Being well prepared for your trip to France

A vacation to France sounds like sun, wine, baguettes, and lavender. But before you zip down the Route du Soleil with a smile on your face, it's a good idea to take a moment to think about your preparations. Because let's be honest: nothing is more annoying than breakdowns on the road, forgotten documents, or traffic jams on Black Saturday.

Good preparation makes all the difference. In this blog, we'll take you through it step by step. So that you can arrive truly relaxed.

Start with the basics: what do you need to take with you in the car?

France requires a number of items in every car. Think safety, visibility, and... surprises:

• Warning triangle
• Safety vests for all passengers (within reach!)
• Alcohol tester (although the fine for not having one has been suspended, the advice remains: take it with you)
• Reflective stickers if your load (e.g., a bike rack) partially covers the lights or license plate
• Spare tire or repair kit

It's also a good idea not to put your navigation system, sunglasses, water, and snacks at the bottom of the trunk. And make sure your headlights are properly adjusted, especially in a right-hand drive car. Are you traveling with a caravan or camper? Then check the maximum weight and the correct mirrors in advance. Nothing is more annoying than a fine in a parking lot in Lyon.

Toll roads are a bit of a pain, but usually the fastest route

In France, you pay tolls on most highways. You can pay with your credit card, cash (less and less common), or a toll badge (Télépéage). Especially in high season, a badge is ideal: you just drive through the “T” lanes.

You can also travel without using toll roads by taking the routes nationales. This takes longer, but you get to drive through French villages with flea markets and bakeries where they still say bonjour to you.

In our blog about toll roads and toll stickers in France, you can read all about it: costs, badges, tips, and pitfalls.

Environmental zones & Crit'Air: only if you want to enter the city

France has environmental zones in more and more cities. To drive there, you need a Crit'Air sticker. This sticker is linked to your car's emissions and must be requested online in advance.

But: are you mainly driving to yourholiday house in the countryside, for example in Richerenches or Mazan? Then you usually don't have to worry. The environmental zones are mainly around Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble.

Want to be sure? Just stick it on your windshield. It costs a few euros, but it prevents fines.

Black Saturdays are a real thing

They exist: Saturdays when the whole of France seems to come to a standstill. Especially at the end of July and beginning of August, the roads turn red to black on the traffic maps. Want to avoid that?

• Drive on Sundays or during the week. 
• Leave extra early (think: get up at 4:00 a.m. = no traffic jams).
• Spend the night halfway—for example, in Burgundy or Auvergne.
• Avoid popular bottlenecks such as Lyon and Orange between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Looking for a stopover? Then take a look at the latest range of holiday houses Sometimes there's a gem right halfway along your route!

The romantic detour or the quick sprint?

Want to get from Utrecht to your vacation home as quickly as possible? Then you'll automatically end up on toll roads. But if you have time, there are some beautiful alternatives. Think of the Route Napoléon (from Grenoble to Grasse), or the D-roads along lavender fields and vineyards.

Planning ahead is the key. Use Google Maps or apps such as ViaMichelin to estimate tolls, fuel, and travel time. And don't forget to plan your refueling stops wisely. Refueling at an Intermarché or Leclerc is a lot cheaper than at the highway.

Traveling with children? Then there are extra rules to follow.

• Rules from the back seat, that is. Make sure you have:
• Enough distractions: audiobooks, quizzes, offline videos.
• Regular stops with space to run around.
• Something tasty, but not too much sugar.

And be realistic. No child can sit still for 12 hours without complaining. So make the most of it yourself. You might discover a nice village that you would normally have driven past.

Bonustips for on the road 

• Print out the route and your reservation confirmation, because even in 2025, mobile coverage can sometimes let you down.
• Download Google Maps offline for the south of France.
• Make sure you have cash (for toilets and small village markets).
• Check your car's coolant, tire pressure, and oil, even if you've just been to the garage.
• And above all: take your time. Because the journey is the vacation. Or at least the beginning of it.

Your vacation home is ready... now it's your turn

Preparation makes all the difference. A forgotten safety vest can cost you money, and a poorly planned travel day can cost you hours. So get it sorted now. Tick off your checklist, get your papers ready, fill up your tank in time, and choose the route that suits your vacation mood.

And if you haven't done so yet, take a look at our current offers  for holiday houses in france here. You might find a gem that fits your route perfectly.

Well prepared = off to good start

Are you traveling to France by car? Then there's no need to stress. Just make sure you're prepared. And that doesn't have to be complicated. Just know what you need to bring, when you're leaving, how to pay tolls, and where to stop along the way. Then all that's left to do is drive. Windows open. Sun on your face. And vacation in sight.