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

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.

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.

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

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

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

In reply to Post #21
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.

In reply to Post #23
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.

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

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.

In reply to Post #26
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!

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