who wish to drive in France.

What documents may I need to carry?
Your driving license, (Permis de Conduite) insurance certificate (Carte Verte) and vehicle registration is essential, along with car ownership papers (Carte Grise) and your passport.

What terms may I find useful when driving in France?
Aire de repos - Rest stops
Allumez vos lanterns (or feux) - Turn on your lights
Attention au feu - Beware of traffic signal
Attention travaux - Beware roadworks
Autre directions - Other directions
Barrière de dègel - Trucks not allowed
Chaussèe dèformèe - Bumpy road ahead
Cèdez le passage - Give way (Give priority to the other road)
Centre ville - Town center
Col - Mountain pass
Ferme - Closed
Gendarmerie - Police station
Gravillons - Loose chippings
Haute tension - Electric line
Interdit aux piètons - No pedestrians
Nids de poules - Potholes
Ouvert - Open
Pas - Mountain pass
Prochain èchangement gratui - No toll at next exit
Rappel - Remember
Route barrèe - Road closed
Sens-unique - One-way
Serrez a droite - Keep to the right
Sortie - Exit
Suivre - Follow
Sur - On
Toutes directions - All directions
Vitesse adapteè sècuritè - Adapt your speed for safety
Voie unique - One lane road
Voitures - Cars

What do I do in the case of an accident?
If there is no policeman around, take down the number of the other car involved, lock your car and go with the driver of the other car and look for a policeman. The policeman will make out a report in triplicate, stating where the accident occurred, the names of both owners and insurance companies and the damage done. Try to obtain names and addresses of any witnesses. You will need to send the report to the correspondent of your insurance company. If the accident is serious, it is a good idea to take photographs. If someone is hurt, you may be held for up to 3 or 4 hours at a police station. If you have an accident on the road and your car alone is damaged, the report is normally made by the "huissier"(bailiff) in the nearest community. If, however, there are victims, if the accident interferes with traffic, or the "huissier" is not available, the "gendarme" can and should make the report. If neither is available, go to the nearest town hall ("mairie" or "hotel de ville").

What number do I call for the emergency services in France?
Police/Ambulance Service - 17
Fire Service - 18

To check driving conditions, telephone Paris:
(24 hours):C.N.I.R. (1) 48 94 33 33.

Car Rental

Getting Around

Instant Quote!