French Motoring

Having recently done a bit of touring in the home of the garlic we were surprised at how boring the motors were. All Renault Clios, Citroen C2's and little Peugeot boxes. And all a similar shade of grey! These on some of the best roads in the world.

Now, my little red TF turned a few heads (and a few enquiries once parked up). It seems to me that The French folk are supressed (or is that repressed) in their choice of cars - does anyone know why? Is it due to economics or are they just so patriotic?

Looking at the price of MG's on ebay I reckon that a dedicated seller could profit enormously exporting to our neighbours.

I tend to cross France by the quickest route possible on my way to Spain, this year we've cut out both legs by sailing Portsmouth -Bilbao.

On the motorway most of the cars I notice are stupidly fast Germans.

I've not driven in France yet, so can't comment on the boring nature of the cars, but any country that could come up with the Deux Cheveau deserves all it gets.:lol:

Having been driving in France for about the last twenty years and having some good French friends I've discovered that the French used car market is very strong due to the fact that used cars are not identifiable by year. My friend was able to buy a brand new Peugot 308 for about 2000 euros cheaper than a used 1year old equivelant car. French cars are very heavily subsidised. I must admit I am a Francophile, all those empty road in the countryside make driving a real pleasure.

McCalmont wrote: Having been driving in France for about the last twenty years and having some good French friends I've discovered that the French used car market is very strong due to the fact that used cars are not identifiable by year. My friend was able to buy a brand new Peugot 308 for about 2000 euros cheaper than a used 1year old equivelant car. French cars are very heavily subsidised. I must admit I am a Francophile, all those empty road in the countryside make driving a real pleasure.

That explains why France has Renault, Citroen and Peugeot producing big numbers of popular cars, and we have a dead parrot!

The French roads are calling to me though, ...and the Italian roads ...and all the TUNNELSSSSSSSSSSSSSS in between!:rofl:

Border Patrol - The Bagette and Pizza Run

Excuse my ignorance but I had to google 'deux chevaux' a very small, inexpensive automobile. The Citroën 2CV (deux chevaux vapeur, literally "two steam horses", from the tax horsepower rating) was an economy car produced by the French automaker Citroën from 1948 to 1990. An icon in it's own right .

That's a great wing mirror pic TFTiger and I appreciated the read on driving in France as I'm thinking about popping over next month or September for a few days touring and camping. Got an uncle who's been living in the midi pyrenees for 30 years but I'm not sure I want to venture on a 1600 mile round trip just yet. Might tap the fountains of knowledge you and McCalmont clearly have on the place if that's ok with you? Any tips welcome.

Didn't realise lpg vehicles were banned from using the 'chunnel' until recently, a shame as I planned to go that way. Apparrently one litre of lpg liquid creates 270 litres of gas and due to the depths the chunnel goes to it's a problem.

As for French cars, I hadn't given it much thought until now but they're incredibly popular here aren't they. Anyway, I like 'boring grey'.

Leigh Ping

Driven most areas of France including Pyrenees. French roads (outside the Cities) are generally extremely quiet and if you have the time look at the alternatives to the toll motorways - there is usually a parallel route through the towns and villages. Let me know if you are looking at anywhere in particular and I will certainly give any relevant advice if I can oblige.

Most important tip when in France is drive on the right and take great care at roundabouts as lots of French drivers seem to make their own rules up about them :ohmy:

Cheers for the tips . I would like to hit Calais and veer right along the coast mainly. We've no real route planned as France is great for camping with over 3000 sites.

Certainly thousands of campsites. Most towns/villages have their own (Municipal). Usually well signposted and lots with good facilities. We have just returned having camped in, amongst others, Paris and Le Mans. The latter just a small site but with restaurant and heated outdoor pool!

What we did find however, with the exchange rate as is, was that France seemed particularly expensive at the moment. Take what you can from home, although there's not much space in the 'boot' of a TF once the tent is in there!
You have just missed the off season camping charges which apply again at the end of August in France - a big difference (about £15/night compared to about £30/night peak season).

Obliged to you TFTiger.

lol.. here's my boot



It's ok though we're travelling light, me and my boy packed the car wheel well with our camping gear yesterday. I'm leaving the spare at home and taking a puncture spray can (worst case, I'll buy a new tyre). We have 2 micro sleeping bags 0.9kg and a 50 cm tent with 2 sleeping mats. There was tons of room left in the boot and behind the seats for soft clothing items. We'll eat on the way. But I can't go long without a cuppa.. So I bought a car kettle and a flask. Here's a vid of the tent so you get the picture.

I bought 4 new tyres before going - why didn't I (or my son) think about removing the spare? :nonod: