Driving to France! N00b questions / advice.
Discussion
Hi all.
Looking to go for 5 days to France, possibly Normundy sort of area / West coast.
I've never driven before, so have done some research..
A few things I'm confused about -
1. What do I actually need? Haha. GB Sticker, Hi-Vis, and some headlight adjusters? Apparently the breathalyzer idea is no longer needed?
2. Toll roads! Is it worth just paying as you go, or worth signing up to this: https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/support/faq/support...
Seems good value, for whatever it is... haha.
3. Getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere is kind of playing on my mind. The jack that comes with my car (330cd) is pants, would I be horrifically silly to take along my proper jack.. *just incase?* I will also be buying European breakdown cover!
Other than that, any top tips or driving roads or places to stay / visit would be awesome!
Thanks
Tom
Looking to go for 5 days to France, possibly Normundy sort of area / West coast.
I've never driven before, so have done some research..
A few things I'm confused about -
1. What do I actually need? Haha. GB Sticker, Hi-Vis, and some headlight adjusters? Apparently the breathalyzer idea is no longer needed?
2. Toll roads! Is it worth just paying as you go, or worth signing up to this: https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/support/faq/support...
Seems good value, for whatever it is... haha.
3. Getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere is kind of playing on my mind. The jack that comes with my car (330cd) is pants, would I be horrifically silly to take along my proper jack.. *just incase?* I will also be buying European breakdown cover!
Other than that, any top tips or driving roads or places to stay / visit would be awesome!
Thanks
Tom
This may help you tick off what you need to take/carry
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/...
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/...
Firstly, driving in France is almost a total pleasure compared to here. You will hate our roads when you get back.
Don't sweat too much about what to take. What you actually must have vs what people think is a good idea is not always easy figure out.
V5 and insurance docs, absolutely must take.
Beam deflectors are a requirement, but many don't bother. If nothing else, it's courteous not to drive round blinding everyone at night. Just use electrical tape, don't spend £10 on a kit. Google will tell you where to stick it. Some cars with projector lights have a shutter you can flip down to alter beam.
GB sticker. Technically yes again, but I haven't bothered for a long time. If you have the country code on your plates already, you don't need another sticker obviously. You should have your hi viz vests somewhere you can reach them without leaving the car. Last I heard, breathalysers were a requirement but there is no penalty if you are caught without them! I usually chuck a warning triangle in because my dad told me they were needed about thirty years ago. Don't know if it is true or not though
I have driven to France something like three times a year for the last 15 years with some, or all, or none of the above and no one has ever asked to see any of it. But then I never had a crash, touch wood. If you had a run in with Gendarmes for speeding or having a bump, maybe they would want to check.
As for the Sanef toll tag. I wouldn't bother for a single trip. I have one and it costs a fair few Euros to set up and there's a few other small fees. If you go this time and you find the tolls a hassle consider it for next time.
I wouldn't take the jack. If your factory one breaks then ring recovery. Punctures are rare these days.
Don't sweat too much about what to take. What you actually must have vs what people think is a good idea is not always easy figure out.
V5 and insurance docs, absolutely must take.
Beam deflectors are a requirement, but many don't bother. If nothing else, it's courteous not to drive round blinding everyone at night. Just use electrical tape, don't spend £10 on a kit. Google will tell you where to stick it. Some cars with projector lights have a shutter you can flip down to alter beam.
GB sticker. Technically yes again, but I haven't bothered for a long time. If you have the country code on your plates already, you don't need another sticker obviously. You should have your hi viz vests somewhere you can reach them without leaving the car. Last I heard, breathalysers were a requirement but there is no penalty if you are caught without them! I usually chuck a warning triangle in because my dad told me they were needed about thirty years ago. Don't know if it is true or not though
I have driven to France something like three times a year for the last 15 years with some, or all, or none of the above and no one has ever asked to see any of it. But then I never had a crash, touch wood. If you had a run in with Gendarmes for speeding or having a bump, maybe they would want to check.
As for the Sanef toll tag. I wouldn't bother for a single trip. I have one and it costs a fair few Euros to set up and there's a few other small fees. If you go this time and you find the tolls a hassle consider it for next time.
I wouldn't take the jack. If your factory one breaks then ring recovery. Punctures are rare these days.
blueST said:
Firstly, driving in France is almost a total pleasure compared to here. You will hate our roads when you get back.
