France has an excellent network of motorways (or autoroutes) which is supplemented by a comprehensive network of trunk roads (or routes nationales). French autoroutes are excellent but they are mostly toll roads and can be expensive to travel on.

Roads in France are generally less congested than in the UK - beware, however, if you are travelling on the first weekend in August (which is the start of the national hoilday) as you may well find that the rest of the French population is travelling too!

Just in case you didn't know - the French drive on the right hand side of the road! All motorists must carry a red breakdown triangle and a full set of spare bulbs. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in France. Speed limits are as follows:

• Motorways - 130/110kph
• Dual Carriageways - 110/100kph
• Other roads - 90/80kph
• Towns - 50kph or as signposted

Note that the second speed limit applies if it is raining.

It is worth knowing that if you break down on a motorway in France (as we did on the way here, but that's another story....) your breakdown recovery company cannot tow you off! You have to use the designated emergency telephones and the a vehicle will be sent out to you. It is worth knowing the term "Je suis en panne" (I've broken down) just in case! They will either perform a minor repair or tow you to a garage.

Another 'top tip' is that, when travelling in France, it is almost useless to know the road number that you need. You need to know the name of the town you are heading towards.