As a rule driving in France is easy, if it's your first time then fear not. When you disembark from your Ferry you will automatically follow a convoy of British cars which will be heading in one direction - out of the port and to the main routes. This is a good way to learn the ropes and see the differences.

Just drive normally and get the feel of looking over your left shoulder when overtaking or going round the roundabouts the correct way even if they are well signposted. After a few miles it will be second nature, now you can concentrate on your directions to the park. Do not rush just take your time and follow the green signposts saying TOUTES DIRECTIONS they will be more specific by naming main towns just after you get out of the port.

Head for your main town i.e RENNES or LORIENT as you get nearer where you have to come off start looking for the white signpost on the right hand side of the road, they give you plenty of warning before your exit is up. PROCHAINE SORTIE means next exit so when you see this with your exit name or road number on it then you are due to come off.

• A valid UK Driving Licence is required
• A driver's minimum age is 18
• A Green Card and Motor Insurance certificate is recommended. Motorists should carry evidence of motor insurance (insurance certificate). A Green Card provides additional proof that the minimum legal third party cover is held. For further advice please contact your insurance company
• A separate GB sticker must also be displayed on vehicles with Euro number plates
• Wearing your seat belt is compulsory
• Children under 10 are forbidden to travel in the front seat
• Headlamp converters

• Spare bulbs
• A fire extinguisher
• A first aid kit
• A warning triangle

Speed limits in France are measured in KPH (Kilometers per Hour)

Motorways: 80mph (130 kph).
Dual carriageways: 68mph (110kph).

In wet weather, lower limits do apply:
62mph (100kph) on dual carriageways and 68mph (110kph) on motorways.

There is a service station located along the auto-routes between every 30 - 50 km. There are two types of service stations or aire. One is a full-scale fuel catering and shopping facility. The other type offers a picnic area with WC facilities.

Petrol sold at the service stations tends to be as expensive as in Ireland and the UK. Off auto-routes petrol is some 12% cheaper meaning that when you are travelling from England or Ireland, enter France with a near empty tank and fill up at a hypermarché (hypermarket) before you start your auto-route journey in earnest. Savings on diesel can be even greater.

Even though the French are renowned for having a few glasses of wine then driving, there is actually a drink driving law.

On the spot fines for drink driving are enforced. It roughly the same in France as it is in England.

Drive on the right hand side of the road.