Can anyone give me tips for first time driving in France?

I'm from the uk ..have a home in south of france ...so I drive through france at least 4 times a year ..and hire a car another 6-8 times a year ..its dead easy to drive there but when driving through cities like paris you must stay cool ..no right turn at traffic lights allowed ..give way to traffic on roundabouts that are on your left ...motorway speed limits are 130km ..81 mph in the dry ..110 68mph in the wet and most tunnels ...wear seat belts ..don't use a mobile ..make sure the car you hire has hi vis jackets ...and breathalysers ...they are compulsory even if some of your answers say you don't need them ...YOU DO ..

You don't say where you come from, whether you will be driving your own vehicle, and what sort of vehicle that will be.

Assuming you come from the US and will be driving a rental car, here are the things to watch:

1) Unless you explicitly requested it, your rental car is a manual. Hopefully you can deal with that ...

2) Passing a car on the RIGHT is illegal (it is illegal all over the EU). Hogging the middle or left lane is illegal and dangerous. You are expected to drive in the rightmost possible lane.

3) Right turns on right are illegal (all over the EU).

4) In France, pretty much all highways/motorways are toll.This is true also in Italy and Spain. Most credit cards are accepted. But if you are unsure, best is to go for a manned toll booth.

5) Gas is much more expensive than the US. That price you see is in € per LITER (not $ per GALLON)! But the cars typically consume much less than your typical american car and you typically get much better mileage (especially with a diesel car).

6) Your rental car has actually a good chance of running on diesel. Make sure to check that before refilling ...

7) Speed limits are strictly enforced: when it says 110km/h, that is exactly what it means, and speed cameras will catch you. Your friendly car rental company will obligingly pay the fines on your behalf using your credit card and slap a fee on top (for each fine).

8) Watch where you park your car. There are generally very few free spaces on the street in the cities. Falling to pay means a fine (but you will not get any document for that: parking is now more and more automatically enforced). Again, your rental car will kindly and automatically pay the fine on your behalf from your credit card, for a modest fee. Also, in Paris, your car may be quickly impounded. Best is to use garages: they will be cheaper than parking on the street.

9) Parking garages are unmanned: you will not see any attendant. Take a ticket on entrance, pay using the automatic payment machines BEFORE taking your car.

10) Using a phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Even with a head set (wired or wireless). The only allowed use is via the integrated bluetooth system in your car (if your car come with one).

11) As one answer pointed out: you need to understand how to use roundabouts: you will find many of them. The right of way is for the cars ON the roundabout (and exiting the roundabout). Cars entering must give way. On busy roundabouts, you need to be assertive and force your way in. Don't worry: drivers behind you will remind you (by honking, blinking their lights or waving their arms) that it is time to be brave and go!

One IMPORTANT exception to that rule is the Place de l'Etoile in Paris (the big circle around the Arc the Triomphe). This works on opposite rules: cars that ENTER the circle have the right of way. Cars ON the circle must let them pass. The cars that enter the circle know that and will just barge in without looking much. If you master that circle, then you have definitely qualified for driving french roads!

Two tips- France uses roundabouts for intersections, with signs. You enter the roundabout and move to the left lane, then move to the right when you come to the exit you want. You'll see signs for various destinations and then "Autres Directions" (other directions). If your next town is not on one of the posts, take the "other directions" road. It really helps to have a map to see which towns are between you and your destination and map out your route. GPS helps, but it's not always easy to tell which road off the roundabout it wants you to take.

First thing is to check with any French driver to learn all of the things you legally must have in your car at all times and you do not want to get caught without them. Start with two protection jackets and a breath analyzer.

Carry a map, guide and rule book with a GPS System.

You really want to visit France ? Oh boy.

It's just like driving in the US though there are less highways. I drove in Germany, Austria, and Ireland (though in Ireland they drive on the wrong side of the road). Take it easy and read up on their traffic signs and regulations.

Master the "hill start" - using the emergency brake on hills while feathering the clutch and using the accelerator so the car doesn't move backwards too much.

Stay on the right and make sure you have the full car kit (breathalysers and stuff)

be sure to have a GPS