Getting around the Pays de la Loire region

So you’ve arrived in the Pays de la Loire, but what about getting around? You are driving on the wrong side of the road and there are lots of confusing road signs. Plus they go around roundabouts the wrong way don’t they? Don’t worry, help is at hand. Here are a few hints at navigating the region safely and with less hassle.

Who has right of way? It depends! As you enter a village or town look for signs. If you see ‘Priorité à droite’ it means that even if you are on the main road you need to give way to traffic joining the road from the right.

Speed limits. Please check the signs! The speed limit through nearly all village centres is 30kms per hour and outskirts of villages and towns 50kms per hour. Regular roads are 90kms reducing to 70kms in built-up areas. The motorways are 130kms per hour unless otherwise indicated or in wet weather, when it is 110kms.

Trains, trams and buses are great! Trains, trams and buses in France are not expensive and are very reliable. In addition to helping the environment, you will be helping yourself if you use public transport whenever possible. The road systems (especially when trams have been installed) are complicated and parking can be expensive in town and city centres. It is often more convenient and less expensive to use public transport to get there.
Destineo.fr allows you to plan your itinerary for travelling around the region. For the site in English, go to: http://www.destineo.fr/index.php/destineo2_en

Make sure that you fill-up regularly. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although they often won't work at automatic pumps, which are normally the only pumps open out-of-hours in rural areas, which also means lunch time from noon to 2.30pm (ish)! 

Don’t drink and drive! There are strict rules on drinking and driving and as of July 1, 2012 you will be required to carry a breathalyser kit in your vehicle.

Don’t forget!

• Headlamp converters, visibility vests and warning triangle. These are compulsory when driving in France.
• Lights: dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles over 125cc must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.

For more handy hints about driving in France go to: http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm