How to Drive in France

The best way to discover France is by car. Driving will allow you to explore and find your way around the country. If you've never driven there before, follow these steps to avoid trouble.
Apply for an International Driver's Permit (IDP) at any American Automobile Association (AAA) branch. To get your permit, you must be at least 18 years old, have two 2-by-2-inch photos, a driver's license, the fee and your AAA application. You must have an IDP to drive in France.
Rent a car. Book your own car at a rental car company Web site or work with your travel agent to find a good deal.
Know what kind of gas your rental takes. Most rental cars either take unleaded (sans plomb), diesel (gazole) or LPG. You can save money by filling up at a supermarket rather than a gas station along the motorway.
Know the speed limits. The speed limit on the motorway is 130 kph. The speed limit is 80 kph on major roads and 50 kph inside town. The speed limits are slightly lower when road conditions are wet, so be careful and always observe posted speed limits.
Familiarize yourself with traffic signs and French driving phrases. "Sortie" means exit, and "route barree" means road closed. "Sens-unique" translates to one-way. Use a French phrase book to translate other road signs.
Familiarize yourself with the French highway system. The Autorote Network is the highway system comprised of motorways and freeways. These roads can be either tolled or free. Free roads will have green direction signs, and tolled roads will have blue direction signs.