Is there a better app than Google maps for driving in France? We'll be traveling from Rennes to St Malo to Tours. Obviously with stops in-between but that basically gives you the idea of where we'll be. I've heard some apps (maybe Google) will alert of speed zone changes, speed traps, etc. i know Google does in the US if someone has pinned it. Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
big blue marble
427 posts
I would think that Waze would be a better choice, though I believe it's also owned by Google. It does a better job, in my opinion, of notifying you when you're speeding -- something valuable where photo radar is so ubiquitous.
Personally, I just use the GPS installed in my car for most navigation.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1674 posts
In France the roadside signs were plentiful even on small highways. Just drive like you do here. Speed if you feel lucky!!!
Posted by
Paris
9601 posts
I would use ViaMichelin for planning driving routes in France.
Posted by
Loire Valley
763 posts
I use Organic maps. It's always a lot more up to date and detailed that Google, because it uses open street maps. It also doesn't track you.
It's actually illegal in France to have an ap that warns you of speed cameras, so you're best off staying alert
Posted by
big blue marble
427 posts
It's actually illegal in France to have an ap that warns you of speed cameras, so you're best off staying alert.
No, actually that's incorrect. Not the staying alert part -- you'd best do that! -- but the illegal part.
Waze and Coyote have been pressing the ban for some time, and in November 2021 Le Conseil constitutionnel ruled that notifying about speed radars does not fall under the scope of the ban on apps providing notice of police activity. They reasoned that giving users of these apps notice of upcoming radar installations still serves the primary purpose of getting drivers to slow down on the roads.
The ban on notifying about drug/alcohol checks (stupéfiants) and criminal suspect searches still is in force, I believe.
Posted by
Loire Valley
763 posts
Theoretically the ban on advising on radars etc has been lifted. In practice nothing has changed, I believe
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10207 posts
So, the ban has been reversed. Thanks for the info, Sammy.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32809 posts
Garmin sat-navs (GPSs) have avoided the issue by noting areas of extra safety or something like that.
Posted by
Alpharetta, Ga, USA
265 posts
Recently in Italy with a car for a week, my Android phone plugged into the USB sport of the very ordinary Fiat and both Google Maps and Waze were available on screen in the dash..;.....just like at home. Both worked very well. I use paper maps to preview and plan, but for driving instruction the computer maps worked great. I had taken my Garmin GPS as always but quit using it after the 2nd day.
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
874 posts
Just used WAZE in France and it gave us police warnings, etc…..