France Guide
Getting around
By car
Driving in France can be a real pleasure, with a magnificent network of autoroutes which provide huge, sweeping views of the countryside. Outside the peak holiday periods and if you're in a hurry, it's well worth paying the motorway tolls to avoid the slow and frequently congested toll-free national roads (marked, for example, RN116 or N116 on signs and maps). The smaller routes départementales (marked with a D) are generally uncongested and make for a more scenic drive, though may occasionally be in relatively poor condition.
Of course, there are times when it's wiser not to drive: most obviously in big cities; around major seaside resorts in high season; and at peak holiday migrations such as the beginning and end of the month-long August holiday, and the notoriously congested weekends nearest July 14 and August 15.
US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African and all EU driving licences are valid in France, though an International Driver's Licence makes life easier. The minimum driving age is 18 and you must hold a full (not a provisional) licence. Drivers are required to carry their licence with them when driving, and you should also have the insurance papers with you in the car. If the vehicle is rented, its registration document (carte grise) must also be carried.
All the major car manufacturers have garages and service stations in France, which can help if you run into mechanical difficulties. You'll find them listed in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Garages d'automobiles"; for breakdowns, look under "Dépannages". If you have an accident or theft, contact the local police – and keep a copy of their report in order to file an insurance claim. Within Europe, most car insurance policies cover taking your car to France; check with your insurer. However, you're advised to take out extra cover for motoring assistance in case your car breaks down.
Note that petrol stations in rural areas tend to be few and far between, and those that do exist usually open only during normal shop hours – don't count on being able to buy petrol at night and on Sunday. An increasing number of stations are equipped with automated 24-hour pumps, but many of these only accept French bank cards. At the time of writing, petrol prices were around €1.15 a litre for unleaded (sans plomb), €1 for diesel (gazole or gasoil) and €1.80 for four-star (super); you'll find prices lowest at out-of-town hypermarkets.
Most autoroutes have tolls: rates vary, but to give you an idea, travelling by motorway from Calais to Montpellier costs roughly €60; pay in cash or by credit card (get in a lane marked CB at the toll-gates). You can work out routes and costs of both petrol and tolls online at the useful 
www.viamichelin.com .