Toll free roads in France Forums

boskybee

Just planning our first trip down to Spain via France at the end of September - I have loads of questions but will do more research before I ask too many - one thing I simply can't find is a list of Toll free roads in France - sorry if it's been asked before Smile

Any help appreciated
oh and is it correct that you need a photo id Drivers licence for Spain?

Many thanks
Bosky bee

ScotJimland

You can plan a toll free route on Mappy or ViaMichelin

Herman

Hi boskybee

The AA map of France book, can usually be found in discount booksellers, shows very clearly toll free motorways in France. I find it very useful for planning routes. It is not as detailed as a Michelin Map but for route planning it is much easier.

Regards

Herman

billym

Slightly off topic....has anyone ever worked out their mileage going into Spain through France off toll roads compared with motorways and how does the fuel consumption compare. Taking into consideration that tolls will be about 70 to 80 euros is there any financial advantage in staying off motorways ?

C7KEN

Billym I wish it was only 80 euros in tolls from Alicante to Dunkirk, we find that the toll staff look at our twin rear wheels and charge accordingly, I think in Spain it's group 2 we usually try to use toll free unless it entails driving through some awkward town with crazy spanish or french drivers trying to cut us up then we will pay a toll, non toll is similar in miles but adds a few driving hours its still a 3 day trip for us whether toll or toll free, we have done northern France with 900 miles in one day but never again, we have never taken the same route twice always alternate ,makes it more interesting, and always avoid Paris,

ScotJimland

Hi Billym

We have never used the toll roads with the RV, the cost with the C class was bad enough, do you know how they class an RV ? I've looked at the site :

BrianR

I don't know about "RV"s, but motorcaravans (Camping-cars to the French) are Class 2 for motorway tolls in France. I can't see why an RV should be any different - unless the French anti-american bias has influenced them. I suppose there is some upper size limit though, thinking about it. Personally I never use the toll motorways. The French D roads are almost as direct and far more enjoyable to drive on. Since I cruise at 50 - 55 mph the time difference is not significant. The mpg saving on the motorways is far outweighed by the tolls.

Brian

ScotJimland

desertsong

Hi Bosky bee,

We regularly go down to south west France, mainly Bordeaux. I see you are in Hampshire. If you go from Portsmouth to Caen/ St Malo/ Cherbourg, then Rennes - Nantes, the motorways to that point are free. Its only when you pass Nantes, that you start to pay. The motorways in Brittany are free as far as I know.

After that, if you take the RN, (Route Nationale or Bis, meaning alternative to the motorway), you will find it makes little difference in time or fuel. It will make a difference at the péage though which can be very expensive. The RN and the A10, (motorway), criss cross each other all the way down.

Usually we come off the motorway just to break the monotony of it and see some towns. Nantes is not bad, Saintes is small but okay, coming off the motorway gives you the chance to explore. Bordeaux is beautiful, big and complex and worth spending time in. You say Spain, but not where, east or west. The motorway from Bordeaux to St Sebastion, about 2-2 1/2 hours is good and not as expensive as going the other route, i.e., Bordeaux - Toulouse and down to Barcelona.

Our Autotrail 840 is classed as the equivalent of up to 12 tonnes because it has a tag axle, so is expensive, so what you're driving makes a helluva difference. Anyway, after twenty years on this route, I usually prefer the RN, but sometimes like to stop at the services for a good rest and nosh.
Best of luck, there's so much to see down that way en route.

Willie