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Vacation in France by Car – Road Trip through Southern France Tips and Tricks
Certainly possible with our rental cars – the prices on the website are the same. Only an insurance fee of 60 CHF is added. NO ADDITIONAL COSTS.
France is an extremely attractive country for holidays.
We provide valuable tips for vacations in France by car. Beware – different traffic rules and travel regulations apply in each country, and we’ll clarify them for you. Today in our blog – France.
France boasts a well-developed road network, making it easily accessible by car from Switzerland.
The French Mediterranean island attracts Swiss visitors by car every year. But the surf waves of the Cote d’Azur or the Atlantic coast on the west are also popular holiday destinations in France.
We’ll tell you what to consider when traveling by car in France and how to avoid unpleasant surprises on your journey. Before heading to France, we recommend planning your vacation carefully in advance. Which cities do you want to visit? How much time do you have? Is a stop along the way worthwhile?
There are many travel destinations in France: Depending on your destination, it’s important to note that French highways radiate outwards and point towards the capital, Paris. East-west connections are therefore usually not ideal.
When driving to France, you must carry your identity card and driver’s license.
To avoid fines and other penalties, we recommend adhering to local speed limits in France.
In France, a CH sticker must be affixed to the rear, or else a fine is imposed. The warning triangle must also be in the car, and it’s advisable to carry spare light bulbs unless your car has LED lights.
Carry at least one high-visibility vest, as you are only allowed to exit the car wearing one in the event of an accident or breakdown outside of construction zones.
On the highway, you don’t need to set up a warning triangle, but it’s mandatory on country roads. In winter, winter tires (minimum tread depth 3.5 mm) and snow chains must be used (speed limit 50 km/h). Both are required in France depending on weather conditions. Those who do not comply will face fines and will not be allowed to continue.
Children under 10 years old must sit in an appropriate child seat.
What’s the alcohol limit?
The blood alcohol limit in France is 0.5 per mille.
Note for novice drivers: For the first three years of driving, the blood alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille.
Charging Stations for Electric Cars?
The charging infrastructure is very well developed throughout France, with over 70,000 charging stations. Additionally, highways and urban areas like Paris are well-supplied, with more than 140 of the country’s 440 service areas having power outlets. However, rural areas are less developed. Note: Without a charging card, the charging station cannot be activated.
Mobile Phones While Driving
Do not use or hold a mobile phone while driving. Otherwise, you’ll receive a €135 fine. For additional violations, such as not using indicators, your driver’s license will be revoked. Only use the integrated hands-free system in your vehicle for phone calls. All types of headphones are also prohibited.
Peculiar Rules?
Of course, France has those too. For example, always wear sturdy shoes while driving; driving in loose shoes like flip-flops is prohibited and results in a €75 fine. By the way, eating or applying makeup while driving is also prohibited – even at red lights or in traffic jams. Anything that could distract the driver is forbidden, including listening to music too loudly when there are no significant ambient noises in traffic.
Toll Fees
French highways are tolled, most of which are operated by private companies. Only some city highways and certain bypasses are partially free.
The toll fees depend on the route and the vehicle class.
https://www.autoroutes.fr/fr/itineraires.htm
On the highway, the maximum speed limit in France is 130 km/h, reduced to 100 km/h in wet conditions.