If you’ve ever planned a road trip across the English Channel, navigating French motorways might seem straightforward enough. However, as we discovered firsthand while driving between Dieppe and our site east of Paris, French driving has a few quirks that can easily catch unsuspecting foreigners off guard.
In this video, we break down our road trip experience, figuring out the nuances of French road signs, adapting to unexpected motorway layouts, and dealing with modern toll systems.
### Cracking the Code on French Road Signs
One of the first hurdles of driving in France is getting used to the signage. While European road signs share a similar universal language, interpreting them in real-time while navigating fast-moving traffic adds a layer of stress. From understanding unfamiliar distance markers to deciphering local routing instructions, working out the road signs on the fly was our first major initiation into driving French motorways.
### Watch Out: Exits on Both Sides
Back home, motorway exits generally follow a predictable pattern. In France, however, you have to stay extra vigilant. One of the most jarring surprises we encountered was the fact that motorway exits can appear on **both sides** of the road. Relying on muscle memory to always pull off to the right will quickly lead to missed turns or erratic lane changes.
### Navigating Free-Flow Tolling
Another modern update catching drivers by surprise is the shift toward free-flowing motorway systems. Gone are the days of traditional toll booths where you simply pull a ticket and pay with cash or a card at a physical barrier. Adapting to these newer, seamless digital toll setups requires a bit of prior preparation so you don’t inadvertently find yourself facing fines for missed payments.
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Watch the full video above to see our journey from Dieppe to the east of Paris and get fully prepped for your own driving adventure in France!