I would like to know if it's a good idea to drive from Nice to Paris, vs. taking the train. How long of a drive is it and is it easy to get to (is there just one main stretch of road that takes you from the riviera to Paris?) And can an american driver have a hard time driving on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road? THANKS for ANY suggestions/advice.<BR>

Hi Emma<BR><BR>I would say it depends on how much time you have. You could do the journey in one day if you really go for it, but then you might as well take the train. On the other hand, if you have the chance, take two or three days and plan a couple of stopovers en route. <BR><BR>The French drive on the right, so you shouldn't have a problem. French autoroutes can be expensive because of the tolls but the roads are extremely good - I've always found driving in France pleasant - a lot nicer than Britain anyway! <BR><BR>

I agree with maccy. Unless you weant to spend time touring, it is better to take the train. The autoroute going up the Rhone is not a particularly pleasant drive.

Hi,<BR> Last year we drove from the South of France (Nimes) to Paris in about 4 hours. The roads were fine and it was a easy drive. Enjoy!!

UH-OH, if you are even thinking about getting a right hand drive car somehow in France and driving on the left side of the road, you're in big trouble already!! No, driving in France is just like in the US. It is quite easy and you only have a couple simple basic things to learn about the signs. <BR><BR>I've done the drive and there is nothing terribly interesting about it, assuming you take the autoroute. But once you factor in the cost of the day's use of the car, the petrol, and the very expensive tolls -- even though the train still might be a little more expensive, I'd opt for the train anyday. But again, that's assuming you are done with the rental car and were only planning on turning it in once you got to Paris.

hi<BR><BR>just a small point .........<BR>above it is quoted nimes to paris in 4hrs<BR><BR>4hrs is a good time<BR>nice is another 1.5 hrs<BR><BR>peter<BR>

We are thinking of flying into Nice and rent a car for the entire 7 days that we'd be in France (with unlimited miles). I'm looking into driving to Paris because I don't mind the 7 hr drive. But how much cheaper is it this way vs. train? I think a roundtrip train will cost about $450/2 people! That is too costly for me. Can somebody explain what an autoroute is? How much money on toll is to be spent?<BR><BR>Thanks for any help on this! Emma

emma,<BR>You mention a round trip train ticket-does that mean you're going back to Nice to Fly home?<BR>If so, fly into Nice, and then drive to Paris, drop off your car and then fly home out of Paris. (open jaw ticket)

What am I missing here? According to Mapquest it is 948 kms or 592 miles from Nice to Paris. On Michelin it is 926 kms. or 579 miles. Mapquest says it takes 9 hours and 47 minutes. Michelin says it takes 8 hours and 12 minutes. If you can drive it in 5 and a half hours you are AVERAGING over 100 miles per hour. I know they drive fast in France, but isn't that overdoing it just a bit????<BR><BR>By the way, Mapquest says it takes 7 and a half hours to drive from Paris to Nimes. JandaO could you please advise us of your travel plans for this summer??? I want to be sure I'm nowhere near where you're driving!!! LOL.

<BR>Rent the car. Take your time and drive the country back roads.Did it last year and had a great time visiting little villages along the way. Pick up Michelin maps as you go. Pick your routes out in advance the night before.<BR>We spent nearly a week doing this and enjoyed every minute with no reservations made except in Paris and Bayeux. Turned the car in Caen and took the train to Paris.<BR>Go for it!!!!

Gino, That sounds like an idea I should explore. Getting into Nice, renting a car after spending several days at the riviera, drive up to Paris (where I would drop off the car) and fly out of Paris. Hmmmm. I will look into air fares. Thanks!<BR><BR>I spoke to my cousin in Paris and she said it takes about 7 hrs to drive from Paris to the riviera. If it's roughly 600 miles, in the hwy in the states it would take about 8-9 hrs, going about 75-80 mph.<BR><BR>One last question, I promise: Is the main road that takes you from the riviera to Paris similar to hwys in the US (two lane hwys, usually pretty straight roads)?<BR><BR>Thanks! Emma

Emma28<BR>MUCH BETTER!

To flow with the car traffic expect to go about 90 to 95 miles per hour. Otherwise you will be constantly changing lanes because you will want to pass the trucks but will need to let the faster cars pass you. If that speed makes you uncomfortable, don't use the autoroute. Secondary roads in France are in good condition. Take those if you want to drive.