Hi All,

I'm planning a trip to France in the Elegance and wondered if anyone (seasoned Europhile motorists) knew the best place to pick up all the stuff I need to stay on the right side of the law in France? I know I can trawl round Halfords but wondered if anyone knew of a "kit" that would cover most eventualities? I realise regs differ from one country to another - my main focus would be France. AFAIK I need:-

• Breath Test Kits
  
• Headlamp Diverters
  
• Warning Triangle
  
• Reflective Jackets
  
• Bulbs/Fuses ?
  
• Fire Extinguisher?
  

Would be nice if Skoda did a Euro kit?

All info welcome as always.

S

if you have xenon headlights you don't need the diverters - just select travel mode from the lights part of the computer.

For everything else Halfords is the easy place - although 90% of it is available on the ferry or at the tunnel shop.

For the hi vis jacket - you must have the drivers one (at least) in the car - if you are stopped by a copper and get out on a motorway to get it from the boot they will fine you - I have mine under the drivers seat in the uk and in France - think they should be mandatory here as well to be honest.

I carry a spare bulb kit which probably isn't suitable for the car - but its there for a police check and a fire extinguisher isn't compulsory in France (yet)

If you are towing a caravan or a trailer you need 2 warning triangles. the 2nd in case you have to leave the trailer unhitched by the side of the road.

A first aid kit is required though and in the event of a accident you are duty bound to produce it and help - or risk a fine.....

You can be fined for having speed camera's on a gps now as well, radar detectors have always been illegal and you need at least 2 of the breathalysers - these are definitely available on P&O boats for a fiver for 2.

And finally carry enough cash to pay any fines - or they will take you off to a cashpoint to get some.

Having said all that I've driven for 3 or 4 weeks a year in France for the past 20 years and never had a single problem with the police - had a couple of accidents (minor) and always found them helpful. The road system is wonderful and roadworks outside of major cities are rare.

Oh and if a French driver flashes you - you can be sure that there is a speed trap up ahead.

Edited 17 July, 201213 yr by iancjc

Thanks iancjc for taking so much trouble with a detailed reply! Very helpful.

S

I love driving in France , had some of my best mpg over there and you can sit for hours at 130kph with the cruise set , its a joy over there

Never had any issues with the Police, never been stopped but i keep to the limits , if i'm on my holidays i dont feel the need to rush

Hi,

I've also done France, Vendee (in an Octy) and Italy, Venice last year in a Superb.

You will find it a joy to drive once you leave the port, roads are far better. Only advice I could give for France is:-

· The motorway tolls can be expensive, (90 to 100 euro for Calais to Switzerland, Switzerland to Venice about 40 Euro), but the dual carriage way can be just as fast.

· The Motorways have better services, if using dual carriage ways use the local towns.

· Attempt to speak French and they will help you, if you do the British bulldog attitude they lose the English, which I would do the same.

· The Speed cameras are used for a reason, so when you see them slow down. They are not like here, the French place them at places for safety reasons e.g. high bridges.

· When crossing the channel if you want a break use the ferry, but I would use the tunnel every time.

· Within the first hour you will pick up how the French drive, but check on the rules for the roundabouts. In town there is 1 type that the vehicles on the roundabout have the right of way, but this is well marked and easy to do.

· If you have a choice put a GB or Ecosse, rather than Eng, badge on the car. I know guys down south that does this and they say it helps.

Last year we drove from middle Scotland to other side of Paris in a day easy, using the ferry, we parked up about 7pm French time, (6pm UK) but I think I would save about 2 hours with the tunnel. If using the tunnel prebook, but go for the queue if you get there early as you would be put on early.

The second day we travelled via Switzerland and the St Gotthard pass (god that was good) to Venice, 11 hours driving. We had past Milan and Verona before we started to get stiff, which is how good the Elegance seats and the smooth ride is / are.

We did get a bit of looks from the Italians as the superb is not that common there but it was goods looks

Last year in the south of franve.I kept getting asked if I was part of le tour.no I reply think they were hoping to get some goodies.;-).off again on the 25th as said not been stopped in France roads are good.Germany is a different story sorry officer.

Thanks folks, all very helpful.