Driving (hire car) in Paris, France, Belgium
Feb 19th, 2017, 03:27 AM
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Driving (hire car) in Paris, France, Belgium
Hi, In June we'll be staying in Paris for 6 days then hiring a car to drive north firstly to Amiens then on into Belgium. However I'm an Aussie and have never driven a left-hand drive car before. I've been driving for 25yrs so am a competent driver, but of course it will take a little extra concentration to make sure I stick to the correct side of the road and don't crunch the gears too much! The easiest place to hire a car (in terms of proximity to our accommodation) is Gare du Nord. I was a bit concerned about this being right in Paris and was wondering if it was better to catch a train out to CDG perhaps and hire a car from there (or even some other location further north of Paris) so I don't have to go through Paris traffic. However upon looking at a map I see I can get on Rue Marx Dormoy which will become the A1 and I won't even have to make a turn between Gare du Nord and the Autoroute anyway. I'll just have some traffic lights to contend with but I don't see many obstacles apart from that. Aside from Paris traffic that is!
From there we intend to avoid most Autoroutes - firstly I prefer the more scenic route so we can see the countryside and go through some of the smaller towns on the way, secondly I'm hoping there's a little less traffic on the scenic routes (?), and thirdly there's the added advantage of avoiding tolls. This being the case I was looking at a route through Chantilly, Fitz-James, Breteuil and onto Amiens.
My most pressing question is: In terms of traffic, etc do you think I will go OK hiring from Gare du Nord and driving from there, or would you recommend hiring from say CDG or some other location north of the city. I know we could even catch a train to Amiens and hire there but then we have the extra expense of the train fares plus having to get all our luggage onto the train, etc (travelling with 2 kids), not to mention not getting to enjoy the car journey on the way.
Also, what do I need to know about tolls in France if I miss a turn-off and end up travelling on an Autoroute?
From Amiens we are headed for Dinant in Belgium (thanks WoinParis for the recommendation!), then via Spa to Brussels and onto Ghent and Bruges (again taking the scenic route each time), before finally dropping the car off in Lille (then taking the Eurostar to London). Again the question is - what do I need to know about tolls in Belgium should I end up on toll road?... thanks
From there we intend to avoid most Autoroutes - firstly I prefer the more scenic route so we can see the countryside and go through some of the smaller towns on the way, secondly I'm hoping there's a little less traffic on the scenic routes (?), and thirdly there's the added advantage of avoiding tolls. This being the case I was looking at a route through Chantilly, Fitz-James, Breteuil and onto Amiens.
My most pressing question is: In terms of traffic, etc do you think I will go OK hiring from Gare du Nord and driving from there, or would you recommend hiring from say CDG or some other location north of the city. I know we could even catch a train to Amiens and hire there but then we have the extra expense of the train fares plus having to get all our luggage onto the train, etc (travelling with 2 kids), not to mention not getting to enjoy the car journey on the way.
Also, what do I need to know about tolls in France if I miss a turn-off and end up travelling on an Autoroute?
From Amiens we are headed for Dinant in Belgium (thanks WoinParis for the recommendation!), then via Spa to Brussels and onto Ghent and Bruges (again taking the scenic route each time), before finally dropping the car off in Lille (then taking the Eurostar to London). Again the question is - what do I need to know about tolls in Belgium should I end up on toll road?... thanks
Feb 19th, 2017, 03:34 AM
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You could always take the RER to CDG airport & pick up a car there to avoid Paris traffic. We did a similar trip about 5 years ago, & that's what we did.
Many people visit the UK - us included. We've never had a problem with a right-hand drive car. Even driving out of London.
Stu Dudley
Many people visit the UK - us included. We've never had a problem with a right-hand drive car. Even driving out of London.
Stu Dudley
Feb 19th, 2017, 04:09 AM
#3
There are no toll roads in Belgium.
I had no problems paying French tolls with a Canadian credit card.
It is actually easier to stick to the correct side of the road in city traffic.
The speed is lower and you are following other cars.
With 25 years driving experience you should be able to handle it.
I had no problems paying French tolls with a Canadian credit card.
It is actually easier to stick to the correct side of the road in city traffic.
The speed is lower and you are following other cars.
With 25 years driving experience you should be able to handle it.
Feb 19th, 2017, 04:48 AM
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I recommend taking an automatic transmission it is easier than using the clutch with the other hand and takes one small problem off your mind and concentrate on driving on the right side of the road.
