If you haven't driven in Europe before, here are a few handy hints to help you prepare for your journey:

• Remember that if an oncoming driver flashes their headlights it is to indicate that he/she has priority and not the other way around.
  
  
• British, US, Canadian and Australian licences are all valid in France, however foreigners are not permitted to drive on a provisional licence.
  
  
• The road network is very well developed in France with nearly a million kilometres of highway, approximately 8,000km of which are motorway.
  
  
• There is usually a toll when driving on the motorways, details of which can be found at www.autoroute.fr. This web site also provides interesting information on current toll charges, service and filling stations, as well as weather reports and rest areas for your journey.
  
  
• Ensure your car is insured and equipped for overseas travel and that you have all your documentation and driving license to hand. You'll need:
  

  Headlamp Beam Adapters
  A GB sticker/plate displayed at the rear of your vehicle.

  Spare Bulbs

  Warning Triangles

  A First Aid Kit

  A Fire Extinguisher
  

• Plan your route beforehand - perhaps stopping at some places of interest along the way, to make your journey much more like a part of your holiday.
  
  
• Look-up the French driving laws, and speed limits - as there are slight differences to those in the UK. Good places to research are: www.legifrance.gouv.fr and www.permis-enligne.com.
  

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