Border controls
Please note that there may be increased border controls, which may lead to longer waiting times at the crossings.

In France, you pay tolls on major transit routes, as well as for some bridges and viaducts. Current toll rates can be found here: https://www.autoroutes.fr/index.htm?lang=en
Payment can be made in cash or by credit card, without a PIN. You can also buy a toll badge, valid in 4 countries: Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. 

On 1 July 2016, the Crit'Air law came into force in France. This allows French municipalities to establish permanent and temporary environmental zones. Within an environmental zone, all cars, including foreign vehicles, must have a Crit'Air. The environmental sticker can only be ordered on the official Crit'Air website https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/ Delivery time is about 10 days. The cost is €4.61 including shipping to the UK. €3.11 + €1.50 postage outside France (i.e. €4.61 per vehicle)

Current fuel prices: https://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/
Fuelling on the motorway is always a lot more expensive than along ordinary roads. Fuelling at the big supermarkets is generally the least expensive.

France has limited charging points for electric cars but the network has expanded enormously recently.  Charging points along the way can be found on this route planner: https://abetterrouteplanner.com/

Are you going by plane and renting a car? A UK driving license is valid in France, The driver must often be at least 21 years old and have had a driving license for at least 1 or 2 years. Only a credit card (with PIN) in the name of the main driver can be used to rent a car.

If you want to stay overnight on the road, there are numerous cheap hotels along the motorway. Some chains include Formule1, Kyriad, Etap, Première Classe or Ibis Styles.

Carrying a warning triangle and a safety vest in the car is mandatory.

A detailed list of the most important traffic rules in France can be found here ! 

In 2025, Black Saturday will be the 2nd August . The weekends before and after will also be very busy.

In order to avoid inconveniences, fines or even penalties, it is also worth reading the travel information from the Federal Foreign Office!

Tap water in France is generally safe to drink. If a tap is labeled Eau non potable (no drinking water), it is then better to drink bottled water.

In France, bakeries and butchers open sometime between 7:00 and 8:00. Around lunchtime, they are closed for a few hours and then they are open until around 19:00. Many bakeries are also open on Sunday mornings. On Mondays, many shops are closed. The big supermarkets are open every day, all day, and often into the evening, They are often found just outside the cities, and apart from food, they sell everything from books to washing machines. Well-known supermarkets include Leclerc, Auchan, Intermarché, and Carrefour, but in France, you will also find Lidl and Aldi. Cigarettes and medicines are not for sale in supermarkets.

If you eat out at the campsite, you can often leave earlier than usual, even during normal UK hours. If you eat out at a restaurant outside the campsite, remember that there is often no one there before 7 p.m. Take a look at your bill. If you see the note "Service compris 15%" at the bottom of the bill, the tip is already included. Locals usually give 1 to 1.50 euros per person in restaurants, and 50 cents is enough in cafés.  Tip: It is not customary to pay the bill separately. One person should pay the entire amount and then split the amount later.

French healthcare is of good quality.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to necessary medical care in case of illness or accident during a temporary stay in France. It is often not necessary to advance any healthcare costs yourself. You will find the personal EHIC on the back of your health insurance card or in their app.  Read more about the European Health Insurance Card EHIC.

The pharmacy is the place to go for all kinds of medicine and self-care products. French doctors are always very generous in dispensing medicines.

In case of hospitalisation or when medical-specialist care is required, it is best to contact your insurance company directly.

No COVID-19 measures currently apply in France. There is also no need to get vaccinations.

Languedoc-Roussillon is located in the south of France and has a truly Mediterranean climate. After Corsica, Languedoc is the warmest region in France. At the beginning of spring, the weather can still be a little unpredictable, with real summer days alternating with cool, wet days. From May onwards, the sun shines more frequently and the temperatures are very pleasant. In the real summer months of July and August, there is little rain and it is nice and warm with temperatures around 30°C. Languedoc is a large region and the weather can vary considerably depending on the region.

