Guys, 3 of us are of to the nantes area of france in the work van at the weekend.
Any tips?
We are going by ferry as it's a little rest period, but when we get going
How do you deal with tolls?
Can I pay using debit card?
Euros?
I've got a kit off Ebay with warning triangle, light reflectors, GB stickers
Breathalyser and I have a fire extinguisher.
I've heard to stay well within the speed limits
Any thing else I'm missing
Yes yes I know they drive on the wrong side of the road, the nutters
Any tips?
We are going by ferry as it's a little rest period, but when we get going
How do you deal with tolls?
Can I pay using debit card?
Euros?
I've got a kit off Ebay with warning triangle, light reflectors, GB stickers
Breathalyser and I have a fire extinguisher.
I've heard to stay well within the speed limits
Any thing else I'm missing
Yes yes I know they drive on the wrong side of the road, the nutters
In reply to Post #1
Driving in France is a pleasure compared to driving over here. The roads are generally much less congested, certainly better driving standards, and well maintained.
As far as tolls are concerned, I'd personally just load up with euros.
Just come back from a week down there, was very mindful to keep to the limits as lots of reports coming back that they are being a bit more draconian, but didn't encounter any problems at all.
I actually prefer driving over there to driving over here!!
Driving in France is a pleasure compared to driving over here. The roads are generally much less congested, certainly better driving standards, and well maintained.
As far as tolls are concerned, I'd personally just load up with euros.
Just come back from a week down there, was very mindful to keep to the limits as lots of reports coming back that they are being a bit more draconian, but didn't encounter any problems at all.
I actually prefer driving over there to driving over here!!
In reply to Post #1
Deffo keep at the speed limits!
You need a bright safety vest an board as well, 1 per passenger.
Tolls can be paid by card no problem.
When you drive at night and need a pitstop don't stop at the dark car parks on the motorway.
Always stop at a petrol station and park close to the main building just for safety.
Deffo keep at the speed limits!
You need a bright safety vest an board as well, 1 per passenger.
Tolls can be paid by card no problem.
When you drive at night and need a pitstop don't stop at the dark car parks on the motorway.
Always stop at a petrol station and park close to the main building just for safety.
In reply to Post #1
As said card is fine for the tolls.
Driving in Europe is a piece of p*ss compared to the UK (apart from Paris), it's quite a relaxing experience. Enjoy.
As said card is fine for the tolls.
Driving in Europe is a piece of p*ss compared to the UK (apart from Paris), it's quite a relaxing experience. Enjoy.
It's easy driving, none of the french are daft enough to use the toll roads so it's normally plain sailing.
One word of advise about the speed limits is they sometimes change in different weather conditions, for example you'll see signs that show a dry and a wet speed limit.
When I used to fish in France it was a pleasure as you could actually plan for a journey to take say three hours and it actually would, unlike this poxy country where you'll have twenty miles of roadworks and you'll be lucky to see one guy with a clipboard and a geezer with a shovel.
One word of advise about the speed limits is they sometimes change in different weather conditions, for example you'll see signs that show a dry and a wet speed limit.
When I used to fish in France it was a pleasure as you could actually plan for a journey to take say three hours and it actually would, unlike this poxy country where you'll have twenty miles of roadworks and you'll be lucky to see one guy with a clipboard and a geezer with a shovel.
In reply to Post #1
Agree with all of the below. Going next week and the missus will be driving part of the way in her parents car and she is nervous as well, but I have pretty much given the same advice. It is easier driving as soon as you get used to the wrong side of the road, roundabouts are probably the hardest to get used to. Generally easier when you get off the ferry as you will almost be in convoy for the 1st mile or 2 so will follow other British cars. Tolls card or cash, I have always had a passenger to pay for me for ease, using my 6 year old son this time could be very interesting!!!
Agree with all of the below. Going next week and the missus will be driving part of the way in her parents car and she is nervous as well, but I have pretty much given the same advice. It is easier driving as soon as you get used to the wrong side of the road, roundabouts are probably the hardest to get used to. Generally easier when you get off the ferry as you will almost be in convoy for the 1st mile or 2 so will follow other British cars. Tolls card or cash, I have always had a passenger to pay for me for ease, using my 6 year old son this time could be very interesting!!!
