Guide for driving in Europe - France some of this information supplied from companies we work with - jmlvillas.com, insurance4carhire.com, Holiday Autos, Essential Travel and Economy Car Hire and other acknowledged sources. It is presented on this site without responsibilty of jml Property Services / insurance4carrental.com and should not be relied on for accuracy.

Driving in France

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left.

General Driving Tips (some of this information supplied by holiday autos)

Speed limits: Built-up-areas: 50km/h (31mph) outside towns: 90km/h (56mph) priority roads and toll-free motorways: 110km/h (68mph) toll motorways: 130 km/h (81mph) - this reduces in wet weather - More on this here

France is a large country with a similar size population to England, Scotland and Wales, however the area of land that the population occupies is much smaller. It is possible to drive from north to south easily in one day using the excellent motorway/autoroute network and over the border into Spain or Italy, but make sure there are two drivers so you are not tired. Alternatively take a long leisurely drive along tree lined N Roads through open country and picturesque towns and villages.

Speed Cameras: There are more and more speed cameras in France (useful web site is controleradar.org/)

They usually have a warning sign a few metres or so before you see the camera and it is often set on a dual carriageway in the central reservation to capture traffic on both sides of the road. They are much nearer to ground level than those found in Britain and Ireland. They are often located on motorways on more dangerous sections particularly when the speed limit is reduced to 110 kmh and usually they are working! Remember if you are driving a hire car your fine will be passed onto you by the car rental company.

If you are driving on foreign plates, don't think you are safe from prosection now. A letter in the August/September 2007 edition of "The Riviera Reporter" concerned someone whose son had passed an Italian radar camera that flashed him. The fine was passed onto the French authorities to pursue via the local Prefecture. The same writer also knew of someone who had been speeding in Switzerland and the fine demand went overeas.

According to The Riviera Reporter "Harmanisation and intra-EU cooperation is under way and not only fines will have to be paid, but soon points will be deducted from your licence no mater where the offence was committed. This will include offences in the UK and any other EU country as well as Switzerland"

In the April /May 2011 edition of The Riviera Reporter "Speed cameras The proximity of an automated camera radar trap is no longer automatically posted in France. Instead, zones where such traps are common will usually be signposted as much as 2 kilometres in advance rather than the 400 metres previously.

That leaves plenty of time to forget, so don’t. Over a thousand new speed cameras will be installed in France before 2012 adding to the 2800 already in place. More than 20 of these new cameras will be in Alpes- Maritimes including several in dense urban locations such as the Nice train station flyover"

Radar Detectors: It is illegal to use these and you can be fined up to  1,500 and lose 2 points of your license. However it is not illegal to download a map of where the speedcameras are from the French Government website www.securiteroutiere.equipment.gouv.fr

In the April /May 2011 edition of The Riviera Reporter "Time-lapse traps (radars tronçons), which measure average speed between two distant points, are being installed on major traffic arteries throughout France. This means that drivers can no longer slow down where they know there’s a speed camera only to accelerate afterwards. Licence plate recognition technology will be put to full use here. In the Bordeaux region they are testing a system that can recognise lorries and coaches which have different speed limitations from passenger cars" More information Here

The February / March 2012 edition provided the following updates: Radar detectors - After much debate, devices that detect speed cameras are now formally forbidden. In theory, using a device that actively warns of cameras is now punishable with a €1500 fine and the loss of six points. It is generally accepted that passive devices which show known speed camera positions without detecting them actively are acceptable if they are dubbed "danger zone warning devices".

In 2012, 400 new fixed radar traps will be installed and there will no longer be advance-warning panels on roads equipped with them.

Speed limits in France: Don't put yourself in the frame Stick to the speed limit in France, warns Chris Dearden of The Independent – foreign motorists are being targeted - October 2010 "a gendarme on his BMW motorbike overtook us and gestured for us to follow. Half a mile later, we turned in and parked alongside a dozen other cars, all caught in the same speed trap -My friend's on-the-spot fine had been €90, but a Dutch Audi driver had been relieved of €700, courtesy of a nearby cash machine. Working on an average fine of, say, €250, and 20 cars an hour, 10 hours a day, that speed trap could be pulling in €18m a year.

