6 tips for the perfect French summer road trip
As with any road trip, it's obviously a good idea to make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy and in good condition for the journey, and to have some idea of where you're going and how long it is likely to take.
READ ALSO
Who to call and what to say in a driving emergency in France
But then there are some specifically French issues;
Motorway or not motorway?
The generally pay-as-you-go
autoroutes
of France are excellent. The road surface is usually smooth, traffic flows reasonably, the views generally stunning – and there's occasional road-side art to spot and debate for a few miles.
France is not a small country and its motorways stretch for more than 12,000km, of which more than 9,000km are toll roads operated by private companies under contracts with the State.
Advertisement
But, you don't have to use them – it is entirely possible to get from wherever you are to wherever you want to go without using a motorway in France. Just accept that the journey will take longer, may be harder on your car, involve hills, and narrow roads, towns and villages.
If you're in no rush, great, enjoy
la france profonde
. If you need to get somewhere a little faster, though, pay the toll.
READ ALSO
Is it worth taking a detour to avoid France's steep autoroute tolls?
Avoid the red and black days
There are some days – particularly during the long summer holidays – when it's best simply to leave the motorway travel to everyone else. There are days when it seems like the entire population of France is on the road, with a good chunk of northern Europeans also
using France as a ratrun to southern Europe, and the sun.
Fortunately, the busy days are mostly predictable - k
eep an eye on
The Local
and France's roads watchdog Bison Futé, which forecasts traffic levels on the country's main arterial routes, and signals trouble using a colour-coded map of France. Green is good. Red is not. Black is, basically, nationwide gridlock.
And avoid, at all costs,
the
chasée-croisé
.
Take breaks
At some point you're going to need a pitstop to freshen up, loosen up and, maybe, take on some food and water. And fuel. Let's not forget fuel.
But, where can you stop on a French motorway? Enter the
aires de service
.
You'll see regular blue signs at the side of the
autoroute
telling you how far you have to travel to the next
aire de service
and, via the medium of pictograms, what services are on offer – so you'll know if there's a filling station, a restaurant, café, a shop, toilet and shower facilities, facilities for caravan or camping car users and so on.
The thing is, these places are not cheap. Fuel is more expensive than in town service stations, and food prices are higher. You're pretty much a captive consumer so you pay a premium for the privilege.
Most will have charging points for electric vehicles and there's routinely free wifi access. There will be an outdoor area with chairs and tables, if you're organised enough to pack a picnic, while for kids there will be an outdoor play area and an indoor area for arcade games.
Advertisement
At peak periods, notably in the summer, numerous service stations offer free activities for children and families. This is actually a very smart idea – it breaks up a journey, gives bored backseat children something to do which delays the inevitable cries of 'are we nearly there yet', and prompts families to take a proper break before getting back in their vehicles for the next leg of their trip.
READ ALSO
Aires: Everything you need to know about motorway services in France
Between the
aires de service
, you may also spot
aires de repos
. These are, basically, parking areas at the side of the motorway, where you can take a break from driving and relieve yourself if necessary. The good news is that they're usually landscaped, and have some benches and tables, if you have a picnic, plus toilets.
Take the route less travelled
There are alternatives to motorways and service stations - they're France's official
villages étapes
– or stopover villages.
READ ALSO
Driving in France: What are the French 'villages étapes'?
A signpost on France's major routes will tell you that, within 5km, there's a village of no more than 5,000 people that will offer a warm welcome – and food and fuel – to weary travellers. At a fraction of the cost of motorway services.
Advertisement
Heading into La France profonde
has advantages beyond protecting your bank balance a while longer. You'll see stunning views from the motorways – but you'll experience stunning views off them. Scenic routes are everywhere, and they're worth the effort if you have the time, and the fuel.
READ ALSO
10 most beautiful parts of France to drive through
Avoid tourist hotspots
France is understandably proud of its reputation as the world's most visited tourist destination, but that tag does bring with it one or two problems.
According to the French government, some 80 percent of the country's tourist activity – and there's a lot of it – is concentrated in just 20 percent of the country, meaning that better-known tourist sites can get overwhelmed by visitors.
