By Car

Planning Your Trip: Getting Around: In the City: By Car

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Driving in Paris is not recommended for visitors. Traffic is dense, parking is expensive and almost impossible to find in the center (hotels rarely have private parking), and it’s not a very nice way to see the city. But a car can be convenient for exploring the villages, towns, National Parks and countryside of Ile-de-France.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Before driving in France, keep in mind this whopping (but useful) generalization: the French have little respect for traffic laws or other drivers. Double parking, going backwards down one-way streets, running red lights and speeding are quite common. Keep your foot near the brake pedal and stay alert. Signal your intentions to turn and, when in doubt, pull over and put your hazards on!

The main ring road or beltway around Paris is called the périphérique. The inner ring (périphérique interieur) runs clockwise around the city, the outer (périphérique extérieur) runs counterclockwise. There are five major motorways in France (les autoroutes): the A1 (north network), the A4 (east), A10 (west and southwest), A6 (southeast) and the A13 (northwest to Normandy). Tolls (péages) can be paid with coins or credit cards (there are no tolls on motorways surrounding Paris). Major roads are designated as Routes Nationales (“RN” or “N1,” etc. on maps), and tend to be much slower since they go through town centers, while the smallest roads are the Routes Départementaux (“RD” or “D1,” etc.).

Paperwork

Drivers must be at least 18 (most car rental companies require drivers to be 25). European Union and Canadian nationals can use their driver’s license alone. All other drivers should apply for the International Driver’s License (IDL).

INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE There are many misconceptions about the IDL. There’s no test to take because it’s basically an official translation of your current valid driver’s license, and the two must always be carried together. You can get an IDL for $10 through any American Automobile Association (AAA) location (or by mail, www.aaa.com). Only AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are licensed to distribute the IDL in the US, so beware of fraudulent web sites selling expensive fakes. Residents from other countries should apply for the IDL through their national Automobile Association.

Rules & Regulations

The French drive on the right, safety belts are required for all passengers, children under 10 must ride in the back seat, and honking your horn in the city (unless it’s to prevent an accident) can result in fines. Do not use the bus lanes, even in heavy traffic. Priority is generally for cars coming from the right (even from smaller roads onto larger ones). In roundabouts, cars already inside have the priority but this is often ignored so watch out. No right turn is allowed at red lights unless there’s a blinking yellow arrow. Paris is well-signed, but you should get some literature from your rental agency about the meaning of the various signs and road markings. Speed limits are standardized, and are rarely posted except as a reminder. These are the guidelines:

• In towns and urban areas: 50km/h (30mph)
• On main roads: 90km/h (56mph) or 80 km/h in rain or fog
• On motorways: 130km/h (80mph) or 110km/h in rain or fog

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Before leaving home, check out the free Moto Europa Guide (www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa) for detailed advice on driving in France and other European countries, including common road signs.

Parking

Do not double-park, park in no-stopping zones, areas reserved for deliveries (livraisons) or for the disabled. Street parking in Paris is limited to two hours. The coin-operated parking meters have been replaced by cards, which you can purchase at tabacs. Parking is free on Sundays, public holidays, and after 7pm. Parking garages (parc or parking) can be found throughout the city, and cost from €1-€3/hour.

WHAT’S A TABAC? A tabac is a tobacconist’s shop or kiosk, or a counter inside a café or newsagents (look for the red, diamond-shaped TABAC sign outside). They don’t just sell tobacco products; this is the place to get stamps, telephone cards, parking meter cards, and lottery scratch cards.

WARNING! Some streets have free parking, but look carefully for tow-zone signs, usually placed at the ends of the street (with a little pictogram of a tow truck). Other cars may be parked there, but don’t let them fool you; Parisians usually know exactly how long they can get away with it. If you get towed, your car will impounded at La Fourrière, ☎ 01 53 71 53 53. You’ll need to show proof that it’s your car (keep the paperwork on you, not in the car) and pay a fine to get it back.

Filling Up

There are four types of gasoline/petrol (essence) in France: super (leaded), sans plomb 98 (unleaded 98), sans plomb 95 (un-leaded 95) and gazole (diesel). Be sure you know what kind of gas your rental car takes before filling up! Gasoline is much more expensive in Europe than North America, around €1.15/liter. Diesel fuel is much cheaper, but it may be hard to find a diesel rental car. Gas stations are all self-service; pump your gas and pay inside. Large supermarket gas stations have credit-card operated pumps.

TIP: Gas is cheaper outside Paris, so wait until you’re out of the city to fill up (in the small towns, not at motorway gas stations).

Car Rental Agencies

Most rental agencies in Ile-de-France have locations at both airports, train stations, throughout Paris and larger towns in the suburbs. It costs €40-€75/day or €200-€275/week to rent a compact car, and €115-€175/day or €450-€500/week for a minivan. Be sure to ask in advance if you require an automatic transmission (most European cars have manual transmission).

Alamo	☎ 01 48 16 30 33, fax 01 48 16 30 37
Avis	☎ 08 20 05 05 05, fax 01 46 05 15 73
Budget	☎ 08 25 00 35 64, fax 1 46 86 22 17
Europcar	☎ 08 25 35 23 52, fax 01 46 52 02 79
Hertz	☎ 01 39 38 38 38, fax 01 39 38 35 13
Rent-a-Car	☎ 08 36 69 46 95
Thrifty	☎ 01 34 29 86 76
EasyCar	www.easycar.com

ATTENTION! The Parisian method of parking usually involves a bit of bumper-car action, and big trucks going down narrow streets often result in nicks, scratches, and crushed side-view mirrors. Keep this in mind when you’re discussing what you’re insured for on your rental car.

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