The French are un-ashamedly targeting foreign drivers with mobile speed traps along with instant on-the-spot penalties. And the penalties don't stop at relieving you of some of your holiday money, either. If you are 50kmh over the limit, your licence will be confiscated, posted back to Britain at some indeterminate date in the future, and your six-month ban on French roads starts immediately. Just in case your reaction to this possibility is to turn on your UK legal radar detector as you drive off the ferry, you need to remember that if caught, its use in France will bring about immediate arrest." Read the full article here

Drink and Driving: Blood alcohol limit is 0.05 - barely 1 unit of alcohol. (0.5 grams of alcolol per litre of blood means about one glass of wine- might be better not to drive) More information Here

In-car alcohol tester / alcohol breathalyser: By July 2012 it will be obligatory for all drivers in France to carry a breathalyser (éthylotest) in the glove box and not in the boot. Costs will be from around €2 from pharmacies and other outlets. If you are not carrying one you are liable to be fined €11.

Police (including the municipal police) can now test drivers for narcotics, including cannabis. Driving while under the influence of drugs is sanctioned like alcohol-related offenses.

Traffic on major roads has priority. Where two major roads cross, traffic coming from the right has priority as warned by the sign 'danger priorité à droite'. Where there is no sign, give way to the right.

Traffic on a roundabout has priority and signs saying 'cedez le passage' or 'vous n'avez pas la prioritè'. In some areas the old rule of traffic entering roundabouts having priority applies so be cautious where there are no signs

Headlights: If a driver flashes his headlights in France, he is generally indicating that he has priority and you should give way. This can be confusing as in the UK it usually indicates that a car is usually indicates that a car is letting you out. Lights should be used in poorr visibilty and in tunnels.

Trams: Do not overtake a tram when it is stationary with passengers getting on or off.

Traffic lights don't show amber after red. Flashing amber means continue with caution. They do have a great idea in France, a much smaller version much lower down that is easier for the driver to see whilst waiting at the lights. Traffic light sequences are like those in Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Italy and many other European countries. They are unlike the UK in so much as when the light has gone red, instead of going to amber, they go straight to green. However they go from green to amber to red to stop traffic. You will often find that at night or at other quieter times some traffic lights flash amber from every direction.

This means that no one has a right of way, but all drivers must proceed with caution. You still can't turn right on a red light (as in some countries) but in recent months a few French intersections in congested areas do allow it to assist traffic flow. These exceptions are clearly marked so don't make any assumptions unless you see the sign.

Seat Belts: It is complulsory to wear seat belts in front and rear and children under ten years old are not allowed to travel in the front seat (unless there are no seats in the rear). In the rear they must use a proper restraint system - bolster cushion.

Mobile Phones: From 2012, the fine for using a mobile phone or texting while driving has been increased from €35 and a 2 point penalty to €135 and 3 points. If you are found to have been using your mobile phone for speech or texting at the time of the accident you will almost certainly be considered at fault no matter what the other driver did.

If you are driving with a dog, it is advisable to harness the dog in using a special dog harness. A dog like a human that is not secure in the back can cause serious injury(or death) to the front seat people if it is not secured by a harness.

Carrying a warning triangle (see further down) is compulsory. It is recommended that visitors equip their vehicle with replacement light bulbs as well. From July 2008 A reflective vest is also complusory (like in Italy and Spain - In Spain you must carry reflective vests for all occupants). In-car alcohol tester / alcohol breathalyser: By spring 2012 it will be obligatory for all drivers in France to carry a breathalyser (éthylotest) in the glove box and not in the boot. Costs will be from around €2

Pedestrian Crossings According to The Riviera Reporter April/May 2011 edition - Pedestrians now have right of way over cars when crossing the road – even outside zebra crossings. Drivers must give way when a pedestrian gives a clear intention that he wishes to cross. A clear intention is defined as the pedestrian taking a step forward at the curbside or making a hand gesture to imply that he wishes to cross.

The new rule does not apply when nearer than 50 metres from a zebra crossing as the pedestrian is expected to use the crossing if there is one within that distance. Pedestrians are nevertheless obliged to respect traffic lights at zebra crossings – no question of just stepping onto the crossing when the light is red or walking diagonally rather than on the zebra crossing itself. Failure to give right of way to a pedestrian carries a fine of up to €135 and 4 points off your licence.