Tolls : you have several lanes one with a label 'T' for telepeage - don't go unless you have the badge that opens it automatically.
'C' in blue for credit card. Mine work no idea about yours.
Green for the rest.
Cost Paris Bruxelles is about 25
euros.
highways are indeed free in Belgium we are a bunch of nice guys.
Some people prefer taking the car at cdg but in all honesty from Gare du Nord you have a big boulevard (dormoy) that gets you to Laporte d Aubervilliers and from there on the periphery and highway.
Some hints : we have speed cameras more and more. Respect the speed limits.
Tolls : you have several lanes one with a label 'T' for telepeage - don't go unless you have the badge that opens it automatically.
'C' in blue for credit card. Mine work no idea about yours.
Green for the rest.
Cost Paris Bruxelles is about 25
euros.
highways are indeed free in Belgium we are a bunch of nice guys.
Some people prefer taking the car at cdg but in all honesty from Gare du Nord you have a big boulevard (dormoy) that gets you to Laporte d Aubervilliers and from there on the periphery and highway.
Some hints : we have speed cameras more and more. Respect the speed limits.
Feb 19th, 2017, 04:54 AM
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No turn on red.
Stick to the right of the road.
Don't drink plastered. We do. Not what we do best.
Most gas stations are unmanned and open 24/7.
We have different speed limits in Flanders and wallonia. Pay attention to the signage.
We have different names for the same places. Brussel in Flemish and Bruxelles in French. Easy ?
Lille is in france and the Flemish spelling is Rijsel. Go figure
Have fun !
Stick to the right of the road.
Don't drink plastered. We do. Not what we do best.
Most gas stations are unmanned and open 24/7.
We have different speed limits in Flanders and wallonia. Pay attention to the signage.
We have different names for the same places. Brussel in Flemish and Bruxelles in French. Easy ?
Lille is in france and the Flemish spelling is Rijsel. Go figure
Have fun !
Feb 19th, 2017, 05:30 AM
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You´re right about taking Marx Dormoy to A1. It is absolutely straight forward and very simple. Just be sure to say out of the bus/taxi lanes and be mindful that red lights can appear on the far side of large intersections (for pedestrian traffic).
I should think that autoroutes wold be simpler for you as they are all divided highways with controlled access; no need to worry about someone appearing from nowhere on your right and pulling in front of you (as in most cases you yield to anyone entering the roadway on your right). Overall, traveling on divided highways would seem notably easier until you are accustomed to driving on the right.
Good point about a vehicle with automatic transmission. It should keeps things simple.
I should think that autoroutes wold be simpler for you as they are all divided highways with controlled access; no need to worry about someone appearing from nowhere on your right and pulling in front of you (as in most cases you yield to anyone entering the roadway on your right). Overall, traveling on divided highways would seem notably easier until you are accustomed to driving on the right.
Good point about a vehicle with automatic transmission. It should keeps things simple.
Feb 20th, 2017, 03:44 AM
#8
Depends, in part, where your 25 years' driving was done.
25 years in the Outback is one thing, in Sydney is another.
Fear not; my first time driving in England, as I left the car rental, I realized everyone WAS driving on the wrong side. That first morning I drove with the attitude that it was New Year's Eve, and everyone was drunk, driving on the wrong side. After about an hour, it had become second nature to me. Even with a stick shift.
I rented a car from a place near Eiffel Tower. Had your trepidations about Parisian traffic; turned out no problem. At 11:00 AM. I'd encourage you to buy a "talking" GPS; it really helps.
25 years in the Outback is one thing, in Sydney is another.
Fear not; my first time driving in England, as I left the car rental, I realized everyone WAS driving on the wrong side. That first morning I drove with the attitude that it was New Year's Eve, and everyone was drunk, driving on the wrong side. After about an hour, it had become second nature to me. Even with a stick shift.
I rented a car from a place near Eiffel Tower. Had your trepidations about Parisian traffic; turned out no problem. At 11:00 AM. I'd encourage you to buy a "talking" GPS; it really helps.
Feb 20th, 2017, 04:00 PM
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Be careful of the size of the car you hire. Many of the minor roads are narrow especially in the countryside and off the major routes. Parking can also be an issue if you have a large car. We drive an X-Trail in Oz and were offered one (auto) as an upgrade at CDG last year - we ditched it in favour of a manual C3 when we got to Amiens and then drove it around Normandy and Brittany. One aide memoir for driving on the "wrong" side - keep the white line on the driver's side.