Advertisement
France is fairly bursting with places to visit so t
hink a little outside the tourist box - maybe h
ead to the Vanoise and Beaufortain massifs rather than Mont Blanc; the Côte Bleue to the west of Marseille is every bit as beautiful – and much less busy – than the Calanques; while opposite Cannes, the Lérins Islands, are an ideal alternative to the îles du parc national du Port-Cros.
READ ALSO
19 alternative places to visit in France to avoid the crowds
France also has a lot of beautiful villages that are well worth visiting just to experience some traditional rural lifestyle.
READ ALSO
:
14 of the best villages in France - according to the French✎
Drive sensibly
This really should go without saying, but keeping to speed limits and maintaining safe distances is the best way to travel. Your blood pressure remains even, you're less likely to crash. This remains true whatever the locals are up to on the roads.
READ ALSO
Swearing, honking and tailgating: French drivers ranked among worst in Europe
Don't get arrested
Avoiding unnecessary trouble with the law is a common sense approach to life and it should be fairly easy to do.
But, as in all countries, there are a whole range of driving laws to fall foul of – from
standard driving infractions
to ages-old French rules on
running the air-con in your winnebago
, for example.
Advertisement
Very minor law-breaking may – may – be solved with a grovelling apology to the world-weary police officer in front of you and tactical use of the 'dumb foreigner' defence.
READ ALSO
Driving in France: What are the offences that cost you penalty points on your licence?
But more serious offences may see you in the back of a police car en route to a police station, where you can be held for up to 24 hours before someone has to decide whether you can be detained for longer. S
uffice to say, this alone will put a kink in your holiday.
READ ALSO
What to do if you are arrested in France
But not as much as the kink as any future court appearance and French criminal record may do.
Foreign motorists in France are more likely to experience national traffic laws via the medium of an unwanted speeding fine in the post.
Speeding is taken very seriously in France. You can be pulled over by a police officer for speeding, but you could also be caught by a speed camera and not even realise it until you get a fine in the mail.
READ ALSO
Radars, fines and points: How to understand France's speeding laws
For non-EU tourists driving their own cars in France, whether you receive a point on your foreign licence depends on whether your country (or state) has a reciprocal agreement with France.
If you have been snapped by a speed camera while in a hire car, rental companies will relay your information to French authorities, and they may also apply a surcharge for fines.
And don't think you'll get away with it if you're
flashed while driving a UK-plated car
.
If you're planning on taking in some of France's famous vineyards while on your trip, remember to designate a driver - French drink-drive laws are strict and the alcohol limits may be lower than you are used to, especially if you are from the UK.
READ ALSO
:
What you risk if you drink and drive in France✎
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Local France
5 hours ago
- Local France
7 ideas for your French summer holidays this year
There's a reason that France is the most-visited tourist destination in the world - because it's awesome. OK, the full explanation is more complicated than that , but one of the reasons that it is popular is the variety on offer - you can have a seaside holiday, head to the mountains or chill out in the country. You can visit museums and galleries in cities like Paris, chateaux in the Loire Valley or vineyards in the south. Then there's the incredible food and drink and general dedication to what the French call l'art de vivre . So yes, there's plenty to love - but we have some tips for truly getting the most out of a French summer trip, whether you're coming here on holiday or you're already in France and want some ideas for day trips. Overcrowding Due in part to the aforementioned geographical spread, France doesn't have the same over-tourism problems as Spain and has, so far, escaped the tourism related protests of its neighbour . There are, however, some tourist hotspots that are definitely over-crowded. Advertisement According to the French tourism ministry, 80 percent of visitors go to the same 20 percent of the country - and it's running a campaign asking people to consider out-of-season holidays, or visiting somewhere different . Now we're not dissing any of the spots on this list of most-crowded places - sites like Mont-Saint-Michel and the Calanques are famous for a reason. But often there are nearby alternatives that are just as good but less well known, and therefore less crowded. READ ALSO : 10 alternatives to France's overcrowded tourist hotspots✎ Pre-booking Due to overcrowding, there are now some places that must be booked in advance, and others - especially natural sites - that have imposed a cap on visitor numbers. So if you're planning a visit, check out first whether it is necessary or advised to book in advance. There's nothing more disappointing than setting your heart on an experience only to find that it's fully booked. READ ALSO : Visiting France: What activities and places do I need to reserve in advance?