Driving in France - France for Families

Driving in France.. ...need not be a daunting prospect. Here you will find practical advice and useful information ranging from "making sure you stay within the law" to the best rest areas on the main autoroutes". We also offer a glossary of the main terms you need to know to ensure you get the right kind of fuel in your car and don't get lost! Actually we really look forward to driving in France because the roads are so traffic free (except on the busiest days in season) and once you are off the autoroute there is so much beauty to be seen.	*Preparing your car:* There are things you need to remember before you leave, some are legal requirements, some just good advice.	Help using France For Families
	*French Roads + Law:* We explain to you about the types of roads in France, major road signs and basic highway code.	Booking your Holiday
	*Priorité à Droite:* This famous feature of French driving etiquette still causes confusion today! Priorité a Droite info here.	Travel to France by Air

*Practical Advice:* This section is for the first timer with helpful hints on how to make your first drive in France a relaxing experience, even driving on the right hand side! For example making sure that you always have some cash ready for the autoroute tolls (see picture above).	Route Planning: Advice on route planning with the best maps, traffic advice and the best rest areas on the main autoroutes.

Radar Trap on French Autoroute Avoiding the speed traps: Of course, the best advice is to comply with the law then you need have nothing to worry about. But if you insist on speeding your way south on your summer holiday, then you may like to look at this website which offers information about automatic speed traps (above left) in France.
Speed trap warning sign

And look out for the radar trap warnings (see right) that seem to be springing up on the main autoroutes....every one we've seen has been followed within a few miles by a radar trap! Look for the words "Pour votre Securité"... Stop press (May 2011): We hear that the warnings will be removed over time. Also French police have a major crackdown on speeding. 5kph over the limit and you can be in trouble....see here.

Travel Sickness Advice: We would recommend to make sure your children aren't too tired as this always seems to bring on travel sickness. Keep a plastic container accessible just in case!

If you get stopped:
We've spent many years holidaying in France and travelling there on business and never used to be stopped by the Gendarmerie. But in recent years there has been a marked increase in random roadside checks. In fact in the summer of 2005 we were not only stopped, but passed roadside checks on an almost daily basis in Normandy! So our advice is make sure your vehicle is legal, that you have all the necessary papers and all those little extras you are expected to carry on the continent such as spare light bulbs, warning triangle.... If in doubt, refer to our advice on "preparing your car" and "rules of the road".

If you are stopped you will probably be asked for "vos papiers" which usually means the car registration document, your insurance document and your driving license (permis de conduire). Bizzarely, although you will probably be spoken to only in French, it seems that presenting English documents is perfectly acceptable!

Glossary (Driving):
Aire – Motorway service station
Aire de Repos – Rest area (WC only)
Allumez vos feux – Switch on headlights
Autre directions - Other directions
Bouchon – traffic jam
Cèdez le passage - Give way
Centre ville - Town centre
L'essence - Petrol

Faites le plein – please fill the tank

Gazole – Diesel fuel
Gendarmerie - Police station
Interdit aux piètons - No pedestrians

L’huile - Oil
Permis de Conduire - Driving License
Route barrèe - Road closed
Sans plomb – unleaded petrol
Serrez à droite - Keep right
Serrez à gauche – Keep left

Sortie - Exit
Suivre - Follow
Toutes directions - All directions
Toute Droit – Straight on
Travaux – Road works
Vous n’avez pas la priorité – You don’t have priority (usually a reminder at the entry to a roundabout that you must give way to traffic on the roundabout)

Driving in France..