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Prepare your trip to France

Are you planning a trip to France? We’ve put together a range of recommendations and tips to help you get off to a safe start and have an unforgettable travelling experience.

Order your Bip&Go

Most of the French motorway network is subject to tolls.

The toll charges depend on the distance travelled and the vehicle category (1 to 5).

On some sections, a flat rate must be paid at the toll station regardless of the distance travelled.

Learn more

Free Flow in France

What is Free Flow?

Free Flow means barrier-free tolling – drive straight through without stopping. It improves traffic flow, safety, and reduces emissions.

Where is Free Flow used in France?

These motorway sections are already equipped or will be soon:

A4: Boulay toll (Exit 36)
A79: Entire route (Allier department)
A13: Paris to Caen
A14: Montesson to Chambourcy
A41, A43, A48, A49: Sections in the Isère region (southeast)
A40: Annemasse to Passy (Chamonix–Geneva)
A69: Castres to Toulouse

How does it work?

Gantry sensors and cameras detect your vehicle (license plate or badge) in all lanes, at any speed.

How to pay?

With a toll badge – simple and automatic
Your vehicle is detected automatically and the toll is charged directly – no action needed. The easiest option, especially for frequent drivers.

License plate registration – pay by credit card
Register your license plate on the toll operator’s website before your trip. The toll will be charged automatically to your credit card.

Online payment – within 72 hours
If you don’t have a badge and haven’t registered your plate, you can pay online with a credit card within 72 hours after using the motorway.

Check out our article: Beware of the barrier-free toll trap

Order your Crit'air vignette

To drive in an environmental zone in France, it is compulsory to obtain a paid Crit'Air environmental sticker.

Order your vignette

Stay informed

Road and motorway traffic forecasts for France, plus information on traffic conditions, congestion, etc.

Bison Futé information

Traffic jam calendar

A forecast schedule of peak full stops has been drawn up to anticipate the times when traffic is likely to be heaviest on the roads.

More information

Tips for travelling to France

Are you going on holiday by car? We want to help you avoid a breakdown, which is always annoying and frustrating.

The ACL is taking the lead to help you avoid stress and wasted holiday days by providing you with a list of key precautions to take before you go on holiday.

The checklist

Remember my ACL Europe membership card
Have my car checked at the ACL Diagnostic Center
Get motorway vignettes
Get an electronic toll box (Bip & Go)
Plan my route with a GPS or map
Take my travel guides with me

What you can check yourself

What condition are my tyres in?
Are the various fluid levels topped up?
Do I need to change my windscreen wiper blades?

Practical tips from our experts before you set off for France

Watch our video for practical tips on how to maintain and improve your vehicle. Our experts will give you tips on how to maximise its performance and take certain things into your own hands.

In Luxembourgish

In french

In portuguese

Our other tips and services for your trip to France

Take the “holiday test” at the ACL Diagnostic Center

The “holiday test” (summer/winter) focuses on the safety and reliability of your vehicle before you set off with your family.

Book a test

Tailor-made itinerary

Our team of tourist advisers is on hand to help members prepare their journeys in complete safety (itineraries, road maps, guides, motorway stickers, safety accessories and traffic information).

More information