Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When comparing rates and fine print, find the
franchise
(deductible/excess) cost, which
for small cars is around €800 - that's what you pay
in addition to
the cost of the insur-
ance, if the car is damaged or stolen. With many companies, you can reduce the
franchise
by half, perhaps to zero, by paying a supplement of €10 to €16 daily.
Your credit card may cover CDW (only if used at time of rental), but the car-hire com-
pany won't know anything about it: verify coverage limitations with your credit-card is-
suer before leaving home. (Note: In event of incident, you'll have mountains of paper-
work to sort with the rental-car company and your credit-card company's guarantor. With
CDW, you typically just fill out accident reports, then walk away. Weighthe risks before
categorically declining coverage.)
Parking
Provence's ancient villages and cities can be hellish on drivers, with narrow streets, con-
fusing one-way systems and limited parking. Many hotels have no garages: guests drop
off bags, then either claim a residents' parking permit from the hotel (if available at all)
and find street parking, or hunt down a garage. Ask when reserving.
In city centres, look for 'P' signs to locate parking (often underground); expect to pay
about €2.50/20 per hour/day. Alternatively, park outside town centres, then walk.
Road Rules
Enforcement of French traffic laws (see
www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr
) has been stepped
up considerably. Speed cameras are common, as are radar traps, unmarked police vehicles
and roadside drug tests. Fines for many infractions are given on the spot; serious viola-
tions can lead to confiscation of licence and vehicle. If you have an accident, you will be
drug tested.
Speed limits change frequently in the Luberon. If you see a flash, expect a ticket in the
mail.
SPEED LIMITS
Populated areas
50km/h
Undivided N and D highways
90km/h (80km/h if raining)
Non-autoroute divided highways
110km/h (100km/h if raining)
Autoroutes
130km/h (110km/h if raining, 60km/h if icy)
