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Travel by Car in France | |
| Outside of Paris, hiring/renting a car gives you the freedom and efficiency to make the most of your trip to France. | ||
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A Frenchman invented the first self-propelled mechanical vehicle in 1769, and another Frenchman invented an internal combustion engine in 1859. It's no surprise that France still produces lots of automobiles. You will probably—you should!—use public transportation (especially trains) for part of your travel in France, but travel by car gives you freedom beyond France's fine public transport network. French HighwaysAutoroutes are France's high-speed limited-access express highways connecting regions and major cities. Speed limits on autoroutes are 110 km/h (68 mph) to 130 km/h (81 mph). Some portions of the autoroutes are subject to tolls. More... Nationales are the main all-access (and in some cases limited-access) highways of two or more lanes. This was France's main system before the construction of the autoroutes. Speed limit on Nationals outside of towns and villages is usually 90 km/h (56 mph). Départmentales are regional all-access highways of one or two lanes. Speed limits on Départmentales vary from 30 to 50 kp/h (19 to 31 mph) in villages and towns to 50 to 80 kp/h (31 to 50 mph) in the countryside. Narrow Country Road DangersMany French drivers tend to drive very fast on winding country roads. When they come toward you in the opposite direction, they may not leave quite enough room.. It's easy to lose the left-side rearview mirror of your rental car if there's not enough clearance. We tend to avoid the narrowest country roads if possible. Priorité à DroiteRegulations for vehicle priority are elaborate and important! You must understand and observe them. More... French Driving HabitsMost French car drivers are competent and skilled, but some love to tailgate (follow you too closely), and some like to go too fast on narrow country roads. Large truck/lorry drivers are professionals, skilled and patient, and observe lower speed limits than autos. More... Car Hire/Rental in FranceCar hire/rental is an integral part of France's fine public transportation system. You'll find car rental agencies located conveniently in all train stations, seaports and major airports, making intermodal travel (mostly train + car) your preferred travel method in France. More... Motor FuelsUnleaded gasoline/petrol, clean diesel, liquefied propane gas, electric—you'll find them all. More... Car ParkingIt's well organized and convenient, but you must know how it operates. It can be highly frustrating if you don't know how it works. More... BicyclesOn French roads and highways, bicycle riders have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers, and must observe the same regulations. Sharing the road is essential, and is easily achieved if everyone observes the rules. More...
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Arromanches, on Gold Beach in Normandy: good to have a car to tour the D-Day beaches.
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