Toll (Péage)

Most French motorways (Autoroutes, "A" roads) are toll roads. France has one of the most expensive toll systems in Europe — but the motorways are excellently developed and less prone to traffic jams than the German ones.

Costs (Guidelines)

• Paris – Lyon (approx. 460 km): approx. €35 toll
• Paris – Marseille (approx. 775 km): approx. €65 toll
• Paris – Bordeaux (approx. 585 km): approx. €50 toll
• Lyon – Nice (approx. 470 km): approx. €40 toll

Payment

• At the toll booths (gares de péage): Cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard), no Girocard/EC card
• Télépéage — electronic toll device (transponder) that is attached to the dashboard. Billing via credit card. Providers: Bip&Go, VINCI Autoroutes. Saves time at toll booths (dedicated lanes). Worthwhile for vacations of 2 weeks or more
• Note: €50 and €100 bills are often not accepted at machines. Have enough change or a card ready

Toll-Free Alternatives

The Routes Nationales (N roads) and Départementales (D roads) are toll-free, but slower and often lead through beautiful landscapes. Those who have time save significantly — and see more of the country. The city bypasses of major cities (Périphérique Paris, Rocade Bordeaux/Toulouse) are also toll-free.

Environmental Zones (ZFE)

Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Nice, and other cities have environmental zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions). You need a Crit'Air sticker (environmental badge), which can be ordered online (certificat-air.gouv.fr, €3.72). Without a sticker, fines of €68–135 are possible. The sticker is valid indefinitely and is issued based on vehicle documents.