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Driving from France into Spain and back into France.

We are planning a driving trip to include Southern France in early May and would like to drive into the Northern part of Spain to see the Basque Country (San Sebastian, Bilboa, Pamplona) and then heading to the Carscassonne region and crossover into the Northwest coast of Spain including Barcelona. Are there any "traps" for the driver when crossing into Spain that we should know about. (Such as the vignette required when crossing from Switzerland into Austria.) I haven't seen any warnings in Rick's books other than speed, cameras, seat belts, cell phone use, etc.. Anything in particular we should know?

Posted by
7277 posts

It's unlikely that your rental company would restrict you from driving into Spain and back (possibly other countries, but not Spain), but you might want to double-check with them to ensure there are no unexpected problems.

Also, we haven't gotten International Driver's Permits for France, but Spain technically requires one for each driver, available from your local AAA, even if you're not a member.

Posted by
7981 posts

the international driver's permit is now required by law in France as well as in Italy and Spain.

Posted by
7277 posts

Thanks, janettravels44 - we'll need renewed IDP's for France this summer.