Driving Licence: A valid driving licence - If it is issued in the UK and the driver has passed his / her driving test at 17, you cannot drive a car in France till you are 18. The minimum age for car rental is 21 but check with your car rental company about minimum and maximum ages. Minimum Driving Ages European Countries - Here

Motor Insurance: If your vehicle is registerd in the UK, you are not obliged to show an international insurance certificate or green card, however proof of insurance may be needed so take your insurance certificate showing fully comprehensive insurance.

Vehicle Registration Documentation: Take your vehicle registration document with you, but don't leave it in the car (in case the car is stolen). If the car does not belong to you you should have a letter of authority from the registered owner and a copy of the registration document.

Warning / Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles - First Aid Kits - Fire Extinguishers - Headlight convertors -Reflective jackets-: These should always be carried - many manufacturers issue them as standard. In the event of a breakdown the warning triangle should be displayed as well as hazard warning lights.

It is recommended that a first aid kit be carried - again many manufacturers issue them as standard and a fire extinguisher. If you are driving a right hand drive car, you should put convertors on to stop dazzling oncoming drivers. The reflective jacket should be kept in the passenger compartment, not the boot as French Police can inspect a vehicle at any time it is on the move. This does make a lot of senses, because if you breakdown, particuarly on the motorway/autoroute you need to get out of the car wearing it.

Contrôle Technique - A car over three years old must have a contrôle technique.This is to check that the card is road worthy. It must be completed every two years at an authorised garage. Check that your garage can carry out the contre-visite (the second visit after essential repairs have been carried out) is free. When your car passes the contrôle technique you are given a macaron contrôle technique a sticker that is displayed on your windscreen (Like in Ireland). If you are planning to sell your car you must have a completed within 6 months of the sale.

February 2012: Contrôle Technique updates - A vehicle's first CT (MOT) must take place within 4 years of the1ère mise en circulation shown on the registration paper. The CT is then obligatory every 2 years for private vehicles and every year for vehicles registered to a business.

Camping vehicles must now have a pollution test every year. When you are registering a newly acquired car the CT must have been done within 6 months of purchaThe contrôle technique 2012 looks at more items than previously and will take about 10 minutes longer and cost about €10 more. The speedometer must now be shown to function but its accuracy won't be tested. The horn must be in working order and its fixations will be verified.

Brake fluid lines are now tested for cracks and potential leaks, as are power steering lines and fluid levels. Wheel bearings will now be checked for wear and excess play. Fog lights and rear windscreen anti-misting are now tested as well. Lateral body parts such as rigid decorative door guards must be firmly installed with no risk of them coming off and injuring someone. All doors must now function so that passengers can escape in case of accident or fire. The petrol tank must be in good condition and not leak. The anti-theft steering wheel lock will now be verified to ensure there is no danger of it locking while the car is in motionse if the vehicle is more than 4 years old.

The penalty for an outdated CT is €135 and results in immediate confiscation of the vehicle. The registration papers will be retained by police and you may then be granted a fiche de circulation provisoire allowing you seven days to get the car to a testing station. Once the car passes the CT, registration papers will be returned. Except for registered collectors' cars, even vehicles that are not used must now be tested although it's hard to see how this can be enforced.

The new CT sticker (macaron contrôle technique) shows the expiration date in much bigger letters than before so police can read it from a greater distance.A valid contrôle technique is the only accepted indication that your tyres, brakes, lights and other safety features were working properly at the time of an accident. Without an up-to-date CT you can be held responsible for an accident even if, in theory, it isn't entirely your fault. This isn't new but it's something too many drivers ignore. Source February 2012 Contrôle Technique update - Riviera Reporter

Motor cyclists: Motorcycles over 125cc must use dipped headlights during the day. A crash helmet is compulsory for driver and passenger.

Motorways - Autoroutes: The motoway network in France is excellent. The majority of the country is covered by pay autoroutes and in most places they accept credit / debit card payments at the pay points (Tolls) Péage. The longest section of free motorway runs along the Channel coast (La Manche) to Lille near the Belgian border.

In many city areas the autoroute will be free in the zone around the city (not in Nice for example) and you will stop at a Péage to collect a ticket and stop at another at then of that section's toll road to pay. Most autoroutes are very well served by fuel stations, some with hotels. Approximately every 15 kilometres you will find an Aires - This is rest area with parking, tables and chairs for picnics and toilets, but no fuel. There are normally emergency telephones on the autoroute network every 2 km. These are orange and marked SOS.

It is illegal to drive on a French motorway at less than 80km/h (approx 50 mph) in the fast lane.

