Planning a road trip to France... looking for advice

[eblimegreen]

Hi all,

We are planning a road trip to France (our first road trip and family trip to France).

Im still working out all the logistics (where to stay enroute to our Airbnb villa etc) but im wondering you you amazing people have any advice?

Places to visit?
How best to visit Paris?
Things to avoid?
Advice on taking my E51 - his name's Yoshi

Im getting RAC European cover sorted (their multi claim one just in case).

My Elgrand isn't a camper so we will be stopping off at hotels/ Airbnb for the interim nights on our way down to the Dordogne region.

Many thanks

 

[AlanL]

Hi all,

We are planning a road trip to France (our first road trip and family trip to France).

Im still working out all the logistics (where to stay enroute to our Airbnb villa etc) but im wondering you you amazing people have any advice?

Places to visit?
How best to visit Paris?
Things to avoid?
Advice on taking my E51 - his name's Yoshi

Im getting RAC European cover sorted (their multi claim one just in case).

My Elgrand isn't a camper so we will be stopping off at hotels/ Airbnb for the interim nights on our way down to the Dordogne region.

Many thanks

Just had a timely reminder to get a GHIC, the new version of european health card. Gets you reciprocal health care. Apply through NHS on-line site so no fees. Need basic info + Nat.Insurance number. Site says allow 15 working days for delivery. Probably something you already know but I appreciated the nudge I got today.

 

[Jasper]

Avoid filling up at the motorway services. Like the UK, they’re very expensive.
The petrol stations aren’t spread out everywhere like they are in the UK but most of the larger supermarkets have them on site.

 

[Indidreamer]

I think you need to talk to @LeStempy regarding rules and regulations on the French road network.

I believe they will tar and feather you if you don't have a full replacement bulb set. They throw you in the Bastille if you don't have a triangle warning sign, and castrate you if you don't have a high vis jacket.

That might be an exaggeration, but they're fussy f*****s with tourists travelling on English plates, so probably best to make sure you have the fine details covered.

 

[LeStempy]

A big wedge of cash for on the spot fines. TBF you'll be fine if you follow the rules and advice you can find from RAC etc.

 

[JohnK]

If you're thinking of driving in Paris or other places with low emission zones you'll need a crit air sticker. Cheap to buy.
www.certificat-air.gouv.fr

 

[14woody]

Pretend your a boy racer and drive on the wrong side of the road.

 

[delimac]

One thing not to avoid are potholes as generally the roads are very well maintained!

One thing to be aware of is Priorité à Droite (priority to the right) which still exists in random places ( a dangerous outdated rule in my opinion) see https://thegoodlifefrance.com/priorite-a-droite-priority-to-the-right-in-france/

 

[Mortimouse]

I think you need to talk to @LeStempy regarding rules and regulations on the French road network.

I believe they will tar and feather you if you don't have a full replacement bulb set. They throw you in the Bastille if you don't have a triangle warning sign, and castrate you if you don't have a high vis jacket.

That might be an exaggeration, but they're fussy f*****s with tourists travelling on English plates, so probably best to make sure you have the fine details covered.

The latest edition of What Car? (May) has a section on this very matter.