Last time we looked at driving in France from the point of view of the rules and regulations. This time we'll look at a few French driving tips that might just make your life a little easier.

We've done French speed limits but quite often underneath a speed limit sign you'll see "RAPPEL". This just means remember, as in "remember you are still in a 70 limit" if that's the case. Usually French speed limits are 50 kph for towns, 90 kph in the countryside and 130 kph on the autoroutes but any speed is possible. 70 kph for example is quite common on the edge of towns. 90 kph is the limit on dual carriageways, not to be confused with autoroutes which are often only two lanes.

Actually, before we move on from speed limits, a note about radar detectors. They are illegal, you'll get a huge fine, and they can't actually "see" the French digital speed cameras anyway! Sat-navs (GPS) which have static speed cameras programmed in are perfectly legal so that's the way to go if you have heavy feet from time to time.

In general you cn get around France quite quickly. Traffic is low, particularly on autoroutes because they are toll roads and the French will avoid paying if possible. Who can blame them, a trip from north to south is 1,000 kilometres and if you do it all on autoroutes could cost you a hundred Euros or more. Anyway, if your not in a hurry getting into the French countryside is wonderful and usually still has remarkably little traffic.

Another French driving phrase you might come across is "Acoutement non stabilise" which means the verges are soft and you shouldn't drive on them. Not usually a problem, except if you get down a quiet country lane and there's a French driver coming in the opposite direction. Don't expect them to find a convenient gateway - they ain't stopping! The French simply drive half way up the verge on their side and expect you to do the same on your side. Frequently they won't even slow down! It can be entertaining, to say the least, but fortunately most French verges are wide and well maintained. In five years I've never seen an accident in these circumstances and I live way out in the country.

Other useful French driving words are anything that includes "meubles" - which is furniture, or in this case things like bollards in the road. In town you'll get "arret interdit", no stopping. Don't risk it, they'll quite happily tow you away. If you're anywhere near the mountain tunnels you'll get "allumez vos phares", turn on your headlights. Bizarrely there are a couple you'll recognise instantly: Parking and STOP! Well I don't need to explain those.

When it comes to filling up your tank, gas (petrol) is "essence" and is graded either 98 (premium), 95 (normal) or "sans plumb" which is unleaded. "Gazole" (pronounced gazwal) is diesel. Don't ask for petrol by the way, the French will think you mean "petrole", which is paraffin. Service stations at the big supermarkets are usually cheapest and those on the autoroutes the most expensive. However, the autoroute ones will always be open which isn't always the case in towns. There are many more card machines than there were a few years ago but if you're driving through rural France I wouldn't rely on finding one. Better to fill up in the big towns than believe you'll find somewhere along the road - you might not!

The last important French driving phrase is "priorité à droit" which means priority to the right. Not too many years ago all French roads had this rule. Someone coming from the right, even from a farm track onto an autoroute, had right of way. This is largely dying out now but worth knowing, especially in the countryside and particularly with older French drivers who remember the law as it was. If you see big yellow diamond as a road signs it is you that has right of way, if not you might have or you might not. If in doubt, giving way is the safest. If everyone stops, as is often the case, chances are that no-one is sure - not even the French!

Lastly a note about driving in France in general. Paris is a beautiful city but I wouldn't take a car there if you paid me. The peripherique (ring road) can be an absolute nightmare. Inside the city it's almost permanent gridlock. Park in a train station on the outskirts and take the tube (Metro), it's fast and relatively cheap. Yes it's busy in the rush-hour but it's a big city. The rest of the time it's by far the best way of getting around.

Almost everywhere else you'll experience far less traffic than, for example, the UK. The scenery is hugely varied and it's a pleasure to drive through. You will love it.