French Autoroutes
Info & tips on France self touring

French autoroutes are the way to go if you want to travel long distances by car in the shortest time possible.

France is crisscrossed with well organised autoroutes (motorways) and autoroute tollways (indicated by a blue and white péages sign) which link major cities and towns. The brilliant thing about these roads is that they are well maintained, have frequent rest stops or "Aires", fuel and food outlets (which even include some well known patisseries, such as Paul!) and you only pay for the length of road you travelled on. They are not cheap but are certainly less stressful than some secondary roads.

For a Wiki list of autoroutes click here.
For an atlas of French autoroutes click here


One thing to remember when travelling on the autoroute: don't hog the fast lane. The left (fast) lane is for overtaking only, not for travelling in. It might be tolerated at home, but not acceptable in France. If you forget this simple point, you will quickly be reminded by those around you (refer to “tooting and flashing” - Driving in France Tips ).

The autoroute speed limits are as follows:

If you’re travelling with kids who are going stir crazy and need a break from the confines of the car, stop at one of the aires de repos (rest areas- which are given names, such as Aire de Marches, etc.) where kids can run around &/or have a toilet break. These rest areas are clearly marked and as with petrol stations, their proximity is also indicated giving you plenty of notice.


French Autoroutes Petrol TIP: As you near a petrol station, signs displaying the cost of fuel are shown in advance, so you can decide whether to turn off or drive on to the next stop.

French Autoroutes Petrol TIP: Fill up with fuel before you hit the autoroutes at a supermarket such as Carrefour, Intermarché and Leclerc where the fuel is cheaper.

Driving TIP: Turn your low beam (dipped headlights) on when travelling in inclement weather for greater visibility to vehicles around you. For the same reason only use fog lights in fog, not rain.

Driving TIP: If you miss your exit, take the next one. Driving in reverse on the autoroute is a punishable offence.

Snow chains are not to be used on autoroute unless otherwise indicated

Driving TIP: In case of breakdown, turn on your hazard lights and safely pull over. Exit the car on the passenger side (away from the speeding traffic lanes). Walk to nearest emergency phone (posted every 2 kilometres on both sides of the road – never attempt to cross an autoroute) and report your breakdown. This call is free. Wait next to your car but behind the road barrier until help arrives.


Read about the Paris Péripherique

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