Information for driving in France
Diesel fuel (Gazole or Gasoil) is the cheapest fuel and is available everywhere together with unleaded petrol (Sans Plombe). The cheapest source of fuel are generally the supermarket petrol stations and it can be well worthwhile to go a little out of your way to fill the tank (faire le plein). To fill up ask the attendant for le plein.
Priorite a droite is the rule of the road, that is you must give way to traffic from the right unless there is a sign that you are on the priority road. Generally major roads outside of cities and towns have the priority but this is always marked by a yellow diamond on a white diamond. The priority reverts to 'a droite' as indicated by a sign with the yellow diamond on white diamond and a black oblique line through it. At roundabouts give way to traffic on the island and when filtering onto other roads as signified by the sign 'Cedez le Passage'.
Speed Limits
Autoroutes in the dry130 kph (80 mph)
Autoroutes in the wet
110 kph (70 mph)
Dual Carriageways in the dry
110 kph (70 mph)
Dual Carriageways in the wet
90-100 kph (55-60 mph)
Other Roads
90 kph (55 mph)
In towns
50 kph (30 mph) unless marked otherwise
It is essential to remember that the 50 kph speed limit applies in ALL towns and villages unless a different speed limit is indicated by signs. You do not have speed limit signs on entering a village, just the village name board, take this as the 50 kph sign or you can expect to be stopped for speeding.
Motorways in France
Most motorways (autoroutes) are toll roads (peage) but there are free sections and some free motorways. As motorhomes are categorised as commercial vehicles we do not use autoroutes unless they are free or we are in a hurry.
The RN roads (Route Nationale) are usually well maintained, fairly straight, are often dual carriageway and with the exception of narrower roads through towns and villages are excellent for getting long distances.
The D (Departementale) roads are nearly up to the same standard with less dual carriageway.