Don't sweat too much about what to take. What you actually must have vs what people think is a good idea is not always easy figure out.
V5 and insurance docs, absolutely must take.
Beam deflectors are a requirement, but many don't bother. If nothing else, it's courteous not to drive round blinding everyone at night. Just use electrical tape, don't spend £10 on a kit. Google will tell you where to stick it. Some cars with projector lights have a shutter you can flip down to alter beam.
GB sticker. Technically yes again, but I haven't bothered for a long time. If you have the country code on your plates already, you don't need another sticker obviously. You should have your hi viz vests somewhere you can reach them without leaving the car. Last I heard, breathalysers were a requirement but there is no penalty if you are caught without them! I usually chuck a warning triangle in because my dad told me they were needed about thirty years ago. Don't know if it is true or not though
I have driven to France something like three times a year for the last 15 years with some, or all, or none of the above and no one has ever asked to see any of it. But then I never had a crash, touch wood. If you had a run in with Gendarmes for speeding or having a bump, maybe they would want to check.
As for the Sanef toll tag. I wouldn't bother for a single trip. I have one and it costs a fair few Euros to set up and there's a few other small fees. If you go this time and you find the tolls a hassle consider it for next time.
I wouldn't take the jack. If your factory one breaks then ring recovery. Punctures are rare these days.
Your a legend; thanks!Don't sweat too much about what to take. What you actually must have vs what people think is a good idea is not always easy figure out.
V5 and insurance docs, absolutely must take.
Beam deflectors are a requirement, but many don't bother. If nothing else, it's courteous not to drive round blinding everyone at night. Just use electrical tape, don't spend £10 on a kit. Google will tell you where to stick it. Some cars with projector lights have a shutter you can flip down to alter beam.
GB sticker. Technically yes again, but I haven't bothered for a long time. If you have the country code on your plates already, you don't need another sticker obviously. You should have your hi viz vests somewhere you can reach them without leaving the car. Last I heard, breathalysers were a requirement but there is no penalty if you are caught without them! I usually chuck a warning triangle in because my dad told me they were needed about thirty years ago. Don't know if it is true or not though
I have driven to France something like three times a year for the last 15 years with some, or all, or none of the above and no one has ever asked to see any of it. But then I never had a crash, touch wood. If you had a run in with Gendarmes for speeding or having a bump, maybe they would want to check.
As for the Sanef toll tag. I wouldn't bother for a single trip. I have one and it costs a fair few Euros to set up and there's a few other small fees. If you go this time and you find the tolls a hassle consider it for next time.
I wouldn't take the jack. If your factory one breaks then ring recovery. Punctures are rare these days.
I don't want to stick a GB sticker on my car haha. I hope it comes right off after lol.
I have actually driven around france when I was 18 but I was in my parents car and didn't need to worry about anything - the roads were awesome.
I'm guessing AA etc are just as good abroad? Or do they hire out local-ish people? Meh. Will give them a call!
Ta everyone.
TTommy said:
Your a legend; thanks!
I don't want to stick a GB sticker on my car haha. I hope it comes right off after lol.
I have actually driven around france when I was 18 but I was in my parents car and didn't need to worry about anything - the roads were awesome.
I'm guessing AA etc are just as good abroad? Or do they hire out local-ish people? Meh. Will give them a call!
Ta everyone.
If you wax the car before you put the sticker on it will peel off, probably without evening leaving any residue.I don't want to stick a GB sticker on my car haha. I hope it comes right off after lol.
I have actually driven around france when I was 18 but I was in my parents car and didn't need to worry about anything - the roads were awesome.
I'm guessing AA etc are just as good abroad? Or do they hire out local-ish people? Meh. Will give them a call!
Ta everyone.
Whoever you buy your breakdown cover off will just use a local recovery operator. If your car has a major fault, they won't fix it abroad. They will repatriate it at there leisure which can take a while. I don't know what the value of car is but, some policies won't get your car home if the cost outweighs it's value. Worth looking into if you have something that isn't worth a fortune.
blueST said:
TTommy said:
Your a legend; thanks!
I don't want to stick a GB sticker on my car haha. I hope it comes right off after lol.
I have actually driven around france when I was 18 but I was in my parents car and didn't need to worry about anything - the roads were awesome.
