Driving to spain through france with dogs.. any advice

knightstyle

Look here for up to date traffic info.
http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr/diri/Accueil.do?langue=en
Look here for cheap fuel as motorway stations are expensive
http://www.carbeo.com/
Free WiFi in McDonalds Just buy a coffee!
You must take driving license, car insurance and V5 as the Gendarmes can fine you if you do not produce them.
Headlamp deflectors from Amazon, not required unless you drive in the dark, Headlights, not sidelights on if raining and motorway speed limit reduced from 130kph to 110kph in rain.
You do not need breathalysers. You must have at least one reflective waistcoat with a CE mark within reach of the driver at all times.
Do not worry about scare stories concerning give way to the right, after 16 years in France we have never had this! Perhaps in the back streets of large towns it applies???
Cheap hotels here http://www.hotelf1.com/gb/home/index.shtml
You could also ask for help/advice on expat sites, Angloinfo and French Entree are helpful.

Finally if you sail with Brittany Ferries PM me for a discount, this covers the ferry to Bilbau and have a good trip.

knightstyle

I will add that many towns and villages in France do not have speed limit signs, The village name signs mark the start of the speed limit and the one with the name crossed out in red marks the end of the limit.
White background sign = 50kph limit, black background = 70kph limit.
Rough guide...30mhp = 50kph, 50mph = 80kph.