Alsace
Armagnac
Bergerac
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Cahors
Chablis
Champagne
Cognac
Duras
Gaillac
Languedoc
Provence
Rhone
Roussillon
The Loire

Driving in France, French Roads & Motorways

Driving in France,French roads and motorways- how do you cope? What are they really like? What does it cost?

We believe that the only real way top see the vineyards and the countryside is to have a car.
An often asked question is how do you cope with the driving? Coming from a right - hand drive country driving on the left does require a more focused and attentive driving style - actually I believe I am a “better” driver when in France.
I have tried driving a car from the UK but found it more difficult and would not recommend the practise. In addition we always use an automatic - I don’t like trying to find the gear shift in a narrow village road!

Rentals and Lease cars When visiting France we recommend that visitors from countries outside the EU and holidaying to more than 3 weeks obtain a Eurolease car (note this is only available to persons outside the EU). Our current recommendation is for 1.6 l diesel Peugeot 308 Automatic with GPS. Roads There are three main levels of roads in France: Local and regional roads that link villages and towns. Be warned what looks like a comparatively short journey could turn out to a lengthy wander through small villages on narrow roads and mountain passes. Great if you want to see the real France! The motorways a free highways that offer good driving but the may go through towns and cities where you can encounter delays and congestion. You may also get lost! The Autoroutes are toll motorways and a real pleasure to drive on. You can either pay by cash or use your credit card. The tolls are not high and more than compensate in save time and energy. They are a credit to French engineering being designed and constructed in a way that most countries would be envious of. There are frequent rest areas and service stations along the way that are sign-posted well in advance. Note some of the rest areas vary in facilities and standards. Of course there is congestion at times and dates to avoid if you can would be the beginning and end of August when many French families take a month long holiday. Other weeks to avoid if possible at the ones nearest July 14th and August 15th. Seatbelts Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers. Crash helmets must be worn for all forms of motorbike travel. Speed limits Unless otherwise indicated the speed limit in urban areas is 50 kph in built up areas, 90 kph on other roads, (80 in the rain) and 130 kph on autoroutes (110 in the rain). Speeding on the autoroutes can result in an automatic booth to booth fine. Road signage Excellent road signage is through out the country. In towns or villages head for the “Tour Directions” - a central point that has a group of road direction signs. Motorways have both early warning and well marked off ramp BUT if you are on an autoroute bear in mind that the next off ramp exit maybe 50 kilometres further on. Town and local signage is standardised and attractive. Insurance Carry your insurance, car log book and your driving license with you at all times whilst driving. It is an offence to not to do so. When wine tasting It is an offence to drive with more than 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood. (About two glasses of wine). We are careful never to “drink” wine when visiting vineyards but rather taste and spit out. Better still, taste the wines and buy a bottle or two to enjoy when you get home to your gite. DON’T DRINK and DRIVE!