I'm guessing AA etc are just as good abroad? Or do they hire out local-ish people? Meh. Will give them a call!
Ta everyone.
If you wax the car before you put the sticker on it will peel off, probably without evening leaving any residue.I don't want to stick a GB sticker on my car haha. I hope it comes right off after lol.
I have actually driven around france when I was 18 but I was in my parents car and didn't need to worry about anything - the roads were awesome.
I'm guessing AA etc are just as good abroad? Or do they hire out local-ish people? Meh. Will give them a call!
Ta everyone.
Whoever you buy your breakdown cover off will just use a local recovery operator. If your car has a major fault, they won't fix it abroad. They will repatriate it at there leisure which can take a while. I don't know what the value of car is but, some policies won't get your car home if the cost outweighs it's value. Worth looking into if you have something that isn't worth a fortune.
One thing worth reading is the rules on Priorite a Droite (Give way to the right). It basically means you should give way to traffic entering a road from the right unless you see the diamond sign, which then gives you have right of way.
This explains it better than I can http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/priority-a-droite.ht...
Maybe someone who lives out there can comment, but to my tourist's eyes it seemed like priorite a droite pretty much vanished and diamond signs were everywhere, meaning you could drive much as you would in the UK. But, making people give way to the right seems to be making bit of comeback as a traffic calming measure in some towns.
This explains it better than I can http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/priority-a-droite.ht...
Maybe someone who lives out there can comment, but to my tourist's eyes it seemed like priorite a droite pretty much vanished and diamond signs were everywhere, meaning you could drive much as you would in the UK. But, making people give way to the right seems to be making bit of comeback as a traffic calming measure in some towns.
Be careful when looking at insurance while abroad. Many insurers say they offer it automatically and they do. The trouble is what many are offering is the minimum legally required cover for the country concerned, France in your case. This is woefully below typical UK comp cover. If you have fully comp in the UK and want that in France then you will have to make absolutely sure that's what you're getting, and it'll cost you more probably.
I'm going to France tomorrow for four days in my car with my son and we're sharing the driving. I already have fully comp when abroad. To cover my son for four days is costing just under £60 which includes an annoying £25 admin fee. This may give you some idea of the extra cost of fully comp if you haven't got in your policy already.
I also have had a Sanef toll tag for the past 5 years. Would not be without it. Avoids all queues, fiddling with machines, finding the cash etc. I don't think it is expensive. There's a charge to get the tag which is fully refundable when you send it back if you've finished with it. Then for every month you actually use the tag there's a one off charge of €5. You get an invoice for this including the toll charges at the normal rate. So, get the tag, then no worries, pay the bill when you're back.
My family and friends also borrow my tag whenever they go to France (you can get the same thing for Italy, incidentally). Sanef will send you 2 clips with the tag and you can get from Sanef extra clips for the tag so each vehicle can have its own clip, and simply transfer the tag between cars for their separate trips. There's no extra charge for extra clips.
R.
I'm going to France tomorrow for four days in my car with my son and we're sharing the driving. I already have fully comp when abroad. To cover my son for four days is costing just under £60 which includes an annoying £25 admin fee. This may give you some idea of the extra cost of fully comp if you haven't got in your policy already.
I also have had a Sanef toll tag for the past 5 years. Would not be without it. Avoids all queues, fiddling with machines, finding the cash etc. I don't think it is expensive. There's a charge to get the tag which is fully refundable when you send it back if you've finished with it. Then for every month you actually use the tag there's a one off charge of €5. You get an invoice for this including the toll charges at the normal rate. So, get the tag, then no worries, pay the bill when you're back.
My family and friends also borrow my tag whenever they go to France (you can get the same thing for Italy, incidentally). Sanef will send you 2 clips with the tag and you can get from Sanef extra clips for the tag so each vehicle can have its own clip, and simply transfer the tag between cars for their separate trips. There's no extra charge for extra clips.
R.
surveyor said:
or if it's a metal book, a magnetic sticker...
Whilst neither is going to trash your car, sticker for me every time. Putting magnetic stuff on my paint makes me shiver. The thought of tiny metal fragments magnetised to the back of the GB sticker then being pressed or slid onto my paint....... But then I am a bit odd!blueST said:
One thing worth reading is the rules on Priorite a Droite (Give way to the right). It basically means you should give way to traffic entering a road from the right unless you see the diamond sign, which then gives you have right of way.