In reply to Post #6
I've only ever driven in European hire cars so never had to worry about things like this. I find driving on the right easy but I've only ever done it in a left hand drive car which I'm sure makes it easier.
However, I'm sure you need some kind of reflector strips too that go on you headlights to make them angle the opposite direction? I believe some cars can be adjusted without the reflectors but others can't. Sorry for the lack of detail but it's worth checking this out.
I've only ever driven in European hire cars so never had to worry about things like this. I find driving on the right easy but I've only ever done it in a left hand drive car which I'm sure makes it easier.
However, I'm sure you need some kind of reflector strips too that go on you headlights to make them angle the opposite direction? I believe some cars can be adjusted without the reflectors but others can't. Sorry for the lack of detail but it's worth checking this out.
In reply to Post #7
Yes, if your car/van doesn't have adjustable headlights you'll need beam deflectors, having said that lots of folks don't bother.
Re the hi viz vest, just to add it must be easily accessible to each passenger, if you have to get out of the car to rumage in the boot for it you can be fined, put it on in the car before getting out if pulled. I normally put mine under the seats or in the back of them. There were stories of fines being issued for getting out of your car to pay at tolls if not wearing a hi viz many years ago
Tolls, far easier and faster with card but remember the machine will be on the left, great if you have a passenger to do it, not so easy on your own. Your card issuer may charge you a transaction fee for using it in France, worth a check before you go. If you go regularly you may want to consider the toll tag for your windscreen, the cameras read your tag as you approach the gate and it opens automatically, debiting your account
Some toll stations have police stations and they can use the time taken from you hitting the last toll to this one to work out you've been speeding and will pull you there and then. One we encountered only took cash and told my wife if she didn't have it she'd have to get a taxi into town to draw the money out, her car would be seized in the meantime.
There's a layby on the A26 near Calais where the Gendarmes used to (probably still do) love hiding with their speed camera. A lot of people speed, I won't risk the agro, it's all too easy for things to start to escalate if you give them reason to pull you, not great if you can't speak French.
Keep a eye on your phone if using google maps as it can auto change the route. I hate going near Paris, mainly due to the fact I have a older diesel car and if I got lost I think they can fine you nowadays if you enter a clean zone. Last year I had a new phone, set it to avoid Paris yet somehow it changed the route to put me on the outer periphique....grrr...was o.k though saying that.
Yes, if your car/van doesn't have adjustable headlights you'll need beam deflectors, having said that lots of folks don't bother.
Re the hi viz vest, just to add it must be easily accessible to each passenger, if you have to get out of the car to rumage in the boot for it you can be fined, put it on in the car before getting out if pulled. I normally put mine under the seats or in the back of them. There were stories of fines being issued for getting out of your car to pay at tolls if not wearing a hi viz many years ago
Tolls, far easier and faster with card but remember the machine will be on the left, great if you have a passenger to do it, not so easy on your own. Your card issuer may charge you a transaction fee for using it in France, worth a check before you go. If you go regularly you may want to consider the toll tag for your windscreen, the cameras read your tag as you approach the gate and it opens automatically, debiting your account
Some toll stations have police stations and they can use the time taken from you hitting the last toll to this one to work out you've been speeding and will pull you there and then. One we encountered only took cash and told my wife if she didn't have it she'd have to get a taxi into town to draw the money out, her car would be seized in the meantime.
There's a layby on the A26 near Calais where the Gendarmes used to (probably still do) love hiding with their speed camera. A lot of people speed, I won't risk the agro, it's all too easy for things to start to escalate if you give them reason to pull you, not great if you can't speak French.
Keep a eye on your phone if using google maps as it can auto change the route. I hate going near Paris, mainly due to the fact I have a older diesel car and if I got lost I think they can fine you nowadays if you enter a clean zone. Last year I had a new phone, set it to avoid Paris yet somehow it changed the route to put me on the outer periphique....grrr...was o.k though saying that.
one important thing re Speed the limit on national toads (not toll roads) was 90km its now been dropped to 80km
but some signs HAVE STILL NOT BEEN CHANGED FROM THE OLD 90KM but 80km is now the law and you will get fined as my friends that live there have found out to their cost !!!
