Driving

Nowadays of course ‘smart’ technology can show you the way if you prefer! However, if you are still using Michelin maps (which I've used for many years and recommend) these are conveniently colour coded: Autoroutes are yellow bordered by thin red lines, National roads are red and Departmental Roads are yellow.

Autoroute Tolls

Most Autoroutes are tolled and known as the Péage. The easiest ways to pay are by Card or by purchasing an electronic tag which attaches to your vehicles screen and beeps as you pass through the toll. I’ve used both and the tag is by far the most convenient - see link below.

Driving in Cities

Generally in large cities such as Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux it is best to forget about using a car and just use the local transport. If you do use your own vehicle many cities now have clean air zones and you need to display the correct badge for your vehicle - check the Driving website in Practical Info below.

Rental

France has all the main car rental companies e.g. Europcar, Hertz, Sixt etc and you can reserve in advance of your trip or pick up at the Airport.

Companies like Expedia and Hotwire offer comparison price shopping.