Driving in France can be a real pleasure. The network of autoroutes is magnificent and often provides huge, sweeping views of countryside. Congestion, because of the size and shape of the country, is rarely a problem. This is equally true of the older main roads, or routes nationales (marked N6 or RN117, for example, on signs and maps), and the smaller routes départementales (marked with a D). Do not shun these latter: you can often travel for kilometres across country, seeing few other cars, on a road as broad and well maintained as a major road.Of course, there are times when it's wiser not to drive: most obviously in big urban agglomerations, around major seaside resorts in high season and at peak holiday migrations like the beginning and end of the month-long August holiday and the notoriously congested weekends nearest July 14 and August 15. Cost of fuel can also be a discouraging factor. In addition, there's a charge for the use of the autoroutes themselves, payable in cash or by credit card at the frequent tollgates (péages). For an idea of the costs involved, the tolls from Paris to Nice or Bordeaux is around €59 and €44 respectively, while the journey from Calais to Paris costs €17.20 and Calais to Reims €16.30. Although autoroutes are expensive, they are the only realistic way of covering large distances in a single day. If you have more time, the best way to avoid them is to use the Bison Futé map, free from petrol stations, which gives all manner of alternative routes (often signed as itinéraire bis, or just bis) across the country. All the major car manufacturers have garages and service stations in France, which can help if you run into mechanical difficulties. You can find them in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Garages d'automobiles". For breakdowns, look under "Dépannages". If you have an accident or break-in, you should contact the local police – keeping a copy of their report – in order to make an insurance claim. Within Europe, many car insurance policies cover taking your car to France; check with your insurer while planning your trip. However, you're advised to take out extra cover for motoring assistance in case your car breaks down.
Pages in section ‘By car’: Rules of the road, Road information, Car rental, Motoring organizations.
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