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