• In the south, the Mistral or Tramontana blows regularly. This wind usually blows for about three days in a row. It is dry, and cold and strong winds
• Forest fires can occur in the south of France and on the island of Corsica, especially during long dry periods in the summer months.

The months of September and October still offer plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. From November onwards it starts to cool down and the probability of rain increases.

In addition to the well-known apps for weather and climate (Weather Forecast, Daily Weather), meteofrance provides extensive weather info (in French).

Of course, you can get very far with DeepL Translator or  Google Translate, but it's also good to know a few sentences.  : 

In France, you pay with the Euro. You can pay almost everywhere with your normal debit or credit card. Please note that withdrawing money with a credit card is usually not free.

• When travelling to France, you will need a valid passport or ID card with which to identify yourself. You will not need it to cross the border.
  
  
• For up-to-date Foreign Travel Advice view here.
  
  
• Sockets in your accommodation may not be the same in France as in the UK.
  In France,there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and plug type E is the plug that has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
  
  It may be handy to bring a 2-pin domestic Euro conversion plug.
  
  Important public holidays in France in 2025 
  
  

• France is a dog-friendly country, but not all dogs are allowed. You will need an EU pet passport for your dog or cat, available from your vet. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travelling. The compulsory chip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination (may be done on the same day). More information can be foundhere.
  
  
• France is in a time zone that's one hour ahead of the UK.  We are using the Europe/London and Europe/Paris time zones.  
  
  

• Are you travelling alone with a minor child, for example, because you are divorced? Or are you taking a friend of your child with you? Then you must be able to prove that you have permission from the parent(s). You can do this with a permission slip.

• Put the phone number of a contact person in case of emergency as anICE (In Case of Emergency)number in your phone. 

• Tip: before departure, photograph your passport/ID, insurance card, bank card, emergency numbers, and other important items. Mail or app them to yourself or other travel companions, so you can still have important data to hand in case of loss or theft.

The Canal du Midi connects the city of Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea. Along the canal, you will find several villages, but also beautiful landscapes and vineyards. Explore the canal by boat, canoe or via the adjacent cycle path.

The Safari Park Sigean is located between Narbonne and Perpignan. The animals live here in large areas. Go on safari in your own car, where the animals can get close to the car. After the car safari, a large part of the park can be admired on foot.

The trendiest city in Languedoc-Roussillon. Visit the cozy restaurants, the many shops or go to one of the trendy bars in the student city. Looking for culture and history? See the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier or visit the Musée Fabre.

There is a beautiful route along the coast that connects towns and fishing villages. At the end of this route, near the border with Spain, lies the beautiful town of Collioure, which has captivated many famous artists. This town has a rich history and is known for its Mediterranean atmosphere.

Languedoc-Roussillon is considered the largest wine region in France and produces both white and red wines. Visit one of the many vineyards and taste the local wines.  

A visit to the world-famous Carcassonne is a must. This medieval fortified city is the largest fully walled city in Europe. The city with its narrow streets can be visited freely, but tickets are required for the castle.

The Aude department is known for its Cathar castles. These castles were built for protection and are therefore often located high in the hills. There are countless castles to admire and visit. In addition to Carcassonne, be sure to visit Quéribus and Peyrepertuse.

A visit to a water park is always a welcome activity for young and old. Aqualand has several locations in Languedoc-Roussillon, Cap d'Agde , Port Leucate and Saint Cyprien . Enjoy the many slides and different swimming pools. 

Discover the underground world of the Grotte des Demoiselles. Admire the stalactite formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The largest room in the cave, the so-called cathedral, is impressive. "The cathedral" is 120 meters long, 80 meters wide and 50 meters high.

A day trip to a Spanish city is easy to do from Languedoc-Roussillon. Visit, for example, Figueres, Cadaqués, Rosas or Girona, just across the border in Catalonia.