Transport & Getting Around
Like most developed western European countries, France is well served by an excellent transportation system. The main international airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport located just outside of Paris, and is the largest and busiest in France. Orly airport also services the Paris area, and although its main function is to act as a hub connecting all of the major cities and regions with domestic flights, it also handles some international traffic. All of France’s cities have airports, making air travel within France fairly easy even if it’s not the cheapest way to get around.
France has a well-developed system of highways. Most of the freeway (autoroute) links are toll roads. Some have toll station giving you access to a section of the highway, whilst others have entrance and exit toll stations. Don't lose your entrance ticket or you will be charged for the longest distance. All toll stations accept major credit cards, or you can use the automatic booth, but only if your card is equipped with a chip.
Roads range from the narrow single-lane roads in the countryside to major highways. Most towns and cities were built before the general availability of the automobile and thus city centres tend to be unwieldy for cars. Keep this in mind when renting: large cars can be very unwieldy. It often makes sense to just park and then use public transportation.
France drives on the right, so drivers from countries which drive on the left will need to pay particular attention, especially at intersections.
When you are in France and wish to explore the country, car rental is by far the best way of getting around quickly and cheaply, especially for groups of two or more. A French driver flashing headlights means they are asserting their right of way and warning you of their intentions and presence. Do not misunderstand this as meaning “thank-you”. Flashing headlights can also often mean, "Watch out, there's a police speed-check ahead of you!"
An alternative to car rental is having a short term lease agreement as offered by some car manufacturers. Lease periods rang from 17 to 175 days with plans offering unlimited mileage, fully comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
All drivers in France are required to carry a valid driver’s licence. Visitors from other countries can usually use their own licence provided it is valid and in a language that uses the Roman alphabet, otherwise they should get an international drivers licence before arrival. Also, if licences do not have photo ID, it will be necessary to carry additional documentation to confirm identity.
Train/rail travel service in France is efficient, punctual, and comfortable. It is one of the most popular ways to get around, allowing travelers to view the countryside in a swift, but leisurely manner. France's extensive railway network connects large cities and towns throughout the country. Smaller towns without train stations are generally linked by bus service to the nearest station. The French National Railroads' (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer or SNCF) network of inter-city rail links also provides frequent express and high-speed train service known as the TGV or Train à Grande Vitesse. Operating at of up to 186mph, the high-speed network also includes European routes, featuring the Eurostar which connects Paris to London in just 2h35 and the Thalys going to Brussels and Amsterdam in 1h30 and 4 hours respectively. For added convenience, the Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports have high-speed train stations.
The price of train travel in France depends on whether you choose first or second class, as well as on the time and date of travel. If you planning your rail travel before you go, there are a variety off affordable and flexible passes which include the France Railpass, the France Rail'n Drive, Eurail. Rail Europe also offers combo-country passes, including the France n'Italy Pass and the all new France'n Spain pass. Most passes offered by Rail Europe have specially priced youth versions as well as special passes for seniors. Point-to-point tickets can also be purchased in advance. It is illegal to travel on a train or the Metro without a ticket and on the spot fines are routinely administered. If for any reason you find yourself on a train without a valid ticket find the conductor or guard before they fine you, and ask to buy a ticket.
Paris had a convenient and efficient metro system which is generally considered safe and a great way to get around the city and its suburbs. France and especially Paris has a very progressive attitude towards cycling, with abundant cycle lanes and bile paths. Bicycle hire is common and a fun and cheap way to explore. On Sundays, a few of the roads on the banks of the river Seine are closed to vehicles for the exclusive use of pedestrians, cyclists and rollerblading.
The recently introduced Ve’lib rental bike scheme brought biking in Paris into the public eye. Bikes can be rented from numerous points in Paris, and the first half hour is free although you do have to register.
