Taking my 997 to France..........

[sidicks]

I'm attending a conference in Paris and have decided to take the C4S, rather than the Eurostar to enjoy some decent roads and stock up on some nice red wine on the way back (or as much as can fit in the boot!)

I need some informed advice as to what I need to do to make the lights 'legal' over there, as currently presumably they dip the wrong way. Is this an easy DIY job, or is this a complicated (and hence expensive) procedure that I will need to get my dealer to do for me?

Similarly I'm guessing I need to take some spare bulbs, but hopefully that part won't be too expensive!

My insurance Co said that they'd send me a cover note, which I'd need to take, but that a Green Card and GB sticker wasn't required anymore - is this true ?

Thanks in advance !

Sidicks

 

[snarf]

You do need GB sticker, unless this is included on the registration plate. The question re lights has been covered before:

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g19/Geoff997/scan.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g19/Geoff997/scan0007.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g19/Geoff997/scan0008.jpg

Also worth noting, it is forbidden to carry a radar detector in the car and although not relevant to your trip I read somewhere quite recently that in Belgium the use of cruise control is forbidden.

The AA web site has more information:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/AA_compulsory_equipment_feb2007.doc

 

[RSGulp]

For driving in France a GB sticker is compulsory unless you have the GB Euro symbol on your plates - which it looks like you do looking at your avatar.

A green card is no longer compulsory, although some insurers will still issue one. You need to make sure your insurance company knows you are going to France, and that you will be insured fully comprehensively. A lot of insurance policies only cover you 3rd party unless you inform the ins co before you go and pay an additional premium.

I believe a warning triangle, spare bulbs and first aid kit are 'recommended' but not compulsory - for Le Mans I always take them just to keep the Gendarmes happy. A lot of drivers also keep a High Visibility waistcoat in the boot in case they have to get out of the car on the autoroute.

There is an official list from the AA...

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/compulsory_equipment.html

DO NOT take your radar detector (not even unplugged and hidden in the glovebox). They are forbidden in France and if the police have the slightest hint you have one in the car, they will make you empty the contents of your car at the side of the road, then confiscate the detector and fine you heavily (on the spot fine). I've heard stories of the police making you drive over the detector with your wheel - but might just be an urban myth.

Also, look out for radar traps - especially nearer Calais. The french government has had a crackdown in recent years on speeders (esp British Registered cars). Look for dark blue Peugeots and Citroens tucked in between the autoroute and the onslip, and also on the onslip after service areas.

Best advice of all - have fun and make sure you get plenty of good wine!


Editted to say I was writing this as Snarf was writing his reply! []

 

[jr2015]

Hi,
The others are spot-on about insurance etc and particularly radar detecters,but my question is, have you ever driven in Paris? I find a car an absolute liability in Paris ,where to you plan to park it? many hotels run shuttle buses from the hotel to a multi-storey miles away, but advertise as having parking, giving the impression that it`s on the premises.The traffic is either very slow or stopped, and public transport is much quicker.I`d go by Eurostar every time, and you won`t find much cheap wine that`s worth drinking in Paris either.
regards,
jr.

 

[Guest]

hi

I spend a fair bit of time in Paris and drive there a lot too - but always in a rental car - driving my thus far unmarked 997 in the city would shred my nerves never mind the paintwork.

There are lots of underground car parks which offer similar levels of security to those in UK and are therefore less than 100% secure. Street parking even in the better neighbourhoods is a gamble as many park by the nudge technique.

My impression based on various trips around the country is that if there are signs saying there are speed cameras coming up then there are - usually fairly promptly - I don't know, however, if all cameras are pre-flagged.

I was in the city recently in my son's uk vw without any light convertors - in a tunnel I switched on the driving lights and was promptly pulled over on place de la bastille for a severe wigging from a fierce flic

with or without a car you'll have an interesting time
regards

 

[franksmith]

Hi,

Take a look at www.viamichelin.co.uk and use it to give you driving directions. The directions will show the locations of the fixed speed cameras on your route in France. I believe these locations are pretty well up to date, as there's a 'partnership' between the French police and Michelin to allow them to be shown on Michelin's maps. You'll still need to keep an eye out for the mobiles!

 

[Julio Geordio]

I'm driving to Epernay at Easter to stock up on some Champagne. Thanks for the tip on radar detectors, I'll be leaving the Road Angel at home then! With regards to lights, it is easy when you've done it before (interpreting the handbook diagrams first time involves a bit of guesswork), the car is parked on your drive and you have loads of time, but not so on the docks, especially if you plan to leave little fat in your timings. Personally, I'll be buying the stick-on transfers this time.

It is amazing how you swiftly you can eat miles on the continent, even without doing silly speeds. Just the ability to stay at a constant 90 mph or so for hours on end makes such a difference.

And don't forget your fold down rear seats, you'll get a few cases on there too!