✎ The same applies to popular restaurants, especially in cities. This is a trend that seems to have accelerated since the pandemic, but more restaurants now require booking in advance. Most restaurants have online booking options, but they often send you a confirmation email a couple of days in advance in order to hold your reservation, which you will need to reply to or confirm, so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder), as you don't want your reservation to be cancelled. Beaches The seaside is a popular destination and France has a good variety of coastline, from the sunny Mediterranean to the wilder Atlantic coast with popular surfing centres like Biarritz up to the cooler temperatures of the Channel coast resorts. But you should be aware that it's not a case of 'everything goes' on French beaches, there are actually rules covering everything from shell collection to sexual activity, dog-walking to sun loungers. READ ALSO : Sand, smoking and sex: The rules of French beaches✎ New this year is a total smoking ban on beaches , part of an extension of the previous indoor smoking ban to outdoor areas including parks, beaches and bus shelters. Exactly how well enforced this new law - in place since July 1st - is another question. Advertisement France has a decent number of nudist beaches and even a few designated nudist resorts - outside of these areas it's not usual to go naked, although being topless on the beach is fine. Conversely, if you are in a nudist area, it's considered polite to strip off or - if you are not comfortable with going naked - move to the non-nudist section of the beach. Once you leave the beach, being topless is not recommended for men or women, in fact some towns even impose fines on beach-goers who don't slip on a top once they're in the town centre or restaurant area. Camping/ camper vans If you're not a fan of hotels then you might be thinking of taking a camping holiday, or going in a camping car (camper van). Advertisement France has a huge variety of campsites ranging from the basic (a field with a space to pitch your tent) to the luxurious sites that offer restaurants, swimming pools, leisure facilities and sometimes even chalets to sleep in. Be aware, however, that wild camping is in most circumstances not allowed - so you will have to either reserve a pitch on a campsite or come to a private arrangement with a landowner. READ ALSO : EXPLAINED: The rules and options for camping in France✎ It's the same deal with camper vans - in most cases you need to park up at night on a dedicated site, although some towns set aside a space for campers, or make a private deal with a landowner. READ ALSO : Essential tips for your campervan holiday in France✎ Road trips A good way to see some of the more off-the-beaten track sites is to take a road trip. READ ALSO : 6 tips for the perfect French summer road trip✎ And don't forget France's beautiful villages - they may not be tourist sites in their own right, but the country has some truly stunning villages. In fact there is an annual TV show called Le Village préféré des Français in which French people vote for the best village in the country. Advertisement The shortlist for this competition provides some great ideas for finding a stunning and traditional rural location. READ ALSO : 14 of the best villages in France - according to the French✎ Train journeys If you're deep into La France profonde you will likely need a car, as public transport can be patchy, but towns and cities are well connected via France's impressive high speed rail network . Comfortable, (mostly) reliable and very fast, the TGV trains are a great way to see the countryside and they can whisk you the 700 kilometres from Paris to Marseille in a little over three hours. Then there are the slower trains through scenic areas which are a tourist experience in their own right. READ ALSO : VIDEO: 7 of the most beautiful train journeys in France✎ And don't forget the expanding network of night trains, if you want to make your journey part of the holiday. READ ALSO : 8 French night trains to take this summer✎ Food and drink France has, on the whole, pretty good food. But the top tip for any traveller is to eat local - try the various local specialities and traditional dishes in each part of France that you visit and you can be more or less guaranteed a good eating and drinking experience. We've put together a few foodie maps of the local dishes to try around France. What to eat and drink in southern France✎ What to eat and drink in northern France✎ Regional cuisine: What to eat and drink in central France✎ If you're still looking for ideas, head to our Discover France section which is packed with ideas for holidays, day-trips and things to do and see in France, plus practical information for holidaymakers.