You have to drive slower by law on French motorways when it is wet.

From 2012, except for emergency breakdowns, driving on the hard shoulder of an autoroute / motorway will cost drivers €135 it was previously €35.

Fuel: Petrol - Essence | Unleaded - Sans Plomb (Green on pump handle)| Diesel - Gazole (Black on pump handle)| LPG - Gepel/GPL| Please note that most larger petrol stations will accept credit cards, however many of the automated ones will only accept a French one.

Winter Tyre Requirement: These are not compulsory, however recommended for mountain driving or snowy / ice conditions.

Disabled Parking: The Blue Badge is recognised in all European countries - More information Here

Fédération Française des Automobile Clubs -To enter the site, click on the image above left

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Information from holiday autos about France

France, the biggest country in western Europe, has a wealth of contrasts. To the west, Brittany's landscape resembles Cornwall while the Loire Valley is home to ancient Châteaux and the Atlantic coast has miles of spectacular beaches. The Champagne region to the north east is flatter than the gentle wine-growing slopes of Burgundy to the south. The snowy and icy conditions in the Alps and Pyrenees demand careful driving between November and March.

Ferries, Eurostar and budget flights. These days it couldn’t be easier to hop across the channel. France car hire is by far the best way to get around, from the bright lights of Paris to the sunny beaches of the Cote d'Azur. So for the freedom to do what you want when you want book cheap car hire France today.

car hire in Nice - Near, naughty and nice. The Cote d'Azur is only two hours by plane from the UK. Car hire France is the best option to explore the south of the country at your own pace. Climb the steps of the castle for an aerial shot of the city. It’s pretty impressive . Bet you thought it was in Canada. Want to feel the sand between your toes? Take the car down to St Tropez. Don’t forget the sun lotion.

See also: Nice Airport gets new Car rental terminal - June 2011

car hire in Nice - Everyone loves Paris – it is the city of love after all. The Eiffel Tower, Mona Lisa, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame. By hiring a car you'll be able to explore all that Paris has to offer. The Arc de Triomphe is a must. Be patient, it’s the world’s largest roundabout. Book car hire and head to the Louvre and take in some art. Even if you’re not that into art, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Travel Tips from holiday autos: In Paris It’s best to leave your hire car in a car park than on the roads. It may not be in one piece when you get back. Watch out for those speed cameras throughout France.

Book car hire in France - here

Code Route - France

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FACT FILE — France:

France is very easy to get to either by air, sea, the channel tunnel or road. There are now more than 6,000 kms of motorways covering the country and connecting to other European motorway networks.

It can offer a wide variety of holidays to suit all tastes. It has coastlines bordering the Channel, the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.

There are the mountain ranges — the Alps, the Pyrenees and the attrractive valleys of the rivers Loire, Rhone and Dordogne and of course the medieval villages, castles and picturesque countryside of Brittany, Normandy, Provence, the Dordogne and the French Riviera(Cote d'Azur). Architectural and interest abounds through out the country and there are many festivals. The French are noted for their love of good food and wines. You will normally eat well wherever you go and will find the regional speciality dishes well worth sampling.

The South of France, like some of its Mediterranean neighbours is a sunshine refuge during the depths of winter. Here you can enjoy excellent temperatures and look up to the snow covered Alps that are only a short drive away from Monaco, Nice & Cannes.

The country itself is known officially as the French Republic. It is divided into 26 administrative régions: 22 are in metropolitan France (21 are on the continental part of metropolitan France) the other one is the "territorial collectivity" of Corse, on the island of Corsica. The régions are further subdivided into 100 départements. The departments are numbered (mainly alphabetically) and this number is used, for instance, in postal codes and vehicle number plates. The departments are further subdivided into 342 arrondissements.See Departments and Regions in France - Click Here

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. It is also the capital of the Île-de-France région which encompasses Paris and its suburbs

Other Cities and Major towns:

Lyon is the third largest city and situated in the east and located between Paris and Marseille.

Lille is in north eastern France on the Deûle River. It is the capital of the Nord-Pas de Calais région and is also the préfecture (capital) of the Nord département. It is situated very close to the Belgian border.

Reims is that is in north is often considered the capital of Champagne. It is very close to another Champagne town — Epernay.

Rouen is the capital city of Normandy, in northwestern France, and the capital of the Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy) région.

