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Please could someone tell me if the speed limits are well signposted in France.I am going to the Vendee (from Caen) for the first time in August and don,t want to be caught out with speed cameras.

Thanks..

Yes they are. They are posted at the entrance/exit to any road you are turning on to as well as at regular intervals along the road.

There is also a slower speed detailed underneath (generally with a rain symbol) it's the speed limit for when it's raining.

We used this site http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm before our first trip. it really helped.

A reduction in speed limit is not always posted when you approach towns and villages. All towns and villages have an oblong name sign as you enter and the same sign with a red line through it when you leave. These are accepted as the start and finish of the reduced speed limit which is 50 kph, I think. If the speed limit is less than 50kph because there is a school on the road or something then this is posted.

Carol

The basic rule of thumb is to keep to the same limits as you would here, and knock 10mph off if it`s raining.

They are well signposted though, and it`s also recommended to read up on them so you know all the ins and outs. It`s not just the cameras, btw...the traffic police WILL stop you if you`re speeding. They`re particularly down on cars with foriegn plates, so don`t just assume you can get away with copying the French reg. car in front. And if they stop you, they`ll do a full document and licence check too, and check the car.  It can really waste an afternoon, if they`re feeling keen.

Ask me how I know? Because Hubby got stopped once for being about 5mph over the limit. Fortunately all our car docs were in order and the car was deemed acceptable  but it was all a bit worrying at the time, especially as we had to rely on our not very good French.

Its also worth remembering that the are LIMITS, and not TARGETS, common sense should prevail too, drive to the conditions.

Remember that Traffic cops can and do impose "on the spot" fines, and if necessary will accompany you to the nearest ATM if you dont have the money to hand.

A favourite sems to be on the motorways as you return for your ferry home.

Static cameras are well signed too, be careful of these too, these are usually marked on Internet route maps, like Mappy and Viamichelin.

Joe

The speed reductions as you leave the motorways are severe and you get reducing speeds posted within within yards of each other  A couple on the boat coming home last year  told us they got caught on the very last sliproad before the ferry terminal and because they were not at the required speed at a certain point on the slip road they were fined 200 euros on the spot. They were a quiet older couple and very upset. A horrible way to end your holiday.

Carol

The limits with or without any kind of trailer, caravan etc are the same.

Carol