driving in france as tourist

Américaine in France

Tips for americans driving in france.

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Last Updated: June 30, 2023

Driving by car is a great way to explore France, travel on your own schedule, and see areas of the country that are harder to access by public transportation. As an American, you’ll find that driving in France is not all that different from driving in the United States.

Whether you are planning to drive in France in a rental car as a tourist or you’ve just moved here, it’s essential to take note of the rules of the road. Let’s look at some of the key differences and important road signs so that you know what to expect when driving in France.

Table of Contents

Can you drive in France on a US license?

As a short-stay visitor, you can drive in France on your US driver’s license. It’s a good idea to bring an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) with you. This is simply a translation of your driving license. It is not valid on its own and must accompany your actual driving license. You can obtain one quickly, easily, and cheaply from your local American Automotive Association (AAA) .

If you’re in France for a longer stay, keep in mind that your American driver’s license is only valid on French territory for one year. You’ll need to consider exchanging your US driving permit for a French permit or going through the process of preparing for the French driving tests and applying for a license in your own right.

Can you rent a car in France with an American license?

You can rent a car in France with a US driver’s license. An IDP (see above) is not necessarily required. The rental agency can ask you to present an IDP, but they might not request it at all.

Each rental agency has their own terms and conditions for renting. Most car rental agencies in France impose a minimum age of 18 years (or more for certain vehicles) and at least one year (sometimes two years) of experience. Additionally, there are supplementary charges for younger drivers. Anyone below the age of 25 is generally considered a young driver.

While manual cars are very common throughout Europe, there are also options for automatic cars. The rental price for automatic cars is typically higher.

It’s beneficial to shop around when choosing a car rental agency. Compare costs as well as terms and conditions.

How is driving in France different from driving in the States?

Driving in France is not too different from driving in the United States and should be fairly manageable for an American to handle. Here are a few noteworthy differences to keep in mind before getting behind the wheel. This is based on what stood out to me!

Traffic Circles

While the United States is ruled by stop signs and traffic lights, France is primarily ruled by traffic circles. Known as un rond-point in French, roundabouts are super practical, allowing for a continuous flow of traffic.

In truth, you can go around as many times as you like in order to verify signage and make sure you head off in the right direction. If you’re traveling around more than half of the roundabout, keep to the left lane (if there is one). Keep your left turn signal on until you are ready to exit. A right turn signal will allow others to know that you are exiting. Be sure to check your blind spot on the right before leaving the rotary.

If you’re having a hard time visualizing what’s going on here, you’d definitely benefit from the 360º driving tours offered in the Tripiamo France Driving Guide . Sitting in the car during the tour will help you virtually experience and practice what it’s actually like going through a traffic circle in France.

Related: Gain the Confidence to Drive Anywhere With Tripiamo

Priorité à droite

Priorité à droite is a fundamental French driving rule that can cause confusion for foreigners and natives alike. The basic tenet of priorité à droite is that you must yield to cars entering from the right. In this way, even if you are driving along a main road, you might find a car suddenly pulling out in front of you from a minor road. This can be confusing (and dangerous!) for Americans who are used to having priority on a main road.

Related: 15+ Signs You’re an American Expat Living in France

Although priorité à droite is the default rule for determining who has the right of way, there are so many signs around France indicating when it is not in effect that one wonders why they didn’t just repeal this rule in its entirety.

At a rond-point , if we’re abiding to priorité à droite , those in the traffic circle are supposed to yield to those entering. Indeed, this is the case for perhaps the most frightening of all the French roundabouts… I’m speaking, of course, of the rotary around the Arc de Triomphe . However, most traffic circles throughout France these days have a cédez le passage sign for those entering to yield to those already in the roundabout. This will probably feel like common sense to you!

A yellow square (diamond) sign means that you have the right of way and priorité à droite does not apply. Many major routes will have signs like this. When you see that the yellow square has been crossed out, priorité à droite is back in force. This is frequently the case when entering a town or village.

Another indication that drivers on the main street have priority over minor streets is if you see a solid white line on the minor road. This signifies that the driver on the smaller road needs to stop, thereby yielding to the cars already on the main street.

Right on Red? Don’t even think about it!

As you roll to a stop at a traffic light, resist the urge to creep forward in preparation for making a right turn on red. Unlike in the States, this is not the default. Right on red is not allowed in France unless otherwise indicated.

Read more: Things You Can Do in the United States That You Can’t Do in France

Speed Limits

Take note that speed limits are indicated in kilometers per hour (kph), not miles per hour (mph) 😉

What I find most frustrating about driving in France is that the speed limit is not always displayed. Sometimes, you’ll simply encounter a sign indicating that a certain speed limit is no longer being imposed and you can return to the normal speed limit. It’s expected that you know what type of road you are driving on and the speed limits that are associated with that type of road.

This is not a big deal and certainly something you can get used to, but it can be a bit disconcerting when you’re unsure! I found that the GPS on my phone is often, but not always, accurate in displaying the speed limit. Keeping up with traffic can be a good rule of thumb as well.

It is rare to see police pulling cars over. Speed limits are most often enforced by radars. If you’re speeding, you’ll be sent the fine by mail. This is also the case if you are renting the car. Don’t worry—They’ll forward any fines along to you!

Types of Roads

Autoroutes in France are highways designated by the letter A followed by numbers. They are generally the most efficient route to take when driving for a long distance across the country. The speed limit is 130 kph but this decreases to 110 kph when it’s raining. There are often tolls ( péages ) to use these motorways which you can pay by credit card or cash.

When on an autoroute or other major motorway, you should drive on the right and pass on the left. If you are not actively passing someone, you should move over to the right lane. When there are more than two lanes, the slowest vehicles (like trucks) typically travel in the farthest right lane. In this case, you can travel in the middle lane.

Note: If you are driving in a middle lane and you see that the car behind you is flashing their lights, this could be signal that something is wrong with your car or you left a turn signal on, etc. However, what’s more likely is that they are giving you encouragement to drive a bit faster!! If you are going exactly the speed limit, consider yourself a slow moving vehicle and move over to the right lane.

Routes Nationales in France are designated by the letter N followed by numbers. Routes Départementales are designated by the letter D followed by numbers. Both are generally toll-free, yet larger and with higher speed limits than communal roads.

When in a town or rural area, communal roads can be quite narrow in some areas. It’s often necessary to pull off the road slightly in order to provide enough room for a car coming in the opposite direction to pass by.

Bonus! Driving Tips for Paris!

Notoriously busy, driving in Paris is not for the faint of heart. It can be a bit stressful, so if you can avoid it, I would strongly advise against driving in Paris. Public transportation in Paris is great and will probably get you where you’re going faster than taking a car.

However, sometimes it’s unavoidable, like if you’re renting a car to head out of the city for a day trip. Here are some tips for driving in the capital:

• Plan your route in advance and avoid major ronds-points if you can. Trust me, you won’t enjoy the Arc de Triomphe nearly as much if you’re driving around it in a car. 
• Most streets in Paris are limited to 30 kph.
• Be assertive! Just like in any large city, drivers can be a bit aggressive, so stand your ground (within reason!).
• Be wary of those on scooters! They don’t seem to follow any rules of the road.
• Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists as well. While more reasonable than the rogue scooter, they can’t be fully trusted either.
• The first Sunday of the month, the Champs-Élysées and central Paris are reserved for pedestrians. See a map of all pedestrian zones in Paris here .
• When heading back to Paris, gas up outside of the city. Pumps in the city are hard to locate and very pricey. 
• Tapping bumpers when street parking in Paris is standard practice. (But don’t tell anyone I told you that.)
• Parking garages are often tucked away underground. While a more expensive option, this will save you time from trying to find a spot on the street as well as the hassle of parallel parking under pressure!
• For more info on parking fees and suggestions for parking apps, check out the City of Paris website .

Did this guide help you? Say thanks with a cup of coffee!

Have you ever driven in France? What advice might you offer to an American driving in France for the first time?

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8 thoughts on “ Tips for Americans Driving in France ”

Amazing tips, thank you!

Happy to help 🙂

I was just there and am still confused why cars behind were flashing their lights at me every now and then. Did they want to pass or expecte.to pull.more to the right? Because this happened on a major route with 3 lanes with me I’m the middle

Hi Joshua, Great question! If a car behind you is flashing their lights, they could be trying to signal to you that something is wrong with your car, like a tail light is out or you left a turn signal on, etc. What’s more likely though is that they are giving you encouragement to drive a bit faster! It’s been my experience that drivers in France tend to drive over the speed limit, especially if they’re familiar with the area and know that there aren’t any speed radars nearby. Thanks for reaching out. Hope you had a nice time here 🙂 Ellen

This is a very informative blog post/article. I was a little concerned about driving in France, but your post put me much more at ease. We are driving a rental car from Charles de Gaulle Airport to an AirBNB in Bagnolet, then driving to and from the Normandy D-Day beaches the next day (a Sunday) and returning the car to the airport the following morning and using public transportation for the rest of our trip. Do the “driving in Paris” cautions apply to driving between CDG and Bagnolet? Any advice about driving to/from Normandy?

FWIW, I’ve driven in several large US cities (LA, San Francisco, Washington DC) with which I wasn’t especially familiar, and have also driven in the metro São Paulo, Brazil area a few years ago. Thanks!

I’m so happy to hear that this post has put you more at ease. Thanks for letting me know, Stephan! Since you’ll be driving from CDG to Bagnolet, you will likely not be crossing into Paris proper which is designated by a ring road called Boulevard Périphérique. Outside of the ring road, you will be in greater Paris, in the suburbs. Many of the tips I mentioned still apply but overall, you’ll likely encounter much less congestion than if you were in central Paris. Sounds like you have plenty of experience driving in major cities, so I think you’ll manage well! I don’t have any specific tips for driving to/from Normandy. It’s a great area to visit with a car so that you can see everything you want to. Enjoy your trip! Ellen

Heading over in just a few days. Great information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

So glad this was helpful. Have a great trip, Tom!

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France by Car – Guide to Driving in France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Driving in France as a Tourist

So you are planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to France and are wondering how to get around efficiently, all while seeing the beautiful country at your own pace. Naturally, touring France by car is a fantastic option for transportation in France .

In this guide to driving in France as a tourist, you will learn how to drive in France, and we will cover everything you’ll need to know, including driving requirements, common rules and regulations, and more. This guide to France by car also comes with a driving in France checklist, so we are sure you don’t forget anything!

Driving In France Guide – Table of Contents:

• Driving in France requirements
• Renting a car in France
• Driving in France checklist
• Roads in France
• Toll roads in France (Péages)
• Villages Etapes
• Driving in Paris
• French Crit Air (pollution stickers for France)
• French road signs and French traffic signs
• Rules of the Road in France
• Car accidents in France

1. Driving in France Requirements

If you plan on traveling to France by car, you need to be aware that there are certain requirements before getting behind the wheel. The following are the documents that you must have with you at all times and other requirements for legally driving in France.

• Valid Driver’s License
• Current registration and proof of purchase (if driving your own vehicle): When driving your own car, a valid driver’s license, as well as registration or proof of ownership, is required to be with you at all times in the car.
• Valid Passport: a passport is required for both the driver as well as any other people in the car.
• Valid Car Insurance: For car rentals in France, double-check your contract and agreement that this has been included in the paperwork or is in the car and is up to date.
• All drivers must be 18 years of age in order to drive in France. Even student drivers with a permit and with an adult are not allowed.
• Towing: If you intend on towing anything behind your primary vehicle when traveling to France by car, ensure that you have all the proper licensing documentation from the country of origin. This includes a sticker on the license plate from your country that matches the plate on your car.

2. Renting a Car in France

Car hire in France is a fantastic choice to tour France on your own. You can book through sites such as DiscoverCars.com . This site is great because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and more, and compares prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work.

We have written a dedicated article about renting a car in France , with all the information and our best tips for car hire in France.

So you’ve got wheels; now what?

3. Driving in France Checklist

What are the driving requirements in France? What are the essentials for a road trip in France? If you are heading out on a road trip through France, there are some things you should remember to check and take. This driving in France checklist will see you right.

This packing list for a road trip , instead, includes personal items to keep you comfortable and general travel items.

4. Roads in France

Knowing the different kinds of roads in France can make a huge difference in the comfort, ease, and stress of driving.

Roads Labeled:

» A: These are ‘Autoroutes.’ Other countries call them motorways or interstates. An example of this in France is the A8.

» N: The ‘N’ stands for ‘National Strategic Truck Routes.’ These roads are good alternatives to toll roads and Autoroutes, but you can expect them to take longer than the motorways.

» D: A ‘D’ road is a county (Departmental) road. ‘D’ roads can be anything from tiny little roads to busy streets that once were national routes.  If the latter is the case, they will have received new street numbers, so a current map is vital to understanding where you are driving.

»  Road Numbers: It can sometimes be confusing if you see multiple numbers on a road sign. French road numbers will be white on a red background.  European road numbers are white on a green background.  Oftentimes, both will be listed, especially if the road leads from France to another European destination.

» Péage: This means Toll Road Ahead

» Bis: Oftentimes, there will be alternative routes posted with the word ‘Bis’ and a destination. For example, you may see ‘Bis Lyon.’  This is the equivalent of the British ‘Holiday Route,’ which is simply a secondary or alternative option to the main motorway.  These will often have less traffic or are to avoid traffic jams.

5. Toll Roads in France (Péages)

When driving in France, while there is no vignette required, you can expect a toll on almost all Autoroutes. The signs ( péages) are well marked, and you will know when you approach a new toll.

You will typically come to a toll plaza that has machines in each lane where you will take a ticket stating where your toll starts.

You pay for the toll when you exit the motorway to either an attendant or another automatic machine that takes credit and debit cards.

In addition to the toll roads, you may also encounter tunnels or bridges that also require a toll. For most of these, you will pay before entering.

For further information regarding French toll roads, you can learn more here .

TIP: this really useful tool estimates the costs of the fuel and tolls for traveling from A to B in France (you can change the price/liter).

6. Villages Etapes

Village Etape  is a quality label in France that could be translated as “Stopover Villages.” The concept is very simple: located less than 5 minutes from a national road or a free motorway, the Villages Etapes offer all the shops and services necessary for your breaks on the road in a much more picturesque atmosphere.

Read more about the Villages Etape – where they are and what they offer –, and make your French road trips more enjoyable by planning your breaks around them.

7. Driving in Paris

While driving to France is great for exploring the countryside, it is recommended not to bring a car into the French capital.

Paris has a great public transportation infrastructure, making car hire pointless. For example, the traffic in Paris can be overwhelming for tourist drivers. The highway that encircles Paris is the la Périphérique, and there is almost no way to avoid it when driving into the city.  It becomes quite hectic when you need to exit (on the far right out of 4 lanes) but simultaneously needing to head the car merging (also on your right!), all while keeping a careful eye on the 70 km/hr speed limit!

Once IN the city, driving is still quite stressful, and then finding parking in the city is also extremely difficult. Even if you are lucky to find street parking available, you have to pay to use most of them.

Therefore, take advantage of the great public transportation in Paris and ditch the car. If driving your own vehicle, there are many easy and affordable parks and rides outside of the city – for example, Disneyland Paris. Simply park at the lot, pay the fee, and take public transportation into the city.

If you need a rental car after your time in Paris, there are plenty of agencies with locations on the outskirts of the city (to avoid city driving), or rent a car at the airport (also on the outskirts). We recommend doing this at the end of your time in Paris, just before heading off to your other destinations.

TIP: Book ahead of time with DiscoverCars.com to get the best prices .

Gas/fuel Stations in Paris

While there are several gas stations along the circular ring road (périphérique) when entering Paris, they can be harder to find in the actual city. If you are planning to drive to France, it is also best to fuel up outside of Paris, as prices tend to be cheaper away from the city.

You can use a Gas Finder App or even Google Maps to help figure out the best routing option for fueling up.

Watching Out for Cyclists and Pedestrians

When driving in Paris or anywhere in France, remember to give pedestrians the right of way and to always be on the lookout in busy locations.

Cyclists don’t always follow traffic laws. You may find them cruising in between lanes and dodging in and out of cars. People walking sometimes run out into the street, despite the signs telling them to wait, so just be vigilant and patient.

8. French Crit Air (pollution stickers for France)

Many EU countries have emission laws in regard to driving, and France is no exception. Since 2016 vehicular access to certain cities /areas has been governed by the requirement to display a valid French Crit Air – Air Quality Certificate clearly visible on your windshield.

These areas have been designated “low emission zones” and can be permanent (ZCR or “Zone à Circulation Restreinte”) or temporary (ZPA or “Zone de la Protection de l’Air”).

The main cities /areas where this applies currently are Paris, Grand Paris, Rouen, Montpelier, Grand Reims, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Marseille, Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Nice .

Basically, diesel vehicles made before 2006 are not allowed in these areas at all. Other vehicles should display the appropriate certificate (which you can apply for here ).

The French Crit Air sticker is mandatory in low-emissions zones for mobility (LEZ-m) and during periods when the traffic is differentiated. Signs will be posted in the restricted areas and will include the time of the ban.

