Driving Calais to Chamonix in May. First time driving in France!

Instead of driving into Coquelle for breakfast, if food, a map and a rest is all you need, just stop at one of the many aires (service plazas) that show up every 15 minutes or so on the main autoroutes. Easy access off the autoroute, free parking, and all the services a driver would need.

Go to Google Maps, bring up the area around Calais and search for "aire." You'll see dozens.

Thanks for the advice, it’s very much appreciated and you make a very good point 😊 Rob

As to a toll tag, there's a plan geared to occasional drivers in France. However, every time I've looked into it I decided it wasn't worth it for me. However, you can check it out at https://www.telepeagepourtous.fr/fr/particulier/toutes_nos_offres/formule_balade

I'm going to make a few assumptions based on what you have said, trying to fill in gaps of what you didn't mention. If I have guessed wrong please say...

You used the term "toll tag" which sounds American so I presume you originating in the US or Canada?

It sounds like will be driving alone.

It sounds like you are using the Eurotunnel.

If so, if you take the first exit to the right and then turn left and follow your nose to Cité Europe just past the Ibis/Ibis Budget/Novotel hotel complex you will find a 2 storey car park and a very large - by French standards - shopping centre. The journey from Folkestone to Coquelles is only 35 minutes on that train but you will start boarding 20 minutes prior, and you will be in the Departure lounge before that waiting for your crossing on the big board. Leave plenty of time, especially with the "interesting times" that Brexit is bringing.

Are you sure that your rental company allows their cars into France, and on the Eurotunnel Shuttle? Quite a few don't. You will need special paperwork.

It is possible to rent (not buy) a bipper from the UK representative of the tolling authority but it won't be easy or cheap. I have one but I make a lot of trips with my own car. You will need a deposit, an annual fee, a fee for each calendar month or portion it is used, and probably hardest of all, a UK bank account in which you can set up a Direct Debit.

If you are on your own with the wheel on the wrong side for French driving you will need to fit enough extra mirrors to account for all blind spots and you will find it difficult to pass. Experience speaking here, I've been doing it for 20 years or so but the first few trips were fun.

And you will need help or getting out of the car and walking to the toll machine not only for paying but also for getting the start tickets. You want to be in the cash lane and most rural toll plazas only have 2 lanes. You will be making friends with the people behind you so I advise developing a thick skin.

I bought an electronic toll pass last time we went to France, and am pleased we did, even if it cost a bit more money. We did not have to wait to pay at the peage, and we could drive through the toll gates at 20 miles an hour or so. It also got over any problems with the passenger being asleep as we went through the peage, and in positioning the car close to the toll booth, which is seldom easy in a right-hand drive car.

Adapting to driving on the "wrong" side of the road is something that some people take in their stride, while others are scared at the thought. Incidentally, on the autoroute which runs down the coast towards Boulogne, there are toll booths designed for easy use by right-hand side drivers.

One thing you need to be aware of is that you drive off the shuttle train without stopping, and are almost immediately on a fast dual-carriageway road. There is little time for adjustment.

A huge thank you for the wealth of information you’ve provided, I have made notes on the points you raise. Incidentally, I’m English and will drive my own car.

Kind regards
Robert

As you are English there is a possibility that you could become a frequent user of the Eurotunnel. They have some user guides on the website, and you can get a bipper through them.

With Eurotunnel you have to be patient. Many of the trains do go on time but there are a fair few cancellations and delays so you need to allow for everything to be backed up on some trips. Because I am 3 hours away from Folkestone I usually arrange to stop for the night in Lille or Reims or somewhere inbetween.

I made the mistake of going in the evening several years ago with the plan to go straight through to Trier. In that case my crossing was delayed by 4 hours - very frustrating - and I didn't get there.

Hi Nigel. Thanks again for all the info. I live in Kent an hour from Folkestone, I’ve booked a place on the 07.25 arriving Calais at 08.35. I’ve booked a room in Magnant south of Troyes to break the journey into more manageable sections, roughly 4 hours travel on each day.
I’ve decided to buy the Tag as it seems much simpler and I won’t upset the locals 🙄.

Regards
Rob

It is good advice I received several years ago to remove the bipper from its position on the windscreen leaving just the mounting when you leave the car overnight. There is apparently a trade in liberated ones and that would make a mess of your car.

Just drive up the chevron marked "T" lane at about 30 kph and slow to 20. Sometimes the arm goes up and you hear the bip and sometimes you hear the bip and the arm goes up, and sometimes you hear the bip and the arm remains up from the previous car. There is usually a toilet just after the gates which may save you stopping at an Aire. Careful of traffic coming from the right-hand lanes as you go over to it though.

Thanks yet again Nigel for the additional information, I have read a lot regarding the “priority from Right” and seems a little confusing ? I’m sure I’ll pick it up if I take it steady! As for the tag I’ll certainly heed your advice and remove it when not in use !

Best wishes
Rob