A carefree holiday to France: start well prepared

France has been one of the most popular holiday destinations for Dutch people for years and for good reason. Driving south on the French Route du Soleil, stopping at a bakery along the way, watching the mountains or the sunflower fields looming in the distance... The feeling of freedom starts as soon as you set out on your journey. When you book one of  FranceComfort's luxurious villas in the Dordogne, you can be sure that there will be no lack of comfort and relaxation. But before you can relax in your luxury villa with private pool in France, it's important to plan your trip well. France has its own rules, traffic laws and practical points of interest that you as a holidaymaker cannot ignore. 

Fortunately, we have collected all the important information  for you. In this blog, we give you a handy overview of what you need to know, with links to extensive pages in which each topic is explained in more detail.

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Environmental zones and anti-pollution vehicle stickers: increasingly important

France is working hard to make mobility more sustainable. More and more cities have therefore  established environmental zones, so-called zones à faibles émissions (ZFE), such as Toulouse, Perpignan, Nice, Marseille and Geneva. In these zones, a Crit'Air sticker is mandatory. This anti-pollution vehicle sticker, which is specific to France, indicates how polluting your vehicle is. Without a sticker, you can not only be refused, but you also risk hefty fines. What many people don't know is that these zones are not always clearly marked. Sometimes the status of a city changes temporarily based on air quality. So make sure you purchase your sticker well before your holiday, it often takes a few weeks before it arrives in the mail. You can buy it through FranceComfort.

Want to know more? Visit Anti-pollution Vehicle Sticker France and Environmental Zones France

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Toll roads: smooth travel with the right preparation

If you drive through France, you can hardly escape the toll roads. They form a fast and comfortable network between the main regions and are well maintained. You pay per leg of the journey - which can add up, especially on longer journeys. You can pay in cash or by credit card, but a toll badge for Télépeage is also recommended seen as this allows you to drive through dedicated lanes without having to stop. Ideal in high season, when queues at toll booths can be long. In addition, more and more routes are using "free flow" toll systems: automatic registration without a barrier. A badge or online registration is also useful there.

Want to know more? Visit toll roads in France

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Traffic rules and fines: what is different from home?

Although traffic in France is broadly comparable to the UK, there are certainly differences. For example, how fast you can drive on a road depends on the weather conditions and how long you have had your driver's license, among other things, and some roundabouts have different priority rules. You are also required to make hands-free calls - even when the car is stationary - and there are many speed cameras. The French police are known for being strict when it comes to violations, especially when it comes to speed or alcohol. Fines are easily forwarded to the Netherlands and can amount to hundreds of euros.

Want to know more? Visit Traffic fines in France

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Winter tyres, snow chains or all-season tyres?

If you are going on holiday outside the summer season or driving towards the mountains, then winter tyres or snow chains are not a unnecessary luxury and sometimes even mandatory. In France, many mountainous areas have recently introduced the so-called Loi Montagne, which requires vehicles to be equipped with suitable tyres or chains during the winter months (1 November to 31 March). All-season tyres with the right label are accepted in certain regions. Are you unsure what type of tyres you need to bring on your holiday? Be prepared, because fines and downtime are the last things you want during a holiday.

Want to know more? Visit Winter tyres and snow chains in France

What will change in 2025?

It is good to know that France will be making a number of rules more strict in 2025. For example, more environmental zones will be added, including in cities such as Montpellier and Toulon. More toll roads are alsoswitching to automatic registration without barriers, especially in the south of France. In addition, there is more attention for digital driving aids such as apps for speed camera notifications, which are not allowed in some cases.

And then... time to enjoy!

Once you arrive at a FranceComfort holiday park, you will immediately feel the peace. After a long car ride, take a dip in the pool, relax on the terrace with a glass of wine, or do some shopping at the local market, it's all within reach. Our holiday parks are strategically located in the most beautiful regions of France: from the sun-drenched Provence to the green hills of the Dordogne or the mountains of Portes du Soleil.

Ready to go?

We recommend that you keep a close eye on developments before you set off. With the right preparation, you won't have any sudden unpleasant surprises on the road. You can drive to your holiday home in France relaxed, knowing that everything is arranged. Whether you are traveling as a couple, going with friends or with your children: we provide the perfect base. Our luxury villas in Provence and apartments with stunning views in the Portes du Soleil in the French Alps are fully equipped; air conditioning, comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchens and - in many cases - a private pool. This allows you to enjoy a wonderfully relaxed holiday.

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