You can easily get the French Crit Air sticker online a few days before driving in France. For vehicles caught without the proper sticker, expect a fine.

Some rental car agencies will help you obtain these, others you will need to order one ahead of time yourself. Speak to your car rental company to know if you will need to get one on your own.

For more information as well as to obtain a sticker, click here .

9. Rules for Driving in France

French Traffic Signs

When driving in a new country, you must familiarize yourself with the local roadway rules and signs. While many of the French traffic signs can be easy enough to figure out, such as the “warning” signs, others are not as intuitive, like the signs stating who has priority when and where or those with French words on them (if you don’t speak French).

Luckily, most French traffic signs are the same as you will find throughout the rest of the EU, so if you are driving elsewhere, you may not need to learn too many extras.

TIP: Here is a complete visual list of driving in France road signs to learn before you start driving.

10. Rules of the Road in France

Rules for driving in France are pretty common and typical among other EU countries’ driving regulations. However, make sure you’ve read through the following so you understand if you need to take further actions to ensure you are within the law.

»  Seatbelts: ALL passengers are legally required to be belted. In fact, it is the driver who can be ticketed and fined for passengers not wearing seat belts.

»  Infants and Car Seats: All babies and infants are required to be in proper car seats. If under the age of one, it must be rear-facing.

»  Children Under 13: Please make sure that all children under 13 either have the correct car seats or booster seats for their age and height or belt adjusters. Also, children under 13 are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.

» Drinking: France is extremely strict about drinking and driving. The blood-alcohol level can only be below 0.02%, which for many people is even just one drink! Serious penalties, such as extremely high fines, license revoked, and even jail, are all things you don’t want to have to deal with on your trip to France.

» Driving With Headlights On: While it is only compulsory for motorcycles to have headlights on at all times while driving, it is strongly encouraged for all drivers to have low beams on while driving both during the day and at night, especially when on country roads.

Keeping high beams on when approaching oncoming traffic can also result in tickets and/or fines.

» Right of Way To the Right: Like most European countries, whoever is approaching on the right has the right of way unless otherwise noted. When in doubt, give the right of way! For example, when driving on a neighborhood road, any roads to the right of you have the right of way over you. While there are certain street signs to indicate who has the right of way (see the above section and recommended links), you may also see a sign stating “Vous n’avez pas la priorité, “ which means you do not have the priority. This is a perfect example of making sure you have reviewed and understood all of the above road signs so that you follow the laws of the local country.

» Driving in Kilometers: For most countries, this is not an issue, but if you are coming from a country that uses miles instead of kilometers, just make a mental note and start looking at conversions to familiarize yourself with the difference. For example, 50 kilometers/hr is 31 miles/ hr, which is what you will find on many highways. Most Autoroutes have a speed limit of 130 km/hr, which is roughly 80 mph. Speed limits can change depending on current driving conditions, so it is essential to be paying attention to the signs.

» French Roundabout Rules: Roundabouts are found all over Europe, but for foreigners, they can be confusing and scary. Just remember that you must head to the traffic already in the roundabout before entering. Use your signal only to indicate when exiting.

» Driving in France: Left or right? Many people ask how to drive in France (which way), and the answer is that they drive on the right, like most mainland EU countries. This also means that when entering a roundabout, the traffic will go clockwise.

11. Car Accidents in France

Nobody likes to envision a car accident or breaking down while on their trip. However, it is still important to know exactly what to do if something should happen.

• Put on your safety vest from your driving kit .
• Set up the red warning triangle (also in your driving kit). Give enough distance for oncoming cars to become aware that a car is on the side of the road or there is an oncoming accident.
• If in an emergency or car accident, dial 15 on French lines or 112 on international phones
• ‘Constat Amiable’ (Friendly Declaration): If you were in an accident, you’ll fill out the ‘Constat Amiable’ form. At this time, it is advisable to call your insurance company to ensure that all information needed from the scene is obtained.  No matter the accident, make sure you have all names, vehicle registration numbers, insurance information, and contact information.
• For any injuries with any party involved, everyone must remain on the scene until the police arrive.

Before starting your French road trip, we recommend downloading the free app SOS autoroute . Thanks to geolocalisation, SOS autoroute will connect you quickly to the nearest security station to report an emergency or an unusual event.

We hope that this guide to driving in France as a tourist was useful to you. By now, we are sure you know the best tips for driving in France, and you are ready for your first trip to France by car. Bon voyage!

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Driving In France As A Tourist

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: September 11, 2022  - Last updated: April 14, 2023

You’ve finally decided to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip to France. Now you’re wondering how you’ll be able to make the most of your time there while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery at your speed. Your best bet is renting a car and driving around France, to enjoy the scenery and somehow experience life as a local.

Driving in France is not that different from driving in other countries, but there are some subtle and not-so-subtle distinctions that you need to be aware of to prevent getting into an accident and experiencing a significant amount of frustration.

Want to know more about how you can drive around France as a tourist? Check out our guide for all the information that you need to drive safely and hassle-free in France.

Things you'll find in this article

Driving In France As Tourist

Rental car agencies, requirements when renting a car, vehicle categories, car rental cost, regulations regarding age, car insurance, insurance coverage, allowable blood alcohol content, types of roads in france, traffic signs, safety seats for infants, children younger than 13 years old, right of way, traffic lights, more reminders and tips when driving in france.

Renting A Car in France

Renting a car is a good alternative to bringing your vehicle if you’d like to maximize the comfort of your trip. It can be challenging to figure out where and how to rent a car in France, but here are a few things you need to consider.

You can reserve a car in advance of your trip, or you can look into rental firms in person once you reach France. You can easily contact many of these businesses right from the airport, and you may even specify where you want to be picked up. Companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt are just a few examples of automobile rental agencies.

If you need to reserve a car, you can do so with the help of your smartphone. Make sure you’re only ever using trusted sources for your web browsing. Provide only the information that is required to complete the transaction. You should avoid being a target of fraud and scams at all costs.

You can also make a walk-up reservation at the airport if you’re having trouble with the online booking system.

Always examine the rental company’s policies beforehand, as they may differ from those of other companies. Minor variations in the law regarding the operation of a rented vehicle in France are possible, however, the following are some of the more standard requirements:

• A current, and legitimate local driver’s license
• A valid French international driver’s license
• Any international debit or credit card can be used for a deposit or a full payment of an advanced booking.
• You must bring a voucher or documentation showing that you paid for the rental before picking it up.

There is a large selection of rental vehicles available, so you may pick one that best suits your needs and preferences while on vacation. Mini-vehicles and economy cars are available for rent if you’re looking for something more maneuverable and cost-effective. Family and compact cars offer plenty of space for everyone and their bags on long road trips. In France, you may even rent high-end cars.

Getting behind the wheel of a rented car in France is more affordable than in any other country. If you’re lucky, you can rent a car for as little as €15 to €45 per day. However, rental rates can change based on the vehicle type. Make sure you know how many people will be riding in the rental vehicle before you start asking around for the rental charge. You can also use a credit card to rent a car in France.

Each car rental company sets its minimum age limit per its policies. In France, you must be at least 18 years old to rent a car from most agencies, while others will require you to be at least 21 or 23.

In France, if you are under the age of 25, you may be subject to a daily surcharge of €30–€40 that is not included in the price of your virtual booking. You’ll have to fork over cash on the day of pick-up, and it could prevent you from renting some vehicles anyway.

Most car rental businesses in France, especially those catering to younger drivers between the ages of 18 and 21, include insurance in their base pricing. This is because drivers there are required by law to hold third-party insurance. If you currently have auto insurance, you may want to verify that it covers travel to France.

If you’re concerned about potential rate hikes or hefty deductibles while making a claim, all-inclusive automobile rental insurance can be a good option for you. If your existing policy doesn’t provide enough protection, this one will.

Included in the cost of your insurance premiums are things like sales tax, fire protection, theft protection, medical payments coverage, and roadside assistance. Rental fees in France may be more expensive if you’re younger than 25. Renting a car with a major credit card like Visa, MasterCard, or American Express may come with complimentary insurance.

If you choose that route, make sure you have proof of insurance and registration ready to present to the automobile rental place.

Updated French Road Regulations

Drivers in France should be aware of recent changes to the law:

Less than 0.2 grams of alcohol per liter is permissible for drivers and passengers with less than three years of experience. The limit drops to 0.5 g/l after three years of experience.

No one may use a headset or headphones while driving a car or riding a motorcycle. But this doesn’t apply to fully integrated motorbike helmets.

• Reflective outerwear

If riders’ bikes break down or something else goes wrong, they must have fluorescent jackets to keep them safe.

• Reduced-emissions zones

Fuel and diesel vehicles manufactured before 1997 are not permitted in Paris’s Low Emission Zone, which is in effect between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Since 2020, only cars and trucks built after 2011 are permitted. Paris also prohibits the use of diesel and gasoline buses and tractors manufactured before 1997. Learn more about the pollution regulations in France here.

• Smoke-free zone sticker

If you plan on driving through specified municipalities, you’ll need to get a Crit’Air sticker. It costs $3.60, and drivers can be fined nearly $120 on the spot if they are caught driving without one.

• Speed limit

To prevent as many as 400 deaths annually, the French government has lowered the speed limit from 100 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour) to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour) on several A and B routes.

There are three distinct kinds of roads that connect different parts of France:

These highways are known as “interstates” or “freeways” in the United States. The most lanes and the fastest speeds are on autoroutes. In France, autoroutes are indicated by blue signs and a capital letter prefix (e.g., A11). The usage of an autoroute typically incurs a fee in the form of “peages,” or periodic toll booths.

These are also called “highways.” In France, nationals are denoted by adding an “N” to the beginning of the road number (for example, “N10”). Typically, nationales do not have toll booths.

• Departmentale

Normally, a departmentale will only have two lanes, one going in each direction. These routes often meander through rural or suburban regions, as their maximum speed limit is lower. There are white road signs to help you find your way, and the road number begins with a “D.” (e.g., D453).

Note that the speed limit is always clearly marked on the right side of the road in a white circle with a red border and a black number inside.

Traffic Rules in France

If you plan on driving in a foreign nation, it’s important to research road regulations and signage before you go. Some French traffic signs, like the ‘warning’ signs, are straightforward to understand even if you don’t speak the language. However, others, like those indicating who has priority at specific times and places or those with French words on them, can be more challenging.

Fortunately, most French traffic signs are also used throughout the rest of the EU, so you may not need to learn too many additions if you plan to drive elsewhere in the EU.

Belt use is mandatory for all passengers. The driver is the one who might be booked and fined if passengers are not wearing seat belts.

Babies and infants of all ages must use appropriate car seats at all times. If the child is younger than one year old, the seat must be installed facing the back.

Please check that any children under the age of 13 are properly restrained in age- and height-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belt adjusters. The front passenger seat is also off-limits to anyone younger than 13.

Don’t second-guess yourself; always yield to oncoming traffic. If you’re traveling on a residential street, for instance, the routes on your right have priority. It’s possible to encounter a sign that says “ Vous n’avez pas la priorité ,” which translates to “You do not have the priority,” even though there are other street signs that indicate who has the right of way.

This is a great illustration of why it’s important to familiarize oneself with the road signs and act accordingly when in a foreign country.

A few things to take note of regarding traffic lights as you navigate the roads in France:

• There is no red-and-amber warning phase before the signal changes to green at a busy intersection. One of the cars following you might sound their horn gently to encourage you to move over if you take too long to do so. In many cases, the lights are set too high for the first vehicle in line to see. A small repeater light mounted at the top of the post is commonly used for this.
• The lights go through a sequence of green, amber, and red. If you cannot come to a complete stop before the light turns yellow, you may continue through. But if the rush hour traffic in a major city appears frantic, it’s best to exercise caution. Many motorists, impatient to get across an intersection, will try to do so during the amber period of the signal and may incorrectly assume that you will do the same.
• Drivers stuck in traffic are not permitted to proceed through a green-lighted intersection unless they are confident that they will be able to do so before the light turns red again. In no circumstances, regardless of the color of the light, should you enter a junction that is blocked by cars, people, or anything else.
• Turning right at a red light is prohibited unless the light is illuminated with an amber right arrow and you have given way to all oncoming traffic and other road users.
• When the lights are out or flashing amber, you should obey the sign on the light pole or near where it was installed. When there is no sign, you must follow the priority to the right rule, which states that you must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right. Due to the rarity of disabled signals and the possibility of confusion and accidents during any service outage, drivers should exercise caution and lower speed in such instances.
• Emergency vehicles always have the right of way, regardless of the color of the light at the intersection.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while driving in France:

• You need to be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid driver’s license from your country of residence. (In France, there is a program called “conduite accompagnée” that allows young drivers aged 16 or older to ride along with an adult, although this is unlikely to be of any use to foreigners.)
• You must come to a complete stop at STOP signs or risk a ticket on the spot. The same is true for red stop signs.
• Avoid driving after drinking alcohol and stick to the speed restrictions.
• It is not recommended to drive in Paris, Marseille , or Lyon due to the difficulty of finding parking and navigating the city. To avoid parking hassles in the downtown area, taking public transportation in from the suburbs is your best bet. Parking clamping has increased dramatically as a result of drivers consistently failing to pay the required price. A common consequence of parking in prohibited zones is having your rental car towed.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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Home » Europe » France » Driving in France: What to Know and Tips for Americans

Driving in France: What to Know and Tips for Americans

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: August 30, 2023

France is the world’s #1 travel destination and is synonymous with the good life: romance, fine foods, amazing art and incredible destinations. Many of the best spots are off the beaten path and best reached by driving a rental car. That can be intimidating for many people, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s everything you need to know about driving in France.

Renting a car in France and driving on your own can be scary prospect. If we can leave you with only one lesson, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Trust us, we should know. We wrote the book on driving overseas.  No really, we did. You can find our book, The Essential Guide to Driving Abroad , on Amazon. We mention this not to sell books, but to illustrate that we really know what we’re talking about.

We’ve rented cars and drove all over France: from Brittany to Provence, and the Basque Country to Alsace. We’ve crisscrossed the country many times by car discovering lots of hidden gems and seeing all the famous French landmarks . And want to share those lessons with you below!

Driver’s License

First, your driver’s license from the U.S. or Canada or your home country is valid in France. This is a question we get all the time. YES! You can drive in France on an American driver’s license.

However, there are times when it might be helpful to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). The IDP sounds fancier than it really is. It essentially translates your existing driver’s license into a bunch of languages (including French). They are cheap ($20), easy to get, and can save a load of hassle, particularly in the countryside. You can pick one up from AAA (or CAA in Canada ).

It is also a good idea to carry your passport with you at all times. We’ve been stopped by police in France and they have wanted to see both the driver’s license and the passport at the same time. And you will need to present both a license and your passport to rent a car.

Renting a Car

You can rent a car in France with a U.S. driver’s license. It is usually a simple process of booking online and then showing your driver’s license when you pick up the car. We have been asked if we had an IDP in both Alsace and Bordeaux when renting a car, but have not needed to show it.

Many of the same requirements for renting a car in the U.S. or Canada also apply to France. You need a valid driver’s license and some form of insurance. Specifically, under French law, you are required to have unlimited third-party liability insurance . Most major rental car companies (Hertz, Sixt, etc.) will include that automatically. If you are renting from a small/local/no-name company, confirm that this is included.

We recommend shopping around for rental rates as they will vary wildly. We use a comparison tool like Discover Cars to get the best rates.

Like the U.S., you generally need to be over age 25 to rent, or face additional “young driver” fees and stipulations (i.e., they will only rent you older, less desirable cars).

The big decision in France is automatic transmission or manual transmission ? It is true that manual transmission cars are much more common in France and also less expensive to rent. However, if you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, that will limit you to the more expensive automatics. In the past, the price difference has been huge, however, in recent years, automatics have become much more affordable.

Pro tip: Parking spaces are much smaller in Europe in general, including France. We always opt for the smallest car type that will fit us and our luggage. Rental agencies love to upsell Americans on the “upgrade.” You’ll find that upgrade comes with the very real drawback of fitting it into a parking spot.

Required Equipment in the Car

In France, there are a couple of required pieces of equipment that you must have in the car. These should be provided by the rental car company, but check before you take possession of the vehicle:

Yellow safety vest : You should have a yellow or orange safety vest for emergencies. It should be kept inside the car and put on immediately outside. You should not have it in the trunk.

Emergency triangle sign : You should have a pop-up emergency triangle in the trunk of the vehicle to deploy in case of breakdown or accident.

Breathalyzer :  In 2013, France passed a unique law requiring all vehicles to have a breathalyzer in it. But there were no fines for not having one, so it was a toothless law largely ignored by everyone. In 2020, the law was officially repealed. You might still see this mentioned on the Internet or in old documentation from the rental car company. Don’t worry, you don’t need it. And if you get pulled over by the police, they will have a breathalyzer ready for you. ( DO NOT drink and drive – the penalties can be severe.)

