Survival Tips for Driving in France – Part Two
Number 1. If you import your right-hand drive car, it can be complicated as your vehicle will need to conform to French manufacture and use regulations. If it is a model or make not on sale in France, things could become a real hassle. And if you stay in France for more than a month, you will have to change to a French registration (in theory at least).
Number 2. If your car is getting on in years, you will have to think about taking it along for an M.O.T (le contrôle technique), at an officially-approved centre. After this, it is every two years.
Number 3. Most French motorways are toll paying. On short stretches the amount can be a flat rate (or even free) but it usually depends on the distance you drive. Don't lose your ticket or you will be required to pay the maximum toll.
Number 4. French motorway signs are blue, and usually indicate the destination more frequently than the motorway number. So, if you are driving from Lyon to Chambéry, you are likely to see more 'Chambéry' signs than 'A43'.
Number 5. Many French motorways are two-lane only, or have long two-way stretches. Be careful, as there can be sudden traffic slow-downs due to trucks taking ages to inch past each other.
Number 6. Be careful on French motorways as many drivers lack road discipline. It is the usual tricks: in spite of the 130 kilometers per hour limit, apparently 39% of them drive at speeds between 130 and 150 kilometers per hour.
Number 7. I know it sounds obvious, but the French do drive on the right. You will soon get used to it, but you will have to concentrate in the beginning.
Number 8. Electronic speed camera detectors are illegal in France. Simply having one in your car could render you liable to a fine.
Number 9. Driving your right-hand car in France can be a bit tricky when it comes to overtaking as you have to pull out more to see any oncoming traffic.
Number 10. Maximum speed limits are clearly displayed on all roads in France. At present there are rumours about lowering them all by 10 kilometers per hour.
Number 11. Be careful of roadside and police in-vehicle speed cameras - especially in villages where the limit is 50 kilometers per hour. You can easily get caught out.
Number 12. When approaching an unmarked road junction, the rule is to give way to all traffic approaching you from the right - even if the road is minor.
Video Source Credits:
Driving In France - Orry La Ville
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Driving In France-Nogent Sur Marne-Villiers Sur Marne 1/2
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Music Credit:
Bass Walker Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Additional Photo Credits:
Pigeon, Effet de Pluie, Paris by Dimitry B.
Black and Yellow Stripes by Bjorgvin Gudmundsson
A Sunday Drive in the 15th Arrondissement of Paris, France
copyright 2011 Lisa B. Falour, B.S., M.B.A. all rights reserved LISA, INC. (EURL) cutecatfaith.com
The 15th used to be grungy -- even dangerous. There were car factories here, meat markets and slaughterhouses, warehouses. Now, it is quite chic.
This part of Paris is now served by a tramway, the 3 line. Buy your métro/bus/tramway tickets in ten-packs (carnets) in métro stations and tobacco shops for a huge savings.
Those tourist transit passes are way overpriced.
I've had quite a few jobs in the 15th and hated it. It's a big arrondissement, to the South of Paris, and it always took me at least an hour or two to get to work. I can be in Brussels, Belgium in less time than I can get to the 15th via public transportation from where I live in Saint-Denis, just to the North of Paris! Feh.
Much of Paris is closed on Sundays, but it's a special day for people. On Sundays, pastry is eaten, and an outing happens in the afternoon, even if it's just a walk in one of the many city parks. Sunday lunches can last up to four hours and are very convivial. The French tend to eat light but Sunday lunches, anything goes. Often lots of alcohol, too. Always bring flowers when you visit anyone in France. They can be cheap ones. Never bring wine -- that's an insult to the host or hostess and implies they don't have enough to serve. What you bring is also not likely to go with what is being served!
Cars are discouraged now in Paris but parking is free on Sundays. (Saturdays, too, I think, but Paris is very busy then with shoppers.)
Oddly, many restaurants in Paris are closed on Sundays, as it is more a family/friends lunch day.
chateau de l'Horloge
Chambres d'hôte dans l'Orne pays d'Auge
Logis Régent & Spa, Pornichet, France - Trusted
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Logis Régent & Spa faces Plage de la Baule, one of Europe’s finest beaches. This charming 19th-century hotel has a spa & wellness centre, a restaurant and free WiFi. The rooms feature a private bath or shower and a TV.
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Location Address: 150 Bd des Océanides,
Map: 47.2695401368232 -2.35053777694702
[ 三星级酒店 ] Le Flaubert, Trouville-sur-Mer, France
三星级酒店
Bagnols en Foret - A PLACE IN FRANCE
Some 10 miles behind Fréjus and on the edge of the picturesque medieval hilltop village of Bagnols en Foret this is a stylish new gated development south facing and in commanding position with lovely views. It consists of only 36 Mediterranean style apartments in low one storey buildings spread around the attractively landscaped gardens.
Chateau de Falaise : William the Conqueror's Normandy Castle
Château de Falaise, the castle in Falaise, Normandy (France) where William the Conquerer was born .
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I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leaves by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (
Source:
Artist:
Hôtel Bois Joli ****
Parc de 3000 m². Villa de style anglo-normand du XIXe siècle. Situé à quelques minutes du centre ville, à quelques pas du Lac. A 10 minutes des thermes.
La mer en famille en Normandie