Thursday, April 19, 2012

Driving in Paris and France

In Australia we drive on the left side of the road as they do in the UK. I%26#39;ll be driving in France in a couple of weeks and wondering if there are any tips people have for a first time right side of the roader and for someone who has never driven a car with left hand drive! I%26#39;ll mainly be driving in country France but also a bit in Paris - although I%26#39;m planning to avoid driving in the centre of Paris.




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You may want to do a little practicing before you hit the roads of France, but about the only critical thing I can offer is to remember to keep to the right (the right side of the road - outside lane) except to pass.





The speed limits are starting to be enforced all around the country and a ticket can cost you quite a few euros if you get stopped, so obey the speed limits as much as possible.





Also, you want to make sure you rent a small car. Nothing larger then a compact (a Renault Megan would be fine). Parking can be a bit of a pain in the villages as well as in Paris, so a smaller car will come in handy when you need to find a place to stop. You might also pick up a good Michelin map. A regional map of the area(s) you%26#39;ll be visiting would probably be the best.




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The most confusing issue is the circles : don%26#39;t forget that you will have to turn on your RIGHT to enter the place, which is the opposite of what you are used to.. It is confusing and obviously pretty dangerous to enter a circle place in the wrong way !




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Thanks for the help. Of course I%26#39;ll try to be as careful as possible. Let%26#39;s hope I don%26#39;t have a minute %26#39;thinking I%26#39;m at home!%26#39;



I know driving on the other side of the road will be an experience but does anyone know what%26#39;s it%26#39;s like driving with a left hand drive for the first time?

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