TAking my Golf V5 abroad

[martinkgray]

Hi all,

Thinking of taking my Golf V5 abroad to France in a couple of weeks and I'm in need of some advice.

I'm going to take the Ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre, then drive to LeMans and hopefully head down the west coast for some surfing and wine/beer tasting ;-) Now the thing is do i legally need a GB sticker, and do i need those headlamp stickers to stop blinding the french drivers in the other direction? What other things do i need to sort before i go?

Has anybody here done anything similar and if you have a list of "must see's" or places to stay, i would be most grateful to hear them.

Thanks in advance

Martin

[gemjampot]

hi,

the first paragraph on this site should help:

http://www.abrittanycottage.co.uk/driving.asp

its also full of info and all sorts of stuff about frace!!

have a good hol!

Gem

[gemjampot]

*france (oops)

[RickT]

I have taken my A4 over seas to France a few times..

Quick check list..

GB sticker... (its law).. unless you have GB plates fitted to your car of which i have!

Headlight beam benders.. - I got some and got these working perfect.. (there is a thread on here about them, search for "benders"

European Breakdown cover & Insurance (goes without saying)

TOM TOM... (lol.. it was worth its money in gold!!)

ENSURE.... you take your Driving Licenece, Insurance, Green form, (i also took the V5 just in case)

A hand full of Euros for the TOLL roads.. (not cheap!)

And a Right hand side driving brain!!

RickT

[Ben]

Hi all,

Thinking of taking my Golf V5 abroad to France in a couple of weeks and I'm in need of some advice.

I'm going to take the Ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre, then drive to LeMans and hopefully head down the west coast for some surfing and wine/beer tasting ;-) Now the thing is do i legally need a GB sticker, and do i need those headlamp stickers to stop blinding the french drivers in the other direction? What other things do i need to sort before i go?

Has anybody here done anything similar and if you have a list of "must see's" or places to stay, i would be most grateful to hear them.

Thanks in advance

Martin

Not too far from Limoges is a town called Oradour.

The original Oradour, was burnt to the groung and all the residents massacared by the Germans in WW2. The 'Old 'town is available for you to walk round, everything is left as it was when the germans left.

They (the french) left the old town as a memory and built a new Oradour just up the street.


Its a bit out your way mut if you can get to Millau there is a superb viaduct to see. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millau_bridge

[scotty33]

I don't know if the french insist on these, but some countries require that the red warning triangle is carried and a full set of lamps/bulbs. Not a bad idea anyway!

[RickT]

I don't know if the french insist on these, but some countries require that the red warning triangle is carried and a full set of lamps/bulbs. Not a bad idea anyway!

your right.. it is law..

i forgot about saying the warning triangle.. (its fasten in the boot lid anyway)

In regards to bulbs.. you need a bulb kit.. ie headlight bulbs, brake lights, tail lights and turning signals..

RickT

[Bugbear]

Hi Martin,
You must carry with the vehicle.
Log Book (original)
Insurance
Driving Licence
A warning Triangle (2 in Spain)
Bulbs
Fire Extinguisher

A tip about driving (ignore this if you have lots of money)
Over the last five years the number of mobile speed traps has increased enormously. Fixed cameras have huge warning signs but mobile units hide in bushes.The typical fine is 90 euros.
Fifty kilometres over a posted limit can find you in deep trouble as they can confiscate your licence leaving you with no way to drive home. This has actually happened so be warned.
Stick religiously to posted limits in towns and villages and take note of on-coming vehicles flashing you as there will be a radar unit ahead.
Enjoy your trip, the roads are great and if you need a B&B in Vienne, look us up.
Gary.

[Sam]

I have a feeling you may also have to take a high vis jacket/band.

[Bugbear]

I have a feeling you may also have to take a high vis jacket/band.

They are recommended by not currently a legal requirement. Make sense if you get stuck on a motorway in the dark though.

First Aid kit too, I forgot that.