another very important thing you cant drive on their motorways like we do here
by that I mean DONT sit in the outside lane after you have passed someone if the nearside lane is free pull over
and as others have said its a real pleasure driving in France
but some signs HAVE STILL NOT BEEN CHANGED FROM THE OLD 90KM but 80km is now the law and you will get fined as my friends that live there have found out to their cost !!!
another very important thing you cant drive on their motorways like we do here
by that I mean DONT sit in the outside lane after you have passed someone if the nearside lane is free pull over
and as others have said its a real pleasure driving in France
In reply to Post #9
Just to add to that, on the continent they're taught to move in as soon as possible after overtaking, and they do...very close in front of you, don't be angered by it and start beeping/flashing
EDIT, thanks for the reminder Gerry, I'd fogotten about that
Just to add to that, on the continent they're taught to move in as soon as possible after overtaking, and they do...very close in front of you, don't be angered by it and start beeping/flashing
EDIT, thanks for the reminder Gerry, I'd fogotten about that
As. Others have said driving over there is an absolute doddle. Passenger paying at tolls is a plus. Only thing I will say is beware what sat nav system you are using. Last year when going to abbey( a very straightforward 2hr drive), my Google maps took me straight to the gate. My mates I phone maps took him to an industrial estate some 7 miles or so away. He ended up having to download Google at the side of the roads to get there
In reply to Post #11
driving on fre4nch roads is a pleasure as stated before hand
Tolls, yes they take cards, but always take some small change as the more remote tolls don't!!
Stick to speed limit at all times
carry hi viz vest for all occupants within the car/van
carry Breathalyzer
carry triangle
fuel is not much cheaper if at all than in the uk
don't carry alcohol
enjoy
driving on fre4nch roads is a pleasure as stated before hand
Tolls, yes they take cards, but always take some small change as the more remote tolls don't!!
Stick to speed limit at all times
carry hi viz vest for all occupants within the car/van
carry Breathalyzer
carry triangle
fuel is not much cheaper if at all than in the uk
don't carry alcohol
enjoy
Finally I don't know how right or wrong this information is but road angels/speed camera warning settings if switched on in sat navs is a big no no apparently if you get pulled just something I was told, head light deflectors I've never bothered in 20 years but I guess there's always a first time, adjustable headlights are not to be relied upon as ours are set at an angle to light up the verge which over there your lighting up the oncoming traffic I quite often get dazzled back off them when driving at night even with the beam turned down on it's lowest setting.
Tolls and cards over there can be temperamental normally I use my Debit but occasionally it wont accept them but will take a credit card sometime spits them both back at you so carry some cash is advisable.
Tolls and cards over there can be temperamental normally I use my Debit but occasionally it wont accept them but will take a credit card sometime spits them both back at you so carry some cash is advisable.
In reply to Post #13
Yes your correct, you can't have sat navs set or anything else able to detect cameras even if the function is turned off...interesting one that...doesn't nearly every google map enabled phone have it as a option!! surely the French Police use some discretion.
AA article here
Re the headlights, quite a few modern cars have a European setting, it corrects the light angle to match those in Europe, it's not the simple up and down beam adjustment for here in the U.K
Yes your correct, you can't have sat navs set or anything else able to detect cameras even if the function is turned off...interesting one that...doesn't nearly every google map enabled phone have it as a option!! surely the French Police use some discretion.
AA article here
Re the headlights, quite a few modern cars have a European setting, it corrects the light angle to match those in Europe, it's not the simple up and down beam adjustment for here in the U.K
Stick the hi viz on the back of the seats so the plod can actually see them if needed
Make sure you tell your bank you are going abroad so they Can activate your card(s) if required
I didn't ONCE.
What a headache that caused
Mobiles are a little easier nowadays as I don't think any charge for going abroad nowadays but it's worth checking.
I went fishing in Ireland and the wife took the kids on holiday to Ibiza with her sister YEARS ago when you paid roaming charges
That cost a tidy sum
Ireland~uk-Ibiza-uk-Ireland.
Make sure you have the company vans green card so you can take the car out to Europe
When I go I have to have breakdown cover with repatriation cover on it as well.
Also make sure the insurance allows you to drive in Europe as some business policies don't
Make sure you tell your bank you are going abroad so they Can activate your card(s) if required
I didn't ONCE.
What a headache that caused
Mobiles are a little easier nowadays as I don't think any charge for going abroad nowadays but it's worth checking.