Types of Roads

First and most obvious, if you are wondering what side of the ride to drive on, it’s the right. Just like in the U.S. or Canada. And just like at home, you’ll encounter different kinds of roads and driving conditions.

In France, the highways are called autoroutes and are labeled on the map with an designation A and a number (such as A6 between Paris and Lyon, or the A7 connecting lots of great places in the south of France ). Most of these are toll routes and you’ll encounter toll plazas at regular intervals. You can pay for the tolls with cash or credit card.

Just like in the U.S. and Canada, you’ll drive right, pass left. Stay to the right unless passing (don’t sit in the fast lane). Use your turn signal to indicate lane changes and be respectful of other drivers.

These roads are less scenic; however, they are efficient in covering large distances between major cities.

Route Nationales

These national routes are typical major thoroughfares but connect lesser cities. They are designated by the letter N and then a number. The more digits, the less significant the roadway. For example, the N4 is a major roadway connecting Paris and the Champagne wine region, but the N104 is a short spur only going between two other highways.

These roads are typically one lane in each direction, but you might also get passing lanes and turning lanes at major junctions.

Routes Departementales

These are smaller roads that are designed by a D and a number. The more digits, the less significant the roadway. They connect small villages with small regional economic centers.

You’ll find that some of the best destinations lie at the end of these small roads. The Alsatian wine route and the Cotes du Rhone wine road are both D roads, as is Monet’s garden in Giverny .

Local Roads

These roadways do not have a letter/number designation and are instead called by a street name, such as Rue du Poncet in the Champagne region. They are almost always one large lane with no center line. It is usually possible for two cars to pass going in opposite directions, but sometimes it requires cooperative driving and letting the other person go.

If you are driving in France, you should expect to encounter tolls on the autoroutes, as well as at some bridges and tunnels. You’ll see toll roads and toll plazas designed with the word Péage .

If this is your first time driving in Europe, it can come as quite a shock how expensive some of the tolls can be. If you are wondering if the amount is correct, it probably is. Think of it as a small fee to see such a beautiful country!

Speed Limits

Speed limits in France are probably one of the most confusing aspects of driving. The reason is that you often don’t know the speed limits.

For example, the official French speed limits across the whole country are:

• Autoroutes: 130km/hr (80 mph), but that is reduced to 110km/hr (68mph) when raining. There is a further drop to 50km/hr (30mph) in periods of limited visibility (such as snow, fog, etc.).
• N and D Roads: In roads considered single carriageway (one lane in each direction), the speed is 80km/hr (50mph), dropping to 50km/hr (30mph) in poor visibility.
• Local roads and in cities: 50km/hr (30mph).

Know the speed limits. You are accountable for them, even if there aren’t signs posted. And rarely are speed limit signs posted in France off of major roads.

But here’s the thing. Due to law changes in France beginning in 2018, local authorities can also increase or reduce the speed limits on smaller roads. And there usually isn’t a sign indicating the new speed. Somehow, you’re just supposed to know.  It can be frustrating as a foreign driver.

Traffic Enforcement and Speeding

Policing whether cars are speeding or not has largely been left up to surveillance. Rarely do police get involved in ticketing speeders. Instead, you’re more likely to get your photo snapped by a camera violating the speed limit and a ticket sent to you (or sent to the rental car company, who conveniently has your credit card information).

There are two kinds of monitoring devices:

Traffic Cameras

These are fixed cameras by the side of the road where speeding is likely (downhills or uphill sections of roadway, transitions from rural highways, entrances to small villages, etc.). The cameras are housed in metal cabinets and point out at the roadway, snapping shots of drivers.

There are approximately 4,000 cameras throughout the country, so you’ll likely see a couple every day on your travels. On our South of France trip , we once counted 11 in a single day.

Private Speed Camera Cars

In 2018, France enabled private speed camera cars to catch drivers. These are unmarked vehicles owned by private companies who monitor speeds and take pictures of speeders, but while moving. There are about 500 of these vehicles on the road on a constant basis.

While the claim is that such cameras (more than in any other country in Europe) is to make the roads safer, these cameras are really a major revenue driver for the country. Speeding fines from cameras generates nearly $1 billion in revenue (and another $800 million in fines issued by police officers). Speeding fines is the fastest growing income source for the country.

Given the poor signage and the near ubiquitous nature of speed cameras, it is very likely you’ll get a ticket. Speed tickets have been issued for even 1 km/hr over the speed limit. If you get a ticket, try not to fret about it. It happens. Don’t let it ruin your trip.

Special Traffic Laws in France

Yield to the right or priorité à droite.

This is a difficult one for Americans because it generates tons of confusion (both with tourists and also with locals). The concept is “Yield to the Right.” When driving a car entering from the right should be given priority. So, as you are driving along, you’ll suddenly find a car pulling out into traffic from a minor roadway. To our minds, it is really dangerous and we’ve seen numerous accidents happen this way.

To complicate matters, there’s a near infinite number of exceptions to this rule. And yes, you guessed it, they aren’t well marked with signs. First, it doesn’t apply to autoroutes. Second, it generally does not apply at roundabouts (where standard laws apply – you must yield to a car already in the circle). And finally, if the route is marked with a priority road sign (a yellow diamond with a white border), you don’t have to yield. BUT, these routes are rarely marked with signs as a car comes in from the minor road. So if you are driving on the minor road, you don’t know if it is priority or not.

The reality is: drive defensively and watch for cars turning in front of you.

Right on Red

This isn’t America. There is no right on red in France . Often there are too many pedestrians to make a turn safely. Wait for the green. The ONLY exception to this is if there is a sign explicitly allowing it (and such situations are very rare).

Parking in France is like anywhere else in Europe. They have old cities that weren’t built to accommodate cars, so space is always at a premium. That said, follow the standard parking rules and you will be fine.

Look at the signs . A blue circle with a red border and a red slash through it means no parking.  A blue circle with a red border and an X through it means no stopping or no standing. Sometimes the signs can be confusing. Do your best. We got a parking ticket in Colmar thinking we were fine. The fees weren’t that hefty.

Next, look at the curbs . Because France has poor street signage, sometimes they just paint the curb and don’t put up signs. If you see a single yellow line, that means no parking and no stopping/standing. A broken yellow line (or dashed line) means that it is a loading zone and you can stop to load/unload your vehicle but not park. A painted white line means pay parking is in effect. A blue painted curb means free parking for a limited time (usually indicated by a sign).

Nearly all parking (whether street or lot) is pay parking. For street parking, look for the pay kiosk marked “ Payant .” You’ll have to pay, take a display ticket and put it on your dash. In recent years, France has also rolled out more automated kiosks where you just type in license plate for your rental vehicle (and there is no display ticket). Such on-street parking is relatively economical.

The other option is a parking lot or parking garage . There is usually a gate to let in that will dispense a ticket.  Take that ticket with you and pay at the kiosk (usually near the exit) before returning to your car.

Pro tip: Driving into the historic core of most cities in France is a special kind of hell. But all of them usually have a major street that forms a kind of ring road. It is often the boundary of the “old city” with the rest of city. It’s still in the interior of the city so it is close to everything, and yet is still a modern road. And in most French cities, there are usually multiple parking garages located along that road.

Find a large, modern garage, head to either the very top floor or the very bottom floor (depending on where you come in) since there will be fewer cars in those areas, and plop yourself into the biggest spot you can find. Walk the rest of the way. It’s a tried-and-true method for remaining sane, and has worked well for us in cities such as Avignon or Bordeaux .

What to Do If You Have an Accident or Breakdown

If you have an auto accident in France or breakdown on the roadways, put on your yellow, high-visibility vest and deploy your emergency triangle approximately 30 yards from the rear of your vehicle to warn other drivers. Call the emergency number 112 from your mobile or the orange emergency phones found every 2km on the roadways. Ask for an English-speaking assistant, who will guide you on what to do.

On autoroutes, your vehicle will need to be towed to a recovery zone by a local company. From there, your rental company’s roadside assistance provider can help. On other roads (D, N and local roads), your roadside assistance company can assist directly.

You may be instructed to fill out a driver declaration (called a constat amiable or amiable declaration) on the spot, which is similar to exchanging information in the U.S. Take direction from your rental company’s roadside assistance operator. Please note: If there are any kind of injuries, even minor, you must wait onsite for the police to arrive.

Tips for Americans

Other tips or laws to be aware of:

• Seatbelts are required for everyone.
• No children under the age of 10 in the front seat.
• It is illegal to talk on the phone (even with a hands-free headset) or hold your phone in your hand while driving.
• Reminder: No right turn on red.
• Do not drink and drive. The BAC limit in France is 0.05% (lower than in the U.S.) and the penalties are severe. Police set up random sobriety check points and EVERYONE must take a breathalyzer (not just those who seem impaired).
• Headlight use is mandatory at night. And when it is raining. And when driving through a tunnel. And when driving through an emergency or construction zone.
• It is illegal to drive on a bus lane (unless you are a taxi).
• Watch for motorcycles and mopeds. They can be difficult to see! And often break traffic laws for convenience.
• On roadways, it is illegal to cross a solid white line (such as overtaking/passing, or making a left, or making a right).
• The color of lights matter. Do not proceed or enter an area with a flashing red light (such as a tunnel, etc.). But, you can proceed on a flashing yellow light with caution.
• Pay attention to the fuel grade when pumping at gas stations. The color of the handle is different from what you are used to in the U.S. There are three fuel grades 95-Octane ( Sans plomb 95 ), 98-Octane ( Sans plomb 98 ) and diesel (labeled diesel, gasoil, or gazole depending on the station). Consult your rental car for the appropriate gas to dispense.

Have you driven in France? What was your experience or impressions?

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Driving in France as a tourist: Must know rules of the road

Driving in France as a tourist isn’t difficult; however, there are a few things that can confuse tourists. Here are all the things I wish I had known.

While driving in France as a tourist is not difficult, visitors may find navigating the different road systems and driving rules confusing. 

That’s why It’s always a good idea to review driving rules in France, including speed limits, road signs, and traffic regulations.

With these tips on driving in France in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your trip safely and confidently. 

Jump to section ↓

Who is this guide for?

My husband and I have been living in France for over a decade, so we’ve done our fair share of driving. From thousands of short trips to the grocery store and romantic weekend getaways  to long cross-country road trips with a car full of kids.

However, when we first arrived in France, we were a bit confused by some of the rules of the road, driving norms, signage, and other miscellaneous things. 

So, I decided to create this guide for anyone interested in legally and safely driving in France as a tourist or as a newly arrived resident based on my experience and the current French driving laws in France.

What this guide is not!

This is not a comprehensive driving in France guide, but it’s detailed enough with all the things you need to be aware of so that by the end of this article, you’ll feel more prepared and confident when you get behind the wheel and take to the French roads. 

We’ll cover everything from the type of driver’s permit you need, basic driving rules, important French road signs and other helpful tips for driving in France, such as how to manoeuvre in and out of a roundabout.

So buckle up; let’s start with the basics.

Tips for driving in France as a tourist: Crash course

Can tourists drive in France? (with a foreign driver’s license)

One of the most important legal requirements for driving in France is to have a valid driver’s permit.

If you have one issued from another country, you may be wondering whether you can legally drive in France with it. 

Yes, tourists can drive in France using their foreign driver’s permit. 

• Your foreign driver’s license must be valid.
• Your foreign driver’s license must have been issued by the country where you usually reside. 

Other conditions need to be met depending on which country issued your driver’s license, which I’ve detailed below. 

Do tourists need an international driving permit while driving in France?

Whether or not you’ll need an international driving permit while driving in France depends on whether your license was issued in certain European countries. 

These European driver’s license holders do not need an international driving permit.

If your driver’s license is from a country in the following European areas, you do not need to carry around an international driver’s license.

• The E.U. ( European Union )
• The EEA area (European Economic Area -Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
• Switzerland (part of the single market), Andora, and Monaco (both are microstates).

American, Canadian, U.K. and all other driver permits issued outside of the above European areas.

 If your driver’s permit was issued outside of the E.U., EEA, Switzerland, Andora, or Monaco, you must carry an international driver’s license or a translation of your foreign driver’s license while driving in France.

• International driving permit: You can carry an international driver’s permit with your foreign driver’s license or…
• If your driver’s license is translated abroad: The translated driver’s license must be legalized by a guaranteed apostille service with an official seal. 
• If your driver’s license is translated in France, Translation must be done by a sworn translator. In French, you would ask for a “traduction assermentée.” ( source )

What is the legal age to drive a vehicle in France?

You must be 18 to drive a car.

The legal driving age in France is 18.

That means, even if a minor has a valid driver’s license from another country, such as the U.S. or Canada, they cannot legally drive a vehicle in France until they turn 18. This rule also applies to minors living in France. 

Plot twist.

Minors who are legal residents of France CAN drive a motorcycle, 50CC moped or lightweight vehicle called a “Voiture sans permis” with a special French license. 

But minors travelling to France as tourists cannot get these special licences. Only legal residents living in France can. 

Misc but important things to know about driving in France 

You know the old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know?” Never assume anything about France’s driving rules and driving norms, and always verify.

Here are a few things that may differ from where you come from. 

What is The Driving Side In France?

Roughly 35% of the world’s population drives on the left side of the road, but France is not one of them.

In France, you drive on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left. Countries that drive on the left side of the road and many old British colonies such as Cyprus, Malta, India, Pakistan and Australia. Thailand also drives on the left side of the road but was never a British colony.

French Stoplights are not where you expect them to be

If you’re used to driving in the United States or Canada, you’re accustomed to looking across the intersection to see the red light. However, in France, the red light is on the same side of the street, which can be confusing for first-time drivers in France.

For example, if you’re the first person at a red light, the stoplight will be located on your left or right, sometimes at or near eye level and close enough to reach out and touch the light if you want.

French cars usually have manual transmissions (stick shifts, not automatic)

Just kidding, but one of the stereotypes about American drivers is that everyone drives an automatic and that most Americans don’t know how to drive a stick shift (drive a manual transmission)

Many French drivers prefer the feel of a manual transmission. Maybe it’s because they grew up driving them, or maybe it’s because they consider an automatic transmission an attack on their driving ability.

Although the number of automatic transmissions has slowly increased over the years,  before 1997, less than 2.6% of new cars in France had one . The higher cost was the main obstacle to the widespread use of automatic cars.

This may only affect you if you plan on driving a rental car in France because automatic transmissions may not be available or cost more to rent than a car with a manual transmission.

No Mobile phones or texting while driving:

Using your phone while driving, including texting, is illegal in France. However, the use of a hands-free kit is permitted.

You need proper motorcycle and scooter equipment.

When driving a motorcycle or scooter in France, both driver and passenger must wear a  helmet and CE-certified gloves. 

No right turn on red light (only on green or blinking yellow)

In some countries, you can treat a red light like a stop sign and turn on a red light once you’ve made a complete stop. Not so in France. You must wait until the light turns green or, in some cases, when the light blinks yellow to turn right. 

Surprise speeding tickets arrive in the mail.

France has a very efficient way of telling if you’re speeding; it’s by speed radar. 

I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I have returned home from a road trip only to receive a speeding ticket in the mail two weeks later. 

Important French Street Signs and Road Signs in France

France shares many road signs with other countries, such as the Red stop sign; however, others are less obvious, which can confuse foreign drivers.

Like most countries, the shape of the sign indicates the type of sign. For instance:

• Warning and yield signs are always triangle-shaped. 
• Informational signs such as crosswalks or speed bump signs are always square. 
• Directional signs are always rectangular with pointed ends to indicate the direction of the destination in question.
• And round signs are rules and obligations you must follow, such as speed limit signs. 

Here are some of the more important road signs in France that you should know. 

One-way street sign

One-way street signs in France are always blue signs with a white arrow, which could be pointing up, left, or right. 

Dead End Signs in France

The three main dead-end signs you should familiarize yourself with are the dead-end sign with no exit, the dead-end sign with a pedestrian exit, and the dead-end sign with a bike and pedestrian exit. 

Speed bump ahead sign

Any time you see a black speed bump in a white triangle, it indicates a speed bump ahead and that you should slow down. The white triangle can be in a blue box or a red warning triangle. 

No parking sign

No parking is allowed if you see a round blue sign in the center of a red circle with a red bar across the top. 

Speed limit signs

Speed limit signs are always shown on a white circle with a red border. 

Kilometre markers

If you drive along some of the older French roads and see something that looks like a little tombstone planted in the ground to the right side of the road, relax; no one is buried there.

These are simply kilometre markers, and they let you know what road you are on and at which kilometre you are located on that road. They may also tell you what direction you are driving towards. 

One of the most famous kilometre markers is Paris Point Zero, located right in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which looks like an ornate manhole cover. 

• Yellow is for the departmental roads (Letter D followed by the number of the road.
• Red is for national roads and autoroutes (Letters N or A).
• White is for rural roads (Letter C or R)

If all these French road types are confusing, then read the section about French roads. 

Who has the right of way? Priority driving in France

Many road signs, such as the “Stop sign,” are universally recognized throughout Europe; however, certain road signs are unique to France, and many have no text, so it’s beneficial to understand the basics.

