What should you bear in mind during a holiday in France?

Practical tips for driving in France

If you travel by car, the costs can quickly add up along the way. France has tightened some traffic rules in 2025. Keep in mind:

• Refuelling: prices are often higher along the highways.
• Toll roads: many routes to the south of France make use of toll roads.
• Environmental badge (Crit'Air): more and more cities have a ZFE zone. Without a sticker, you risk a fine.
• Speeds: autoroute 130 km/h (110 in case of rain), departmental roads 80 km/h.
• Phone: handheld calling is prohibited, hands-free is allowed.
• Mandatory items: a warning triangle and reflective vest for each occupant are mandatory.
• Alcohol: the limit is 0.5‰, for novice drivers 0.2‰.

In addition, there are speed cameras and mobile controls everywhere. Fines are automatically sent to Great Britain, so pay close attention to your speed to avoid extra costs.

🔗 See also: Laws and regulations in France

Paying in France

The currency used in France is the Euro (€). Most shops, restaurants and petrol stations accept debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Debit cards with a Maestro or V PAY logo work in nearly all cases. In smaller villages or markets, sometimes only cash is accepted, so it is useful to have some cash with you.
Contactless payment (paiement sans contact) is common everywhere, including with a smartphone or smartwatch. The limit is around 50 euros per transaction. At our holiday parks Domaine de Lanzac, AlpResort, Domaine les Forges and others, you can pay contactless.
France is generally safe, but be alert in crowded places. Keep your debit card and cash separately and preferably use ATMs in bank buildings. Always check with toll roads and shops whether the correct amount is entered.

Going on holiday to the South of France prepared

With these tips, you will be well prepared for a wonderful, carefree holiday in France. Whether you are staying in Provence, the Dordogne, the Languedoc or the Alps: when staying in a comfortable holiday villa from FranceComfort you can fully enjoy peace, nature and the real French life.

Plan your holiday to the South of France well

Especially in the summer months, the South of France is a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over Europe. The sun shines brightly, nature is beautiful and the atmospheric villages invite you to long evenings on the terrace. But because the region is so popular,  highways such as the Route du Soleil and the A7 heading south are very busy on the notorious black Saturdays. On such days, traffic jams can last for hours, especially around Lyon and Orange. Therefore, it is preferable to travel to your holiday villa in France in Vallée de la Ste. Baume or Jardin du Golf during the week or outside of peak hours. Book your villa in the South of France in good time – holiday homes at FranceComfort are quickly booked up in high season. Popular restaurants, markets and activities also attract many visitors.
Preparing for a good trip also means checking which documents you need (such as passport, driver's license and health insurance card), which environmental regulations apply on your route and whether your insurance policies are still up-to-date.

Culture and customs in the South of France

The culture of the South of France exudes warmth, tranquillity and a sense of the art of living. Everything goes at a leisurely pace, with attention to the moment and appreciation for the little things. In shops, markets and restaurants, a friendly bonjour or bonsoir is always appreciated.
Be mindful of the typical customs in France, especially when it comes to food and socializing. Meal times in France may be different: lunch usually takes place between 12:00 and 14:00, while dinner doesn't start until after 19:30. Outside these times, the range of restaurants may be limited.
French people take their time for their meals, often with several courses and a good glass of wine.
Tipping is not mandatory, as the service is usually already included in the price. Of course, a small tip on the bill is appreciated for good service. It is also customary to leave a few euros at cafes or terraces.

Extra information holiday to the South of France

You want to enjoy your holiday in complete relaxation, so please take a number of things into account. Stay alert to pickpockets, especially in big cities and on busy beaches. Would you like to take a refreshing dip in the sea or a recreational lake? Keep an eye on your stuff. On the Atlantic coast, currents can be strong, so don't swim out too far and pay attention to the signal flags. Bring your travel insurance and European Health Insurance Card. The French healthcare system is known for its quality, but you will need to pay for some treatments up front.

The summer conditions also require attention. Heat waves occur regularly in which case it is nice to plan activities early in the day, have enough water in the car and take into account temporary access restrictions in nature reserves. Stock up on plenty of sunscreen before you leave, as pharmacies in tourist regions are often expensive.

In parts of southern France, such as the Camargue and the Côte d'Azur, you can also encounter the tiger mosquito. A reliable mosquito repellent will make your stay a lot more comfortable. With these small preparations, you can enjoy your stay at one of our FranceComfort holiday parks without any worries.

Frequently asked questions and final tips for your holiday in the South of France

1. What does a holiday to the South of France cost on average?
It depends on your travel period, accommodation and plans. Consider the costs of your holiday home, transport, food and excursions. With a little preparation, you can quickly get an idea of your total budget for your holiday in France.

2. Is an environmental sticker required on the way to my holiday park in France?
Yes, a valid Crit'Air sticker is mandatory in more and more cities. Check this in advance, especially if you are traveling to the South of France by car.

3. Can I withdraw money anywhere in France?
In almost all shops and restaurants you can pay by debit card or contactless. Only small markets or village shops sometimes ask for cash.

4. How do I prepare best for my holiday in France?
Use this practical tips holiday France page to arrange everything properly: packing list, check travel documents, insurance, environmental sticker and reservations. If you are going on a winter sports holiday, please think about your winter tires. This way you are optimally prepared for your holiday in a holiday park in the South of France.