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Only tip I can give ya is to take.......ME!!!!

I'm a wonderful travelling companion, (if you can ignore the chronic flatulence), listen:

Long red hair, freckles, walks with a limp and flower power walking stick, (currently on boring NHS crutches though and not exactly limping, more sort of thumping), dream catcher dangling from surgical collar, butt ugly with newly accquired large roundish scar on chin, (fading thanks to the wonders of Bio Oil),  and as already mentioned prone to chronic flatulence.

When do we leave?

If you need to wear glasses whilst driving you are required to have a spare pair. It is advisable to have a warning triangle because if  you have an electrical fault you may not be able to use your emergency flashers. You should also have a spare set of bulbs for the car lights. Have a look here for all details http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/AA_France_Monaco.pdf

This website might be useful http://www.doorwaytofrance.co.uk/html/driving_in_france.html

David

Thanks for those links David, just printing them off

Hi Diane, glad you`ve taken the plunge with france, honest you wont regret it.

we also go at the end of August , the 20th we head off to la Touche , cant wait !!!

whereabouts you heading for ?

Hi,

Look here:

http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm

Buy a good up to date map - the French build roads so quickly that your last year atlas might have a whole new road, and a new set of road numbers!   Dol de Bretagne is easy to get to - where is your ferry port?  Go on Viamichelin or mappy.com and print yourself a route from your ferry port to Dol de Bretagne (I presume you're going to Chateau des Ormes?  Use this in conjunction with a map to familiarise yourself with the route.

When driving remember 'keep your bum in the gutter' and get used to reciting this to yourself when you go around a roundabout, or come out of a junction - to make sure you're always on the french (right) side of the road!  Get someone else to recite it (kids love it). 

Fill up with petrol off the main roads, supermarket fuel is much cheaper.  Keep to the speed limits - and if anyone flashes you it indicates that there is a radar trap or police ahead - slow down. 

 If you're travelling far on a Sunday make sure you fill up with petrol before the journey.  Lots of town/village petrol stations in France are 'automatic' on Sundays and payment is by card only (don't accept British cards).  On the autoroutes you'll have no problems - they are open as normal.  Supermarkets in France often open only until lunchtime on Sunday.  During the week some supermarkets close over lunchtime.  Try a supermarket cafeteria for a good value meal.

French road signs are usually actually on the junction that you want - pointing at the road you require.  Difficult to explain until you see it - but you'll soon get used to it.

Try to speak a little French - even schoolgirl level is preferred to just shouting something in English.  Swot up on a few words and phrases before you go and don't worry about your accent.

Have a great time - and we may see you with your own van in town next year!!!

Top tip for driving in France?

1.....Keep the footpath outside the drivers window

2.....Take your time and enjoy it.

3.....It all a bit of a sweaty Betty moment when you first get off the Ferry/tunnel but remember rule one and all will be Ok.

Have a great trip

Quote: Originally posted by dianebb72 on 25/6/2006

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Hiya HP, would love to take ya, only problem is we'll have to strap you to the roof as we got no spare seats,  also the sat nav role has been filled by my son Tom (tom) lol and the flatuence wouldn't be a problem with most of the occupants of our car suffering from it (just means we have to open the windows abit  to get rid of the pong)

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Hey, that'd be even better coz I'd be able to spot any hold ups miles in advance from there! But.... I'm pretty sure you'll need to hang a liccle red flag thingy from me feet if I'm overhanging the end of the car. Shall I bring me own?

Course, if you're stuck in any traffic jams in tunnels....with me out in the elements and the build up of methane...might be considered an explosive risk? They do tell ya not to take any highly explosive things in those tunnels don't they? I'm not good near naked flames at the best of times......

Maybe you'd better leave me behind.......

Only 6 weeks and 3 days to Heligan Woods and counting...every bl**dy one of 'em