I went fishing in Ireland and the wife took the kids on holiday to Ibiza with her sister YEARS ago when you paid roaming charges
That cost a tidy sum
Ireland~uk-Ibiza-uk-Ireland.
Make sure you have the company vans green card so you can take the car out to Europe
When I go I have to have breakdown cover with repatriation cover on it as well.
Also make sure the insurance allows you to drive in Europe as some business policies don't
Also I got pulled at customs last year at the tunnel (Calais) and the U.K. border force told me it's compulsory to have your cars log book or insurance details with you 
I've never taken them so has anyone else heard if this is true or not
I've never taken them so has anyone else heard if this is true or not
In reply to Post #16
Yerp
I keep a paper folder with V5, insurance, breakdown cover, license, ferry/tunnel booking and travel insurance document in it down the side of the seat.
I was told if it is a new registration vehicle by rights you should carry the spare second key as well if you have two, again dont know how right this is.
Yerp
I keep a paper folder with V5, insurance, breakdown cover, license, ferry/tunnel booking and travel insurance document in it down the side of the seat.
I was told if it is a new registration vehicle by rights you should carry the spare second key as well if you have two, again dont know how right this is.
In reply to Post #16
Yes it is req. I always take ins, green card, V5, mot and license, even if not req. Go in a folder with other stuff like passports and what carpstar mentioned.
Yes it is req. I always take ins, green card, V5, mot and license, even if not req. Go in a folder with other stuff like passports and what carpstar mentioned.
One thing to add to the already good advice is, if you wear glasses for driving you need a spare pair in the car.
As others have said, it's a pleasure driving out there and I much prefer it to driving here. Enjoy your trip
As others have said, it's a pleasure driving out there and I much prefer it to driving here. Enjoy your trip
In reply to Post #1
Not sure if its already been said but give your mate a spare key to the van, so if you lose yours you've got a spare to hand
Not sure if its already been said but give your mate a spare key to the van, so if you lose yours you've got a spare to hand
All great advice but I've mentioned this on here before, get a toll tag no messing about with cards or cash, no need to get out of the vehicle if your on your own, debits your account a month later.
No brainer
No brainer
In reply to Post #21
Got one about 4 weeks ago 👍
Got one about 4 weeks ago 👍
In reply to Post #21
Another shout for the sanef tag, did calais to montpellier and back in a weekend to collect daughter from uni and the tag was a godsend, no faffing at the tolls and tag lanes seem to be much quicker.
Another shout for the sanef tag, did calais to montpellier and back in a weekend to collect daughter from uni and the tag was a godsend, no faffing at the tolls and tag lanes seem to be much quicker.
In reply to Post #23
Whats the cost of the tag ?
Whats the cost of the tag ?
In reply to Post #1
don't bury all your emergency equipment under tons of fishing gear. If you get a tyre issue, yourll have to empty the whole van to get too the bolt that secures the tyre underneath.
Same as your warning triangle, your jack blah blah blah.
Don't forget your breathalyser's either, you need 2 per vehicle.
don't bury all your emergency equipment under tons of fishing gear. If you get a tyre issue, yourll have to empty the whole van to get too the bolt that secures the tyre underneath.
Same as your warning triangle, your jack blah blah blah.
Don't forget your breathalyser's either, you need 2 per vehicle.
In reply to Post #1
Some brilliant suggestions on here that I have herd and taken on board before.
One thing to be wary of as well is emissions stickers.... link below is helpful (can someone linky it)
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/driving-in-europe/#countries
Some brilliant suggestions on here that I have herd and taken on board before.
One thing to be wary of as well is emissions stickers.... link below is helpful (can someone linky it)
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/driving-in-europe/#countries
In reply to Post #24
click here
Note Sanef is now Emovis
@25, re breathalysers, worth mentioning the French Police like to see a NF sign on them, which means approved to a standard they use, check they have a decent expiry
Just had to buy another 2 as mine had expired and got this reply from a none NF listing which I thought was funny
They do not carry the NF logo so offically they are not recognised by French police, but as per the listing:
French NF Laws - the truth
Essentially there is NO fine for not having a breathalyser when driving in France - it was basically a French idea by the then PM Sarkozy that was kicked into touch when he lost the election in May. if you go to the AA site you will see it states:
January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser - a fine of €11 - has been postponed indefinitely. So theoretically you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
click here
Note Sanef is now Emovis
@25, re breathalysers, worth mentioning the French Police like to see a NF sign on them, which means approved to a standard they use, check they have a decent expiry
Just had to buy another 2 as mine had expired and got this reply from a none NF listing which I thought was funny
They do not carry the NF logo so offically they are not recognised by French police, but as per the listing:
French NF Laws - the truth
Essentially there is NO fine for not having a breathalyser when driving in France - it was basically a French idea by the then PM Sarkozy that was kicked into touch when he lost the election in May. if you go to the AA site you will see it states:
January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser - a fine of €11 - has been postponed indefinitely. So theoretically you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
In reply to Post #26
Surely your emissions result will be on your mot so why not just take that
Surely your emissions result will be on your mot so why not just take that
In reply to Post #27
The company that developed the breathalyser is a relative of Sarkozy!
The company that developed the breathalyser is a relative of Sarkozy!
In reply to Post #28
You need to display it on your windscreen in the areas named in the link. To prove you are compliant.
I'm guessing it automated systems/ cameras that pick it up
You need to display it on your windscreen in the areas named in the link. To prove you are compliant.
I'm guessing it automated systems/ cameras that pick it up
In reply to Post #28
France has introduced 'clean air' windscreen stickers as a legal requirement in some of its cities, to identify a vehicle's emissions levels and to, in some cases, restrict access in order to improve air quality.
British drivers heading to France are advised by the RAC that driving without a French 'clean air' sticker, called a Crit'Air vignette – which costs just over 3 Euros – makes them culpable for an on-the-spot fine of up to £117.
UPDATE: July 2019
From July 1st 2019, diesel cars made earlier than 2006 will be banned from Paris.
The ban applies on weekdays between 8am and 8pm to any vehicles carrying the Crit'Air 4 stickers and will affect light trucks as well as some older diesel cars and motorbikes. This rule applies to all vehicles, including those from the UK.
If you're caught in the capital breaking this ban, you risk a fine of up to €68 for cars and motor
bikes
France has introduced 'clean air' windscreen stickers as a legal requirement in some of its cities, to identify a vehicle's emissions levels and to, in some cases, restrict access in order to improve air quality.
British drivers heading to France are advised by the RAC that driving without a French 'clean air' sticker, called a Crit'Air vignette – which costs just over 3 Euros – makes them culpable for an on-the-spot fine of up to £117.
UPDATE: July 2019
From July 1st 2019, diesel cars made earlier than 2006 will be banned from Paris.
The ban applies on weekdays between 8am and 8pm to any vehicles carrying the Crit'Air 4 stickers and will affect light trucks as well as some older diesel cars and motorbikes. This rule applies to all vehicles, including those from the UK.
If you're caught in the capital breaking this ban, you risk a fine of up to €68 for cars and motor
bikes
Hence my comment in post 8, not just France either, it's called a green zone in Germany.
Funny that, the EU like to centralise everything but different countries having different emmisions controls...bit odd that one
Funny that, the EU like to centralise everything but different countries having different emmisions controls...bit odd that one
In reply to Post #33
Where can I get a clean air sticker?
Where can I get a clean air sticker?
With the clean air sticker, it is not mandatory to have one. Only if your driving in certain cities, ie France, Grenoble, Strasbourg, Lyon etc. So if your not going to drive into the big cities, you do not need one.
But if you go onto websites like the RAC, they are fear mongering by not giving the full details and just sketchy on it unless you read the website carefully,
From the RAC website "British drivers heading to France are advised by the RAC that driving without a French 'clean air' sticker, called a Crit'Air vignette – which costs just over 3 Euros – makes them culpable for an on-the-spot fine of up to £117."
That statement on its own is fear mongering as it implicates just driving in France requires one of the stickers and you could be fined anywhere that you are actually driving. The sentence should be corrected to state that on the spot fines will be awarded to drivers caught without a sticker in the clean air zones.
But if you go onto websites like the RAC, they are fear mongering by not giving the full details and just sketchy on it unless you read the website carefully,
From the RAC website "British drivers heading to France are advised by the RAC that driving without a French 'clean air' sticker, called a Crit'Air vignette – which costs just over 3 Euros – makes them culpable for an on-the-spot fine of up to £117."