One of the most important but misunderstood aspects of driving in France as a tourist is the concept of the “priorité à droite” or “priority to the right.”

Since, 2019, to obtain your french driver’s license, you must know the priority rules and be familiar with the priority signs. 

You must yield and give way to vehicles to the right (priorité à droite)

At some intersections, if not otherwise indicated, the “priorité à droite” rule applies. This means that vehicles entering from roads on your right have the right of way, so you should yield to them. This is why it’s called “Priorité à droite” (priority to the right.)

Although this rule isn’t as common as it once was, it can still catch drivers off guard in specific areas. As a tourist driving in France, it’s important to stay alert and be prepared for situations where the right has priority over the main road. 

Here are some examples:

• If you approach a stop sign, you must let the car on your right pass before you can proceed.
• When driving on a road, you might encounter situations where you need to yield to cars attempting to merge onto the road (though they often do not have priority).
• If you come across a yield sign, you must yield to other cars because they have the right of way or priority.
• At an uncontrolled intersection (no traffic lights or signs), yield to vehicles approaching from your right before proceeding.
• In residential areas, watch out for side streets on your right, as vehicles exiting those streets might have the right of way over the main road you’re on.

TIP: Even if the burden may be on the vehicle on the left to slow down and yield, assume that cars are not going to stop.  In the event of a collision, the car approaching from the left will likely be at fault if the vehicle approaching from the right has the right of way. 

Right of way driving signs in France

If you see a sign that is a yellow diamond inside a white diamond, this is an indicator that you are on the priority road until you see it cancelled by a black diagonal line through the sign. It means you have the right of way.  

If you see a red triangle sign with an X in the middle, this panel indicates a priority on the right. The driver facing this sign does not have priority and must give way to all drivers on the right. 

If you see a diamond-shaped sign with yellow in the middle, it indicates that the driver is on a priority road. Consequently, vehicles coming from the right and left will have to give way to it.

If you see a triangle sign with a pointy symbol pointing up, it indicates that other drivers will have to yield to you at the next intersection. This is a one-time priority and only concerns drivers who will go straight at this intersection.

How do roundabouts work in France?

Don’t know what is a roundabout?

What is a roundabout, aka traffic circle?

In British English, it’s called a roundabout; in North America, it’s known by a few names depending on the region: traffic circle, rotary and sometimes roundabout.

A roundabout is a circular road, usually with a center island, that works like a circular intersection where multiple roads converge. The benefit of a circular intersection is that it eliminates the need to wait at red lights and U-turns and makes traffic flow more smoothly, reducing idle time for drivers. And if you miss your exit, you continue around the roundabout again. 

Although the concept of circular intersection has ancient origins, the roundabout is considered a French invention . French urban architect Eugène Hénard built the first one in Paris in 1906 to improve traffic flow at Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly known as “la place de l’Étoile), with the arc de Triomphe at the centre of the island. 

How to enter a roundabout:

As cars approach this circular road/intersection on connecting roads, they gradually slow down to enter the roundabout without having to make a complete stop.

Drivers enter the roundabout and travel around a center island in a counter-clockwise direction, then exit off one of the connecting roads. 

• If you enter a roundabout and miss your exit, stay in the roundabout and circle around again to the correct exit.

How to exit a traffic circle

When exiting a roundabout, put on your blinkers and move to the right so that cars trying to enter the roundabout know you’re exiting. They can then enter safely rather than waiting to see if you exit or stay in the roundabout.  

Who has the right of way (priority) on a roundabout in France?

There are 2 types of Roundabouts, aka traffic circles in France.

• Carrefours à sens giratoire: Loosely translated as “Roundabout intersection” or “Roundabout junction.”
• Rond-point: Literally translated to “Round point.”

The main difference between these two types of French roundabouts is the priority rule (right-of-way driving.)

In many countries, vehicles already on the roundabout have priority; however, this isn’t always the case in France.

Most people in France use the term “Rond-Point,” regardless of the type of roundabout. 

Carrefours à sens giratoire: (Traffic circle / Roundabout)

Drivers already in the Carrefour traffic circle have priority.

• Drivers trying to get onto a “Carrefour” must yield and wait for an opening to enter the traffic circle safely. 

You’ll know you’re approaching a carrefour because the entrance to this kind of roundabout will be marked with a red and white upsidedown yield triangle with the words ( cédez le passage ) “Give way.”

Rond-point (Traffic circle / Roundabout)

Drivers entering the roundabout have priority.

At a Rond-point (traffic circle), the “priority to the right” (priorité à droite) rule applies.

• Drivers trying to enter the traffic circle have the right of way (priority of the right).
• Cars already in the traffic circle must yield to the cars trying to enter on the right.

There are no traffic signs or markings as you approach a rond point indicating you have the right of way, but the general rule is if there is no signage, drivers trying to enter have the right of way. 

Beware, not everyone will obey these rules. 

The Arc de Triomphe is at the center of France’s largest “Rond-point” (roundabout).

The world-famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris is situated in the center of one of France’s largest and oldest roundabouts, Place Charles de Gaulle (formally known as Place de l’Étoile.)

There are 12 roads running into it, which means that drivers have 12 entry and exit points.

Vehicles entering the roundabout have the right-of-way (priority), meaning that this is a rond-point, not a carrefour. Vehicles already in the circle must yield to the cars trying to get in. And those on the inner areas must give way to those on the outer rings trying to move towards the centre.

This can make navigating the roundabout challenging due to the high traffic volume and the complex layout of multiple lanes converging.

Main Roads & French Motorways in France:

France is a vast country with an array of roads, from dinky one-lane country roads to main roads and high-speed French motorways.

There are three main roads in France that you should familiarize yourself with and their speed limits. All three are easily recognizable because each has a clever lettering and number system to help you tell them apart. 

• Department Roads (D)
• National Roads (N)
• Autoroutes (Highspeed motorways: usually toll roads) (A)

Did you know that most French roads lead to Paris? You might be interested in reading Paris Point Zero: The hard to find milestone marker in the center of Paris

1) D= Department roads:

Departmental Road signs are recognized by the prefix “D” followed by a black road number with a yellow background, such as D45 and D34.

If you’re not in a hurry, want to take a more scenic route, and drive at lower speed limits than autoroutes, department roads are the way to go. Because D roads often take you through cities and villages, they are a great way to discover new towns along the way and get a view of France’s vast landscape.

2) N= National roads “Route Nationale”:

National road signs are marked with the prefix “N” followed by a number, usually in white lettering and red background, for example, N7.

Before autoroutes, the Routes Nationales was the highest road classification in France.

 N roads are (trunk roads) typically the shortest route between major centres such as ports, cities and airports, which is why you’ll often see more freight traffic on these types of roads.

3) A = Autoroute: French motorway

The quickest, most convenient way to get around in France is usually on a French autoroute, known in English-speaking countries as a highway, expressway, motorway or freeway, depending on where you’re from.

Most autoroutes in France are toll roads (“Péage”) and are easily identified by the letter A followed by a number depending on the region. (See section explaining tolls in more depth). Autoroutes also have rest stops (explained below).

• A1 is the autoroute around Paris.
• The 40s are near the Alps.
• The ’60s are in the south near Bordeaux and Toulouse region.

Toll Roads In France

As I mentioned earlier, the fastest way to get around while driving in France is usually the autoroutes, which start with the letter “A.” However, driving on autoroutes comes with a price because over 75% of all autoroutes in France are toll roads. 

You’ll know a toll booth is coming up when you see a blue sign with the words “Péage” written in white lettering. “Péage” is the word for toll.

PAYMENT accepted at tolls in France:

As you pull up to a toll booth on a French autoroute, pay attention to which lane you are in.

It isn’t very pleasant to enter a toll lane that only accepts cash when you want to pay with a credit card, so familiarize yourself with the French road signs above the toll lanes, which indicate the type of payment accepted in that lane.

NOTE: Sometimes, foreign credit cards don’t work at toll booths, so make sure you have some cash on hand to pay for tolls or bring multiple credit cards. 

COST of tolls in France:

Various companies own autoroutes across France, so you’ll usually pay more than one toll to get across the country. The price depends on the distance driven and the type of vehicle.

We drove from the south of France to Paris on one of our road trips, which cost us about 100 Euros in tolls round trip.

FRENCH TOLL CALCULATOR: How To Calculate or avoid French toll charges

If you plan on taking the autoroute, sometimes it’s helpful to know how much French toll road fees will cost beforehand.

You can calculate estimated tolls by visiting the site autoroutes.fr , where you enter your start and endpoint to get an estimate of toll road fees one way.

The site will also estimate how long the journey should take and approximately how much gas will cost you for your trip. 

If you want to avoid or minimize toll road fees or take a more scenic route, the site can help you build a driving route using mainly D & N roads (Department and National Roads), which are toll-free.

(See the screenshot below of an example itinerary from Montpellier to Paris).

How To Find A Rest Stop: Restrooms, Food and Gas on the autoroute

One of the benefits of taking autoroutes rather than the scenic toll-free departmental roads that there are REST STOPS at regular intervals along the way. On average, there is one rest area every 15 km with clean restrooms and picnic benches. Many rest areas also have restaurants, and some have gas stations.

To find a rest stop on a French autoroute, keep your eyes peeled for signs with the word “Aire De (some name)” on blue signs with white lettering. The French word Aire means “area,” and each rest area has a unique name.

For example, the sign in the photo above indicates that the rest area, called “Aire de Peypin,” is an 8km drive and has a gas station.

What is the speed limit in France by type of road?

The speed limit in France for cars and trucks that are less than 3.5 tonnes depends on the type of road and the weather conditions.

Speed limits will always be posted on a round red sign with a white center like the image above. 

Below are the five main speed limits by road type. 

Autoroutes: 

130km/h (80 mph).

When raining, the speed limit is reduced to 110km/h

Four-lane expressways:

Usually 110 km/h.

When it rains, the speed limit is reduced to 100km/h.

2 & 3 lane roads: National Roads

As of July 2018, the speed limit was reduced to 80km/h (56mph).

When raining, the speed limit should be reduced to 70km/h.

Urban town roads: Department roads

The speed limit is capped at 50 km/ 31mph on roads within the city limits. 

City speed limits such as Paris, Lyon, Toulon etc

Driving in Paris: As of July 2021, Paris reduced the city-wide speed limit to 30 kilometres per hour (19 miles per hour) on almost all Parisian streets.

It’s not the first French city to reduce its city-wide speed limit. As of 2022, there are over 200 cities that have a 30km speed limit. 

The goal is to reduce pollution contributing to climate protection, reduce noise and traffic accidents and improve safety for cyclists. 

Below is an interactive map of France’s cities that have lowered city speed limits.

What do you need to carry when driving in France?

French driving kit

In addition to a valid driving license, French law states that you must always carry certain things in your vehicle when driving in France—source : French service website .

If you’re driving in France as a tourist , most likely, your rental car will already have these things in the boot of the car. 

– Warning Triangle:

Since 2008, the law in France states that drivers must carry an approved warning triangle (Un triangle de présignalisationé) with the mark E 27R.

If you have car trouble or need to stop on a public road, such as to change a flat tire, you must place the triangle 30 meters behind your car to give oncoming cars enough warning.

It would be best if you also put your hazard lights on. The fine is 375 Euros if you don’t comply.

– A Reflective Security Vest :

French law also states that you must have an approved reflective vest (un gilet de sécurité réfléchssant) in your car, which you must wear if you need to stop on the side of the road. The fine is 375 Euros if you don’t comply.

If you’re renting a car, these things should already be in the car’s trunk. 

– French Breathalyzer: Optional

Since July 2020, drivers are no longer required to have a breathalyzer (L’éthylotest) in their cars. 

In France, it’s illegal to drink and drive. The tolerated blood alcohol level is very low, 0.5 mg. per ml, and 0.2 g/l for young drivers (license less than three years old), meaning one drink can put you over the alcohol limit.

You can buy a single-use breathalyzer for around 1€ to 3€ Euros in a pharmacy, Tabac shop, or some supermarkets.

What to do if you get into a car accident in France

Here’s what you must do if you end up in a fender bender or a more serious accident.

Fill out a joint accident report.

If you get into a fender bender while driving in France and no one is injured, you don’t have to call the police; however, you should exchange certain information with the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident by filling out an accident report at the scene of an accident.

The accident report you should fill out is called a “constat amiable” (amicable report). 

You are not obligated to fill out the form, but it’s in your best interest if you want or need to file an insurance claim.

The accident report helps the automobile insurance company identify the parties involved, the damage and the cause of the accident to expedite any auto insurance claim. It’s not an admission of liability.

You’ll need to fill out all the necessary fields for Vehicle A and Vehicle B on the form. There is also a box to draw the collision and points of contact on the vehicle. 

If both drivers agree with the circumstances of the accident as reported on the accident report, they should both sign the document. However, if one party refuses to sign or complete the report, take down the other person’s license plate and enter it in the observation box specifying their objection. 

You have five days to send your car insurance company the constant amicable. 

Where to get an accident report. 

There may be a report in the glove compartment of the car already. If not, you can ask the car insurance or car rental company.

Download an accident report.

You can also download an accident report (constat-amiable) by clicking here.  (The form is bilingual in French and English.) 

Smartphone app accident report

There is also a smartphone application called “e‑constat auto” that allows you to declare an accident to your insurer with photos. 

Here is the link for “e-constat auto” for iPhone. 

Here is the l ink for “e-constat auto” in the Google Play Store. 

If you get into an accident and need to call the French emergency services, for instance, if someone is hurt, in danger of an explosion, fire, etc., you should contact one of the French emergency numbers. 

French emergency service number if you are in a car accident

If you get into an accident in France while driving and need emergency help, you’ll have to figure out which service to call. The following are the direct numbers for France’s three emergency services. 

• Dial 15: For a medical emergency  
• Dial 18: For the Fire department
• Dial 17: For the police.

If you are not sure who to call, you can dial 112

Dial 112: Europe’s version of 911. An operator will answer and transfer your call to the appropriate emergency service.

I’ve written an in-depth article about the French emergency numbers here: No 911 in France? Important French emergency numbers explained .

Bon Voyage!! Did you check the type of gas your car takes?

One last thing about driving in France as a tourist. 

Many cars are diesel “Gazole.” Unleaded is called “sans plomb.”

France plans to end the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040 as part of an ambitious plan to meet its targets under the Paris climate accord. 

This site lists the latest gas prices in real-time by service station throughout France so you can choose the cheapest station along your route. 

I highly recommend getting a rental car with a built-in GPS, but if that’s not an option, you can always use your smartphone or GPS-enabled tablet . You can always download a map on your device and use it offline without consuming expensive roaming data fees. 

Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a 'petite commission' at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. It helps me buy more wine and cheese. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Annie André

About the author

I'm Annie André, a bilingual North American with Thai and French Canadian roots. I've lived in France since 2011. When I'm not eating cheese, drinking wine or hanging out with my husband and children, I write articles on my personal blog annieandre.com for intellectually curious people interested in all things France: Life in France, travel to France, French culture, French language, travel and more.

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• 11 min read

7 Tips For Driving In France As A Tourist (By an American Driving In France)

Driving in France as a tourist is a unique experience that, especially as an American driving in France, we felt deserved a post of its own! We quickly learned when driving in Paris AND Southern France that there were some big differences we wished we had known ahead of time!

So in our typical fashion of being as helpful as possible to our readers, I’ve compiled our best tips for driving in France as a tourist! 😉

Driving In France As A Tourist Tip 1:

Skip the parking garages and opt for street parking instead..

This first family vacation tip for driving is probably the most important one (in my opinion), especially if you get a little bit stressed out when driving in unfamiliar places or circumstances. 😬

Instead of trying to find a parking garage, you will save yourself a lot of headaches if you just use the paid street parking instead.

In fact, I suggest skipping the parking garages in Paris altogether, and just go straight for the street parking. (I know it's not the most revolutionary of family travel hacks, but hear me out...)

Parking garages are easy to find on Google Maps, and you can even see multiple garages within a few blocks in certain areas- BUT it’s not as simple as it first seems.

One of the things we discovered on our family vacation in Paris was that parking garages can be REALLY difficult to get into if you aren’t familiar with the streets already.

The entrances for public parking lots can be hard to find.

And there are often a lot of pedestrians walking across the openings and cars coming behind you (adding to the stress of the situation).

And driving in Paris is already a notoriously stressful situation, so why add to the chaos?

But side street parking is WAY easier to find and utilize! 🤩

If you’re driving in Paris, you’re ALSO going to want to leave an extra 20 to 30 earlier to find an open parking space along one of the smaller side streets.

You can find areas on the side of the streets with white dashed lines and the word 'PAYANT' to signify that it is a paid parking space open to the public.

You can often find good spaces on the side streets near the river (especially in the Notre Dame area), but you WILL have to drive a little while to find an open spot.

For example, when we drove to see all the historic spots on the East side of Paris, we parked on this side street here . It is a little side street tucked between the two sides of the river, with less traffic, which made it easier to get to and park in an open spot.

