Driving to France

[NickD]

I'm sure I've seen a topic on this but I can't find it.

Basically, I'm planning on driving down to the South of France via Eurotunnel for a week in the 3rd week of June. I'm going to get AA cover (as I don't have it at the moment) together with probably the AA 5 star Euro cover. What else do I need to consider / take?

Thanks,

Nick

[Noodles 4.2]

Hello,

I am just speaking generally here - not particularly Tuscan specific.

Certain European countries require you to carry a first aid kit and/or Fire extinguisher. It should say in your Euro Atlas at the back or front. I think France are quite lenient and only ask for a first-aid kit.

Apart from the usual spare fluids, fuses and bulbs there isn't much else. Don't forget to tell your insurer you are taking it away - just to make sure you are fully covered.

I think you are supposed to put those strips on your lights to stop dazzling oncoming traffic - but I am not sure that many do.

I bought a 'space saver' spare from TMS to stick in the boot in case of puncture on remote roads. Does massively compromise boot space though.

Hope this isn't too obvious and of some use

Tony

[jamer]

I'm sure I've seen a topic on this but I can't find it.

Basically, I'm planning on driving down to the South of France via Eurotunnel for a week in the 3rd week of June. I'm going to get AA cover (as I don't have it at the moment) together with probably the AA 5 star Euro cover. What else do I need to consider / take?

Thanks,

Nick

I've taken a few Chimaera's and last year a Tamora to Lemans, every year I take the following


1/ Spare fuses

2/ Big FO GB sticker (just in case the French don't know were British!)

3/ Fan overide wire, this is two spade connectors joined together with some wire - Always take one in your car as Otter switches are a weak point and then if that doesn't tell the fan to cut in ...it gets very hot!

4/ Three foam blow up tyre welds

5/ Belts for engine

6/ Big can of oil

7/ Fuel can full

8/ Water

9/ Loads of terrible CD's (mainly 1980's compilations that I hide when people come near the car!)

10/ Shammy leather and sponge to de bug the car when arriving at the campsite

11/Credit card for the shoe shops in Lemans when the wife gets away for the day! Ouch

Hope that helps for anyone going on a long trip for the first time.

Touch wood been four times on the trot and never a problem

>> Edited by jamer on Wednesday 28th May 00:30

[koen]

And don't forget a spare throttle cable...

[philipleslie67]

In Spain you are required to carry two warning triangles not sure about France but worth checking with the AA. Oh and I think your plate should show the country of registration (GB) otherwise you will need a GB sticker and that is a definite "no-no" on a Tuscan.

[Nick Elliott]

Fan overide wire not much use in a Tuscan as it does not have an otter switch

Warning triangle

Spare bulbs

Spare wiper blades

Nick

[psmith]

And if you really want to be good - especially if you think you will be travelling at night - go to your dealers & get the headlights adjusted for driving on the right. Those horrible bits of black sticky plastic don't work on a Tuscan!

[andyvdg]

philipleslie67 said: ) otherwise you will need a GB sticker and that is a definite "no-no" on a Tuscan.

Why ?

[philipleslie67]

COS THEY LOOK HORRIBLE....(only joking)

[andyvdg]

Well I'm not putting one of those number plates with that circle of stars on a blue background on my car. Someone might think I want to close down Westminster and hand our country other to some guys in Brussels.

GB sticker it is then.

[all black]

Andy

the only stickers you need are Pistonheads stickers - everyone will know where your from then....Teds got some coming for our convoy

Scott

[alans]

and don't forget radar detectors are illigal in France. They will fine you and make you run it over!!!

Alan

[pimplegoose]

I'd also make sure you take spare alternator fuses. I got cought with this in my Cerbie and also some friends in their Tuscan. There's an 80Amp behind the passenger footwell carpet and a 100Amp just behind the alternator both wired in series.

[philipleslie67]

"Well I'm not putting one of those number plates with that circle of stars on a blue background on my car. Someone might think I want to close down Westminster and hand our country other to some guys in Brussels."

Better get used to it as soon we'll all be speaking franco/german and spending Euros!!!!!!

[trackdemon]

Just got back from France yesterday having been to Cagnes-sur-Mer (between nice & Cannes). Its gonna be mighty hot when you get down - hope your air-con is up to scratch! Anyway, one thing you MUST do is take the Route Napoleon (N85) from Grenoble down to Grasse, fabulous road with some amazing views.
Pop over to Monte for a cruise round the circuit and watch your Tuscan turn more heads than anything else around - even my Chim!

[NickD]

Thanks all - am getting quite excited now.

I really want to blast down there (am staying at a friends in Cannes) as quick as I can but will aim to take a more scenic route on the way back.

[qualityscrew]

trackdemon said: Just got back from France yesterday having been to Cagnes-sur-Mer (between nice & Cannes). Its gonna be mighty hot when you get down - hope your air-con is up to scratch! Anyway, one thing you MUST do is take the Route Napoleon (N85) from Grenoble down to Grasse, fabulous road with some amazing views.
Pop over to Monte for a cruise round the circuit and watch your Tuscan turn more heads than anything else around - even my Chim!

Spot-on!

Do not stick a GB sticker on - you'll look like a 'numpty' and spoil the look of the car - the French really don't care, they'll just love your car - even 'Le Flic'. Radar detectors are definately a - keep it well hidden! I find Michelin Maps to be the best for choosing the best TVR-type roads, and their 'Red Guide' is invaluable for finding great hotels and restaurants!
Keep away from supermarket and other cheap fuel - always buy the best, and remember that some petrol stations in the 'country' shut on Sundays and some on Mondays too! Have 'emergency' cash for fuel to hand, as some unmanned petrol stations do not accept English credit cards. If you're doing 'silly' speeds on the Autoroute, always stop between peages, as the B@stards sometimes take the times from your entry ticket, work out your average speed, and you're 'nicked' . If in Monaco, always stop at Zebra crossings, as unlike the rest of France YOU HAVE TO! Park-up in Casino Square and watch hundreds of people photograph your car.

Have a great time.