Types Of Roads In France

Thinking of taking a France driving holiday in the coming months? Then its important to not only plan your route, but get up to speed on the type of roads you will encounter and a working knowledge of the French rules of the road.

France is well known for the quality of its road infrastructure and you will certainly see that it is a perfect place for a self-drive holiday!

The best way to get used to the roads of France is to drive yourself. Car hire in France allows you to visit attraction after attraction at your own pace.

French Roads are classified as follows:

· The Motorways or Autoroutes have the ‘A’ prefix before the road number. Remember that the majority of Autoroutes are toll roads, which are denoted by blue signs, similar to the UK.  Autoroutes that have no tolls are denoted by green signs. Note that urban areas are toll free generally.

Remember that when you enter the toll section area get your ticket that documents when you entered the toll road, and you pay when you leave the toll section at the ‘Péage‘. Be sure to have a few €euro coins with you, they are pretty handy when paying toll fees!

Note that lane traffic is supervised very strictly in France – and pull into the right hand lane when there is plenty of space!

· Main roads are known as Route Nationale, and have the ‘N’ prefix. If you don’t want to pay toll charges, these can be a useful alternative for a cruise through if you are not in a rush on your driving holiday! They are dual carriageway standard.

· Minor roads have the ‘D’ classifications. Known as Routes Départmentales, they are of a decent standard.

· Routes Communales are classed with a ‘C’. These are local roads and may not be in the best standard.

General Road Rules in France

· Drive on the right hand side of the road.
· Legal age for driving is 18 years of age.
· Make sure to have a visibility jacket and warning triangle in the car.
· All passengers must use their seat belts and law requires the use of child seats. Children under 10 years cannot sit in the front seat.
· The speed limits are as follows: (a) 50km in towns (b) 90km on main roads (c) 110km on dual carriageways and (d) 130km on Autoroutes.
· There are plenty of speed radar traps on the main routes, so keep to the limits. On the spot fines are common, so don’t break the law!

Have you drove in France before and taken a self-drive holiday? If you have any French driving tips please let your fellow readers know. We appreciate your comments!