Day Trips: Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa
Driving to the French Alps from the UK: A Complete Guide
Discover everything you need to know about driving to the French Alps in an electric or regular car from the UK. We cover charging tips, routes, and essential rules of the road.
Compared to flying, driving to the Fench Alps is a stress-free, enjoyable experience allowing you to experience more of the country, without racing for airport check-ins, queueing for a hire car and stresing about car drop offs, its also cheaper..
Typical Route plan for a stress free drive to the Alps.
You can drive to the French Alps from Calais in about 10 hrs (610 miles) but the risk of heavy traffic on a Saturday changeover makes it extremely tiring.
Cost: Approx £170 return – to find out more visit SANEF
Suggested plan for a relaxed holiday from the UK to La Rosiere in the French Alps.
Depart UK: Friday 9:30 am
Catch the early Euro Tunnel and drive halfway.
Arrival Dijon or Beaune: 7:00 pm
An overnight stop in either Beaune or Dejon is ideal.
For great deals on hotels in Beaune or Dijon, visit our partner Expedia..Search Dijon here
Day 1
Day 1: Drive to either Dijon or Beaune for an overnight hotel. An easy motorway drive with plenty of stops along the way.
Depart: Saturday 9:00 am
Leisurely breakfast and drive on to the Alps arriving
Lunch:
To avoid the build of traffic near Lyon on a Saturday morning we often head over to Lake Annecy. It’s slow but very scenic with a great stop by the lake for lunch.
I recommend the route via Saint-Julien-en-Genevois before Annecy, as the sat nav will take you off earlier down a small, often icy road in the winter.
Electric Charging:
100% charge Beaune 1. charge just before Lake Annecy 2. Final Charge at Albertville
Arrival for 6pm in the resort in time for a drink to start the holiday.
Day 2
Day 2: Drive via Lake Annecy for a great lunch stop and to avoid at least some of the traffic at Lyon.
Top 10 Tips Driving an Electric Car to the French Alps.
- Plan your route with plenty of rest stops.. More info
- Remember Car Break Down Insurance.. More info
- Check driving rules or risk fines… More Info
- Prep your car. checks, and equipment..More Info
- French Tolls and how to pay.. More Info
- Driving time about 9hrs from Calais.. More Info on route options
- Pack Warm Essentials in case of a breakdown in cold weather.. More Info
- Emergency Contacts, roadside assistance, insurance docs, .. More Info
- Check the Weather in advance
- Order Electric Car charging cards in advance.. More Info
1. French Tolls and how to pay
Using an Electronic Tag (Télépéage):
The easiest way is to order a TAG fob in advance of your holiday . This electronic device attaches to your windscreen and allows you to use dedicated lanes for automatic payment. The barrier will lift as you approach, and the toll will be charged to your account5.
Entering the Motorway:
As you approach the toll booth, slow down and choose a lane. Look for signs indicating the payment methods accepted in each lane (cash, card, or electronic tag).
Take a ticket from the machine. Keep this ticket safe as you will need it when you exit the motorway1.
Exiting the Motorway:
When you reach your exit, head to the toll booth. Insert your ticket into the machine, which will calculate the toll based on the distance you traveled3.
Pay the toll using your preferred method: cash, credit/debit card, or an electronic tag (Télépéage). Most toll booths accept major credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case4
French Motorway Breakdown Guide
What to do if you break down on a French Motorway.
Remember, only authorized breakdown services are allowed to operate on French motorways, so you should not attempt to fix your car yourself
Pull Over Safely: Move your car to the hard shoulder
Turn on Hazard Lights:
Wear a Reflective Vest: This is mandatory and helps ensure you are seen by other drivers1.
Exit the Vehicle Safely:
Place a Warning Triangle: Set up your warning triangle at least 150 meters behind your vehicle to warn oncoming traffic1.
Use Emergency Phones: Walk to the nearest emergency phone (orange SOS boxes located every 2 km along the motorway) to call for assistance. These phones connect directly to the motorway operator3.
Call for Help: If you can’t reach an emergency phone, call the emergency services on 112 from your mobile4. The motorway operator will send an authorized breakdown service to assist you5.
Stay Safe: Wait behind the safety barrier, away from the road, until help arrives2.
Driving rules in France
- Snow chains or snow-rated tyres are required for driving up the mountains.
- Carry Mandatory Equipment: You must have a high-visibility vest, a warning triangle, and headlamp beam deflectors in your car. These items are required by law and can result in fines if not present2.
Speed Limits: Be aware of the speed limits, which are generally 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways, 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on main roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas. Speed limits can change in adverse weather conditions3.
Priority to the Right: At intersections, vehicles coming from the right have priority unless otherwise indicated. This rule, known as “priorité à droite,” can be different from what you’re used to in the UK4.
- No Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even with a hands-free system. This includes using headphones or earphones
No Parking Zones: Look out for signs that say “Stationnement interdit” (no parking). Parking is prohibited in these areas, and you could be fined or towed if you park there1.
Extras, Tips and Trick
Useful links
Find more great photos of all the places we have visited in our Instagram page.
Book your next adventure with Expedia.
Electric Car Charging Cards
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Essential Documents
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Useful links
Expedia for Accommodation Deals
TAG for Tolls:
Weather checks
Resort Map
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