Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Signs for Your Information
Route Barrée
Road blocked
Centre Commercial
Grouping of large, suburban stores (not city center)
Centre-Ville
City center
Feux
Traffic signal
Horadateur
Remote parking meter, usually at the end of the block
Parc de Stationnement
Parking lot
Rue Piétonne
Pedestrian-only street
Sauf Riverains
Local access only
Sortie des Camions
Work truck exit
Toutes Directions
All directions (passing through a city)
Autres Directions
Other directions (passing through a city)
Signs Unique to Autoroutes
Aire
Rest stop with WCs, telephones, and sometimes gas stations
Bouchon
Traffic jam ahead
Fluide
No slowing ahead (fluid conditions)
Péage
Toll
Télépéage
Toll booths—automatic toll payment only
Par temps de Pluie
When raining (modifies speed limit signs)
Theft:
Theft is a big problem, particularly in southern France. Thieves easily recog-
nize rental cars and assume they are filled with a tourist's gear. Try to make your car look
locally owned by hiding the “tourist-owned” rental-company decals and putting a French
newspaper in your back window. Be sure all of your valuables are out of sight and locked
inthetrunk—or,evenbetter,withyouorinyourroom.Anddon'tassumethatjustbecause
you're parked on a main street that you'll be fine. Thieves work fast.
Driving Tips
• Be ready for many roundabouts—navigating them is an art. The key is to know your dir-
ection and be ready for your turnoff. If you miss it, take another lap (or two).