You can also find a REALLY good guide here for parking in Paris, which covers garages, parking meters, and even gives tips to make it easier to get around in Paris by car. (This would have been super helpful to find before I planned our family vacation in France!)

If you’re driving somewhere less busy (for example, driving south of France), it’s a bit easier to find parking, and many of the options might even be free!

Also, it's worth mentioning that both the Palace of Versailles and Monet's Gardens in Giverny have their own parking lots, so you don't have to worry about finding parking.

The Versailles parking does cost money, however, so don't come without your wallet. (Get more tips about visiting Versailles here if that's on your France family vacation itinerary.)

Tips For Driving In France 2:

Use the app (or your credit card) to pay for parking fees instead of keeping coins in your car..

If you’re worried about using the parking meters because you don’t have cash on you- that’s okay!

One of the beautiful things about driving to France is that they’ve done an excellent job of making it easy to use their paid parking! 🤯

There’s often a credit card reader on the parking meters, and there’s always a QR code on the side of the machine to scan their parking app.

(You can even download the parking app ahead of time here .)

You can use either way to pay with your credit card instead of carrying coins or cash around!

This is also safer, because you’re not leaving coins in the car.

Cars do have a tendency (in any big city) to get broken into and robbed of any cash or valuables left visible in the car- so eliminating that worry just makes your family holidays in France that much easier!

This is an especially important tip if you’re spending your family vacation in Paris, because Paris is a BIG and BUSTLING city! 😅

(And we've got more tips for visiting Paris h ere to help you be prepared and make the most of your visit to France with kids, so be sure to check those out.)

Tips For Driving In France As A Tourist 3:

Never drive anywhere in france without bringing your wallet with you..

Believe it or not, parking isn't the only time you'll need your wallet when traveling Europe with kids- and that is ESPECIALLY true in France!

We've talked about the many payment options for parking when driving to France, so now I’m going to jump right into our next driving tips in France- the dreaded highway tolls.

No matter where you are driving in France, there are almost certainly going to be toll roads.

We’ve discovered that France has a large selection of highways- and many (maybe even most) of them are PAID TOLL highways.

This applies whether you’re planning your family vacation in Paris, taking a Provence road trip or anywhere in between!

Of all the countries we visited during our European family vacation, France had the MOST EXPENSIVE toll fees by far.

Prepare for toll fees on most highways , ranging from about 3 euros to over 20 euros depending on how long you’re on the highway and where you are headed.

There ARE some highways that are free, but they take much longer to use, making them quite inconvenient to use unless you have an extra hour or two to add to your drive time. 😵‍💫

We learned on our Southern France road trip (aka the first leg of our family European road trip) that trying to avoid the toll roads could add SEVERAL HOURS onto our trip per day!

The good news is that the toll highways DO take credit cards, so you don’t ever have to worry about carrying cash during your driving holidays to France.

It is easiest to use your credit card to pay the tolls, especially if you have an NFC chip in your credit card.

If you don’t have a credit card, the tolls DO take cash as well, so don’t worry.

One thing that France is great about is making things easy to use.

That was one of our biggest takeaways from our family holidays in France, the French are pros at simpification. 🥰

But I definitely wanted to mention this in case you're planning your family travel on a budget- because the expensive tolls can make quite the dent if you're not prepared.

Tips On Driving In France 4:

Always be alert while driving, and eliminate other distractions in the car..

I know, I know, this probably sounds like an obvious tip. 😅

But this tip actually has multiple pieces of important information below, so be sure to read it through.

Something we noticed as an American driving in France is that there are WAY MORE things you have to pay attention to when driving.

This is true of most places in Europe, but especially applies to big cities.

Driving in Paris is much more stressful than driving in South of France, for example.

But Southern France road trips DO come with their own challenges! (More on that below.)

When in busy city areas (even in the smaller cities) the city streets can get very busy with pedestrians & people on bikes. 🚴‍♀️

Probably the most important aspect to mention in this particular tips for driving in France is that there is a BIG difference in how the turn lanes and pedestrian crossings work in Europe. 🚶🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

When turning onto another street, be aware of the crosswalks as you turn.

The crosswalks will often be green on the street you’re turning ON TO, so you will have to turn and then almost immediately stop to let the pedestrians cross.

Once the pedestrians are all clear of your lane, you can go- you don’t have to wait for their crossing light to turn red.

You also don’t need to wait until their are on the other side, as long as they are very far clear of your lane.

(I often wait until they get to the middle of the road, as a general rule, but sometimes I get honked at, so 🤷‍♀️)

We also noticed on our driving holidays to France that motorcycles can drive in between the lanes (much like they do in California). I’m not sure if that’s legal, but it happens A LOT, especially in the cities.

When driving to South of France, there’s not as many motorcycles, but you do have to watch for semi trucks instead.

There are also a lot of cars that frequently change back and forth into different lanes on the highways . They change to go around each other and around the many semi trucks in the right lane(s). They even change lanes in the tunnels! (Yikes!)

I’ve come to believe throughout my road trip en France et au-delà that many drivers simply do not look behind them when changing lanes, however.

So it is important to also watch your sides any time you’re going to be taking driving holidays to France or other European countries, especially on the highways.

In general, it is important to pay very close attention to your driving, as well as to what is going on around you on the road. 👀

Don’t play loud music, make sure the kids are quiet, and don’t ever drive when tired. (I know I’m being such a mom here, sorry, but it’s important!)

Tips For Driving In France 5:

Assertive driving is as important as alert driving in france..

By now, you might be feeling a little intimidated about driving during your family holidays in France. 🤪

So let me back up a quick second and say that while I AM throwing a lot of information at you, none of these tips on driving in France are especially difficult or complicated.

I’m mainly just trying to give you a heads up on things that most tourists (especially Americans driving in France) might not know, so you’re not caught off guard. 🥰

That being said, I want to switch gears a little bit (Get it? Gears?! 🤣 Okay, I might need more coffee….) and talk about ASSERTIVENESS while driving.

Don’t be afraid to go around cars that are traveling too slowly, which happens often, especially when driving South of France. (But don’t forget to use your rearview mirror first!)

It’s also important to mention that the on-ramp and off-ramp for highways can sometimes be quite short.

As an American driving in France, this was a big difference for me while driving on highways. In fact, both Spain and France have alarmingly short highway on-ramps and off-ramps, compared to other countries we've driven in during our family world travel. 🤯

You WILL have to be assertive when getting into the right lane to prepare for your exit from the highway, because the exits don’t give you a lot of room to get into the lane ahead of time.

As soon as your gps says you'll be exiting soon (my Google maps directions usually let me know when my exit is about 3 kilometers away), start getting into the exit lane.

Yes, you'll go quite slow for that last stretch up to the exit, but at least you'll get off the highway in time and in the right spot. 😉

Driving In France As A Tourist Tip 6:

When driving in paris, always use google maps’ longest travel time estimate..

One of the things we noticed while we were doing our road trip en France:

There was usually a pretty BIG window of time for the estimated travel time any time we were in or near one of the bigger cities.

We didn’t have this problem when driving in south of France (during our Provence road trip), but we DID experience it every single day when driving in Paris.

We stayed at a cute little flat on the southern edge of Paris, so driving into the city often gave us a time estimate ranging between 30 minutes up to an hour and a half!! 😬

I quickly learned to give ourselves the full time estimate (plus a little extra time if we had timed tickets for somewhere just in case) so that we wouldn’t be rushed or stressed while sitting in the city traffic.

Sure enough, it ALWAYS took the full time estimate, usually because of accidents or issues that caused slow-downs on the highways.

If you will ONLY be driving on the side streets, this might not be such a big issue, but also you won’t get such a big time window in your Google Maps directions either, so just be sure to pay attention to the time it gives you and add a little bit of time for cushion.

As long as you give yourself plenty of time to get to each location, it shouldn't be a problem, and your family vacation in France will be much more enjoyable.

Tips of Driving In France As A Tourist 7:

Don’t be afraid to drive under the speed limit and let cars pass you on the country roads & narrow neighborhood streets..

This tip is especially for families planning a holiday in some of the more rural areas of the French countryside or that requires driving to South of France.

Some of the roads can get quite narrow, but the speed limits are still relatively high (at least they seemed high to us) at 60-70 kph. 😅

I found myself getting a bit nervous about some of the curves on the roads during our Southern France road trip, especially going from our house in the French countryside to the Provence lavender fields.

There are also places where only one car can fit through, so you have to stop and let the oncoming car pass you (or they will stop for you).

Some general rules for driving in the French countryside:

If a car is coming DOWN the hill, they get priority. Let them pass.

If there are cars that seem too close behind you, pull to the side and let them pass.

Never drive faster than you feel comfortable. People can wait, they won’t die by getting stuck behind Miss Daisy.

If you are driving in the cities of France, there is a similar problem with the neighborhood streets becoming quite narrow.

Most of the streets in the actual down-town parts of the city will usually be multiple lanes.

But in the streets surrounding the city center and beyond, however, you will often run into streets that have cars parked along one or both sides.

This can make the drivable part of the street quite thin. (Some are just narrow anyways, even without parked cars.)

My best advice for these streets is to go slow and be generous about letting the cars coming towards you go first.

I feel like that not only takes the pressure off me trying to get out of their way quickly, but it also gives me more time to absorb the GPS directions and see what types of street conditions are ahead of me.

Aside from the things I mentioned in the tips above, driving in France is a very exciting experience! 🤩

There is a LOT of beautiful scenery to be seen outside of the big cities, and even driving through the highways in Paris was cool because there were some unique buildings that caught our eye.

Hopefully, these tips help you to feel more confident while driving in France as a tourist, and especially if you’re an American driving in France, as the rules can be somewhat different!

And please comment below if you think of any questions or have other tips for driving during your France family haolidays that we didn’t mention above! 🥰

P.S.- We have MANY more posts coming out from our European Summer Road Trip covering France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands- so sign up for our newsletter to be notified when our next posts come out!

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Driving in France – a guide for tourists

Europe , France , Travel Guides / November 23, 2022 by littleholidays / 4 Comments

Picturesque villages, spectacular coasts, and delectable cuisine – these are just a few reasons why France is one of the world’s favorite destinations!

Go beyond the cities and inject joie de vivre to your next French adventure by hitting the road and exploring the country, one amazing stopover at a time. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in France.

Driving in France

• Requirements for driving in France
• Renting a car
• Road rules and driving safety
• Navigating in France
• Costs of driving a rental car in France
• Plan your trip – top tips for travel to France

What do you need when driving in France?

Here are the requirements to rent a car and drive in France:

Age requirements – To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your local license for 1 year. If you’re under 25, rental car companies may add a young driver surcharge.

License requirements – If you’re staying in France for less than 90 days, you can use a valid European Union driver’s license to rent a car and drive in France. If your driving license is from a country outside the EU, getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Take note that the IDP is only valid when used with your local license, so make sure to bring both.

Other documents – Most rental car companies in France would require you to present your passport (or your national identification card if you’re an EU citizen) and a credit card under your name when picking up the rental car. They might authorize a deposit on your credit card to cover any damages.

Documents you need while driving in France –  In case of a police check, you must be able to present the following:

• Your identity card (EU citizen) or passport (non-EU citizen)
• Vehicle documents (registration documents, registration certificate) – make sure you get this from the rental car company
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Roadworthiness test certificate, if necessary
• In restricted traffic areas, a Crit’Air sticker must be affixed to the vehicle

How do I rent a car in France?

Reserve a car online – For a smooth road trip in France, it’s best to reserve your rental car online in advance. Not only will this assure you that you’ll indeed get a car, it also allows the rental car company to prepare your car and all paperwork involved in advance, which means less waiting time for you.

Take note that Europe mainly drives manual transmission cars, so if you require an automatic transmission car, make sure to reserve at least a month in advance.

Get a comprehensive car hire insurance – Fire and third-party liability insurance is mandatory and included in all car rentals in France. If you want to be fully protected, though, it’s best to avail of a comprehensive personal car hire insurance that will cover for the excess. This means you will get reimbursed for any excess fees the rental company may charge for damages, theft, or vandalism.

Add-ons – A GPS unit, child seats, and winter tires can be added to your rental reservation if needed.

One-way rentals – Many rental car companies in France allow domestic one-way rentals. This means you can pick-up your car from one city and drop it off in another, often with no extra fees. International one-way rentals may incur a fee, though, and are only allowed to select countries.

Here is a list of locations where you can pick and return your rental car in France. You can also plug in your travel destinations and dates below for a quick quote. RentalCars works with France’s leading and most reputable car rental companies, so you’re assured of quality cars and service. Their simple online booking platform also allows you to compare prices, car models, and inclusions easily, plus they give you instant confirmation, free cancellation, and big deals and discounts.

What do I need to know when driving in France?

Emergency contacts – what to do in case of a crash:

• Dial 112 for emergencies (crash involving injured people)
• Dial 17 to contact the nearest police service

France drives on the right side of the road.

Speed limits – Here are the normal speed limits for driving in France:

• Motorways – 130 km/hr (80 miles/hr); automatically drops to 110 km/hr (68 miles/hr) when raining and 50 km/hr when visibility is less than 50m
• Single carriageway – 80 km/hr (50 miles/hr), drops to 50 km/hr when visibility is less than 50m
• Built-up areas – 50 km/hr (30 miles/hr)

Local authorities may lower or raise the speed limit.

Priority / right of way – More major roads, or those indicated by a yellow diamond sign, have right of way. A vehicle entering from the right has priority in city and town intersections where it is not clear which is the more major road.

Cyclists and pedestrians – When overtaking cyclists, you must leave a 1 meter distance in urban areas and 1.5 meters outside urban areas. Pedestrians who wish to cross at a pedestrian crossing have priority.

Children – Children up to 10 years old must be in a child seat appropriate to their age.

Seatbelts – Must be worn at all times.

In case of car breakdown or accidents – Make sure to note down your rental car or insurance company’s emergency number. In case of an accident involving any kind of injury, you must call 112 and wait on the site until the police comes. If your car is immobilized on or on part of the road, you must set up your red warning triangle behind the vehicle to alert approaching traffic. You must wear a high visibility vest when outside your car.

Tolls – Pay or tolled autoroutes are marked “ Péage. ” To go through them, you’ll need to pick up a ticket from the booth as you enter then pay by cash or credit card when you exit. Note that usually, the left lane is for vehicles with a drive-through remote payment transponder (télépéage; you’ll see a pictogram that looks like the letter ‘t’ in cursive), the middle lane is for télépéage and credit card (a pictogram of cards), while the right lane is for cash and card (depicted by an arrow pointing downwards). Most rental cars won’t have the payment transponder installed, so you’ll need to pass through the cash/credit card lanes.

Parking – Parking is strictly regulated in urban cities. On-street parking is permitted only in spaces painted in white. Paid parking spaces are marked “ Payant ” and you’ll need to purchase a coupon from ticket machines located along the street and display your ticket through the windshield on the driver’s side. You can also park for free in blue zones indicated by blue street markings, but you must display a parking disc through your windshield and stay within the time limit (usually an hour or as marked). In less busy towns or villages, you can find free on-street parking spaces, usually some distance from the center.

Don’ts when driving –

• Don’t drink and drive  – Driving with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.5 g/L is prohibited for all drivers including cyclists and e-scooterists. Drivers with a probationary license and public transport drivers have a BAC level limit of 0.2 g/L
• Don’t drive on bus lanes
• Don’t cross a solid white line
• Don’t drive with a phone in your hand or by your ear
• Don’t drive with headphones or earpieces
• Do not enter where there is a flashing red light
• Don’t park illegally

Check the French Road Safety Observatory page for the latest traffic regulations.

How do I get around France while driving?

Navigational apps like Waze , Google Maps (internet connection required), and maps.me (offline map should be downloaded in advance) are useful when driving in France. Some rental cars will also have a built-in GPS navigator, or you can purchase it as an add-on.

How much does it cost to drive in France?

Here’s how much it costs to go on a 3-day road trip in France based on 2022 prices and estimates.

Rental car – A 5-seat sedan ranges from EUR 200-250 for 3 days. This already includes unlimited mileage, theft protection, and collision damage waiver. Check here for real-time quotes for your travel dates.

Gas – Estimating 600 KM over 3 days, gas could cost you up to EUR 60.

Tolls – Tolls in France are more expensive than other European countries at about EUR 9 / 100 KM. You can check for specific toll costs in France here . If you’re not in much of a rush, you can set Waze (or your navigation app of choice) to avoid toll roads.

Parking – Parking rates vary EUR 0.30-3/hr or EUR 10-20 for 24 hours. Some cities have free parking schemes after hours or during the weekends.

Ready to go on a French road trip? Plan your trip!

Getting there – You can get into France through its multiple airports ( search for the best flight routes here ) or by train from neighboring European countries. While rental car pick-up locations in airports and railways may impose a surcharge, its convenience may be worth the extra euros, especially if you’re traveling with a group or heading straight out on a road trip. Take advantage of one-way rentals and check if dropping off your car at a location different than your pick-up can make your itinerary smoother and more convenient.

