France Travel Guide

Five Quick Facts About Travelling In France

1. France is a relatively safe country to travel in however do watch for pick pockets and scammers in major tourist spots and around main transport hubs. A normal sensible approach should be adapted whenever travelling.
2. France has an excellent transport system with high speed rail taking the visitor to every corner of the country. See Getting Around Tab for more information
3. English is not widely spoken across France so brush up on key phrases and download Google France translate to your smart device.
4. France is not a particularly cheap country to travel in however by travelling off -season, staying in guest houses or similar and eating in local restaurants you can easily have a cost effective French holiday.
5. Health in France is good so by exercising a normal hygiene regime, staying away from stray animals and eating well the risk to health while travelling in France is low (although always have travel insurance just in case).

France is a great place to travel to at any time of the year. Here is a guide to the different seasons and times of year.

High Season (July & August)

European summer and when most Europeans take their holidays means long lines at main attractions and busy roads. There are loads of festivals across France throughout the summer.  Book ahead for accommodation as places get booked out early. The weather is usually warm to hot with mild nights.

Shoulder Season (April to June & September / October)

Spring and Autumn see milder weather and less crowds. Spring flowers are abundant in the fields and villages and in the later months the tress are in their full Autumn colours.

Low Season (November to March)

A busy time for the ski resorts with the rest of the country being quieter with no queues or crowds. The weather is cold with both snow and rain, a great time to visit theatres and museums.

Clean Air Car Regulations in France: What You Need to Know

France has implemented several regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle emissions and promoting cleaner air. Here’s a comprehensive overview of France’s clean air car regulations.

Crit’Air Vignettes

One of the key measures France has introduced is the Crit’Air system, which classifies vehicles based on their emissions.

What is a Crit’Air Vignette?

The Crit’Air (short for “Critère Air”) vignette is a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield of vehicles. The sticker is color-coded and numbered to indicate the vehicle’s emission levels. The categories range from 0 (green, for electric and hydrogen vehicles) to 5 (gray, for older, more polluting vehicles).

How to Obtain a Crit’Air Vignette

• Online Application: Drivers can apply for the vignette on the official Crit’Air website. You will need to provide information about your vehicle, such as its registration and emission standard.
• Cost: The vignette costs around €3.70 within France and about €4.80 for international delivery.

Zones with Restrictions

Certain areas, particularly large cities and urban centers, have low-emission zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions, ZFE) where only vehicles with specific Crit’Air stickers are allowed to enter.

• Paris: The city has a permanent low-emission zone within the A86 ring road. Restrictions are stricter on days with high pollution levels.
• Lyon and Grenoble: These cities also have similar restrictions, with plans to expand low-emission zones.

Driving Restrictions and Penalties

Permanent Low-Emission Zones

In permanent low-emission zones, vehicles with higher emission Crit’Air stickers may be banned during certain hours or days.

• Paris: Typically restricts vehicles with Crit’Air 4 and 5 stickers from entering the city during peak pollution periods.
• Other Cities: Each city may have its specific restrictions and should be checked individually before traveling.

Temporary Restrictions

On days with high pollution, temporary restrictions can be implemented, such as alternating driving days based on the last digit of the vehicle’s license plate.

Penalties

Failure to comply with Crit’Air regulations can result in fines. These range from €68 for cars to €135 for trucks and buses.

Incentives for Cleaner Vehicles

To encourage the use of cleaner vehicles, France has introduced several incentives:

• Bonus-Malus System: This is a tax incentive program where buyers of low-emission vehicles receive a bonus, while those purchasing high-emission vehicles pay a penalty.
• Scrappage Scheme: Offers financial incentives for scrapping older, more polluting vehicles in exchange for newer, cleaner models.

Future Developments

France is committed to further reducing vehicle emissions and has set ambitious goals for the future:

• Ban on Sales of New Petrol and Diesel Cars: By 2040, France aims to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
• Expansion of Low-Emission Zones: More cities are expected to implement or expand their low-emission zones in the coming years.
• Promotion of Electric Vehicles: Increased investment in charging infrastructure and incentives to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

Tips for Drivers

• Check Requirements Before Traveling: If you plan to drive in France, especially in urban areas, check the Crit’Air requirements and obtain the necessary vignette in advance.
• Plan Routes Around Restrictions: Be aware of the low-emission zones and plan your routes to avoid areas where your vehicle may be restricted.
• Consider Cleaner Vehicles: If you’re a frequent traveler to France, consider investing in a cleaner vehicle to avoid restrictions and take advantage of incentives.

Conclusion

France’s clean air car regulations reflect its commitment to improving air quality and reducing emissions. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, drivers can contribute to a cleaner environment while avoiding fines and restrictions. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, staying informed about these rules is essential for navigating French roads legally and responsibly.

Visit the French government website for more information

France Currency

The currency in France is the Euro which is the currency of the 24 other EU member states plus Andorra, Kosovo, Monarco, Montenegro, San Marino and the Vatican.

ATMs can be found throughout France. It is advisable to always carry a small amount of cash as no all eftpos machines accept foreign cards.

German Visa Policy

Germany is part of the Schengen Area Visa Policy.

Nationals / Citizens from Schengen States have right of movement and entry without a visa but will need a passport as proof of identity.

The policy applies to the Schengen Area which is 22 E.U member states and 4 non E.U states which are part of the EFTA – Iceland, Liechenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Romania are not part of the Schengen Area but have visa policies based on Schengen acquis.

Schengen Visa Policy Map

Schengen Area Map

Source: Wikipedia