This explains it better than I can http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/priority-a-droite.ht...
Maybe someone who lives out there can comment, but to my tourist's eyes it seemed like priorite a droite pretty much vanished and diamond signs were everywhere, meaning you could drive much as you would in the UK. But, making people give way to the right seems to be making bit of comeback as a traffic calming measure in some towns.
Priorite a Droite (Give way to the right)is generally sign posted in towns but out in the sticks not so much. If you see signs for crossroads and it us in the shape of an x you do not have priority to roads on the right. If it is in the shape of a crucifix you do have priority. This explains it better than I can http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/priority-a-droite.ht...
Maybe someone who lives out there can comment, but to my tourist's eyes it seemed like priorite a droite pretty much vanished and diamond signs were everywhere, meaning you could drive much as you would in the UK. But, making people give way to the right seems to be making bit of comeback as a traffic calming measure in some towns.
Trucks and buses are legally bound to go all the way around the outside of roundabouts. Ridiculous rule but they are French!
Enjoy the country and as a holiday I would avoid the tolls and take your time.
On the Autoroute keep your indicator on until you've finished your overtaking move and moved back to the inside lane.
AlWAYS check mirrors before overtaking. They don't slow down for overtakers!
Don't dawdle in the 'fast' lane = or you'll find a 20-year-old Twingo up your exhaust which will ALWAYS be driven faster than your car.
Leaving the toll booth area is a bit of a free-for-all whacky races. About 20 (unmarked) lanes of traffic racing to converge into two or three. Don't try and race the French. Best to hang back and slot in to your lane without drama.
AlWAYS check mirrors before overtaking. They don't slow down for overtakers!
Don't dawdle in the 'fast' lane = or you'll find a 20-year-old Twingo up your exhaust which will ALWAYS be driven faster than your car.
Leaving the toll booth area is a bit of a free-for-all whacky races. About 20 (unmarked) lanes of traffic racing to converge into two or three. Don't try and race the French. Best to hang back and slot in to your lane without drama.
Thanks everyone!
One thing I've just been reading about is the Diesel over there, can be a bit.. rubbish? Biodiesel of up to 8% or something!
I've got an E46 330CD and will fill up before entering France with the goodstuff, giving me a 650 mile tank range; will I be OK using french derv?
Insurance details TBC this lunchtime!!
One thing I've just been reading about is the Diesel over there, can be a bit.. rubbish? Biodiesel of up to 8% or something!
I've got an E46 330CD and will fill up before entering France with the goodstuff, giving me a 650 mile tank range; will I be OK using french derv?
Insurance details TBC this lunchtime!!
TTommy said:
Thanks everyone!
One thing I've just been reading about is the Diesel over there, can be a bit.. rubbish? Biodiesel of up to 8% or something!
I've got an E46 330CD and will fill up before entering France with the goodstuff, giving me a 650 mile tank range; will I be OK using french derv?
Insurance details TBC this lunchtime!!
I've never had a problem using French diesel in my 3.0tdi A6. One thing I've just been reading about is the Diesel over there, can be a bit.. rubbish? Biodiesel of up to 8% or something!
I've got an E46 330CD and will fill up before entering France with the goodstuff, giving me a 650 mile tank range; will I be OK using french derv?
Insurance details TBC this lunchtime!!
French Diesel (gazole) is fine, and cheaper than here, so you'd do better to fill up there. Some French filling stations don't accept UK cards though, so have cash ready.
I find most French tailgate, even when you're sitting at the limit. I think it's just the way they drive, or it's because of the GB sticker on the car I've never been beeped or flashed though, I think they are more patient than us even though they drive just as quickly (or quicker!)
Just be aware and think at roundabouts and busy junctions, and once out of towns French country roads are generally a joy, hardly any traffic and good roads.
I find most French tailgate, even when you're sitting at the limit. I think it's just the way they drive, or it's because of the GB sticker on the car I've never been beeped or flashed though, I think they are more patient than us even though they drive just as quickly (or quicker!)
Just be aware and think at roundabouts and busy junctions, and once out of towns French country roads are generally a joy, hardly any traffic and good roads.
Edited by chazola on Friday 8th July 10:40
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