Driving in France, Part 1

Are you going to rent a car? Here are some useful things to know about driving in France as a tourist. This is the very basics, simplified and condensed.

License: As a tourist, your U.K., Canadian or American driving license is valid in France.

Transmission: Most rental cars are manual transmission. If you need an automatic, be sure to specify that and reserve well in advance, as there are not many available.

Fuel: Diesel fuel (called "gazole" at the pump) is about 20 euro cents cheaper per liter, and diesel cars usually get better mileage.

Speed limits: In general, and unless otherwise posted, 50 km/h in town, 90 km/h outside town, and 130 km/h on the autoroute. If it's raining, 90 drops to 80, and 130 drops to 110. (Just for reference, 50 km/h is about 30 mph, 90 is about 55, and 130 is about 80 (whee!).)

Driving, generally: This will be the subject of another entire post, tentatively titled "Crazy Frog." For now, think "defense" at all times.

Road signs: Not really a problem for the British. Americans and Canadians: it's good to know all the ones with the red circles, because those deal with all the things you either can't do or must do. Here is a good short list of essential signs.

Mobile phones: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

Autoroute toll plazas: You can pay with cash or credit card in any lane with a green arrow.