 

[snarf]

ORIGINAL: Julio Geordio

. . . .I'll be buying the stick-on transfers this time. . . .

For some inexplicable reason the current version of the handbook does not contain the necessary diagrams, hence the links in my earlier post to extracts from an earlier version. The book does, however, state that stick-on lens converters and even the 3M type paint shield film must not be used on the headlights.

 

[garyw]

I've found changing the headlamps over to be quite easy, try removing them prior to your trip as the first time removal they do make a large bang both coming out and going back in.. Its only the clip locating but either way it sounds horrific and expensive [&:].
First time I struggled to find the flipover switch on the back of the headlamp, however once learned you don't forget.
Its certainly not that hard to do it that the stickers become worthwhile...
As far as the car going into Paris....[:'(] I wouldn't...
The rest of France however is a dream and pleasure (when keeping away from speed traps).
I'm returning to Champagne later in the year.. last time we came back via the A and national roads.. Its hard to believe that roads that good to drive are so close to us and yet we always take the Autoroute...[]
It took 5 hours but the route was fantastic.. and not a sole in sight

garyw

 

[YvesD]

ORIGINAL: sidicks


I'm attending a conference in Paris and have decided to take the C4S, rather than the Eurostar to enjoy some decent roads and stock up on some nice red wine on the way back (or as much as can fit in the boot!)

I need some informed advice as to what I need to do to make the lights 'legal' over there, as currently presumably they dip the wrong way. Is this an easy DIY job, or is this a complicated (and hence expensive) procedure that I will need to get my dealer to do for me?

Similarly I'm guessing I need to take some spare bulbs, but hopefully that part won't be too expensive!

My insurance Co said that they'd send me a cover note, which I'd need to take, but that a Green Card and GB sticker wasn't required anymore - is this true ?

Thanks in advance !

Sidicks

Dont do it Buddy,

The romance of the idea will be far outweighed by the aggro for sure.

Yves

 

[Dylan1]

i stayed at constant 90mph last summer near dijon and also 50 km south of calais-radar traps followed by the blue citroen got me both times 90 and 180 euros -first thing the flic said was -uk porsche-vast areas of france now covered by radar traps so do be careful-they do love porsches.....when we got to italy different story-doing 140mph nr lake trasimino the boys in blue waved as we sped past..!

 

[sidicks]

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has replied with their constructive comments - I really appreciate all the views expressed!

The Shuttle is booked, and so is the hotel, complete with underground parking with cameras and allegedly 24hour armed guards.................so the 911 should be OK.

Thanks for the warning about speed camera detectors - I did already know this, and don't plan to try and max out the Porsche on the way into Paris, but again thanks anyway!!

I have driven in Paris once before (in a 3 week old BMW M3!!), so I do have some knowledge about what I'll face - the Arc d'Triomphe was fun last time....I'm hoping that the hassle of getting to the hotel will be outweighed by the benefits on the way home!

Thanks again

Sidicks

 

[YvesD]

Sidicks,

Hope you enjoy your trip, perhaps a little write up of your experience for us in due course ?

Yves

 

[pwebb]

One small point - if you have a Tracker fitted, let them know your itinerary before you go!

Peter

 

[Bull996]

Not sure I agree with the "I wouldnt drive in Paris" thing. I went last year-first ever drive in France and it was fine. Tom Tom was amazing. I put in the Hilton (next to the Tower) and bugger me with a fish fork it took us straight there and even into the hotels underground car park!!!
Dead easy and no hassal.Ok they get a bit a bit close but stand your ground and its easy.

 

[David W.]

ORIGINAL: pwebb

One small point - if you have a Tracker fitted, let them know your itinerary before you go!

Peter

.....but as they never answer email corrispondence to them you will never know if they know!
DW

 

[sidicks]

ORIGINAL: pwebb

One small point - if you have a Tracker fitted, let them know your itinerary before you go!

Peter

I have Porsche VTS (Cobra) which to date has been 100% reliable. I will let them know in advance though !!

sidicks

 

[Julio Geordio]

First time I've logged on for a few days. Thanks for the tip, in which case I'll just adjust my headlights. I guess it should only take a few minutes since I've done it before. It does amaze me that they can't put a switch on the dashboard or even inside the boot though.

I might stick to 80mph too then.......and not take my Road Angel.........and inform Tracker......I have to say, it does serve a useful purpose this forum[]

 

[yan]

Have just returned from Paris myself - I found the traffic situation there very fluid with the help of the in-built TMC system which re-routed me 2-3 times around the traffic as I went South to North.

I used to change my lights over religously but if I don't expect to be driving in the dark, inc. 2-way tunnels, I tend to put it off unless the need arises.

Definitely recommend viaMichelin.com for a list of speed cameras - the cameras are easy to miss...

 

[Delbox]

Is it permissible to use a satnav - such as a Tom Tom or Snopper Indago - that has a fixed camera database enabled? These units do not have detectors that indicate the presence of mobile speed traps.

Del