That statement on its own is fear mongering as it implicates just driving in France requires one of the stickers and you could be fined anywhere that you are actually driving. The sentence should be corrected to state that on the spot fines will be awarded to drivers caught without a sticker in the clean air zones.
In reply to Post #35
sorry your talkin bollox its not fear mongering ???
as they quite clearly say quote
"France has introduced 'clean air' windscreen stickers as a legal requirement , in some of its cities to identify a vehicle's emissions levels a"
so therefore they are just stating facts and making people aware ?
now if there was ((like has happened to me ))
an incident and a closure of the toll road you could quite easily be diverted thru one of THOSE citys
so surely to god ? for the sake of a poxy extra 3 euros it makes sense to get one ??
and the yellow jackets are still a problem and can pop up anywhere anytime and you could be forced to divert thru a clean air zone
sorry your talkin bollox its not fear mongering ???
as they quite clearly say quote
"France has introduced 'clean air' windscreen stickers as a legal requirement , in some of its cities to identify a vehicle's emissions levels a"
so therefore they are just stating facts and making people aware ?
now if there was ((like has happened to me ))
an incident and a closure of the toll road you could quite easily be diverted thru one of THOSE citys
so surely to god ? for the sake of a poxy extra 3 euros it makes sense to get one ??
and the yellow jackets are still a problem and can pop up anywhere anytime and you could be forced to divert thru a clean air zone
In reply to Post #34
Clean air sticker inf https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en/
Just to reiterate the advice about roundabouts. I've seen more UK drivers with crunched cars on roundabouts than any other road feature in France, Look LEFT.
Avoid the Paris peripherique if you are sensitive to people shouting and honking their horn at you.
If a policeman gives you a massive bollocking when you are sat in the passenger seat - hear him out, smile and point out the steering wheel on the right
He may be so embarrassed he'll just drive off.
Clean air sticker inf https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en/
Just to reiterate the advice about roundabouts. I've seen more UK drivers with crunched cars on roundabouts than any other road feature in France, Look LEFT.
Avoid the Paris peripherique if you are sensitive to people shouting and honking their horn at you.
If a policeman gives you a massive bollocking when you are sat in the passenger seat - hear him out, smile and point out the steering wheel on the right
He may be so embarrassed he'll just drive off.
In reply to Post #25
I put my spare wheel in the back of the van, under the front seat ( transit van ) I place my locking nut socket a 2 ton trolley jack and a 3/4 heavy duty ratchet fitted with an impact socket to fit the wheel nuts.
Also place my warning triangle, first aid kit and breathalyser kit in there.
Behind my head rests are my high viz jackets, I placed them on the dash to show my support for the demonstrators when all the agg was going on with the fuel, surprising what a toot on the horn and a thumbs up can do
The jack and sockets may seem a bit overkill but I'm telling you now the one jack supplied with the vehicle will not lift a van full of fishing tackle and the wheel brace will slip off if the nuts are tight.
I put my spare wheel in the back of the van, under the front seat ( transit van ) I place my locking nut socket a 2 ton trolley jack and a 3/4 heavy duty ratchet fitted with an impact socket to fit the wheel nuts.
Also place my warning triangle, first aid kit and breathalyser kit in there.
Behind my head rests are my high viz jackets, I placed them on the dash to show my support for the demonstrators when all the agg was going on with the fuel, surprising what a toot on the horn and a thumbs up can do
The jack and sockets may seem a bit overkill but I'm telling you now the one jack supplied with the vehicle will not lift a van full of fishing tackle and the wheel brace will slip off if the nuts are tight.
In reply to Post #38
Cheers for advice
As we are here now, the only thing I would point out to newbie travelers is
The lots of bloody Tolls DO NOT take cash
And diesel is the ORANGE pump called Gazole, also some garages are CARD ONLY
Oh and dont go hoping to catch loads after a huge heat wave
Cheers for advice
As we are here now, the only thing I would point out to newbie travelers is
The lots of bloody Tolls DO NOT take cash
And diesel is the ORANGE pump called Gazole, also some garages are CARD ONLY
Oh and dont go hoping to catch loads after a huge heat wave
Where you fishing ?
