Normandy, Brittany & the Best of the North_ With Paris (Fodor's) - Fodor's [179]
BUS TRAVEL
If you’re traveling to or from another country, train service can be just as economical as bus travel, if not more so. The largest international operator is Eurolines France, whose main terminal is in the Parisian suburb of Bagnolet (a half-hour métro ride from central Paris, at the end of métro Line 3). Eurolines runs many international routes to more than 37 European destinations, including a route from London to Paris, usually departing at 8 AM, arriving at 4:30 PM; noon, arriving at 9:30 PM; and 9:30 PM, arriving at 7:15 AM. Fares are £57 round-trip (under-25 youth pass £53). Other Eurolines routes include: Amsterdam (7 hrs, €67); Barcelona (15 hrs, €139); and Berlin (10 hrs, €137). There are economical passes to be had—15-day passes run €175–€310, a 30-day pass will cost €240–€410. These passes offer unlimited coach travel to all Eurolines European destinations.
France’s excellent train service means that long-distance bus routes in France are rare; regional buses are found mainly where train service is spotty. In rural areas the service can be unreliable, and schedules can be incomprehensible for those who don’t speak French. Your best bet is to contact local tourism offices.
Bus Information: Eurolines France (08–92–89–90–91 in France [€0.34 per min] | www.eurolines.fr).
CAR TRAVEL
An International Driver’s Permit, valid for trips of less than 90 days, is not required but can prove useful in emergencies such as traffic violations or auto accidents, particularly when a foreign language is involved. Drivers in France must be over 18 years old to drive, but there is no top age limit (if your faculties are intact).
If you’re driving from the United Kingdom to the Continent, you have a choice of either the Channel Tunnel or ferry services. Reservations are always a good idea, but are essential at peak times.
GASOLINE
Gas is expensive, especially on expressways and in rural areas. When possible, buy gas before you get on the expressway and keep an eye on pump prices as you go. These vary—anything from €1.20 to €1.40 per liter. The cheapest gas can be found at hypermarchés (large supermarkets). Credit cards are accepted everywhere. In rural areas it’s possible to go for miles without passing a gas station, so don’t let your tank get too low.
PARKING
Parking is a nightmare in Paris and many other metropolitan areas. “Pay and display” metered parking is usually limited to two hours in city centers. Parking is free on Sunday and national holidays. Parking meters showing a dense yellow circle indicate a free parking zone during the month of August. In smaller towns, parking may be permitted on one side of the street only—alternating every two weeks—so pay attention to signs. In France, illegally parked cars are likely to be impounded, especially those blocking entrances or fire exits. Parking tickets start at €11, topping out at €135 in a handicapped zone, for a first offense, and there’s no shortage of the blue-uniformed parking police. Parking lots, indicated by a blue sign with a white P, are usually underground and are generally expensive.
ROAD CONDITIONS
France has 8,000 km (5,000 mi) of expressway and 808,000 km (502,000 mi) of main roads. For the fastest route between two points, look for roads marked A for autoroute. A péage (toll) must be paid on most expressways: the rate varies but can be steep. The N (route nationale) roads—which are sometimes divided highways—and D (route départementale) roads are usually also wide and fast.
There are excellent links between Paris and most French cities, but poor ones between the provinces (the principal exceptions are A26 from Calais to Reims, A62 between Bordeaux and Toulouse, and A9/A8 the length of the Mediterranean coast).
Though routes are numbered,