Local France
13 hours ago
- Local France
6 tips for the perfect French summer road trip
Part of the appeal of a road trip is that you don't have to book ahead for train or plane tickets so can be a little more spontaneous - but it's still worth planning a few things in advance. As with any road trip, it's obviously a good idea to make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy and in good condition for the journey, and to have some idea of where you're going and how long it is likely to take. READ ALSO Who to call and what to say in a driving emergency in France But then there are some specifically French issues; Motorway or not motorway? The generally pay-as-you-go autoroutes of France are excellent. The road surface is usually smooth, traffic flows reasonably, the views generally stunning – and there's occasional road-side art to spot and debate for a few miles. France is not a small country and its motorways stretch for more than 12,000km, of which more than 9,000km are toll roads operated by private companies under contracts with the State. Advertisement But, you don't have to use them – it is entirely possible to get from wherever you are to wherever you want to go without using a motorway in France. Just accept that the journey will take longer, may be harder on your car, involve hills, and narrow roads, towns and villages. If you're in no rush, great, enjoy la france profonde . If you need to get somewhere a little faster, though, pay the toll. READ ALSO Is it worth taking a detour to avoid France's steep autoroute tolls? Avoid the red and black days There are some days – particularly during the long summer holidays – when it's best simply to leave the motorway travel to everyone else. There are days when it seems like the entire population of France is on the road, with a good chunk of northern Europeans also using France as a ratrun to southern Europe, and the sun. Fortunately, the busy days are mostly predictable - k eep an eye on The Local and France's roads watchdog Bison Futé, which forecasts traffic levels on the country's main arterial routes, and signals trouble using a colour-coded map of France. Green is good. Red is not. Black is, basically, nationwide gridlock. And avoid, at all costs, the chasée-croisé . Take breaks At some point you're going to need a pitstop to freshen up, loosen up and, maybe, take on some food and water. And fuel. Let's not forget fuel. But, where can you stop on a French motorway? Enter the aires de service . You'll see regular blue signs at the side of the autoroute telling you how far you have to travel to the next aire de service and, via the medium of pictograms, what services are on offer – so you'll know if there's a filling station, a restaurant, café, a shop, toilet and shower facilities, facilities for caravan or camping car users and so on. The thing is, these places are not cheap. Fuel is more expensive than in town service stations, and food prices are higher. You're pretty much a captive consumer so you pay a premium for the privilege. Most will have charging points for electric vehicles and there's routinely free wifi access. There will be an outdoor area with chairs and tables, if you're organised enough to pack a picnic, while for kids there will be an outdoor play area and an indoor area for arcade games. Advertisement At peak periods, notably in the summer, numerous service stations offer free activities for children and families. This is actually a very smart idea – it breaks up a journey, gives bored backseat children something to do which delays the inevitable cries of 'are we nearly there yet', and prompts families to take a proper break before getting back in their vehicles for the next leg of their trip. READ ALSO Aires: Everything you need to know about motorway services in France Between the aires de service , you may also spot aires de repos . These are, basically, parking areas at the side of the motorway, where you can take a break from driving and relieve yourself if necessary. The good news is that they're usually landscaped, and have some benches and tables, if you have a picnic, plus toilets. Take the route less travelled There are alternatives to motorways and service stations - they're France's official villages étapes – or stopover villages. READ ALSO Driving in France: What are the French 'villages étapes'? A signpost on France's major routes will tell you that, within 5km, there's a village of no more than 5,000 people that will offer a warm welcome – and food and fuel – to weary travellers. At a fraction of the cost of motorway services. Advertisement Heading into La France profonde has advantages beyond protecting your bank balance a while longer. You'll see stunning views from the motorways – but you'll experience stunning views off them. Scenic routes are everywhere, and they're worth the effort if you have the time, and the fuel. READ ALSO 10 most beautiful parts of France to drive through Avoid tourist hotspots France is understandably proud of its reputation as the world's most visited tourist destination, but that tag does bring with it one or two problems. According to the French government, some 80 percent of the country's tourist activity – and there's a lot of it – is concentrated in just 20 percent of the country, meaning that better-known tourist sites can get overwhelmed by visitors. Advertisement France is fairly bursting with places to visit so t hink a little outside the tourist box - maybe h ead to the Vanoise and Beaufortain massifs rather than Mont Blanc; the Côte Bleue to the west of Marseille is every bit as beautiful – and much less busy – than the Calanques; while opposite Cannes, the Lérins Islands, are an ideal