Difference between revisions of "France"

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==Autoroutes&Péages==
 
==Autoroutes&Péages==
 
[[Image:peage.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A typical big péage in France]]
 
[[Image:peage.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A typical big péage in France]]
"Autoroute" means "motorway" in French. Most of them are toll roads, and the fastest way to hitch across he country. A '''péage''' is a toll booth. There are two types of Péages: Big ones, where all the traffic has to stop to pay or get a ticket (called also "Barrière de Péage", i.e. "Toll Barrier". These are excellent spots to get a long-distance ride, usually located near big cities on the autoroute. Another type is a side barrier, situated on all exits in the toll part of the motorway. On this kind of péages the traffic is much smaller and waiting times longer, but if it is located near a relatively big town or on the crossing with a national road it's pretty ok. At this type of péages, the road usually splits in two on-ramps going in each direction, so you might need a sign with your direction.  
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'''Autoroute''' means "motorway" in French. Most of them are toll roads, and the fastest way to hitch across he country. A '''péage''' is a toll booth. There are two types of '''péages''': Big ones, where all the traffic has to stop to pay or get a ticket (called also "Barrière de Péage", i.e. "Toll Barrier". These are excellent spots to get a long-distance ride, usually located near big cities on the autoroute. Another type is a side barrier, situated on all exits in the toll part of the motorway. On this kind of péages the traffic is much smaller and waiting times longer, but if it is located near a relatively big town or on the crossing with a national road it's pretty ok. At this type of péages, the road usually splits in two on-ramps going in each direction, so you might need a sign with your direction.  
  
 
You can get free maps in the péage offices - these also indicate where you can find "all-stop-péages". The fastest way to travel is from one of these to the next. Here are some information how to get a lift from péages:
 
You can get free maps in the péage offices - these also indicate where you can find "all-stop-péages". The fastest way to travel is from one of these to the next. Here are some information how to get a lift from péages:
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Also, you can always hitch from one gas station to another, either asking at the exit from the shop, or at the entrance ramp. The staff usually don't care about hitchhikers.
 
Also, you can always hitch from one gas station to another, either asking at the exit from the shop, or at the entrance ramp. The staff usually don't care about hitchhikers.
  
It is forbidden to stay on the motorway itself, as well as on some parts of national roads ("Voie express"), so you have to stick to entrances/gas station.
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It is forbidden to stay on the motorway itself, as well as on some parts of national roads ("Voie express"), so you have to stick to entrances/gas stations.
  
Péages are also considered part of the motorway, and technically one is not allowed to sollicit rides there, but this is not really enforced. Since 2004, [[User:Daniel|Daniel]], was only told once to get off the tollbooth and ask for a ride on the parking nearby (what was difficult because there was no services except toilets). But the risk is relatively low.
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Péages are also considered part of the motorway, and technically one is not allowed to sollicit rides there, but in reality this is not really enforced. Since 2004, [[User:Daniel|Daniel]], was only told once to get off the tollbooth and ask for a ride on the parking nearby (what was difficult because there was no services except toilets). So the risk is relatively low.
  
 
==Cities==
 
==Cities==

Revision as of 13:25, 12 October 2007

On ramp bridge near Perpignan

France is a great country for hitchhiking. There are many friendly car and truck drivers. The highways cost money, and at some péage (toll points) you can get a ride easily.

General Info

There are no prohibitions about hitching in France, apart from the restricted access roads, i.e. expressways and motorways. (See below)

Choosing the good spot is the key of getting the best rides. For instance, in Montpellier there are two spots very close to each other. The first one is easy to reach, nevertheless, the second one isn't much more difficult, but the chances of being picked up are much better.

Most of the French don't speak English, so have a map to show them where you want to go. If you know any French, use it! French people like it if you try your best. Say Bonjour Monsieur/Madame, to show that you are friendly. If you're heading to Germany, you maybe need to know that Germany is Allemagne (all-ay-man'ye) in French.

It may also be helpful to put S.V.P. after your destination if you use a sign. It's shorthand for s'il vous plaît (sih-voo-play) = please in French.

Autoroutes&Péages

A typical big péage in France

Autoroute means "motorway" in French. Most of them are toll roads, and the fastest way to hitch across he country. A péage is a toll booth. There are two types of péages: Big ones, where all the traffic has to stop to pay or get a ticket (called also "Barrière de Péage", i.e. "Toll Barrier". These are excellent spots to get a long-distance ride, usually located near big cities on the autoroute. Another type is a side barrier, situated on all exits in the toll part of the motorway. On this kind of péages the traffic is much smaller and waiting times longer, but if it is located near a relatively big town or on the crossing with a national road it's pretty ok. At this type of péages, the road usually splits in two on-ramps going in each direction, so you might need a sign with your direction.

You can get free maps in the péage offices - these also indicate where you can find "all-stop-péages". The fastest way to travel is from one of these to the next. Here are some information how to get a lift from péages:

Derek hitching at a péage near Valence
  • You can thumb immediately after the péage;
  • If you prefer a direct approach you can dash across the lanes one at a time until you're at a busy lane and stand next to the toll machine and talk to drivers when they stop to pay (as pictured to left);
  • You can wait before the péage, just where the drivers choose their lane. There is mostly enough space for cars to pull over here.

Some péages are really good, some are not. If you've been waiting for a while with destination sign, drop it and try with your thumb only. Also, you can try to get a ride to the next good spot in the wrong direction.

Also, you can always hitch from one gas station to another, either asking at the exit from the shop, or at the entrance ramp. The staff usually don't care about hitchhikers.

It is forbidden to stay on the motorway itself, as well as on some parts of national roads ("Voie express"), so you have to stick to entrances/gas stations.

Péages are also considered part of the motorway, and technically one is not allowed to sollicit rides there, but in reality this is not really enforced. Since 2004, Daniel, was only told once to get off the tollbooth and ask for a ride on the parking nearby (what was difficult because there was no services except toilets). So the risk is relatively low.

Cities

Martin and Philipp hitching in France

Number plates

French number plates end with the number of the département the car is registered in. For example, Parisian cars end with the number 75. See List of arrondissements of France and French vehicle registration plates at Wikipedia.

External links

  • Mappy is a good online map for France, it shows you (to) where you can take public transport.
  • Le Réseau ASF, a PDF showing all-stop-péages on major routes.