Driving to Marseille - any tips

[Misterp]

Hi Guys,

I am due to drive from Birmingham to Marseille on 01 August. A last minute getaway for some sun and to visit the Mrs' Family ( ).

Never driven on the continent before, any pitfalls or things that people think I should be aware of. I have been doing some research. also are there any must haves in the car to comply with French Law.

Thanks

[VW BUSH]

Light bulbs
triangle
hi viz vest
spare wheel
Breathalyser, you are meant to have 2, get 4 just in case you use one as you cant have an odd number. ...
European breakdown cover.
Money for toll roads
drive down half way and stop in b n b, much nicer and extra time allows you to avoid some tolls.
its 12 hours for me from london using the chunnel and that's a good run.

French drivers are generally rude amongst themselves,  your plates will add to this.
Taking the piss is a requirement for a licence in france.

My wife was born in Marseille and grew up in Avignon, so I get only a little abuse until she pipes up.

next time go by eurostar direct, just book in advance

[Organisys]

Speeding is a no-no.

well not a no-no, but they don't take too kindly......

 

[dubber36]

I presume you are going in the the Mk7? If so, set your headlights to 'Travel Mode' in the DIS.

[JC]

drive on the wrong side of the road 

[gazareth]

drive on the wrong side of the road 

but just remember the wrong side is also the right side

[VW BUSH]

Last time I went I had drink with the local fuzz at lunchtime before they went out stopping dutch tourists in the ardeche......
The law is open to interpretation with the local gendarmerie in rural areas

[Misterp]

Thank you for your responses.

I am taking the MK7 looking forward to it to be honest. Never driven on the continent before. The Headlight travel mode change can be made from the settings right??

is there a good sight that anyone knows where I can pick up some of the items that VW bush has posted. Bulbs are a bit of a difficult one considering the car comes with Xenons as standard. I may get some indicator and reverse lights - good excuse as I have been looking for an excuse to purchase the LED bulbs a lot of the guys have installed.

the other stuff makes sense.

[dubber36]

Most motor factors will sell European travel packs with everything that you will need. They will include beam deflectors, but you won't use them due to being able to adjust your headlights in the Setting menu. As long as you have some sort of bulb set, it shows you have made the effort, even tho' you have xenons and LEDs.

Don't forget you'll need a high viz vest for every occupant and that they need to be accessible from where you are sat, so not stuffed in the boot.

Driving is pretty straight forward, just go steady to get accustomed to being on the other side. I find that I'm actually more aware of what's going on as I am thinking about what I am doing much more. It's easy to get caught out when you get back home. We once stayed at my inlaws just a few miles from the tunnel having being in France for 2 weeks. The next morning I pulled out of there drive onto the empty rural lane and drove at least half a mile on the right before I realised.   

[battleshipgray]

I'm jealous. I'd love to be taking my VW to the Continent but it hasn't been built yet! Def doing it next year, all being well.

I've taken previous cars to France and further afield for the last fifteen years, on and off. A thoroughly enjoyable experience every time. You'll get used to driving on the right in no time, and strange as it may sound, when you come to your first roundabout it just feels natural.

French drivers (at least I've found) are actually very forgiving of UK plates. You'll find assholes in every country, but most of them will recognise you're on unfamiliar roads and will show you courtesy and give you a wide berth for fear you prang them.

Gendarmerie are quite keen; I've seen many more cops on the roads as each year passes.  But on the autoroutes you will sail along at 130 "ish"  kph effortlessly in your motor without incident. It'll be a great long run on practically deserted stretches at a time. Just remember to slacken off somewhat if it's raining as the speed limit drops to 110, and watch for the speed cameras on the central reservations.

If you are planning on an overnight on your way to Marseille, you could do worse than stopping round about Dijon. Pick a Burgundian wine village and relax...

Hope you have a fab time and look forward to hearing all about it.