Travel to Aix en Provence

Motorways (autoroutes) bear the prefix 'A', national roads (routes nationales) 'N' and minor roads (routes départementales) are classed as 'D' roads. Traffic drives on the right and drivers must give way to the right, unless the route is marked with 'passage protégé' signs (a broad arrow, a yellow diamond or an 'X' on a triangular background) or if the driver is at a roundabout indicating 'Vous n'avez pas la priorité'. Tolls (péages) are enforced.

Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas unless otherwise indicated. The minimum driving age is 18 years.

You must carry a national driving licence (plus an international licence if you come from outside the EU), the car's registration and insurance documents, a high-visibility vest and a red warning triangle at all times. Adjust all headlamp beams for right-side driving, by use of beam deflectors or by tilting the headlamp bulb-holder. The French police fine motorists on the spot for driving offences.

EU nationals taking their own cars to France are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card, without which insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover in France. The Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the car owner's domestic policy.

VINCI Autoroutes (tel: 3605, in France; www.vinci-autoroutes.com) is responsible for the southern France motorway network and provides information on traffic conditions. Traffic conditions are broadcast on Radio VINCI 107.7FM. 

Automobile Club d'Aix-en-Provence et du Pays d'Aix (tel: +33 4 4223 3373; www.autoclubaix.com) can provide further information on driving in Provence.