atchi123 Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 Decided to have a blast over to somewhere in France (probs Brittany area) with the Z and missus in May sometime. Never really been to proper France (except Paris and Calais on a booze haul), so wondered if anyone had any tips for the driving over there...roads fun? many speed cameras? petrol cheap? any good places to stop off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavis Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 Decided to have a blast over to somewhere in France (probs Brittany area) with the Z and missus in May sometime. Never really been to proper France (except Paris and Calais on a booze haul), so wondered if anyone had any tips for the driving over there...roads fun? many speed cameras? petrol cheap? any good places to stop off? Driven in France quite a few times. Roads are superb and much better than here. Motorways are superb but you obviously pay toll fees. Petrol about the same and in all the time i have driven i can only remember seeing 1 speed camera. You will love it. I have done calais to canne. Calais to bordeaux and cherboutg to the vendee region. Superb scenery and great roads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atchi123 Posted March 16, 2007 Author Share Posted March 16, 2007 cool. thanks for the reply. just need to bank on the weather now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuey Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 i wud like to drive down to monaco............... my mate did this and really enjoyed it............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomoto Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 watch the French toll roads, if you break the speed limit on your average speed , instant fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev946 Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 I've been to France a few times. Brittany is alot like Cornwall. If you want to take in some good roads try going further south, such as the Vendee and go further south. The weather is also better.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomoto Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 I've been to France a few times. Brittany is alot like Cornwall. If you want to take in some good roads try going further south, such as the Vendee and go further south. The weather is also better.. I would agree with Kev , once you get South of Paris the scenery gets a lot better, why not have a trip down to the Millau bridge ? Fantastic roads down there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atchi123 Posted March 16, 2007 Author Share Posted March 16, 2007 sh!t, good tip on the toll road fines! Would have been p!ssed if I hadn't realised that. Still not decided on exact destination yet so might have a trip down to the Millau. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmmackfc Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 Would love to cross the Millau Viaduct http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millau_Viaduct Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev946 Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 watch the French toll roads, if you break the speed limit on your average speed , instant fine Is this really true, thought it was a bit of an urban myth, as don't you need the police to be at the toll booth? I've seen pictures of a Scooby on a French Moorway doing 165mph... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GC350z Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 Didn't think they had average speed fines in France. Only heard of one in Italy. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomoto Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 watch the French toll roads, if you break the speed limit on your average speed , instant fine Is this really true, thought it was a bit of an urban myth, as don't you need the police to be at the toll booth? I've seen pictures of a Scooby on a French Moorway doing 165mph... yep , friend of mine got done average 110mph, but your right police was at toll booth, only way to do it is have a rest at a service station Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 Gents, I go over quite a bit. (still waiting for the paper work to complete before I get my house out there, ) First there is speed camera's and they CAN pass the details onto UK DVLA, so exchange points. They are all typically signed, BUT the cameras are not painted yellow as in UK. Everyone I have seen is forward facing. I have been flashed a few times but never been chased up yet, so do not think they are enforcing it. But be warned. As for the toll booth, they will not charge you but the police do have the right too if they happen to be there and also in the mood they can do you. They typically use the toll area's as tea-break areas so it will just be bad luck if they are having a break and trying to chat up the toll booth lady. I have gone thru tolls 40+ times and lets just say not many are below the limit. If you are planning a long trip or being there, could be worth getting the toll system charging unit. that way you miss the queues and also, since toll booth will be on wrong side, then you will not have to rely on missus bashing the car door against wall. Take safety kit, triangle, yellow jacket spare bulbs etc as that can lead to instant fine. Make sure wife has driver lic with her. If you get nicked and they take your lic away, they will not let you carry on without proving the NEW driver has one. Last piece of advice, see if you are out same time as Le Mans 24. If so the police will nick you at any given opportunity and you really do not want to argue with them. But it is a great place, so enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlenMH Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 We are going over in May and I am really looking forward to it! What has anyone done about their headlights - I have got Xenons and I don't want to just put masking tape in the lenses? There is nothing in the handbook that shows how to adjust the beam.... Glen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_350z Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Any more details on how / why French police can pass over points? Seems a bit crazy to me... how can I find more details? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atchi123 Posted March 18, 2007 Author Share Posted March 18, 2007 cheers steve_b, great advice. Glen, the father in law has told me you can get something called beam benders to put on the front of the car to fix the light issue. not exactly sure what they are but will check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavis Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 cheers steve_b, great advice. Glen, the father in law has told me you can get something called beam benders to put on the front of the car to fix the light issue. not exactly sure what they are but will check it out. I dont think i would bother doing this on the xenon headlights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomoto Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 been driving through Europe for years now and never bothered with beam deflectors ever if they get dazzled serves 'em right for driving on the wrong side of the road Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Cannot find the bit about points transfered but here is good summary of fines. Just to let you know it is not common getting caught but something you should weight up when taking a chance. (If you want to just go all out take it to Germany) These are applicable to UK drivers caught in France (speeds are set at the amount over the limit): * speeding at less than 20km/12mph - 68 euros plus 1 point or 135 euros plus 1 point if in a 50km zone * speeding between 20km/12mph and 30km/19mph - 135 euros plus 2 points; licence suspension (normally only in France) up to 3 years. * speeding between 30km/19mph and 40km/25mph - 135 euros plus 3 points; licence suspension (normally only in France) up to 3 years. * speeding between 40km/25mph and 50km/31mph - 135 euros plus 4 points; licence suspension (normally only in France) up to 3 years. Significantly, your licence can also be confiscated on the spot. * speeding over 50km/31mph - 1500 euros plus 6 points; licence suspension (normally only in France) up to 3 years. Significantly, your licence can also be confiscated on the spot. * second offence over 50km - up to 3 months' jail, up to 3750 euros plus 6 points; licence suspension (normally only in France) up to 3 years * the minimum fine is 45 euros if paid within 15 days and 180 euros if more than 45 days (maximum 450 euros if it goes to trial) * the 135 euros fine is 90 euros if paid within 15 days and 375 euros if more than 45 days (maximum 750 euros if it goes to trial) * if you are stopped by police / gendarmerie you have to pay the fine on the spot in cash, failing which the car will be impounded and you will be taken to the local police station. Your licence may be suspended for up to 14 days. * if you are caught by a speed camera you will probably not be pursued for the fine or points but the penalties could be as shown above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Also have a look at http://english.controleradar.org/speeding-fines.php To the right you will see the regions and the camera location. AGAIN not full proof but may help. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letank87 Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 I've been reading this thread with some interest, so much so I have bitten the bullet and decided to do my very own Tour de France this weekend!!! Itinery so far: Thursday - Leave home in Northampton, catch the ferry from Dover to Calais and head down through the Loire Valley. Friday - Set off to see the Millau viaduct and then hang a left towards the Cote D'Azur! Saturday - Spend the day taking in the sights around Monaco and doing my own lap of the GP circuit Sunday - Nip accross into Italy (It would be rude to go all that way and not be able to say that I did it!), then head north to Grenoble up the famous N85 "Route Napoleon" to take in some of the best sights and experience the "best driving road in Europe" Monday - "Missus' Birthday" Take her to Euro Disney to keep her happy. (No jokes please.....she is over 18 although you wouldn't think it sometimes! ) Tuesday - Head home to Blighty. Should be a pretty good trip although quite intense, a nice run in before the Wales meet the following weekend me thinks! I'd appreciate if you have any advice or recommendations regarding places to see along the way. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomoto Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 I've been reading this thread with some interest, so much so I have bitten the bullet and decided to do my very own Tour de France this weekend!!! Itinery so far: Thursday - Leave home in Northampton, catch the ferry from Dover to Calais and head down through the Loire Valley. Friday - Set off to see the Millau viaduct and then hang a left towards the Cote D'Azur! Saturday - Spend the day taking in the sights around Monaco and doing my own lap of the GP circuit Sunday - Nip accross into Italy (It would be rude to go all that way and not be able to say that I did it!), then head north to Grenoble up the famous N85 "Route Napoleon" to take in some of the best sights and experience the "best driving road in Europe" Monday - "Missus' Birthday" Take her to Euro Disney to keep her happy. (No jokes please.....she is over 18 although you wouldn't think it sometimes! ) Tuesday - Head home to Blighty. Should be a pretty good trip although quite intense, a nice run in before the Wales meet the following weekend me thinks! I'd appreciate if you have any advice or recommendations regarding places to see along the way. Cheers on the way down to the Millau bridge watch out for a sign to the town of Volvic (where the bottled mineral water comes from ) when i had a trip down to the bridge I made a detour to see where the water comes from , in the main square there is the spring from the source..has a sign on it saying not drinkable.. .( forgot to take a photo ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 Any more details on how / why French police can pass over points? Seems a bit crazy to me... how can I find more details? Dont think they can do that, but they can get your address info to send you the payment instructions for the fine And that average speed thing is true. Happens regularly in summer-time when there are a lot of tourists. But it is not automatic. Cops just check the times at the toll booths. And i ve seen quite a few mobile speed camera's on the toll roads too. Fixed cameras always flash from the front, which is nice when riding a motorbike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavis Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 I've been reading this thread with some interest, so much so I have bitten the bullet and decided to do my very own Tour de France this weekend!!! Itinery so far: Thursday - Leave home in Northampton, catch the ferry from Dover to Calais and head down through the Loire Valley. Friday - Set off to see the Millau viaduct and then hang a left towards the Cote D'Azur! Saturday - Spend the day taking in the sights around Monaco and doing my own lap of the GP circuit Sunday - Nip accross into Italy (It would be rude to go all that way and not be able to say that I did it!), then head north to Grenoble up the famous N85 "Route Napoleon" to take in some of the best sights and experience the "best driving road in Europe" Monday - "Missus' Birthday" Take her to Euro Disney to keep her happy. (No jokes please.....she is over 18 although you wouldn't think it sometimes! ) Tuesday - Head home to Blighty. Should be a pretty good trip although quite intense, a nice run in before the Wales meet the following weekend me thinks! I'd appreciate if you have any advice or recommendations regarding places to see along the way. Cheers Thats quite a drive in the time you have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 Thats quite a drive in the time you have Well, its quite a car too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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