Drive on the Right
With the very low volume of traffic in Brittany driving in France is actually much less daunting than it first appears and it's very straightforward. Apart from the obvious 'drive on the right' most rules and regulations are very similar to those in the UK. There are a few differences worth knowing to ensure you arrive safely at your gite.
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Priorité a Droite In built-up areas, the 'give way to the right rule' still applies and you must give way to anybody coming out of a side-turning on the right, particularly on unmarked junctions in towns and villages. However the rule no longer applies after the yellow diamond. This sign is usually applied on the 'open road'. If you are unsure it is best to exercise caution. |
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Cedez Le Passage As in the UK you do not have priority to enter a roundabout and must give way to traffic on the roundabout. You will also see this sign on slip roads, various junctions etc. Like in the UK, a STOP sign means stop. |
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Speed limits These signs mark the start and end of a town or village, i.e. a 'built up area', where a lower speed limit applies. Obviously posted limits always apply. Speed cameras are becoming more common in France, for the location of French speed cameras visit the Controle Radar site.
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Aires "Aires" (areas) are specially designed places for motorists to stop every 10 to 15 kilometres. You'll find everything from WCs right through to picnic areas and, for those of you wanting to do more than simply stretch your legs. |
For further information on French road signs visit the 2.3Mb PDF file signaux routiers.
Filling Up
As in Britain petrol stations vary their fuel prices on the motorway, so it's best to check before you fill up. Most stations have shops offering a variety of products, such as snacks and drinks, and services including fax and telephone.
At the pump you can buy, unleaded (sans plomb) 98 octane, super unleaded (super) or diesel (gazole). Diesel is much much cheaper in France than the UK, so wait until you arrive before filling up.
Supermarkets in France sell petrol and diesel, and are generally cheaper than the petrol stations. Auchan, Champion, E. LeClerc, Intermarche, Super U and Carrefour are the names of some of the supermarkets that sell fuel. Many supermarket petrol stations also take credit cards to provide a 24 hour service, but may not accept a UK card without a PIN number. Look for signs reading "Centre Commercial" or Zone Industrial (Z.I.) they should lead you to a supermarket.
Insurance
Fully comprehensive cover is advisable. Though a green card is no longer compulsory, it is advisable as it will provide fully comprehensive cover. Your British Insurance will give you the minimum legal cover required in France: Third party. (However 3rd party cover in France is less than that in the U.K.). Check with your insurer before travelling.
Children in cars
Children under 10 years are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a car if there is a rear seat available, except in an approved child seat.
Emergency telephone numbers
Police - 17, Fire - 18, Ambulance - 15, or the international '999' number is 112.
Parking
Follow the local parking customs. Often you'll see cars parked half-on and half-off the footpath. If this practice seems to be the norm in an area, go ahead and do it. Generally you can find free and well-located parking spots in most towns, except market days, when things can get a little crowded.
Glossary
Z.I. or Zone Industriel - Out-of-town shopping - you will often find Hypermarkets or Supermarkets here
Centre Commercial - Commercial area, as above
parking gratuit - free parking
parking payant - parking with charge
stationnement interdit - no parking
serrez à droite - keep to the right
feu rouge - red light
feu vert - green light
chaussée déformée - uneven road
déviation - diversion
ralentissez - reduce speed
rappel - remember or reminder
cédez le passage - give way
priorité aux piétons - give way to pedestrians
essence (sans plomb) - petrol(lead-free)
gazole/gasoil - diesel
tout droit - straight ahead, subtely diffirent from a droite
à gauche / droite - to the left / right
plage - beach
