Driving in France

I will just pass on a few tips about driving in France.

1. If you pass a sign indicating a fixed Speed Camera ahead, there will be one, albeit in about a kilometre. Take note of the speed limit and slow down.

2. You will sometimes see a gendarme with or without a speed gun, standing prominently at the side of the road or at a roundabout. Whatever the speed limit slow down.

3. Increasingly there are mobile speed monitoring units which you won't see, specifically in villages and built-up areas. You won't know if you have been 'done' until the letter drops through your letterbox giving you details of where to send the fine. You can contest the charge on the following grounds :-
a) your car was stolen
b) your car was destroyed before the date the offence was committed
c) you were not the driver ( WHO was then?!)
d) someone is using your number plates

As none of these applied, I have sent off my 135 euros (about £100 - gulp!), and I now drive like a real old fart. So, like me, obey the speed limits and ensure you slow down to 50kph going through any and all villages, no matter how sleepy they look.