Where to stay – France is a very popular tourist destination. Even places outside Paris and other major cities can be quite busy. Make sure to book your hotels at least a month in advance to get good options and prices, and look for accommodations with free or reserved parking spaces. Check here for real-time hotel deals in France.

Travel essentials and tickets to pre-book – Get a mobile internet to easily find your way around France. If you’re planning to visit some of the popular sights in the cities, you’d want to get tickets in advance to skip the lines.

Top road trips in France

Check these out for ideas and inspiration:

• 5 amazing road trips in France

From lavender fields to castles on cliffs, you’ll find plenty to see when exploring France by car. Here are a couple of ideas to get you excited about your trip!

• Driving in Alsace, a gorgeous French wine region

Love wine, storybook towns, and hearty food? Alsace has all that and more! Follow the historic wine route through lush vineyards and breathtaking mountain roads and find the perfect holiday in the heart of Alsace.

First published – 15 August 2018

Last updated – 23 November 2022 – updated information and travel-planning tips

Reader Interactions

February 20, 2019 at 10:48 am

Hi! My english is a bit rusty, so sorry for the mistakes (I’m French!) There’s a major mistake in your post : speed limit on open road is only 80km/hrs! It’s allowed to 110 km/hrs only on roads with double lanes and a middle gate. Due to the crazy frequency of speed controls, not knowing that could be very pricy! Have fun!

February 20, 2019 at 11:28 am

Thanks so much for the correction, Elodie! I’ve updated the post with the correct information. That would certainly help a lot of readers, thanks for catching that!

July 26, 2023 at 4:34 pm

Will I need a notarized copy of my US driver’s license if I have an International Driver’s Permit?

August 27, 2023 at 5:14 pm

You don’t need a notarized copy if you have an International Driver’s Permit, but best to confirm with your rental car company!

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What you need to drive in France: 31 Practical tips and requirements

• Post category: Living in France / Moving to France / Travel to France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

Yes, I know you’re an expert driver, with many years of driving experience. But if you are planning a road trip through France, you may be aware that each country has its own set of rules. And driving in France has its own legal requirements and specificities.

And more distinctly, the French have their own driving culture. This isn’t next-door Germany with its “no speed limits”, but there are definitely a few things in France that are a bit different.

We look at French driving laws, vehicle requirements, and tips for driving on French roads. So let’s go through a few items before getting behind the wheel. Allons-y!

1. Legal Driver’s license

In order to drive in France, visiting tourists may use a driving license that is legal and valid in their country. International driving licenses are recognized but not necessary.

Full-time residents who are E.U. nationals are not required to change their driver’s licenses from their countries to French ones.

Other country citizens, however, must exchange their driver’s license within 1 year of settling in France. If you have been living in France for more than 1 year, you cannot drive with a foreign license .

2. Emergency items legally required in the car in France

There’s a reason French bureaucracy is legendary, and driving in France is no different. Here is the French government-mandated list of items you are required to have in your car at all times:

• Reflective jacket within easy reach (i.e. not in the trunk)
• Warning triangle
• Emergency wheel and installation kit (recommended)
• Breathalyser/alcohol test (in case the police officer doesn’t have one on him!)
• Spare bulbs for the headlights and backlights
• In certain areas, snow chains in winter

3. Other Legal Documents

As a driver, you need to carry the following documents:

• Car insurance
• Car rental agreement
• Passport or other proof of ID
• Travel insurance documents.

4. Check your Crit’air status

Major cities like Paris have implemented something known as Crit’air (fresh air stickers) which restrict certain polluting cars from entering the city on days when there are high smog levels.

The sticker will be on the front windshield of your car, and if it is anything more than 2, you will have to stay tuned to the news to see if your car is restricted on certain days.

5. Driver Speed limits in France

The general speed limit on a highway is 130km/hour (80 miles/hr), unless it is 110km/hour (68 miles/hr), unless it is raining, unless there is construction, etc. etc. Single lane roads can be anywhere from 80-90km (50-55miles/hr). In towns, speed limits can often vary on the same road from 30-70km/hr (18-45miles/hr).

I’m being a little vague because there has been some debate in recent years as to what should be the speed limit, with different government agencies wanting to different things. As it goes in France though, the French people protested, and the whole thing is up in the air.

With the differing protests, different regions and departments settled on different speed limits, and the road signs have not all been updated. This is especially the case in rural areas. Follow the speed limits on your GPS and/or Waze as they should have the most up-to-date information.

6. Radars and Radar warning signs

There are automated radars all over French highways. But not to worry, actually there will be a radar sign warning you right before the actual radar (the result of a French protest against radars).

So as long as you watch the road, you should be alerted to the radar traps coming up on your route.

7. Who has the “Right of way”

Yes, I know, even in North America we have the “right of way”. The French “Right of way” is exceptional in that even a smaller country road on the right may have priority unless they have a specific sign saying otherwise.

So even if a single lane road is coming up on a two-lane road, the driver of the two-lane road may legally be obliged to slow down and/or stop to cede the right of way to the other driver.

8. Seatbelts while driving

Seatbelts must be worn by adults and children at all times when driving in France. This is applicable for the front and back seats.

Children under 10 years old must use an appropriate child seat or booster. Note: Child seats that are legal in North America are not valid in France as they have different certifications.

Interestingly, babies are allowed to travel in the front passenger seat in France, in certain rear-facing child seats with the front airbag is turned off. (This is meant to aid single parents who have a child at the back by him/herself). 

9. Phones and other distractions are banned

Fiddling with phones and texting is not allowed while driving in France. In addition, most hand-free phones are also not allowed unless they are completely hands-free. Fines can be steep, so avoid these types of distractions.

10. Procedure after a car accident in France

If you have a car accident in France, you will need sign a form called a “ constat amiable ” with the vehicle you got into an accident with. This can be done online or on paper.

The Constat Amiable has then to be reported to your insurer and car rental agency. It includes the following information.

• where the accident took place,
• whether the vehicles are registered and insured in France,
• if the accident concerns more than 2 vehicles,
• if the accident results in any bodily injuries.

11. Get to know your GPS

GPS systems and Google Maps were designed by North Americans for the U.S., where cities are built on-grid systems. The GPS is used to giving instructions like « stay on the right ».

This is not so useful in France, and particularly in the Greater Paris Area where roads look like spaghetti with directions going every which way. More is more in France. My husband and I sometimes have more than one GPS on because roads are tricky with a lot of signage.

In addition, if your GPS is mispronouncing French words with a British accent, you are going to hard-pressed to figure out where you are supposed to go.

12. Check if your rental car is automatic

If you don’t know how to drive shift, this one is important. Most French cars are stick-shift, so if you have just taken the cheapest car at the rental agency, there is a good chance that it is not automatic.

13. Do not rent/buy a big car

The Rental agency might “upgrade” you to a big car, but take my advice and turn it down. French villages and even Parisian streets are not built for SUVs. You will have a hard time maneuvering and finding parking for your giant gas-guzzler.

14. Check if the car is diesel

More than 50% of cars sold in France are diesel, so make sure you know what goes into your car. Gazole is diesel, so don’t make that mistake!

15. Do not miss an exit

In North America if you miss an exit, no problem, you can usually turn around 5 minutes later. French roads don’t have exits that often, and missing one exit could easily add an extra half hour to your trip.

I was once trying to go to a nearby mall (that I could have walked to), and instead ended up on the Pay toll autoroute to Rouen , Normandy, paying €8 to get there and another €8 to get back.

With the GPS saying things like “stay right” instead of “take the exit”, we ended up with a €20 joyride on the toll highway. Limit conversations in the car, and pay attention to the road.

16. Check the gasoline at the gas station

The first time I went to the gas station I had to call my husband to ask what gas to put in the car. None of them were marked “gasoline”. Since my husband is not currently available for your phonecalls, please see picture below which indicates that SP95-10 is the normal gasoline that you are looking for.

17. Don’t wait till the last minute to fill up the tank

Compared to North America, where you can fill up your tank at almost every corner, gas stations in cities in France are rare.

Even on the highway, you can sometimes go over 60km (40 miles) without seeing a gas station, and even then there might be a “ fermature exceptionnelle ” (special closure). This is common in France, so don’t wait till the last minute to get gas, unless you want to be pushing your car.

18. Toll roads are expensive

France has one of the fastest and best rail systems in the world, so if you are debating between driving and taking the train, you should probably know that tolls are very high in France.

Most of the major highways are toll roads. As a driver, you collect the ticket when you enter the highway, and pay a fare at the end based on distance covered.

Taking the train might be the more leisurely/stress-free option , not to mention how much better it is for the environment. (Although, I guess if you were taking the train, you wouldn’t be reading this list!)

19. Gas is expensive

Along with tolls being expensive, gas is also more expensive than in other countries. On average, gasoline in France is more than twice the price of what it is in the U.S. Good thing France is a much smaller country and there’s not that much distance to cover.

20. No right turns on a red light

Now I know in the U.S., certain states allow right turns on a red light while certain states don’t. In Ontario Canada, where I’m from, right turns are allowed on a red light. In France, they are not, so forewarned.

21. Learn how to drive on a roundabout

France is the World Champion of Roundabouts, according to the French newspaper Le Figaro, with over 50,000 in the country. You may have heard of our most famous one, the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysées .

Generally, you should approach slowly and stay in the inside lane, until you are ready to exit. Roundabouts in France can have as many as 5-10 different exits so get ready to count when your GPS says “take the 7th exit”.

22. Stick to the right

Yes, you may think you know this one, but this is quite different from driving in North America. In North America, we are generally taught defensive driving, where you minimize changing lanes as that is when most accidents are likely to occur.

In France, the priority, however, is to move back to the right as soon as possible, and there are fines for not staying on the right, unless passing.

The countereffect though is that this means cars in France will ping-pong across the highway like hyperactive bunnies, even if there is no one behind them and there is no urgency to change lanes. The general rule of “two car lengths away” is more often than not, not respected.

Drivers may aggressively come quite close behind you, especially if you are driving on the left, to get you to move. (This perhaps is the inspiration for the French cartoon “ Lapins Crétins “, aka “Rabbids Invasion”?)

23. Small parking spots

French engineers are very creative, and they sometimes push the limits on what can be called a “parking spot”. Personally, we have a normal parking spot, but there are certain ones in our building that are so small they definitely would not fit any car other than a Volkswagon Golf.

Do not be surprised, and again, do not go for the largest car that you can find.

24. Cars bumping into each other

Tiny parking spots lead to what I personally call the “French Kiss”. It is not uncommon to see someone parking and trying to squeeze his car in by giving a little tap to the car in front or behind.

If you want to avoid this, park far away in an uncrowded area, and avoid spots that involve parallel parking.

28. Follow the sign “Toutes directions”

If you are not sure where to go, follow the sign “Toutes directions” which means “all directions”. It will generally lead you to a bigger road that will have more signage.

29. Stay on the right to turn left

Often times, but not always, there is a ramp leading to a left turn on the road, but wait for it: the ramp is on the right side of the road. If you stay in the left lane in order to eventually turn left, you will probably see the sign too late, and won’t have time to switch lanes.

There is no solution to this, just go straight, don’t pass “Go”, and add another 15 minutes to your trip.

30. Highway rest areas (Auto stops)

Plan your stops in advance because the aires are only around every 20 km (13 miles) along. Some only offer just a picnic area and outdoor concrete toilet facilities.

More extensive services are provided at aires de service s which are more comfortable, proving gas, better bathroom facilities, and restaurant services.

31. Avoid driving if it is snowing

If you are here in winter and there is the possibility of snow, prepare yourself: French people don’t know how to drive in snow. Or rather, French authorities don’t know how to deal with snow, even if it is just a couple of centimeters. (This is my professional opinion as a Canadian.)

More often than not, traffic comes to a standstill, especially on highways. Every winter storm, at least one highway in the suburbs of Paris becomes completely blocked and there are newspaper stories galore of people spending the night in the car.

If you can read French, here is an article from France Info where 900 cars were blocked overnight on the N118 highway in March 2019 (not the first time this has happened). This highway is not in the middle of nowhere, it is less than 50km away from the Tour Eiffel.

So there you have it, the not-so-Simple guide to driving in France! I may add more items to this list as I think of them, so be sure to bookmark this page. A bientôt!

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Great article! Very complete and now I feel like I understand the signs well enough to try to drive in France.

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Driving in France: How to rent a car and drive on your French vacation?

If you’re heading to France for your next vacation, don’t leave anything up to chance. This article will tell you what the requirements are for renting a car and driving in France.

Cheap car rental in France

In this post

Requirements for driving in France

Renting a car in france, rules of the road in france, driving in france – faqs.

Before you head off on your vacation or business trip in France, make sure you have examined all the rules and requirements – there are quite a few!

Documents to carry with you when driving in France

Below is a summary of everything you will need to take with you, keeping in mind that the minimum age for driving in France is 18+ :

• Valid driver’s license (and its translation in French, or an International Driving Permit)
• Valid passport or National ID Card (for EU citizens)
• Car equipment
• In addition to the above documents, your rental car should be equipped with the following items:
• Warning triangle
• High-visibility jacket

Other seasonal requirements include:

• Snow chains (if you are driving within a “Snow Zone” between 1st of November and 31st of March)

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to rent a vehicle in France.

What do you need to rent a car in France?

In order to rent a car in France you must be at least 18 years of age. However, some car rental companies might have a higher age minimum. Below is a list of all the normally required documents:

• Valid driver’s license (which you have had for at least a year)
• Translation of your driving license in French, or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Valid Passport for identification
• Credit card (some agencies accept debit cards, but not all)
• Third-party liability insurance (this is usually included in the car rental contract)

Tips for renting a car in France

There are a few things to remember or watch out for when renting a car in France. Car rental policies usually include unlimited third-party insurance by default as this is a requirement when driving in France. For additional insurance coverage, it is best to do some research and shop around. Buying insurance from the rental car company is likely to be costlier.

If you’re planning on driving in more than one country, make sure you inform the rental car company in advance, and ensure that your insurance covers all of the countries you plan on visiting.

When you pick up your rental car, you should inspect it in detail and take note of any marks or scratches, and take photos upon returning it as proof of the condition you returned it in. Remember also that if you pick up the car with a full tank, you need to return it with a full tank to avoid refueling charges.

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Minimum driving age

The minimum driving age in France is 16 for motorcycles, 18 for cars, and 21 for larger vehicles such as buses.

Speed limits

On a day with normal traffic and weather conditions, the speed limit is 50km/h (about 30mph) in built-up areas, 80km/h (about 50mph) on main roads, 110km/h (about 70mph) on priority roads and 130km/h (about 80mph) on motorways.

The three latter speeds are decreased if there is rain or poor visibility. Please remember that speed limits in France are displayed on the roads in km/h, so it’s useful to familiarize yourself with that system of measurement.

Highways and toll roads

French highways are privately owned by a number of companies and usually require you to pay a toll. This can be paid in cash or by card, however please note that only Mastercard and Visa are accepted.

You will find three types of service areas on highways: parking areas, rest areas with playgrounds and toilets, and full-service areas with shops and petrol stations. In the case of an emergency, you are not allowed to call your own tow company. Instead, use one of the orange emergency telephones to call for help. These are situated every 2km along the highways.

Roundabouts

In France, there are two styles of roundabout with slightly different rules.

With old-style roundabouts, any vehicles that are already on the roundabout must give way to vehicles entering the roundabout on their right. These roundabouts are less common these days, with the most famous probably being the one around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

In general, you can recognize them by a sign in the shape of a triangle with a red border and a black X in the middle. As for new-style roundabouts, the priority goes to all vehicles that are already on the roundabout. Of course, emergency vehicles that have a flashing siren always have priority, no matter which direction they are coming from.

Blood-alcohol limit & drunk driving

The rule in France is ‘Celui qui conduit, c’est celui qui ne boit pas,’ meaning ‘The one who drives is the one who is not drinking.’ It’s a very important rule, one that is closely monitored by the police on the roads.

The maximum blood-alcohol level is 0.05%. This is a lower limit than in most of the United States, so make sure you are careful with your consumption of alcohol while visiting France.

Child seat regulations

Children up to the age of 10 years must travel in a child seat or restraint. Infants below 30lbs (13kg) in weight need to be in a rear-facing child seat, kids weighing below 40lbs (18kg) should be placed in a child seat equipped with a protection tray or a five-point harness, while children below 80lbs (36kg) must be in a booster seat or booster cushion with an adult seatbelt to protect them.

Low emission zones

Some cities, such as Paris, Toulouse and Lyon, are classified as Low Emission Zones. The rules for these zones are as follows: any cars registered before 2011, whether petrol or diesel, are banned from driving inside the zone on weekdays between 8am and 8pm. Lorries and buses manufactured before 1997 are also banned from driving inside these zones. Driving in these areas with an unauthorized vehicle can lead to a fine of €68 (around $75 USD) ( find more information here ).

