Your Questions About Driving In France Roads
Steven asks…
Driving in France? Any video of road driving?
I am thinking of driving to Caen to see the area where my relatives were killed and injured during WWII, but I am apprehensive about driving on the ‘wrong side of the road’, as the French do.
I have read a little about the French road signs but am still nervous. Does anyone know of some video or similar on the web, showing how the French drive, ie roundabouts, and with examples of the confusing signage which seems to allow drivers to come out onto main roads?
Adelpho U – Unfortunately, can’t view that, it says domain unobtainable.
Thanks Elmbeard – That info you posted ‘Priorite a droite – where a tractor pulling out of a blind side junction has right of way still operates on some D roads and some roads in town. They are much better signposted than they were, but just be aware that someone might pull in front of you from the right. ‘ is the big scary thing -I worry I’d be doing 56mph down a road and then suddenly I have a vehicle come out in front of me.
admin answers:
Driving is actually more pleasant in France because it is a bigger country and fewer cars on fine straight roads.
First thing to watch out for is leaving a petrol station on your first day. Very easy to pull out on the wrong side of the road! French people like to nip up to Calais for a bit of free entertainment scoffing at les anglais.
Traffic lights go straight to green from red – no red & amber.
Priorite a droite – where a tractor pulling out of a blind side junction has right of way still operates on some D roads and some roads in town. They are much better signposted than they were, but just be aware that someone might pull in front of you from the right. On roundabouts those entering the roundabout have right of way, but a good blast of the horn will settle any arguments in town. A few dents are like warpaint, especially in Paris. They establish your street cred. Don’t forget roundabouts go anti-clockwise.
With a RHD car, you will find it harder to overtake, and you might have to lean over to the passenger seat to see past a lorry or van.
You should get wing mirrors on both sides and adjust them as soon as you get into France. Also make sure your headlights are adjusted for driving on the right. There are also other things you must carry, such as high-vis jacket, warning triangle, and spare bulbs, so check this before you go.
Another French speciality is the Toutes Directions sign. Sometimes you find two of them pointing in opposite directions. Do what the locals do and ignore them.
Nancy asks…
Can someone help me with a question I have about driving in France?
We are Australians flying from London to Brussels (Charleroi) in September.
We wish to hire a car to travel around Belgium and France for 6 days, including a visit to Paris (without experiencing heavy traffic problems especially while driving on the wrong side of the road).
Where could we stop and hop on to public transport for the Paris leg of our trip? Any other ideas or suggestions welcome.
Thanks.
admin answers:
Lots of luck, traffic is going to be heavy all around the whole region. Brussels is just a round the corner from Paris, take a train. . . There are many during any 24hr period.
You go right now and buy a ‘Lonely Planet’ guide book for that region. The cost of the book will be saved on your first day out. . . .and it will detail all the things to do, see, food/lodgings, how to get there and get away etc. I never leave my house without it if on a trip.
Susan asks…
Anyone actually did this? I mean, driving on the left side of roads in France, and seeing how French piss off?
Have you watched the film Eurotrip? Those Manchester United fans took a bus from London to Paris and ran it on the left side of roads. Guess French were pissed off.
admin answers:
Once, when my dad got back from france he started driving on the right hand side of the road by accident, and was shouting at people for about 10 minutes before he realised it was his fault, fortunately we were only on small country roads!
Sandra asks…
Can I drive using a US drivers license in France?
Or do I need an international drivers license?
Also, are there GPS that speaks English while driving on French roads in France?
Thanks!!!
admin answers:
I agree with the others– your U.S. License is good for 90 days or less. You can program your GPS for English. Driving in Paris is very difficult because it’s an ancient city and the layout makes no sense. If you are staying in the city, you might consider not renting a car and travel the city via the Metro (subway). Driving outside of the city is much easier. The highways are well marked but you’ll want to get a good map and study it before going anywhere. A GPS will be helpful, but having a good road map is essential. Also, once you get out of Paris and into the French countryside, the people are much friendlier and more helpful. Have a great trip!
Maria asks…
How tricky to drive a right hand drive in France for example?
I mean if you r driving on a country road and you planning on overtaking a big lorry ahead of you, how can you make sure that the opposite traffic is clear and safe to overtake?
your not getting the picture. As a right hand drive car you’ll be in the passenger seat technically so in order to have a clear view of the opposite traffic you’ll at least put half of the vehicle in the middle off the opposite traffic and that’s on its own is dangerous.
admin answers:
On Autoroutes and dual carriageways it’s not a problem, you just have to remember to look in the other (left) mirror. On single roads you need to hold back a bit so you can ease out to look and still be able to get back in if it’s not clear. Means a slightly slower journey. I’ve driven UK car in France, Belgium, Germany Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Greece with no real problems. The only thing to watch out for is when you get stuck behind a slow moving big load, then you need to put patience and safety first.
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