[Mike Tyson]

Ok so we've got the tickets booked for next year.

Few questions.

1. Do I need specific things for my car like number plates or funny shit on my headlights? Although this sounds random I seem to recall there are specifics required for going into the EU.
2. Is it fairly easy to adjust to driving on the othere side of the road??

I am a fairly competent driver, so dont fear driving there to be honest.

Cheers dudes.

[GCW]

Yes, there's a few things you need.  Spare bulbs, triangle etc  I think there's a list on AA/RAC site.
It's easy driving on the right, except on awkward junctions when you can't see oncoming traffic.  A friend in the passenger seat sorts it out though.
We expect videos 

EDIT:  http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm

[Pantontino]

You need some deflector stick-on things for your headlights and a GB sticker for the back (you can get magnetic ones that don't mark your paintwork). I think you are also supposed to have stuff like a warning triangle, spare bulbs and a fluoro waistcoat.

Adjusting to driving on the other side of the road is pretty easy - if you have a moment of confusion, just look at the other traffic around you and follow their lead. I always have a few minor lapses where I set off along the wrong side of the road - nothing that a sharp elbow in the ribs from your alarmed passenger won't cure.

[Bubba]

Driving on t'other side is surprisingly easy to get used to - just be careful first thing in the morning. I've had a couple of occasions when i've woken up, jumped in the car to get croissants/bread and automatically reverted to uk style driving. Not good if you meet une semi-remorque coming the other way

[Jim]

Ignore all that bull shite, just your car, some fuel and a driver.
Look left, drive right and you can't go wrong.
Its France ffs

[SA Chris]

Once you have negotiated your firast roundabout you will be fine. I always get my head done in when making U turns etc.

[GCW]

Ignore all that bull shite, just your car, some fuel and a driver.

You're probably right there, but I know someone who had a lot of hassle after a minor bump.  I think the police were just being awkward f*ckers as he didn't carry what the French law (?) says you should.  They managed to waste him the best part of 2 days though, so I always carry the stuff- it ain't much hassle anyway.

[Stubbs]

It's definitely worth fitting the headlight things of you'll be blinding all the drivers on the other side of the road!

I found driving a right hand drive car in europe easier then driving a left hand one as it took me ages to get into changing gear with the wrong hand.

[SA Chris]

Indeed. I would oddasional reach for the window winder instead of the gear lever.

[Jim]

Once you have negotiated your firast roundabout you will be fine.

word to this

[fatdoc]

yeah, it's fine!!

BUT do get the manatory kit the french insist on... they get v arsey if it's not in the car and the INSURANCE documents must be in the car when driven.

[tommytwotone]

I've done both and have to say on balance that I prefer using a left-hooker now. It does take a bit of getting used to, but in my experience the CDG hire car park is a harsh yet effective place to learn quickly!

I concur with all the above on using a UK car though - get the stuff as the french po-po can be harsh on J. Foreigner.

Watch out - IMO the heirarchy of manouvres that will mess your head up will be:

U turns
Driving around in supermarket carparks
Roundabouts
Making a right onto a minor road off a major road (I managed to negotiate on "UK style", much to the bemusement of an oncoming Italian)

Oh yeah, and watch out for the Peripherique if you're going on it - scary and fun all at the same time.

[fatdoc]

you can, and I would, avoid the periphifreak - it's horrific

[GCW]

I went round the Peripherique once.  Rush hour and I still had the Scooby.  Awesome fun, the adrenaline didn't wear off for hours!!

[SA Chris]

Done that too. Rush hour, in a right hand drive, on my own. Still get night screams from it.

Avoid.

[dave]

Ok so we've got the tickets booked for next year.

2. Is it fairly easy to adjust to driving on the othere side of the road??

just do what the italians do and drive in the middle. at speed.

[Jim]

also if you see the 5-0 with speed camera's, get your foot down

[clm]

its not driving there that is the problem...its coming back!  ask jim.

[Sloper]

I'd recommend skirting around paris on the A104/N104/A4/A5b/A6 rather than the 'phrique, it's longer but oh so civilised in comparison.

Also well worth taking all the shit, eg triangle, spare bulbs flourescent jacket etc.

I got stopped in a random where's your shit you english peegs type operation and I was very pleased I had bothered (for the first time in years) as loads of other English people were getting on the spot fines and having a laugh trying to speak French.

[nik at work]

Everybody has to do the Peripherique at least once, it's the law.

[tommytwotone]

Done that too. Rush hour, in a right hand drive, on my own. Still get night screams from it.

Avoid.

Not that's the weird thing - last Feb, did it hungover, in the dark, in a rented Clio, in rush hour, without map and therefore from memory.

My only company was Jay-Z's 'Black Album' and (and I don't know if that's why) found it one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life!

[Bubba]

I've done both and have to say on balance that I prefer using a left-hooker now. It does take a bit of getting used to, but in my experience the CDG hire car park is a harsh yet effective place to learn quickly!

I learned to drive by totally illegally hooning an LHD Astra around Germany for a couple of weeks, taking in some laps of the Nurburgring along the way    Takes me about 1/2 hour before i've made the switch from RHD now. Also owned an LHD Volvo in the UK but did find overtaking a pain a lot of the time.

I'm not sure the Periphrique is really any worse than the M1 at rush hour really - same thing dressed up differently

[Darren S]

Done that too. Rush hour, in a right hand drive, on my own. Still get night screams from it.

Avoid.

didn't realise so many girls were members of this site.

[Mike Tyson]

Thanks greatly everyone for the advice.

GCW That site has answered a lot lof my questions, cheers.

We're going in convoy so I could make the other party drive in front and follow their lead, thus potentially reducing my own risk!!!

Thanks again folks, very helpful.

[Jim]

you'll be fine. its all in the first roundabout.
say to yourself as you approach "look left, drive right"