Bordeaux is a port city in the south-west and is the capital of the Aquitaine région, as well as the préfecture (administrative capital) of the Gironde département. Its inhabitants are called Bordelais. The name Bordeaux and wine are very much associated and it has been produced in the area the eighth century.

Nice the city name also as Nissa in Italian and street names in two languages because of its proximity to Italy on the Mediterranean coast and once forming part of that country. It is a major tourist centrer and a leading resort on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur). Nice airport is the second busiest airport in France.

Rennes is in the north west, in the east of Brittany. It is the capital of the Bretagne région, as well as the préfecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine département.

Marseille is France's largest commercial port and the largest in the Mediterranean. It is the second largest city in France and the third metropolitan area.

Grenoble is situated at the foot of the Alps, at the confluence of the Drac into the Isère River. It is in south-east France in the Rhône-Alpes région, Grenoble is the préfecture (capital) of the département of Isère.

Le Havre is in Normandy in northern France on the English Channel, at the mouth of the Seine. It was the port-of-call for French ocean liners making the Transatlantic crossing (cf Cruise ship). Le Havre is known as "La Porte Océane". It is the second largest city in Normandy after Rouen. It is the second largest exporting port in France.

Metz in the North-East and is the capital of the Lorraine région and of the département of Moselle (57). It is located at the by the Moselle and the Seille.

Toulon is a city in the south of France. It has a large military harbour on the Mediterranean coast with a major French naval base. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur région. it is is the préfecture (capital) of the Var département, in the former province of Provence.

The Country is a founder member of the EU — European Union (formerly the EEC — European Economic Union)

Voltage: Electricity: 230V, 50Hz European round 2 pin plug

Currency: — Euro (€) Currency Conversion Here

Telephone Country Code: +33

Telephones in France — Mobile phones - All mobile phones start with 06. Calling a mobile from a land line can be very expensive. If you are visting France for a while instead of relying on your home country mobile you can buy a "nomad" Pay as you go sim card. You will need a French address.

Landline phones — The French telephone network is run by France Telecom (Orange). Peak hour (heures pleines) rates run from 8am — 7pm Mon-Fri. The weekends, national holidays & hours between 7pm & 8am are classed as off peak (heures creuses)

Emergency Telephone number: pan-EU Emergency 112 Can be used in all EU Countries and it can be dialled from a locked mobile or a mobile with no sim card.

Ambulance (samu) 15

Fire (Pompiers) 18

Police 17 Police Municipale: — For Town & City areas Police Nationale: — For local district area Gendaramarie: — Run by army deals with serious crime

Public Holidays in France — There are eleven jours feriés

New years day (Jour de l'an) — January 1, Easter Monday (Pâques lundi), Labour Day (Fête du premier mai) — 1st May, Victory in Europe 1945(Fête de la Victoire 1945; Fête du huitième mai) — 8th May, Ascension Day (Thursday), Pentecost, July 14 — Bastille Day(Fête nationale), August 15 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption), November 1st -All Saints Day (La Toussaint), November 11 -Armistice Day 1918 (Jour d'armistice) and December 25 — Christmas Day (Noël)

Tips and Topics In France, Corsica and Monaco 2008 onwards - CLICK HERE

Tips Tips and Topics In France, Corsica and Monaco 2005 to 2007 - CLICK HERE

How did the South of France look in the 1920s and 1960s? - CLICK HERE

Biot — South of France Picture Gallery- CLICK HERE

Interesting places to see and visit in the South of France - CLICK HERE

Factfile South of France - CLICK HERE

Source jmlvillas.com - (some of this information has been provided by jmlvillas.com clients)

See also: Identifying car hire cars in France

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Nice and the South of France in January Taking a break in the South of France can be great at any time of the year, however in January the weather is often much better than in northern Europe and it is a lot less crowded than in the summer. More Here

The Cannes Film Festival - le Festival International du Film de Cannes The festival is held every May, it is an opportunity for directors from all over the world to show their work. If you are in the area at that time you can really have a great day and night watching the rich and famous or those seeking fame.You can even see movies on the beach. More Here

Visiting the 50th Juan Les Pins Jazz Festival 2010 - The 50th International Jazz Festival at Antibes Juan-les-Pins (Jazz à Juan) was on between 14th and 25th July. The weather was superb with some of the hottest July days for 30 years and a great cast of performers More Here

Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in France? - Click on the image below

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