Does anyone know whether there are congestion zones (like Italian ZTLs) in France, specifically in Provence and the Riviera? Currently planning a possible trip there, want to rent a car for a few days to see some of the smaller towns not well connecting by transit. The stories about Italy have made me paranoid, so just wondering. (I have Rick's Provence book and there is no mention of anything like this, just checking).
Posted by
Chicago
8038 posts
We spent 2 weeks on the Riviera this fall and didn't see anything like a ZTL. Parking can be an utter nightmare however as can driving.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3940 posts
We never came across any in our travels thru those areas - do watch your speed tho - they seem to have a lot of speed cameras/traps. We were lucky that the rental had an integrated GPS so that we could keep an eye on the speed limit changes. The other nice thing about GPS - helped to find parking garages!
I can say Nice - the Promenade - traffic was a nightmare (more of a standstill nightmare as opposed to lunatic driver nightmare) - especially when we were there in the afternoon - I'd try to avoid that if I could.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
France doesn't use a similar term. But be sure that you can recognize various European signs that mean "do not enter" - I figure that almost any sign I don't know means that - and no parking. See https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/driving-europe-tips and the appendix of Rick's guidebook for the basics. Rick's introduction to any town in his books usually includes some driving and parking suggestions.