Should You Try to Avoid Toll Charges in France?

Driving to and around France is an idyllic and exciting way to spend a holiday, whether that’s with your partner, friends or family. However, much of the French motorway network has tolls, and drivers often debate whether or not to avoid toll charges in France. If that sounds like you, read on to find out the pros and cons of French toll roads.

Autoroutes in France

As in England, when driving in France you have two options in terms of the type of road you want to travel along to reach your destination. Most of us choose the motorway or, when in France, the Autoroute.

The French motorway network (or Autoroute network) links all major French towns and cities via a 7,500-mile network of fast – the speed limit is 80 mph - two or three lane motorways. The majority of these are toll – or péage – operated.

Toll charges in France vary depending on the Autoroute, the distance travelled and even the time of day or day of the week.

For more information about French roads, check out our comprehensive guide to driving in France

Toll Charges in France: Pros

There are many benefits to using toll roads in France, even if that means paying toll charges.

1. Efficiency: Travelling on the Autoroutes in France is much faster compared with other roads. The speed limit is 80 mph, and the network has been designed to include the most direct route between locations. This is ideal for holidaymakers who are on a time-limit and want to see as many of the major sights as possible. It also means you’ll spend less time cooped up in your vehicle, and more time out and about exploring all of what France has to offer.


2. Less Stressful: Toll tags take the stress out of navigating the different currency and language. Toll charges in France vary which, when you don’t speak the lingo, can be quite frustrating. With this in mind, it might be tempting to turn off the Autoroute and avoid the toll charges altogether. But is it really worth it? You still won’t speak the lingo! The Liber-t automatic toll payment service from Emovis Tag allows British drivers to register and buy an electronic transponder – or tag – online which automatically opens the toll barriers without you having to stop. You’re invoiced the following month, and the payment is taken – in English pounds - from your UK bank account 15 days later. Simple.



3. Safe: Using the French motorway network is a safer option compared with travelling on smaller, less-travelled and poorly maintained roads. There’s less wear and tear on a smooth, tarmacked French Autoroute, so you’re less likely to have tyre trouble. However, if you do break down, it’ll be easier to notify rescue companies of your location, and you’ll spend less time being towed (if it comes to that!). The French motorway network is also better lit, so if you breakdown during the night, you’ll feel safer.


4. Fuel-Efficient: Despite spending money on toll charges in France, you’ll save money on fuel. Quicker travel times, more direct routes, and a constant speed limit will see you cutting your fuel costs significantly.


5. Family Friendly: The French motorway network is extremely helpful for families with young children. By cutting down time spent in the car, your kids will have more time to get out, stretch their legs, expend their energy and have fun! And, a smooth road is ideal for kids who need to nap comfortably during journeys.


6. Avoid Traffic: Paying toll charges in France is a great way to beat the traffic. Sitting in traffic is boring, a time-waster and a fuel-waster! The French motorway is generally quiet, especially in comparison with national roads that pass through suburban neighbourhoods. And, Autoroutes are typically two to three lanes wide, which also helps to reduce traffic.

You shouldn’t try to avoid toll charges in France if:

• You want to be time-efficient.
• You want a hassle-free journey, with help from a toll tag.
• You want to spend a good amount of time exploring on foot.
• You want to use safe and reliable roads.
• You are travelling with young children.
• You want to avoid traffic while maintaining flexibility with travel times.

Toll Charges in France: Cons

As with everything in life, there are upsides and downsides. Here are some downsides to paying toll charges in France.

1. Toll Charge: The obvious downside to using toll roads is paying toll charges! Yes, toll charges are an expense, however it’s easy to assume that you’ll save money by avoiding the toll routes. In fact, you need to weigh up the cost of fuel and the potential cost of rescue, too, if you want to avoid toll roads altogether.


2. Scenery: For some, the French motorway network isn’t as scenic as national roads. So, if you have a lot of time to use and don’t mind the costs of extra car travel, then using national roads is a nice way to see some scenery and off-the-beaten-track locations. However, keep in mind that much of this sight-seeing will be from your car.

You should try to avoid toll charges in France if:

• You would rather spend money on fuel than on tolls.
• You have a lot of time, so can afford to spend more time on the road.

So, should you avoid toll charges in France? We think the benefits that Autoroutes in France offer are worth the cost of tolls, especially when you use a Liber-t toll tag. And, of course, you can always use a mixture of toll roads and non-toll roads for the best of both worlds.

If you would like further information on how our Liber-t tag can help remove the hassle of paying toll charges in France contact Emovis Tag today on +44 (0)1423 299017. Alternatively, you can contact us here.