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Travel to France

Travel to France

Traveling to France by car is a real pleasure! We will tell you about all that is important to know the Russian traveler, who went to this country in his car. Also, this information is useful to those who are going to rent a car to explore this amazing country on their own.

The capital of the French Republic is Paris. The language is French. To the French language, the French are, at least, without enthusiasm and the Russian-French phrasebook definitely does not hurt. Currency – Euro.

Roads in France are considered the best in the world after Singapore. Motorways are really comfortable and very picturesque, and the French are pretty neat drivers. Enough places to relax motorists with free toilets. The fact that these rest areas are often made in places with very beautiful views is also captivating. Toll sections are paid depending on the vehicle category and the distance traveled by it. The tariff is displayed on the board at the entrance to the paid section. You can pay by cash or credit card. Payment may also be subject to travel on some bridges and tunnels. The official site of the french roads is here.

At gas stations, gasoline is paid after refueling. The cost of gasoline in France can be found in the section Gas prices in Europe. By the way, approaching Paris, be prepared for traffic jams …

Roundabout Circulation in France

French roads are unusual for us round the intersections without traffic lights. Circular motion with several exits sometimes makes you nervous – the navigator does not always accurately show the exit. But it is better to make an extra circle than to hurry and go in the wrong direction.

The implicit rule is to enter the circle, to give in to those who are already spinning on it. Although the roundabout in France is of two types. The first type is indicated by the signs Vous n’avez pas la priorit? (you have no priority) or C? dez Le Passage (give way), which states that vehicles moving in a circle have priority. And the second type of roundabout is denoted by the familiar blue sign with white arrows and means the advantage of cars entering the circle and driving according to the “right handicap” principle.

Parking in France

Free parking on the street of the French city is possible, starting from 19-00 and until 9 am, as well as on weekends. Pay for parking in the parking machine, it is usually indicated and the rate. Wrongly parked cars are being evacuated at the expense of the owner of the car.

Finding a parking place in the center of a large French city is very difficult. We observed a colorful picture on the streets of Paris – a mini-machine, traditional for France, bravely shoved other crumpled fellows with its crumpled bumpers to push into a place on the side of the road. So the best way to leave the car in Paris is to quietly go for a walk – specially equipped paid parking (for example, underground) in a shopping center or at any sight (you can right under the Notre Dame Cathedral). Parking in France for more than a day in one place is prohibited. If you need to put the car for a long time, you will need a special parking.

Always check whether you have closed your car and do not leave things in the car!

 

Important phones in France

  • Police – 17
  • Firemen – 18
  • First Aid – 15
  • European emergency number – 112

Features of the Traffic Laws in France:

Traffic regulations in France are similar to European ones. Of course, you need to skip pedestrians at crossings. Pedestrians have an advantage throughout Europe and without hesitation enjoy this right, so beware!

At roundabouts, in front of which are signs Vous n’avez pas la priorit? (you have no priority) or C? dez Le Passage (give way), vehicles moving in a circle have priority. If these signs are not present, the cars entering this intersection have priority.

Speed ​​( unless signs prescribe otherwise)

In the inhabited locality – 50 km / h, outside the inhabited locality – 90 km / h, on the highway – 130 km / h. The minimum speed on the motorway is 80 km / h. If the visibility on the road is less than 50 m, then the maximum speed should not exceed 50 km / h!

Alcohol

Disposable breathalyzerAliable blood alcohol level – 0.5 ppm. According to the new rules, drivers must have a disposable breathalyzer in the car. From March 1, 2013, a penalty of 11 euros will be charged for his absence. Breathalyzer must be French. You can buy it at a gas station at the entrance to the country (they are also sold in pharmacies and supermarkets). Cost – from 2 to 5 euros.

Low beam

Low beam during the day is obligatory in conditions of insufficient visibility and when passing through tunnels. It is recommended to use dipped headlights around the clock for all-wheel drive vehicles.

Seat belts

Be sure to wear seat belts, including in the back seat! Children under 10 years old are not allowed to be in the front seats. They can travel only in the back and in special car seats. Children weighing up to 13 kg must be transported with their backs in the direction of travel.

Mobile phone

It is forbidden to use the phone without a Handsfree device.

Fines

The fine may be paid to the police officer who issued the receipt.

Equipment

  • Warning triangle.
  • The use and even transportation of anti-radar is prohibited.
  • The radar positioning function in the navigator must be disabled.
  • Reflective vest (required when leaving the car when stopping on the carriageway or curb in poor visibility or at night).
  • Disposable French breathalyzer.
  • Winter tires are required from November 1 to March 31.
  • Studded tires are allowed from November 10 to March 31.
  • Spare bulbs are highly recommended.

 

Car route to France

We recommend the route to France from Moscow through Belarus, Poland and Germany with three stops for the night: in Warsaw, after crossing the Belarusian-Polish border, Berlin (or Potsdam) and in Cologne (or Dusseldorf). Thus, the trip to Paris will take four very bright days (approximately 2900 km and 31 hours on the road). France is also included in many of our routes. In Paris or Nancy – the route for autotravel in Europe №1. And if you want to visit the mountain resorts, such as Annecy or the fabulous Cote d’Azur of France, to enjoy a beach holiday, such as Saint-Tropez or Monte-Carlo, choose the European Automobile Route No. 2 …

Find and book a suitable hotel with parking in any city in France for the best price deals using the well-known online service booking.com (booking confirmation, even with the possibility of free cancellation, is accepted by the French visa center when you apply for a Schengen visa for autotravel)

Shopping lovers in the Outlets section of France can find addresses and coordinates for the navigator of the best outlets in the country. How to return the tax after purchases in France – in the article Return Tax Free in Europe.

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