Feb 20th, 2017, 08:09 PM
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If you want to avoid motorways after leaving Paris turn that option off on any GPS device you are using. You can usually also opt to turn off toll roads.
Keep to speed limits. Fines are high.
In towns and villages the nameboard means you are entering a 50km zone. It can have a 30km zone sign. Stick to it.
In Flemish Belgium the speed limit on non motorway roads is 70km unless otherwise posted.
You will probably not see the speed cameras but they are there and any fines along with exorbitant admit fees from the rental company will arrive much later.
Most smaller towns and villages still have priority to the right. Look online for the road signs and basic driving rules.
Keep to speed limits. Fines are high.
In towns and villages the nameboard means you are entering a 50km zone. It can have a 30km zone sign. Stick to it.
In Flemish Belgium the speed limit on non motorway roads is 70km unless otherwise posted.
You will probably not see the speed cameras but they are there and any fines along with exorbitant admit fees from the rental company will arrive much later.
Most smaller towns and villages still have priority to the right. Look online for the road signs and basic driving rules.
Feb 21st, 2017, 05:27 AM
#12
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Thanks all for the comments. Some great advice in there.
WoinParis, invaluable info as usual. Yes – I was thinking of going for an Auto for that very reason.
For unmanned gas stations I assume you just pay with CR Card to operate the pump? I shall indeed by watching my speed!...
Sounds like Gare du Nord will be fine so I’ll go that way.
Sarastro, so even if I’m on the through road, it is normal to yield to someone entering from a side road on the right?...
tjhome1, well done – but I’ll be steering clear of that roundabout!
tomboy, fair bit of both. Not much Sydney but plenty in the centre of Brisbane so I reckon I’ll cope. I will have a GPS with voice guidance so that should help too. Am taking one from home so it is in English, just to be safe.
hetismij2, thanks for the speed limit advice. Speed cameras are getting very common over here now too, so I’m pretty used to the ‘dangers’ they pose. I shall take it easy… Yes, I best do some reading on the road rules before I head over!
WoinParis, invaluable info as usual. Yes – I was thinking of going for an Auto for that very reason.
For unmanned gas stations I assume you just pay with CR Card to operate the pump? I shall indeed by watching my speed!...
Sounds like Gare du Nord will be fine so I’ll go that way.
Sarastro, so even if I’m on the through road, it is normal to yield to someone entering from a side road on the right?...
tjhome1, well done – but I’ll be steering clear of that roundabout!
tomboy, fair bit of both. Not much Sydney but plenty in the centre of Brisbane so I reckon I’ll cope. I will have a GPS with voice guidance so that should help too. Am taking one from home so it is in English, just to be safe.
hetismij2, thanks for the speed limit advice. Speed cameras are getting very common over here now too, so I’m pretty used to the ‘dangers’ they pose. I shall take it easy… Yes, I best do some reading on the road rules before I head over!
Feb 21st, 2017, 05:49 AM
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>>For unmanned gas stations I assume you just pay with CR Card to operate the pump?<<
Nope - you probably don't have the correct type of chip & PIN card - so you'll be out of luck. We spend 2 months vacationing in France every year - and have never had trouble getting petrol. Just remember to fill-up by the weekend, and if you need to purchase the least expensive petrol (from a grocery store), the attendant will often be on a lunch break around noon. Often these grocery store stations are closed on Sundays. We've never had any kind of problems getting petrol at an attended station, but we now have a Chip & signature card - don't know if swipe cards still work.
Stu Dudley
Nope - you probably don't have the correct type of chip & PIN card - so you'll be out of luck. We spend 2 months vacationing in France every year - and have never had trouble getting petrol. Just remember to fill-up by the weekend, and if you need to purchase the least expensive petrol (from a grocery store), the attendant will often be on a lunch break around noon. Often these grocery store stations are closed on Sundays. We've never had any kind of problems getting petrol at an attended station, but we now have a Chip & signature card - don't know if swipe cards still work.
