One of the best ways to explore France as a family is by car. From quiet countryside villages to Mediterranean beaches and Alpine scenery, driving gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and discover places you would never see from a train or plane.

The good news for first-time visitors is that French roads are generally excellent. Motorways are smooth and well maintained, signage is clear, and many drivers find French roads less stressful than driving in the UK once they get used to driving on the right.

However, there are a few important differences — and being prepared before you set off can make your journey much more relaxing.

The Different Types of French Roads

French roads are divided into several categories, each identified by a letter.

Autoroutes (A Roads)

Autoroutes are France’s motorway network. These are the fastest routes between major cities and are usually toll roads. They are marked with blue signs and road numbers beginning with “A”.

Autoroutes are generally excellent for family travel, they have smooth road surfaces, frequent service areas, clear signage and less traffic congestion than many UK motorways. Service stations often include restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds, toilets, and fuel stations.

Most autoroutes are toll roads and are marked by blue signs, although autoroute sections through cities are normally toll free. The free autoroutes are marked by green signs. Be prepared at the beginning of toll sections to take the ticket which records where you entered the toll road and then to pay when leaving the toll section at the “peage”. For regular visitors, a toll autopass (péage badge) can make journeys much easier. These small electronic devices allow you to drive through dedicated fast lanes without stopping to pay manually. They are increasingly popular with UK travellers and can save a lot of stress during busy holiday periods. Take a look at sites like Tollbird or Emovis Tag to prepurchase an autopass before you travel.

When driving on autoroutes you need to be aware that lane discipline is much more strictly followed in France. If you don’t pull into the inside lane when there is space you will find angry French drivers very close on your tail with their left indicator flashing – their way of saying “ get out of the way stupid English person”!

Most autoroutes have speed limits of 130 km/h in dry weather and 110 km/h in wet conditions.

Routes Nationales (N Roads)

National roads connect towns and cities and are usually free to use. They can be a good alternative if you want to avoid motorway tolls or enjoy a more scenic drive.

Départementales (D Roads)

These smaller local roads often pass through villages, farmland, vineyards, and rural areas. They are perfect for slower family road trips but can occasionally be narrow or winding.

Driving on the Right

For most UK drivers, the biggest concern is driving on the right-hand side of the road. Fortunately, people usually adapt surprisingly quickly.

A few helpful tips:

French motorway driving is often calmer than in the UK because lane discipline tends to be better, with drivers returning to the right-hand lane after overtaking.

Take a look at our Practical Driving Advice which has helpful hints on how to make your first drive in France a relaxing experience, even driving on the right hand side! For example making sure that you always have some cash ready for the autoroute tolls.

Preparing your car: There are things you need to remember before you leave, some are legal requirements, some just good advice.

French Roads + Law: We explain to you about the types of roads in France, major road signs and basic highway code.

Priorité à Droite: This famous feature of French driving etiquette still causes confusion today! Priorité a Droite info here.

Route Planning: Advice on route planning with the best maps, traffic advice and the best rest areas on the main autoroutes