alternative to the îles du parc national du Port-Cros. READ ALSO 19 alternative places to visit in France to avoid the crowds France also has a lot of beautiful villages that are well worth visiting just to experience some traditional rural lifestyle. READ ALSO : 14 of the best villages in France - according to the French✎ Drive sensibly This really should go without saying, but keeping to speed limits and maintaining safe distances is the best way to travel. Your blood pressure remains even, you're less likely to crash. This remains true whatever the locals are up to on the roads. READ ALSO Swearing, honking and tailgating: French drivers ranked among worst in Europe Don't get arrested Avoiding unnecessary trouble with the law is a common sense approach to life and it should be fairly easy to do. But, as in all countries, there are a whole range of driving laws to fall foul of – from standard driving infractions to ages-old French rules on running the air-con in your winnebago , for example. Advertisement Very minor law-breaking may – may – be solved with a grovelling apology to the world-weary police officer in front of you and tactical use of the 'dumb foreigner' defence. READ ALSO Driving in France: What are the offences that cost you penalty points on your licence? But more serious offences may see you in the back of a police car en route to a police station, where you can be held for up to 24 hours before someone has to decide whether you can be detained for longer. S uffice to say, this alone will put a kink in your holiday. READ ALSO What to do if you are arrested in France But not as much as the kink as any future court appearance and French criminal record may do. Foreign motorists in France are more likely to experience national traffic laws via the medium of an unwanted speeding fine in the post. Speeding is taken very seriously in France. You can be pulled over by a police officer for speeding, but you could also be caught by a speed camera and not even realise it until you get a fine in the mail. READ ALSO Radars, fines and points: How to understand France's speeding laws For non-EU tourists driving their own cars in France, whether you receive a point on your foreign licence depends on whether your country (or state) has a reciprocal agreement with France. If you have been snapped by a speed camera while in a hire car, rental companies will relay your information to French authorities, and they may also apply a surcharge for fines. And don't think you'll get away with it if you're flashed while driving a UK-plated car . If you're planning on taking in some of France's famous vineyards while on your trip, remember to designate a driver - French drink-drive laws are strict and the alcohol limits may be lower than you are used to, especially if you are from the UK. READ ALSO : What you risk if you drink and drive in France✎
Local France
2 days ago
- Local France
EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks
It's been delayed several times before, but we now have the new start date for the EES border control system. According to the latest European Commission report , the system will come into effect on October 12th, 2025. However due to concerns about readiness, the introduction will be phased, with the system set to become compulsory at all the EU/Schengen zone's entry and exit points within six months of that date - taking us to April 2026. The EES website tells travellers: "European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means your data may not be collected at every border crossing point right away." Advertisement There had been concerns about readiness, especially at the busy UK-France crossing, where bosses at the Port of Dover had warned of long delays. This will be followed by the introduction of the ETIAS travel authorisation which is currently set for the final quarter of 2026. As The Local reported last week , the initial €7 fee for the ETIAS travel authorisation will now be €20. Remind me, what's EES again? The Entry & Exit System is basically an enhanced passport check in which travellers will have to provide fingerprints and a facial scan. The purpose of the system is twofold: to increase border security via tougher passport controls and to digitise travellers' entry and exit dates from the Schengen zone, to automatically calculate the 90-day allowance for visa-free travel that citizens of non-EU countries including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia benefit from. These checks will only occur when entering or leaving the Schengen zone, and will not be required when travelling within the zone, eg from France to Germany. Only those travelling on a non-EU passport are required to use the EES system, and there are also exemptions for non-EU citizens resident of an EU or Schengen zone country. Find full details here . READ ALSO How EES border checks will impact flight passengers✎ How EES will change your Eurostar journey✎ What does EES mean for cross-Channel ferry trips?✎ And what's ETIAS? ETIAS is a travel authorisation that is required for people travelling on non-EU passports who are making short visits to the EU/Schengen zone - this will mostly affect tourists, but also those paying short visits including family visits. Second-home owners who do not have a visa will be required to have an ETIAS authorisation. Anyone who is travelling to the EU with a visa is not required to get an ETIAS authorisation must be applied for online in advance of travel - the system is essentially the same as the US Esta visa or the UK's new ETA. Advertisement The ETIAS costs €20 and is then valid for three years. Under 18s and over 70s are exempt from the fee. Find full details here .