Penalties & Fines

There are four categories of fines in France. Depending on the gravity of your offense, your fine could set you back anywhere from €11 (about $13 USD) to €750 (about $810 USD). This amount can be reduced if you pay within three days in person or within 15 days by post. If you don’t pay within 45 days, the amount will be increased. It is possible to get on-the-spot fines. Some of the reasons you could be fined include not having the Crit’Air vignette displayed on the car when traveling in a Low Emission Zone or wearing headphones when driving.

Means of payment

Common methods of payment include cash in euros, credit or debit card, and traveler’s check.

If you’re looking for a space to park on a road with traffic running in both directions, you are only allowed to park on the right-hand side. On the other hand, if the street you are on is a one-way street, you can park on either side of the road, providing there is enough space. Keep an eye out for the yellow lines on the curb that indicate spots where parking is prohibited, and make sure you read the signs to see if you need to pay for parking – you will usually see a big “P” on the parking meter, or “horodateur,” if you are required to pay. Otherwise, there will be signs depicting a parking meter, usually in the bottom right hand corner. Disabled drivers have dedicated spots and do not have to pay for parking.

It is important to know the names of the different types of fuel in French to avoid mistakes. SP95/E10 is unleaded fuel with 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, while E85 is unleaded fuel with 70% to 85% ethanol and the rest gasoline. Important: if you see the word “Gasole” please keep in mind that this is the word for diesel – not gasoline! GPL is also available, and in some locations so are electric stations.

You can usually pay by cash or by card, but please keep in mind that some cards issued abroad are not always accepted by automated machines, so make sure you have enough cash on you, especially when driving on Sundays.

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Tips for Driving in France

Navigation, fueling, parking, and signage information

Driving in France is a joy. There's really not much of a difference than driving in the US, except it makes more sense. For example, if a sign says "lane closed, move left" French drivers will generally move to the left and stay there. You'll be amazed that traffic won't even slow because people drive for the common good. Few if any will try to pass as many cars as they can on the right and then move left at the last moment, hoping that someone will slam their brakes to avoid the sudden maneuver, like we do in America.

French Drivers

French drivers are generally less aggressive than drivers in Italy , but more aggressive than drivers in Belgium .

On the fast Autoroutes , France's toll roads, you are expected to drive on the right and pass on the left. If you are in the left lane, cars will approach within a couple of car lengths. There is nothing you can do about this, so try to avoid getting fixated on your rear view mirror and move to the right as quickly as you can. Those are the rules.

Fueling up - the Essence of Driving in France Where is gasoline cheaper?

Hypermarkets, those huge markets on the outskirts of large cities and towns. You can expect at least a 5% savings.

Green direction signs point to "free roads," as opposed to the blue signs that say " peage " which amounts to "pay up for the toll roads."

A sign on the right pointing left generally means that you go straight ahead. The same sign on the right pointing right means "turn right" at the first opportunity. Think about this for a minute. It requires a different mindset to understand.

Traffic Circles

A thousand times more efficient than stop signs, the traffic circle is easy to navigate and gives you a second chance to read the signs. You can go around as many times as it takes, as long as you do so on the inner lane. Upon entering the circle, check for traffic from the left, enter the circle and go toward the center until it's time to exit, then signal, check the inner lane for traffic, and make your turn.

Speed Limits

Generally, speed limits are around 90-110 on the red roads on your map (the free roads between major cities) and 130 on the good parts of the toll roads. Town limits very between 30 and 50, but are never higher than 50 kilometers per hour.

Much of the parking in larger cities is parking you have to pay for. Look for machines in the middle of parking lots. They are quite sophisticated, often taking coins, bills, and sometimes credit cards. Parking is generally free during lunch--from 12-2 pm. Otherwise, you will often need to pay in a pay lot from 9-12 and 2-7 in the evening. Check the signs.

The French Buy Back Lease

If your vacation is to be taken entirely in France, or your flight arrives and departs from France and you will be needing a car for more than three weeks, you may wish to check on leasing rather than renting a car. See our take on French Buy-Back leases and how they might make your driving vacation more enjoyable.

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French countryside - driving in France Robbie Shade

The Ultimate Guide to Driving in France

We know that driving in another country can be a daunting prospect, especially if you don't speak the language or you usually drive on the other side of the road. But if you want to explore all of France's hidden gems, including some of the most beautiful villages in France , driving is your best option.

Here we share information, tips, and recommendations on driving in France that we have accumulated over many years of working with foreign travelers. Alternatively you can find out more about the car rentals we include in our self-drive tour packages.

French Rental Cars

Most people in France drive a stick shift/manual car, so although it's possible to rent an automatic car, they're not that common. On our tours we always reserve automatic cars for our travelers unless they tell us they prefer to drive a manual car. That said, in France even automatic cars are different from those in other countries. But don't worry - take a deep breath, and with our help, everything will be fine!

Size and security

French cars are smaller than your average American car - be sure to rent a car that will meet your needs, based on the number of travelers. (Don't worry - if you book a tour with France Just For You, we will take care of the car rental - all you'll have to do is pick up the keys). With regards to security, it's fine to leave some bags on the back seat but we recommend leaving your valuables in a hotel room (or at your premium B&B accommodation if you're traveling with us) or hiding them in the trunk.

The gearshift

The automatic gearshift might not feel as smooth as the one you're used to back home. You might literally feel the gears shifting as the car changes gear. As automatic cars are not that popular in France, the car manufacturers have not invested much in this technology for domestic cars. On the stick-shift, 'R' means Reverse; 'A' means Drive; and 'N' means Neutral. You might also have a manual option ('M') where you can pinch on the stick to change gears.

Some car keys are actually more like a card. In this case, you need to insert the card and push the Start/Stop button. Be careful not to leave the card inside the car when you leave.

Some cars are equipped with another type of “Start & Stop” mechanism. The way this works is that when you stop - at a red light for example - as you push down on the brake pedal, the engine will stop after a few seconds, to save gas. To restart the car, you only need to push on the brake pedal again. Don’t worry; the car will start up again quickly!

Although car rental agencies in France will give you the option to rent a GPS, we recommend bringing your own from home so you feel more comfortable using it. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps or Waze on your cellphone : it's always better to bring your own devices with you, as you'll know how they work, and your experience driving in France will be easier (or at least less stressful!). Another reason to bring your own GPS is because car rental companies often charge an additional fee for this service. And oftentimes, the quality isn't great. So save yourself money and stress by bringing your own GPS! You can download the map of France onto it before your trip. 

If you can't use Waze or Google Maps, bringing a portable GPS from home with an updated map of France is highly recommended. 

Is my Driver’s license Valid in France?

As long as you are a tourist and have a valid driver’s license written in the Roman alphabet from your country, you don’t need to carry an international driving permit to drive in France. The minimum age to drive in France is 18 years old. However, rental agencies may not hire a car out to people under 21 to 25, or with less than a year's driving experience, depending on the agency. 

Speed Limits

Unless specified otherwise, these are the speed limits you have to observe when driving in France: 

• 50 km/hour in cities (31 miles/hr). This limit applies as soon as you pass the white and red sign with the city name. There won’t necessarily be a “50” sign.
• 80 km/hour out of cities (55 miles/hr) on roads that do not have a median strip. Otherwise, it is 90km/hr.
• 130 km/hour on highways (80 miles/hr)

Remember that French people tend to drive faster than drivers in the Americas or in Asia.

Watch out for speed cameras! There are many speed checks along French roads (and the rental company will make sure you get the fine at home!).

Speed camera warnings are signposted:

 Signs for fixed speed controls in France

How to pay a French speeding ticket

If you get a speeding ticket while driving through France, the easiest way to pay is online with your credit card at www.amendes.gouv.fr . The website allows you to change the language to English. Just enter the ticket reference number (you can find this at the bottom of page 3 of the document, where it says N° de Télépaiement) and you can pay online with a Visa or a MasterCard. If you pay more than 45 days after the due date, the fine goes up. Sometimes tickets can take a while to arrive, especially if you live far from France or if your country's postal service isn't great. The due date might be very close by the time you receive the ticket, so be careful not to get hit with a larger fine!

French Driving laws to be aware of

The legal drink driving limits in France are 0.5g/l, which is equal to a small beer or glass of wine -  even this can put you over the limit. Drivers with less than three years of driving experience are limited to just 0.2 g/l. We advise avoiding alcohol if you plan to drive straight after. For our wine-tasting tour, we organize for you to get there on foot, by bicycle, or we have a guide drive you to and from your accommodation so that you may enjoy as much wine as you like. 

Wearing seat belts is a legal requirement for both the driver and all passengers in the front seats and back seats. This page of the RAC website has some useful guidance about the type of child seat or restraint you need to use when traveling with children under the age of 10 in France. 

What to do if you are involved in an accident in France

In the event of a car accident, there are a few laws you need to know about. If it is safe to do so, you must help anyone who has been injured and call the emergency services. Using your French smartphone, dial 17 to be put through to the police, or 112 if you are using an international mobile phone. You must remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. You must also wear a bright safety vest and display a warning triangle on the road to warn other drivers. It is a legal requirement to have these in your car at all times (and these come provided with rental cars). 

Police will normally give you an accident form to complete. This is called a Constat Amiable D’Accident Automobile. It is not compulsory to complete this, but your insurance company might require it in the event that you need to make a claim.

Although none of our travelers have ever been involved in a road accident, if you're on one of our tours and you should call us immediately on our emergency number (+33768646676) and we will be able to speak with the police or emergency services, contact your car rental company, and ensure that you have all the paperwork you will need. We advise never to sign a form in another language that you do not understand. 

Unfortunately, North, South, East & West directions are generally not indicated on French road signs. For example, the signs might say ' Paris ' or ' Bordeaux ', but you won't see 'North' or 'South'. Furthermore, the cities on the signs could be 10 miles or 200 miles away - this is just a general direction. This means you will need to learn French geography very quickly!

Unlike most countries, French road signs do not show the cardinal points.

Signs for the main roads

If you see a place name on a French road sign, the color of the sign tells you the type of road that will take you there. This will help you plan your route, depending on what type of journey you want (e.g. scenic or fast!). Here's a quick color guide:

• White is used on “Départementales” i.e. small roads. On a map of France, these start with a “D”. These are often the most panoramic routes, but rarely the fastest option.
• Green is for bigger Départementales ou Nationales (starting with “N” on the map).
• Blue is for highways (starting with “A” or “E” on the map)

This explains why you might see the same city appear on different colored signs. These show you how to get to a city on different types of roads. So 'Nice' on a green sign would indicate the route to Nice on a smaller road. But you'll want to follow the blue sign if you prefer to get to Nice quickly via the highway.  

 While driving in France: Highway signs are in blue and smaller natinoal or distric roads are green or white

Take the highways if you want to save time on a long journey. Highways used to be state-run but have now been privatized, meaning you have to pay to use them. Normally you take a ticket upon entering the highway, and pay when you exit.

There are many services available on the highways, such as gas stations and picnic areas. The food options aren't great, as they'll be more expensive than anything you'd find in a supermarket or grocery store outside of the highway. Eat before you travel, bring a picnic, or find a nice little place once you get off the highway.

Highway tolls

Human beings are becoming a scarcity at toll booths. The most likely scenario is that you'll be met with a machine - which is fine, until something goes wrong!  

Be very careful not to get in the wrong lane as you approach the toll barriers. The last thing you want is to have to back up with several cars behind you! Take a lane with a green arrow, a credit card sign, or a coins/notes sign above it. Do not use a lane that only has a 't' above it unless you know you have the pass you need to use the 't' lane. (Drivers with the Télépéage pass use their pass each time they go through a toll and then pay their toll charges monthly). However, if a lane has a 't' AND one of the other signs above it then you may use it. As machines can be temperamental with foreign credit cards, the safest option is to pay by cash. 

Make sure to enter the correct line at tolls while driving on the French highways/tollways

How to use a Highway Toll Machine in France

Below, you can see a photo of a highway toll machine in France. When paying the toll fee, the amount shows up right in front of you, where it says 'Prix'. Paying by cash will also avoid too many bank charges on your card for small amounts.

• If available, push the British flag button to get the instructions in English.
• You should insert the ticket in the “ticket” slot.
• For coins, look for “pièces” on the machine. Be careful, some coins might be rejected back to the “monnaie” (change) area. Try reinserting them - it often works second time round.
• OR insert your bills in the “billets” area. If some bills are rejected, try turning the note around and inserting it again. Otherwise, try another note.
• OR insert your credit card (it has to have a chip) in “carte”. You won’t have to enter a PIN number.
• Receipt is “reçu”. If you do not push the button, you won’t get a receipt.

If you run into problems, you could push the help button... but don't expect the help to speak English!

From experience, we know that some machines at parking lots or tollways may reject your credit card for no obvious reason. This is why you should always carry about 50 euros in cash with you.

You should always carry some cash to pay at tolls on French highways

Main highways Map of France

Here is a map of the highways across France:

France main highways / tollways 

Highway rest stops in France

You can check the road signs for information about the services available at highway rest stops. 

In this example, you'd probably find some pretty basic restroom facilities (a stand-up WC), and a picnic area to have your packed lunch. 

In the next example, you’ll find a gas station with regular bathroom facilities, a shop, a coffee shop/machine, a panoramic view and a picnic area.

French Gas stations

If you need to stop for gas, look out for these signs on the highway (see below). These will tell you how far away the next gas stations are and the gas prices. Gazole or gasoil is diesel fuel and SP-95 or 98 (sans plomb) is unleaded gas. 95% of rental cars use diesel (but always double-check when you pick up the car) and gas stations will often sell standard diesel and 'excellium diesel'. This is just a marketing ploy to make you spend more money, and isn't necessary for a rental car. Just buy the standard stuff.

This is how you check gas prices and the next gas station while driving on highways in France

The Cheapest French Gas stations

The cheapest gas stations are supermarket gas stations:

• Super U etc.

These are always cheaper than Total, BP or Shell. Most of the time, they are self-service and then you pay at the cashier, giving them your pump number. When it’s busy, your pump might get “blocked” so that nothing comes out. That just means that the person who used the pump before you hasn't paid yet, so you'll have to wait until they have done so before you can start filling up your tank. If you go to a gas station at night, you might have to leave a credit card or ID with the cashier before you can fill up.

We hope that these tips have been helpful and that you'll have a stress-free experience driving in France!

France Just For You Self Drive Tours

All of our tours are self-guided driving tours of France. We believe this is the very best way to experience France and discover all of its hidden gems for yourself. If you have any concerns about driving in France or would like to ask any questions about the tours, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us . We may be able to put your mind at rest!

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Travelers reviews.

What a wonderful trip with personal guides Emilie planned for us! I would recommend her without reservation on your trip through Normandy, Mt St. Michel and the Loire Valley. The guidebook, which was chock full of important information (be sure to read it all!) was invaluable to us and became our bible.

My husband and I had a full week to spend in southern France before an event we were attending in Cahor. We found France Just for You and got the best care and the best itinerary for those days. We arrived on the day of a strike and Emilie took care of us. She found alternate means of transportation and stayed with us by phone and email throughout …

My husband and I had a full week to spend in southern France before an event we were attending in Cahor. We found France Just for You and got the best care and the best itinerary for those days. We arrived on the day of a strike and Emilie took care of us. She found alternate means of transportation and stayed with us by phone and email throughout our trip. The B&B's she found were exquisite. We had such a wonderful experience. She booked tour guides, drivers, cooking classes, dinners and hikes. It made our trip so very easy and enjoyable. I would not go to France again without contacting her first.

My wife & I completed a 2 week self-driving tour engaging the thorough and knowledgeable services of Emilie A France Just for You. Every detail was flawlessly accounted for, GPS app, wonderful B&B's, and she planned our itinerary according to our desires. The advantage of enlisting her is to get a reality check on time spent in each area as well as …

My wife & I completed a 2 week self-driving tour engaging the thorough and knowledgeable services of Emilie A France Just for You. Every detail was flawlessly accounted for, GPS app, wonderful B&B's, and she planned our itinerary according to our desires. The advantage of enlisting her is to get a reality check on time spent in each area as well as driving distances. We had so much ground to cover that she made this an efficient trip. Too bad LeMans track was not open for viewing(had a truck race that nite, so is closed to visitors). But museum was awesome. All her chosen accommodations were wonderful & it saved me tons of hours of research. She arranged our day to day visits and was extremely flexible & enabled me to drive the 1200 miles in an efficient manner. That was very important to me, as I prefer to travel alone with my wife rather than a group, and our journey was as smoothe as a Swiss timepiece. She chose places to visit that were off the beaten path that we would have missed on our own. Highly recommend Emilie.

I cannot recommend France Just For You enough! We had a wonderful time as we customized a trip and experienced our French dreams come true! Thank you for the best experience!

Our trip was arranged and detailed well in advance, with reservations for activities and places of special interest, and free days with suggestions for things to see and do. We fell in love with Dordogne and the Paleolithic caves for which we had reserved tours, and were able to take in another cave the next day at the suggestion of our B&B hostess …

Our trip was arranged and detailed well in advance, with reservations for activities and places of special interest, and free days with suggestions for things to see and do. We fell in love with Dordogne and the Paleolithic caves for which we had reserved tours, and were able to take in another cave the next day at the suggestion of our B&B hostess. We would have missed many beautiful places, and certainly missed the fine lodgings and conversation with fellow travelers, had we not had the help of France Just for You. Emilie stayed in touch and resolved issues before we even knew about them, so we wasted no time and experienced no frustration at all.

