When first starting to plan the trip, we thought that we would travel by train around France. It seemed like it would be a great adventure. Once looking into the cost and the lack of flexibility to move around easily, we decided to get a rental car for the two weeks. It was optional to get an automatic or standard transmission. I thought it would be fun to drive a standard around France. It has been about 15 years since I have driven a standard vehicle. I took the subway to pick up the car at Hertz and tried to drive back to the hotel to pick up Mae and the kids. Unfortunately, the address I punched into the GPS unit did not take me to the Hilton hotel. I drove around for about 60 minutes until I found landmarks I knew and finally arrived at the hotel. I think Mae was getting concerned. We got the car packed up and headed out of Paris. That was the only time the GPS has failed us. We followed the directions out of Paris. Unfortunately, it took us through the 10 lane traffic circle around the Arc de Triomphe. There are no lines on the road and it was a true free-for-all going around. We almost got nailed by a truck cutting us off. With all of us looking on their side of the car for vehicles and motor cycles we got through. That was the toughest traffic circle we have experienced so far. There are many round-abouts (traffic circles) in France and a great way to get around without traffic lights. As for the motorcycles, you have to be watching out for them all the time. They pass you on both sides and cut in front of you at the lights. Also, they are usually in packs. As I am still getting used to driving a standard again, I am not the fastest driver. The French drivers are very impatient. I think the first day I was honked at 7 times. Each day, there is less honking. Hopefully soon I will be the one honking.
If you do plan to drive through France we would definitely recommend the use of a GPS. The maps from AMA only show the main highways and super highways (toll highways). All the little side roads to the towns are not on the maps. Our GPS unit has got us to a lot of places that we would not be able to find on a map.
Once out of Paris, it was much easier to drive and the super highways have a 130 kpm speed limit which allows us to travel long distances as fast as possible.
Drive throughout France has been relatively easy. Once we got to Cassis it was very challenging. This port town is surrounded by steep hills. Therefore all the roads from/to the port/marina are windy and steep. It has been difficult going up hill with the standard. I am sure my passengers have sore necks from whiplash due to the high revving of first gear.
We will be leaving Cassis on Saturday for the Pyrenees Mountains along the Spanish border. I am sure there will be more hills to deal with.
If you do plan to drive through France we would definitely recommend the use of a GPS. The maps from AMA only show the main highways and super highways (toll highways). All the little side roads to the towns are not on the maps. Our GPS unit has got us to a lot of places that we would not be able to find on a map.
Once out of Paris, it was much easier to drive and the super highways have a 130 kpm speed limit which allows us to travel long distances as fast as possible.
Drive throughout France has been relatively easy. Once we got to Cassis it was very challenging. This port town is surrounded by steep hills. Therefore all the roads from/to the port/marina are windy and steep. It has been difficult going up hill with the standard. I am sure my passengers have sore necks from whiplash due to the high revving of first gear.
We will be leaving Cassis on Saturday for the Pyrenees Mountains along the Spanish border. I am sure there will be more hills to deal with.
You guys seem to be seeing it all. Nice that you are flexible enough to change your travel plans and spontaneously rent a vehicle. You all look healthy and happy!
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