Stu Dudley
Feb 21st, 2017, 06:52 AM
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DO learn what the road signs mean. Some will be obvious; others, not so much.
http://www.drive-france.com/faqs/french-road-signs/
And yes, you will need a true chip & pin card to use most pumps at unmanned stations.
http://www.drive-france.com/faqs/french-road-signs/
And yes, you will need a true chip & pin card to use most pumps at unmanned stations.
Feb 21st, 2017, 07:23 AM
#15
utedong- re: CrCard at gas stations
When they're unmanned, you'll have to rely on pantomine.
I pulled into an (unmanned) station on a Sunday, no one around, pump wouldn't accept card.
I waited 3 minutes, a guy pulled up, I said something in English, had a 20 euro note in my hand, pointed to the gas pump, and shrugged my shoulders, pointing the note and then to him.
He immediately took the 20, pulled out his CC, zipped it in the pump, and I began to fuel up.
I said,merci, he said bonjour, and off we both went.
When they're unmanned, you'll have to rely on pantomine.
I pulled into an (unmanned) station on a Sunday, no one around, pump wouldn't accept card.
I waited 3 minutes, a guy pulled up, I said something in English, had a 20 euro note in my hand, pointed to the gas pump, and shrugged my shoulders, pointing the note and then to him.
He immediately took the 20, pulled out his CC, zipped it in the pump, and I began to fuel up.
I said,merci, he said bonjour, and off we both went.
Feb 21st, 2017, 01:00 PM
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I have all Chip & PIN cards - so hopefully something will work OK. Australia is actually quite advanced in many respects. ;-)
Thanks for the link StCirq - very helpful.
Haha - very good tomboy. I better keep a couple of notes on hand in case I need to resort to the same tactics. ;-)
Thanks for the link StCirq - very helpful.
Haha - very good tomboy. I better keep a couple of notes on hand in case I need to resort to the same tactics. ;-)
Mar 19th, 2017, 05:42 AM
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Hi, wondering if someone can assist - I am just wondering about crossing the border between Belgium and France - do we have to stop and have passports checked, etc, and if so any guess what sort of time we should allow for this? [We will be driving from Bruges to Lille to catch the Eurostar @ 8:35am on our trip in June so I need to make sure we allow adequate time for the trip.]
thanks
thanks
Mar 19th, 2017, 10:14 AM
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No, you just sail on through. There haven't been border crossings in the EU for years and years. You won't even notice you're crossing a border until you see the sign that says Bienvenue en France.
But are you hiring a car in Belgium and dropping it off in France? That's going to cost you a small fortune. Leave the car in Belgium and take a train.
But are you hiring a car in Belgium and dropping it off in France? That's going to cost you a small fortune. Leave the car in Belgium and take a train.
Mar 19th, 2017, 10:51 AM
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'But are you hiring a car in Belgium and dropping it off in France? That's going to cost you a small fortune. '
Just double the price. from 132 to 240 eur for the selection I did for 6 days.(so I guess the info is +110 e, not time x). Check...
No passport showing but highway may be blocked.
E19 Mons - Paris goes on only one lane at the border and French check randomly some cars (usually if people are young with a beard and the car is derelict). Random...
Don't know on your journey - June is no big departure day for holiday - if you have your train at 8 35 at Lille you should allow for an extra 30 min to be on the safe side - you are probably going to cross the border at 7 30. I don't know how crowded it can be. When I cross the border I'm earlier - before 7 and there is nobody.
Just double the price. from 132 to 240 eur for the selection I did for 6 days.(so I guess the info is +110 e, not time x). Check...
No passport showing but highway may be blocked.
E19 Mons - Paris goes on only one lane at the border and French check randomly some cars (usually if people are young with a beard and the car is derelict). Random...
Don't know on your journey - June is no big departure day for holiday - if you have your train at 8 35 at Lille you should allow for an extra 30 min to be on the safe side - you are probably going to cross the border at 7 30. I don't know how crowded it can be. When I cross the border I'm earlier - before 7 and there is nobody.
Mar 19th, 2017, 03:44 PM
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Great, thanks both for the comments. The car isn't an issue - hiring in Paris, travelling through Belgium and returning to Lille. It's already booked. Yes, I'll definitely be allowing extra time just in case (never know when you might break-down, get lost, whatever), but just wanted to see if this was a potential hold-up too. We'll probably leave Bruges about 6am just so we have heaps of time to return the hire car, find the right platform for the train, etc. At least the border crossing won't slow us down anyway... Thanks.
