subject: Five Things To Remember About Driving In Paris [print this page] If you've ever considered car hire Paris and discussed it with others who've driven in the French capital at least once, it's highly likely that you've be given several pieces of advice, most of which will advise you against car hire Paris.
The reason behind this isn't because car hire Paris companies are unreliable or aren't trustworthy, but because the capital city of France is known for being extremely busy on the roads, much more so than many other major cities around the world, often to the extent that for first time drivers in Paris, it can seem dangerous.
The truth is that driving in Paris isn't as bad as most make out and as car hire Paris can enhance your French holiday tremendously, it's strongly advised that you take a look at the following five points to ensure that your driving experience is as enjoyable as possible.
1. Avoid the major roundabouts - should you have looked at driving in Paris, you'll be aware that there are some particularly large roundabouts, such as the Place de l'Etoile, where a dozen roads meet near to the Arc de Triomphe.
Unmarked and extremely hectic, unless you're a particularly experienced driver in Paris, it's strongly advised that you stay away from these driving black spots.
2. Horn use is different to the UK - in the United Kingdom, a car horn is usually used to warn another driver that they're about to collide with them or to signal their annoyance at something that the other driver has just done.
In Paris - and in fact the majority of destinations on the continent - a car horn is used extremely regularly, often to prompt another driver or to simply make them aware that they're there - not out of annoyance, but so that the car being beeped at doesn't change lanes quickly, for example.
3. Breakdown equipment - by French law, the car that you're travelling in needs to have, as a bare minimum, one reflective warning triangle and one reflective, high visibility jacket, for use should you breakdown.
The car hire Paris company should ensure that these are in the car, but be sure to check before you drive away from the company.
4. Carry your documents - it's a legal requirement for every French resident who drives to carry their driving license, insurance certificate and proof of car ownership. Whilst there may be some discretion used if you're hiring a car and you don't have, for example, the insurance certificate to hand, it's imperative that you have at least your passport and evidence of which company you've hired the car from, including information of how and where the company can be contacted.
5. Right of way - known as la priorite a droite ("priority right"), the car on the right always has priority in Paris, unless there is something saying otherwise. Easy to understand once you begin driving around the city, it can be a little difficult to pick up at first, especially should you be used to driving in the UK, where priority is generally given to the person who first reaches the intersection or junction, for instance.
by: Sally Parker
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