Driving in France For some, the idea of hitting the highways in a foreign country can be rather unsettling. However, if you choose to rent a car in France, a car can be a great way to see the beautiful French countryside. While I am always an advocate of traveling by train in France (the TGV is by far the fastest way to get around the country), a car allows you more freedom and the ability to leisurely meander through the French countryside, stopping at villages and small towns that you may miss otherwise. Especially in the less populated areas of the country, a car in these areas also allows a traveler to set his or her own agenda, stopping at interesting sights along the way and meandering through quaint villages. Autoroutes France is laced with a well connected network of high-speed highways called Autoroutes, which are mostly toll roads (péage). Unlike major highway systems in other countries, France’s Autoroutes do not have a systematic numbering system, but are named based on region. For example, Autoroutes A-1 through A-16 radiate from Paris. While these Autoroutes make for easy travel around the country, you are usually better off taking a train when traveling longer distances across France. Traffic in and around the large cities (like Marseille, Paris and Lyon) can also be heavy and cause long delays. In addition, while the Autoroute system is a network of more than 7000 km/4200 miles of roads, because most highways work on the hub system (with Paris at the center of the hub) traveling from southeastern France to southwestern France can be tricky. Rest Stops Much the interstate system in the United States, France’s Autoroutes also have rest stops along stretches of highways called Aires. Aires tend to be located about every 20 km and have everything from gas stations to restaurants to picnic grounds and restrooms. Don’t be surprised if you find Turkish toilets (i.e. a hole in the ground) at some of these Aires. While they are clean, those who are uncomfortable with this type of toilet can always use the handicapped restrooms, which always have regular toilets (this is definitely something I usually do when traveling the highways of France). Gas As you will almost immediately notice when you arrive in France, gas is much more expensive in Europe than it tends to be in the United States. However, buying gas in France is pretty much exactly like it is in the U.S., except you pay by the liter in in Euros rather than by the gallon and with dollars (obviously). While it easy to find gas stations all along the Autoroutes in France, the cheapest place to buy gasoline is usually at supermarkets off the highway and in town. If you plan your French road-trip well, you can get gas during a lunch break in town. At the pump you can buy: unleaded (sans plomb) in either 95 or 98 octane, super unleaded (super) or diesel (gazole). Some stations will also sell what is called fuel in French, normally at a separate pump. Do not buy it; it is diesel that is only sold to farmers. You can be fined, if it is found in your tank. This diesel is colored red, unlike regular diesel. If possible, rent a car that runs on diesel, as it is cheaper than unleaded. Also the mileage is better. While those coming from the U.S. may think that diesel cars are only huge trucks, this is not the case in France. Because diesel is cheaper in France, there are many companies (like Peugeot) that make mid-sized sedans in diesel models. This is probably the way to go. Tolls As stated above, most of France’s Autoroutes are toll roads. If a road charges a tool you will see it marked “a peage.†These tolls are either a flat rate paid as you enter the Autoroute or based on how far your drive. When you pay based on distance, you take a ticket at the station where you enter the Autoroute. When you exit, you give the ticket to the attendant at the exit station, and your toll will be determined. You can pay with either cash or credit card. Don’t lose your ticket as you will pay the maximum toll. Driving License/Permits If you are planning a vacation in France (versus moving there are staying more than 3 months), your domestic driver’s license suffices for the operation of a vehicle in France (unless you are under 18, in which case this is not the case). However, if you are one of those people that likes to ere on the side of caution in these situations, you can obtain an International Drivers Permit, which is a means by which police in a foreign country can know  in terms of translations in nearly a dozen different languages  that your domestic driver’s license is indeed recognized as being valid by the proper authorities in your country. While it is not really necessary to obtain a IDP before renting a car in France, you can get an IDP at the local office of your auto club (AAA, CAA etc.). They cost about $10 and just make sure you bring with you your driver’s license, cash and two passport sized photos for the card. Driving Rules and Regulations While the rules for driving in France will not vary largely from many other places in the world, it is important to brush up on a few things that may be different when driving in France. Thanks to the crazy world of Twitter (you can follow me @WhyGoFrance), I had a few suggestions and tips come in about things to keep in mind when driving in France. Brittany gite owner, @la_vache said: “don’t forget that the French don’t use indicators, obey traffic lights or give priority to other cars already on a roundabout.†If you want to brush up on more French driving rules and regulations, you can check out this guide and make sure you’re ready to hit the road for your vacation in France. Driving Times While taking the train in France is almost always going to be faster than driving (thanks to the high speed TGV’s that travel at speeds of more than 200 mph), here is run-down on estimates of driving times in France. Paris-Lyon: 5-6 Hours Paris-Nice: 8-9 Hours (Read Getting from Paris to Nice) Paris to Avignon: 6-7 hours (Read Getting from Paris to the South of France) Paris-Loire Valley Castles: 1-2 Hours (Read Getting from Paris to the Loire) Paris-Bordeaux: 6-7 Hours Paris-Brussels: 3 Hours Paris-Rennes: 4 Hours Paris-Dijon: 3 Hours Paris-Metz: 3 Hours Paris-Strasbourg: 4 Hours Paris-Marseille: 9-10 Hours Paris-Quimper/Brest: 6 Hours Lyon-Dijon:2 Hours Strasbourg-Mulhouse/Basel: 1.5 Strasbourg-Dijon: 4 Hours Strasbourg-Metz: 2 Hours Strasbourg-Lyon: 6 Hours Lyon- Marseille/Montpellier: 3 Hours Rennes-Quimper/Brest: 3 Hours Bourdeaux-Toulouse: 2 Hours Bourdeaux-Biarritz: 1.5 Hours