We had a wonderful experience with Laura and Emilie- they were very responsive to all of our questions and needs and helped us plan a fabulous trip! While we were there, they were also very helpful when we needed assistance with reservations or had questions about processes during COVID.

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Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Driving in France

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On Join Us in France I often ask my guests what is it like driving in France for you? Many of our listeners choose to rent a car and drive because it’s a great way to see the country. And most of them find it really easy to do, so long as they understand a few rules and quirks that we explain here.

Book in Advance Especially if You Need an Automatic!

Renting an automatic is not as difficult as it used to be in France, but depending on the place where you’ll pickup they may or may not have a car that suits your needs. Shop for your rental car in advance!

There are also times when renting a car does more harm than good as discussed here, and if you’re going to Paris or Provence in the summer, ignore at your own peril! Is Renting a Car in France Worth the Trouble? Episode 185

Annie, the Producer of the Podcast, Used to Teach Driving in France

I taught driving in France long ago and I am still certified to do so. These days, I only ever teach driving to friends and relatives who need a little boost to pass the driving test in France. But I can still rattle off all the gotchas for North American visitors because I drove on your roads for 18 years, so I had time to notice the differences.

An Emphasis on Visitors from the US and Canada

When you google “driving in France” you mostly find pages written for British  visitors. However, on this page we won’t discuss driving on the right or putting your car on the ferry. This page is intended for American and Canadian visitors who are thinking about renting a car in France and want to know what it takes to happily hit French roads.

What Is It Like Driving in France? The Experience

Many North American visitors to France have described their experience of driving in France on various Trip Reports listed below. But we have one episode where we purposefully concentrate on that topic:   Tips for Driving in France, Episode 138

Erin talked about she was happily surprised by the quality of the food at rest-stops on toll roads in France Dealing with food allergies in France, Episode 170

Janice and Annie talk about getting speeding tickets from “robocops” in France  Looking for Unique Experiences in France, Episode 86

Laura tells us about her road trip in France, with stories of camping and eating vegan in France in this episode Road Trip in France, Episode 25

Matt tells us about driving around Brittany with his wife and kids in this episode  Brittany with Kids Trip Report, Episode 166

Jason tells us about driving around Bourgogne Wine Country and how easy and lovely it was!  Wine Touring in Beaune, Burgundy, Episode 128

Karie and Nathan drove around Alsace and loved it, but Nathan loves driving anywhere! Colmar and Alsace, Episode 120

Matt loved driving around the Loire Valley and fell in love roundabouts!  Trip Report Loire Valley and Dordogne, Episode 82

Different Types of Road Signs You’ll See in France

Whereas most road signs in America contain words such as “Do Not Pass”, “Speed Limit 50”, “One Way”, equivalent signs in France do not. You need to get familiar with a few different types of French road signs and what they mean, and then you’ll be good to go! Just be glad you won’t have to pass the French “code” test, which is the written part of the French driving test.

This episode of the podcast goes into lots of tips for people driving in France for the first time as well as gives an overview of road signs you will encounter:  The Rules of Driving in France, Episode 16

Signs of Interdiction—Forbidden, Stop Doing That, Rebel!

Circular signs with a big red circle mean “This is forbidden, don’t do it!”, and also, we see you, we give you a ticket.

Signs of Danger

These signs are designed to warn you of upcoming dangers . The one you really need to pay attention to is the speed bump. We have them all over France and if you don’t slow down you will go flying!

Priorities aka Right  of Way—You Must Understand How They Work!

The top sign means that a roundabout is coming up, you must yield to the cars that are already on the roundabout, coming from your left. Top right is the Yield sign. It means that you must yield to cars coming from both the right and the left.

The sign at the bottom right means that at the next intersection you will have to yield to cars coming from the right. They don’t HAVE to show you a sign every time you may have to yield to the right, sometimes it’s surprise. The yellow sign means you’re on a road that has priority aka right of way, there won’t be any surprises for a while.

Direction Signs—There Are Some Gotchas There Too!

OK, this one has one gotcha, but it’s easier to remember: blue signs mean toll road. OK, blue signs don’t mean toll road 100% of the time, this is France we like to keep things complicated, but assume that you may have to reach into your pocketbook, if not right away, eventually. If it says “Péage”, then definitely, it’s a toll road as soon as you enter it.

Around 200 meters before a roundabout they almost always have a sign that shows the shape of the exits. I recommend you get into the habit of looking at those because they will help you find your exit faster.

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Everything you need to know before driving in France

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A guide to the roads and motorways of France

• COVID .  Covid vaccination is recommended for all potentially "at risk" people, notably the elderly (over 60s). Masks may remain recommended  or obligatory in some places, notably hospitals, doctors' surgeries and some other places. Visitors are recommended to  carry a Covid vaccination status attestation (vaccination certificate on paper or on mobile phone). UK NHS or EU covid attestations are accepted,
• Summer 2024 - PARIS OLYMPICS . . The Olympic Games are being held in and around Paris from 26 July to 11 August 2024. Drivers are particularly advised to avoid the Paris area during this period.
• Driving license . Drivers from the UK,  EU countries, Switzerland,and EEA countries. Your national drivers license is valid in France for tourism travel up to twelve months, and for students studying in France for the duration of their student visa. Drivers with licenses from other countries must have a valid national license PLUS either an official translation into French or an IDP ( International Drivers Permit) ), which can be obtained ► here . An IDP is recommended, though not required, for drivers with a license issued in the USA (though it is required in some other parts of Europe).
• Low Emission Zones - A growing number of French cities, including all big cities, now have ZFE's – LEZ Low Emission Zones – from which more polluting vehicles are excluded... as are all vehicles not showing an air-quality sticker, known as a Crit'Air badge. Among cties concerned is Rouen, which is right on the route for many drivers heading south from Calais or Dieppe. Currently access to Rouen, or through Rouen, is forbidden to vehicles classed Crit'Air 4 or 5 - essentially diesels older than 2006 and petrol cars from before 1997. Crit'Air stickers for French or foreign registered vehicles can be obtained online from the French Government Website (in English) and cost €4.76. Visit the site to apply for your sticker. Even if you have an electric vehicle, you must display a Crit'Air sticker to drive into or through any city with a low emission zone - or face a fine.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY...... AVOID THE BUSIEST WEEKENDS Summer 2024

Official traffic density forecasts:.

MOTORWAYS OR NOT ?

►french motorways:, principal signs on french motorway toll gates:  .

• X -  Red cross : closed -

2024 Motorway tolls in France  - 

► free motorways and routes avoiding tolls .

• ►  toll-free route to Southwest France and northern Spain ►   toll-free route the Alps and the Mediterranean

• two thirds of the section on the A16 - A28 route between Calais and Rouen
• the A 84 from Caen to Rennes
• 275 km of the A20 from Vierzon to just south of Brive la Gaillarde (the longest stretch of free motorway in France, and the main Paris-Toulouse route).
• 340 km of the A75 motorway between Clermont Ferrand and Beziers - an alternate route for people driving to Languedoc and the Spanish border. Note however the Millau viaduct has a toll ( Toll prices ). Mountain motorway not recommended for caravans or in winter.
• the motorway between Dunkerque and Lille .
• Most urban and suburban autoroutes in France are also free; and even when they are not, it makes more sense to pay the toll and avoid miles of traffic lights and congestion.
• Main arterial roads west of Rennes, in Brittany
• The N 10 from Poitiers to Bordeaux . See map of routes through France.

► TRUNK ROADS  - arterial roads:

Road numbering in france.

Avoiding main roads in France

"bison futé" and driving on the byways of france.

"Routes bis"

► avoiding paris, night driving in france, ►hgv restrictions in france, ► petrol (gas) stations in france, fuel prices in france :, ev (electric vehicle) recharging in france :, ► overnight stops., driving in france -  maps.

► South from Calais - best routes to the south of France

► Real time  map   showing traffic congestion and hazards on French roads. Zoom in.

  ► French motorways map

► Southwest :  A10 Tours - Bordeaux - E5

► Southeast :  A26  via Reims - E17, E15

► East - West :   E19 - E44 from Belgium

►  to SW France and N Spain

►   to the Alps and the Mediterranean

► Driving in Spain

New speed cameras.  

• January 1st, New year's day
• Easter Monday (though not Good Friday except in Alsace),
• May 1st, Labour Day, Fête du Travail
• May 8th, Armistice Day
• Ascension Thursday
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• August 15th, French August bank holiday
• November 1st, Toussaint, All Saints' Day
• November 11th, Armistice, first world war.
• Christmas (though not Boxing Day)
• Driving in Spain
• Driving in Britain for foreign visitors
• Driving in Quebec (and Canada)
• Driving in the USA  

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The Crit'Air anti-pollution vehicle sticker

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 15 March 2024, updated on 17 April 2024

In order to reduce CO2 emissions in France's major cities, the most environmentally damaging vehicles are now banned from driving in certain urban areas called Low Emission Mobility Zones (ZFE-m). Vehicles not registered in France must also display an ecological sticker called Crit'Air. Here is an overview of the regulations in force to ensure that you have a peaceful holiday.

What is the Crit'Air sticker?

The certificate is a round sticker that corresponds to a class of vehicle defined according to the emissions of atmospheric pollutants. There are 6 categories of certificates, each with a different colour, to encourage the least polluting vehicles. The Crit'Air sticker concerns all vehicles: private cars, two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles, light commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles including buses and coaches. Once acquired and affixed to the vehicle's windscreen, the sticker is valid for the entire life of the vehicle.

Which zones require a Crit'Air sticker?

The Crit'Air certificate is only compulsory in certain zones. In Paris, the sticker is compulsory within the perimeter of the A86 motorway from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, except on public holidays.

Several large cities have also set up low emission mobility zones. The agglomerations concerned are: Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rouen, Reims and Saint-Étienne. From 2025, all cities and agglomerations with more than 150,000 inhabitants will be required to introduce a Low Emission Mobility Zone.

What are the regulations in force?

Since 1 January 2023, all Crit'Air 5 vehicles or vehicles without a sticker have been subject to traffic restrictions in Low Emission Zones. In some cities, Crit'Air 4 vehicles are also affected. Several cities also offer passes to allow occasional drivers to visit the city centre a limited number of times during the year.

Here is a summary of the measures in force (or soon to be introduced) in each of France's 11 Low Emission Zones:

In Paris and Greater Paris, the ban on Crit'Air 3 cars will apply from 1 January 2025 at the latest (in addition to Crit'Air 4, 5 and non-classified vehicles already subject to restrictions).

In Lyon , Crit'Air 5 and non-classified private vehicles are now affected by the traffic restrictions. Crit'Air 4, 3 and 2 vehicles will be progressively restricted in 2024, 2025 and 2028.

In Marseille , Crit'Air 4 cars will be banned from 1 January 2024. Crit'Air 3 vehicles will no longer be allowed to circulate within the ZFE perimeter after 1 January 2025.

In Strasbourg , Crit'Air 5 and non-classified vehicles will be banned from driving within the ZFE-m perimeter. The traffic restrictions will apply from 1 January 2024 for Crit'Air 4 vehicles and from 1 January 2025 for Crit'Air 3 vehicles.

In Rouen , all vehicles displaying a Crit'Air 4, 5 or non-classified sticker have been banned from 1 September 2022. Tolerance is granted to motorised two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles until 31 August 2023. The ban is due to apply to Crit'Air 3 cars from 1 January 2025. In addition, additional traffic restrictions may apply during pollution peaks. Traffic restrictions will only apply in urban areas where pollutant thresholds are exceeded. The following cities, known as "vigilance territories", are therefore no longer subject to these new restrictions (Crit'Air 3).

In Toulouse , all Crit'Air 4, 5 and non-classified vehicles have been affected by the traffic restrictions since 1 January 2023. Crit'Air 3 cars will be able to continue driving after 2024.

- In Nice , Crit'Air 5 and non-classified passenger cars have been affected by the restrictions since 1 January 2023. However, Crit'Air 4 and Crit'Air 3 vehicles will be able to continue driving.

- In Montpellier , Crit'Air 5 and non-classified vehicles have been banned from 1 January 2023. However, Crit'Air 4 and Crit'Air 3 vehicles will not be subject to these restrictions.

- In Grenoble , Crit'Air vehicles have been banned from driving in the Low Emission Zone since 7 July 2023. These restrictions will apply from 1 January 2024 for Crit'Air 4 cars and from 1 January 2025 for Crit'Air 4 cars, and are limited to certain hours (Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm).

- In Reims , the ban applies to Crit'Air 4 and 5 vehicles from 1 January 2023. The restrictions do not apply to Crit'Air 3 vehicles.

For more information on the Low Emission Zones, travellers are invited to consult the government's website

How do I get a Crit'Air sticker?

French or foreign motorists can order the sticker online on the website of the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition (the only official site authorised to issue them, beware of scams! ): https://certificat-air.gouv.fr The cost is 3.70€ plus postage (3,11€ + 1,50€). The estimated delivery time is 5 to 10 days. Please note that offending vehicles will be fined 68€ for a private car and 135€ for a coach.

More information on the official website of the Crit'Air certificate : https://www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/certificats-qualite-lair-critair (available in English, German, Italian, Spanish).

• Click here to view the classification table for all vehicles

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Ireland plans to send asylum seekers back to UK under emergency law

Taoiseach wants to reduce arrivals through Northern Ireland amid concern that Sunak’s Rwanda plan is driving people to Ireland

Ireland and Britain are on a collision course over asylum seekers, with Dublin vowing to send arrivals to Ireland back to the UK and London insisting it will not accept any.

A diplomatic row erupted on Sunday after the taoiseach, Simon Harris, asked the justice minister, Helen McEntee, to bring proposals to cabinet next week to allow the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK, amid concern that Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan was rerouting asylum seekers from Britain.

“This country will not in any way, shape or form provide a loophole for anybody else’s migration challenges,” Harris said on Sunday. “Other countries can decide how they wish to advance migration. From an Irish perspective, we intend to have a firm rules-based system where rules are in place, where rules are in force, where rules are seen to be enforced.”

The planned legislation follows a claim by Sunak that the Conservative party’s deterrence was working, and after it emerged that 80% of recent asylum seekers to Ireland came via the land border with Northern Ireland.

A UK government source said it would not accept any asylum seekers from Ireland without a wider deal with Brussels. “We won’t accept any asylum returns from the EU via Ireland until the EU accepts that we can send them back to France. We are fully focused on operationalising our Rwanda scheme and will continue working with the French to stop the boats from crossing the channel.”

Ireland had previously designated the UK a “safe third country” to which asylum seekers could be returned but last month the Irish high court ruled that this breached EU law, impeding further returns.

McEntee said she would shore up Ireland’s controls and discuss the return of refugees with James Cleverly and other British officials during a visit to London on Monday.

“That’s why I’m introducing fast processing, that’s why I’ll have emergency legislation at cabinet this week to make sure that we can effectively return people to the UK and that’s why I’ll be meeting with the home secretary to raise these issues on Monday,” she told RTÉ.

In an interview with Sky News on Sunday, Sunak said the Rwanda legislation signed into law last week was already having an impact because people were worried about coming to the UK.

“Illegal migration is a global challenge, which is why you’re seeing multiple countries talk about doing third-country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe will follow where the UK has led.”

Last week, a protest in County Wicklow over proposed refugee accommodation led to violent clashes with police who used shields and sprays and arrested six people. Police said rocks and other missiles were thrown and they recovered an axe.

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There have been protests and arson attacks on proposed refugee accommodation centres and demonstrations outside ministers’ homes, fuelling anxiety over far-right agitation.

At a speech in County Monaghan the taoiseach said warning signs around the abuse of public figures should be taken seriously. “We have had too many warnings and we need to take them seriously before the unthinkable happens.”

Ireland has taken in more than 100,000 refugees, about three-quarters from Ukraine. There is an acute housing crisis that has driven up rents and homelessness and fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment. A riot last November wrecked parts of central Dublin.

• Immigration and asylum
• Northern Ireland
• Rishi Sunak
• Simon Harris

More on this story

London protesters block transfer of asylum seekers to Bibby Stockholm

‘Compassion for the most vulnerable’: bishop thanks protesters who blocked asylum coaches

Father of girl who died in Channel says family feared being deported to Iraq

Lone children at risk of deportation to Rwanda after being classified as adults, says charity

UK will not accept return of asylum seekers from Ireland, Rishi Sunak says

Home Office to detain asylum seekers across UK in shock Rwanda operation

UK Rwanda policy is ‘kneejerk reaction’ to migration, says Ireland’s deputy PM

UK minister appears to mix up Rwanda and Congo on Question Time

What is the real story behind Vietnamese Channel boat crossings?

Macron criticises Rwanda-style asylum schemes days after UK passes bill

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