worried about driving in france

Dustykitten

Don't rely on satnav. Make sure you have maps and a route planner printed out from the internet.

They have lots of areas on the motorways which are like mini services without the service. Usually just a toilet but areas to picnic, rest etc. They are really easy to just pull into.

Try to enjoy the journey and see it as part of your holiday. We have driven through some lovely places and if you can stop a bit and enjoy the odd place for an hour along the way.

alun4

Yes, don't rely on Satnav but as part of the "toolkit" it is excellent. Compare "Via Michelin" with Google Maps and if you need to buy a satnav consider one with thee lane definitions at junctions.

DMC75_2

would driving be easier on all day friday and last bit first thing sat morning or all day sunday and fnishing off monday morning ?

Dustykitten

http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr/diri/Accueil.do?langue=en

Let's you look at 'real time' and traffic predictions to try to avoid the busy days (there is one weekend a year when the French head South on mass and this is to be avoided at all costs)

You might pick up some tips on this website too:

http://www.france4families.com/DrivingInFrance/RoutePlanning.htm

dangers

Can't comment on the driving, but we've just come back from along the road from Serignan - there are a lot of mozzies over there! Places well worth visiting when down there include Roquebrun, St Guilhem le Desert (with the Grottes de Clamouse just down the road), Carcassonne and if you are up for some walking, either the Gorges d'Heric or the Cirque de Moureze - might not want to do these on really hot days and if you are doing the Cirque de Moureze - wear trainers at the very least. There is a lovely restaurant there (the lady who appears to own it speaks NO English and is very friendly).
Depending on where you are travelling from, the bit of Motorway that links Pezenas (A75 E11) to Beziers (J35) was not open when we went despite maps saying it would be open in the spring (we came back 9th June). If you are coming down the A75 which leads onto the N9 then you will go onto the new motorway for a short while before coming back off to go back onto the N9. You would be better changing onto the D13 to get onto the A9 at J34 before coming back off at J35.
Have a good holiday

mikey72

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

The roads need some foresight (watch and understand the signs) but lane swopping is the norm and
you don't get the "I won't let you in" British mentality too often.

Sorry, is this France, as in near to England just North of Spain. I can tell you (here now & half the year) this is a load of Merde.

OP. stick to the speed limits, watch the signs and remember to use one finger instead of two when gesturing. (They are not taught about Agincourt). Carry the required bits
(reflective jacket INSIDE the car etc) and enjoy your trip.

Priorite a droite is RAMPANT in areas of the south especially, just give way to eveyone.

PS. I nearly forgot, they prefer it if you drive on the wrong side of the road.

You must take it with you.

DMC75_2

As nervous Have looked into flying to beziers from my local airport and hiring car.

We have also a trip planned to eurodisney on way home and so this would invove train to Eurodisney from beizers and train back to london , and train back to home from london.

This does seem a bit mad with two kids lugging luggage on 3 rail journeys (just to avoid me being nervous of driving) .

Option now is either fly and trains to eurodisney
or calais ferry (ferry previous evening and stay in france after couple of hours evening driving) or caen / le havre overnightferry.

DCFC79

DMC75 wrote: »

As nervous Have looked into flying to beziers from my local airport and hiring car.

We have also a trip planned to eurodisney on way home and so this would invove train to Eurodisney from beizers and train back to london , and train back to home from london.

This does seem a bit mad with two kids lugging luggage on 3 rail journeys (just to avoid me being nervous of driving) .

Option now is either fly and trains to eurodisney
or calais ferry (ferry previous evening and stay in france after couple of hours evening driving) or caen / le havre overnightferry.

how many years have you been driving in the uk

Rachie_B

go for it,it is much better / easier than diving in the Uk ( so hubby says)
I might even brave it,and do some of the driving when we go this year

Just take your time,allow for plenty of stops etc

magpiecottage

Driving in France is generally easy once you get the hang of it. The "D" roads are generally clear but the numbers change as you move from one departement to another. You can avoid Paris via them, though.

The yellow jacket needs to be kept where the driver can reach it without getting out of the car and remember the triangle and beam deflectors (take them off when you get back to the UK).

Do not take a speed camera detector it is illegal to possess one whether it is used or not.