In reply to Post #39
Emovis Toll Tag all the way it's so easy,
Emovis Toll Tag all the way it's so easy,
In reply to Post #41
good shout
good shout
In reply to Post #40
Near Nantes
Near Nantes
In reply to Post #39
Oh and dont go hoping to catch loads after a huge heat wave
The problem is they have another one too, near every year, it usually includes the last 2 weeks of July and the 1st 2 of August, maybe all of August
Where can I get a clean air sticker? Sorry, missed that Q bud, guess it's a bit late now, but Gerry gave a very good reason to have one, especially if on the outer or inner periphique, not only that but as I said earlier if you get lost.
Oh and dont go hoping to catch loads after a huge heat wave
The problem is they have another one too, near every year, it usually includes the last 2 weeks of July and the 1st 2 of August, maybe all of August
Where can I get a clean air sticker? Sorry, missed that Q bud, guess it's a bit late now, but Gerry gave a very good reason to have one, especially if on the outer or inner periphique, not only that but as I said earlier if you get lost.
In reply to Post #44
Lol, yes bit late now, three days and nights left, but for future reference, I'll word it differently, how do I obtain a clean air window sticker?
Anybody know?
Lol, yes bit late now, three days and nights left, but for future reference, I'll word it differently, how do I obtain a clean air window sticker?
Anybody know?
In reply to Post #45
Google it and order directly off Web. I haven't ordered one and I'm going on Friday but nowhere near the designated zones but will prep better and get one for next time
Google it and order directly off Web. I haven't ordered one and I'm going on Friday but nowhere near the designated zones but will prep better and get one for next time
In reply to Post #47
Same as the link I provided in post 32 Gerry.
Same as the link I provided in post 32 Gerry.
In reply to Post #48
Cheers guys
Cheers guys
In reply to Post #49
If it's your first trip, I recommend downloading something like app cause you're definitely going to travel on toll roads, and the app might save you some time.
If it's your first trip, I recommend downloading something like app cause you're definitely going to travel on toll roads, and the app might save you some time.
In reply to Post #1
. . .as all other comments . . .a couple of other things to be aware of
1 - Constat Amiable - https://cartraveldocs.com/constat-amiable-daccident-automobile/
In the event of an accident (and thank god I've never had to use this) having this doc at hand will help with any insurance claims and I think its a legal requirement. If the other party does not complete then you may struggle to make a claim . . .and looking at some of the motors in rural France they may not be bothered about the odd shunt!
2 - Cedez la passage a droit - Give way to vehicles on the right.
This is an upside down triangle sign that means **** to us but basically allows priority at intersections to traffic from the right . . .its rare but when it happens you will lose your **** - random battered 2CVs pulling out into a main road right in front of you whilst you hurtle towards them at 60kmh . . .if you see one slow down and approach with caution
3 - Road Cambers.
If you're driving a fully loaded van with 3 peoples gear it will be heavy . . .its either their weird cambers or the fact that your driving position is on the 'wrong' side or maybe both but it can sometimes feel like you're driving against the camber (on a fast main road bend / downhill) and your vehicle will fight 'against' you by wobbling . . .had it happen a few times when bombing it too fast . . .solution - slow down!
Enjoy!
. . .as all other comments . . .a couple of other things to be aware of
1 - Constat Amiable - https://cartraveldocs.com/constat-amiable-daccident-automobile/
In the event of an accident (and thank god I've never had to use this) having this doc at hand will help with any insurance claims and I think its a legal requirement. If the other party does not complete then you may struggle to make a claim . . .and looking at some of the motors in rural France they may not be bothered about the odd shunt!
2 - Cedez la passage a droit - Give way to vehicles on the right.
This is an upside down triangle sign that means **** to us but basically allows priority at intersections to traffic from the right . . .its rare but when it happens you will lose your **** - random battered 2CVs pulling out into a main road right in front of you whilst you hurtle towards them at 60kmh . . .if you see one slow down and approach with caution
3 - Road Cambers.
If you're driving a fully loaded van with 3 peoples gear it will be heavy . . .its either their weird cambers or the fact that your driving position is on the 'wrong' side or maybe both but it can sometimes feel like you're driving against the camber (on a fast main road bend / downhill) and your vehicle will fight 'against' you by wobbling . . .had it happen a few times when bombing it too fast . . .solution - slow down!
Enjoy!
Reading ALL pages