France Toll Roads

I don't recall if they calculate the toll for distance or time driven, but either way, I do remember the system being rather idiot-proof. Even for non-francophones.

The system is easy to learn. Just slow down as you enter the toll booth area and read the signs. As I remember French toll roads, they take your credit card or francs, both at the same booth.

When you enter the toll highway ("autoroute") you push a button and retrieve the ticket which shows at which "porte" you entered, and time, date, etc. At your chosen exit ("sortie") you give the ticket to the nice man or woman in the booth, and the charge for the distance you have travelled will appear on a screen (in euros, Carl, not francs) in the booth and visible to you. We always pay in cash so I don't know what kind of credit card problems you may encounter.

Thank you very much Norma - that is exactly what I was looking for. - Bill

There have been reports of American credit cards not working, sometimes, at some toll stations in France. If it happens to you and you're at an unmanned toll booth, it can lead to a "time-pressure" kind of problem where 5 French drivers pull up behind you, wondering what your problem is, and you're not sure what to do. If not sure at first, best to select a manned booth and have sufficient cash to pay the toll, if your credit card isn't being accepted, for whatever reason.

A friend of mine told me that, they can give you a speeding ticket if the time stamps between entry and exit booths indicate speeding. I think it's credible since the person lives in France for a number of years. Has anyone received a ticket like this?

Norma, I know it's euros and not francs. My computer forgot.

Chister, does your friend know anyone who has received a ticket like this? I think it is unlikely, as there are no cops at the toll booths and the person in the toll booth is certainly not going to issue the ticket. Maybe your friend could verify for us.

Carl: Yes, I know you know, and the reason I even mentioned it in my post is that someone is sure to say "OMG! Francs ! ! I thought they used euros in France. Now I have to get me some francs."

"A friend of mine told me that, they can give you a speeding ticket if the time stamps between entry and exit booths indicate speeding. I think it's credible since the person lives in France for a number of years. Has anyone received a ticket like this?"

No, but I heard that urban legend for US toll boths 20 years ago. Like most urban legends, it's always "I heard from a reliable source...".

We drive in France 2-3 months a year and the roads are wonderful...never had a ticket. We take a bag of euros from Paris and I give my husband the change. It is so easy. Remember to get on the back roads, too. Burgundy is especially lovely along the canal. There are picnick tables where you can get out and have lunch. Also, a GPS is wonderful. It definitely helps to get around. Stop at some of the tollway restaurants and shoppes. They are fun and you can buy anything.

Carl, great answer. "My computer forgot." I'll have to remember that one.

"Stop at some of the tollway restaurants and shoppes." YES! Compared to the typical slop you find at US rest stations, these were a very pleasant surprise to me.

I do not know whetehr the French toll system issues tickets for speeding, but it is possible. In Britain there are cameras which record when you enter a stretch of road and co-relates your exit from that stretch. If your average speed is over the limit, a ticket will be issued automatically. This is most frequently employed at road works, but there are areas on motorway where it is also used. It is usually well marked.

Have a wonderful time... save some change for the tolls.... do not worry about the roads or the tollbooths. Some of the best fun we have had has been in France.