This guide forms part of our complete France Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across France.
This article is also part of our 🚗 7-Day France Road Trip series, exploring Orléans, Lyon, Avignon and Nice. Beginning at Paris CDG and then to the Loire Valley, our 1,000 kilometre adventure takes us through historic towns, iconic cities and one of France’s most famous beach fronts. Read the complete itinerary here.
Using toll roads can cost more than you think!
Be sure to research the best way to pay the toll rates, as if you sail through you will end up with a hefty bill, no matter where you live!!
Your Guide To Using European Toll Roads
Check out the following details, particularly if you have never driven on the major road network in France.
🛣️ USING TOLLS (PÉAGE)
ENTERING >
• Choose lane with 💳 symbol (Credit Card)
• Take ticket (or barrier opens automatically)
EXITING >
• Insert ticket
• Pay with Visa or Mastercard
• Barrier opens – drive on
❌ Avoid orange “T” lanes (telepéage only)
💳 PAYMENT TIPS
• Credit cards work everywhere
• No PIN usually required
• Machines switch to English
🚨 IF YOU LOSE YOUR TICKET
• Press help button
• You’ll pay the maximum fare for that route
🧠 FIRST-TIME DRIVER CONFIDENCE
French autoroutes are:
✔ Well signed
✔ Well maintained
✔ Easy to use
If you can use a parking garage machine, you can use French tolls
Safe driving!
