Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers.  

• Lane markings and sign placements may not be clear.  Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers.
• Driving is typically faster and more aggressive than in the United States.  
• Right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States.  Unless specifically indicated otherwise, drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left, even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. 
• On major highways, there are service stations at least every 25 miles. Service stations are not as common on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States.

Traffic Laws:  While French cities actively encourage bicycle rentals through widely available city-sponsored systems, you should be cautious, especially in a busy and unfamiliar urban environment. Helmets are neither required nor readily available near rental stations.  If you plan to ride a bicycle in France, you should bring your own helmet.

Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian steps out into the street, often when a car or motorcycle is making a turn through a pedestrian crosswalk.  Pedestrians should be cautious and aware of traffic even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers.

Public Transportation:  Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system.  The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails are comparable to those in major U.S. cities.  Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities.

• If you use any of France’s excellent public transportation services, take particular care to retain your used or “validated” ticket. 
• Inspectors conduct intermittent, random checks, and passengers who fail to present the correct validated ticket are subject to stiff and immediate fines.
• Inspectors may show no interest in explanations and no sympathy for an honest mistake.  Failure to cooperate with inspectors may result in arrest.

Between cities, France has extensive rail service which is safe and reliable. High-speed rail links connect the major cities in France.  Many cities are also served by frequent air service. Traveling by train is safer than driving.

Please refer to our road safety page for more information.  We suggest that you also visit the French National Tourist Office’s website for specific information on French driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance.  See U.S. Embassy Paris’ driving in France webpage for information on using U.S. driver’s licenses in France.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of France’s ’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of France’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.