If you are planning a holiday that involves driving around the country side and staying in bed and breakfast homes then you will need a car. The road network in France is excellent, and almost 5,000 miles are motorways. Autoroutes are marked with an A, and you will be charged a toll fee for driving on them. Routes Nationales are marked with an N and do not have a toll fee. You will need a valid driver license from your country and to be over 18 years old. International licenses are generally not necessary providing you have a valid driver license. If you bring your own vehicle into France, remember to bring with you the vehicle’s registration papers.

If you plan to hire a car, then this is a very easy proposition and there are many places to do so. You can book your hire car on-line and pick up your vehicle straight from the airport or the train station. If you are under 25 years old, you may be charged a surcharge to be able to hire the car. The general maximum age for car hire is 70 years old.

Remember when in France to follow the road rules, which are strictly enforced. You should wear your seat belt, you should wear a helmet if driving a motor cycle, and you should follow the designated speed limits. Don’t drive in bus lanes or bicycle lanes, and park only in the designated parking areas. Preparation is always the key, and familiarizing yourself with the French highway network, having a good selection of maps will make your trip that much more pleasant.

When driving in cities, and in particular Paris, traffic will be very heavy during peak times and you need to be a confident driver. Peak times are 7.30 a.m. – 9.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. during week days. Traffic will also be very heavy on public holidays and around the beginning of school holidays.

If you decide not to bring a car or to hire one, you could try out the French railway network and the provincial bus network. Both give you less flexibility than having your own car or motorcycle but there are also other benefits you can get, like meeting the passenger sitting alongside you on a long bus journey. Taxis are another option for in town travel, and can only pick you up from designated taxi ranks. Always check with the taxi driver if they are intending a long journey or even a trip to the airport to see if they are agreeable with the fare.