Border Controls

Please note that there may be increased border controls, which may lead to longer waiting times at the crossings. 

Environmental sticker

In France, you may have to deal with environmental zones. Every city or department in France can set up such an environmental zone, either temporarily or permanently. With an environmental sticker on your car, you indicate that your car complies with the environmental requirements of that zone. Important, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter your desired zone! On the official website, you can see which category of sticker you need and order your sticker directly. Attention! The stickers can only be bought through the official website and shipping can take up to 14 days!
https://certificat-air.gouv.fr/

Toll Roads

You pay tolls on most motorways in France. Current toll rates can be found here: https://www.autoroutes.fr/index.htm?lang=en. You can pay in cash, by credit card or with a toll badge. Toll badges can be purchased from the ANWB (among others) and are valid in 4 countries: France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Fuel

Fuelling along the motorway is also often more expensive in France than along normal roads.

Charging stations

France has greatly expanded its charging station network in recent years. Still, it is good to check your route in advance. 

Please note that in France it is mandatory to carry a warning triangle and a safety vest in your car.

In order to avoid inconveniences, fines or even penalties, it is also worth reading the travel information from the Federal Foreign Office!

Weather in France

France is a big country and also one with differences in climate. 

• On the Atlantic coast, summers are quite warm, and mild winters.
• Inland, average temperatures rise considerably. The sun often shows itself here but can be followed by unstable weather.
• In the southeast, we can speak of a Mediterranean climate. Summers here are hot and sunny with the occasional thunderstorm. 
• In the south, the mistral or tramontana regularly blows. This wind usually blows for about three days at a time and can be cold and strong.
  
  

Tap Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink. If a tap is labelled Eau nonpotable (no drinking water), it is then better to drink bottled water.

Shopping and eating in France

There are no general opening hours in France. Grocery stores are open between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. In many places, there is a lunch break for a few hours. Many bakeries are also open on Sunday mornings. Many shops are closed on Mondays. The large supermarkets are open all day and often into the evening. They are often located outside the (inner) cities. The best-known supermarkets include Leclerc, Auchan, Intermarché and Carrefour, but there are also Lidl and Aldi in France. 

Dinner often starts later than in Ireland. Before 7 p.m., there is often no one in the restaurant. Dinner at the campsite is usually served earlier. On the menu or at the bottom of your bill, you will find the note "Service compris 15%". This means that the tip is already included. Locals usually give 1 to 1.50 euros per person in restaurants, 50 cents is enough in cafés. Tip: It is not usual to pay the bill separately. That's why one person should pay the entire amount and then split the amount later.

With the car

A car holiday to France is a great start to your holiday.  Depending on your final destination, from Cherbourg, you can be in Southern France in around 540 miles, in Central France in 360 miles, and in Brittany in 210 miles.

By Ferry or Tunnel

Ferries are a relaxing and convenient way to travel. With a wide variety of routes available from both Ireland and the UK, you can reach campsites in many destinations across France easily, with the freedom and flexibility to journey at your own pace in your car!   

There are many ferry lines from which to choose including 

• Stena Line
• P&O Ferries
• Irish Ferries
• Brittany Ferries 
• DFDS Ferries 

Ferry routes to France

• Dublin to Cherbourg
• Dover to Calais 
• Dover to Dunkirk 
• Folkestone to Calais Eurotunnel
• Newhaven to Dieppe 
• Plymouth to Roscoff 
• Poole to Cherbourg
• Poole to St Malo 
• Portsmouth to St Malo
  
  

Winter in France

Are you going to France in winter? Bear in mind that it is then compulsory to have winter tyres in the mountain areas. Don't have winter tyres? Then make sure you have snow chains with you.

By Plane

France has many airports spread throughout the country. The best-known airports to fly into are Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lyon, Marseille and Nice. At all these airports you can easily hire a car to drive further to your holiday destination.

Public Transport

Public transport is also a good option in France. The major cities have excellent metro and train connections. Buses also run back and forth to well-known destinations. You'll also find plenty of taxis in France. Apps like Uber are also available in French cities.

Healthcare

France is known as one of the best in the world when it comes to healthcare. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to necessary medical care while on holiday in France. Pharmacies in France are easily identified by the green cross. The European emergency number 112 also applies here.

Money Matters

Payments in France are made in the Euro. ATMs are plentiful and payments can be made almost everywhere by debit and credit cards.

Sockets

Sockets in your accommodation may not be the same in France as in the Ireland.
In France, there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and plug type E is the plug that has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. It may be handy to bring a 2-pin domestic Euro conversion plug.  

Traveling with your dog

France is a dog-friendly country, but not all dogs are allowed. You will need an EU pet passport for your dog or cat, available from your vet. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before traveling. The compulsory chip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination (may be done on the same day). More information can be found here.