Does sat nav work in France

[wondabar]

We have a 22 year old Garmin Sat nav from Halfords. Will it work in France? I read something that says if it detects speed cameras it wont work but I can't understand how it would stop the sat nav working

It depends whether you have European mapping .

Not much point if it is not updated with current euro maps.

The sat nav on your phone does if this helps.

There are two seperate issues here:

1. Does the sat nav have French/European maps? As it’s an older model they may be out of date, which could mean junctions are different, newer roads are missing or the road has changed over the years running parallel to its previous position You may be able to update the mapping, and you may need to select the country to activate relevant maps

This refers to using US Garmins in Europe but may help:
https://www.touristbee.com/2017/06/change-countries-on-garmin-nuvi

2). Speed camera detection.
In France it’s an offence to have equipment capable of detecting speed cameras in the vehicle - either the very old types of radar detector / jammer, or the more standard current type of location alert that highlights fixed or mobile camera locations
In the UK it is generally considered fair to warn about camera locations on the basis of making drivers slow down, but in France it’s an offence.

https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe/speed-camera-detector-france

You could configure a Garmin SatNav to work in France, but if it has speed camera warnings you could be inviting a fine

We just use Google maps on a phone (get a holder for it). You can use your data in the same way as in the uk.

Like PP I use Google maps for navigation - I haven't used sat nav for years. I didn't realise it was still a thing, I thought everyone used Google or apple maps.

Just to add - according to Google, the camera detection doesn't work it you are connected via a French data or WiFi network. So you're good to go.

YY to having a proper holder for it. We like the magnetic ones which are interchangeable between our different phones.

Generically, yes sat nav works. Google maps etc certainly functions OK.

If OTOH you are using an in car unit not linked to Google you'll need to have the up to date maps installed.

As @tommika has pointed out anything othr than signage that allows speed camera detection or advance warnings of cameras is illegal. If you are unlucky enough to get pulled over for a random check it's something the Gendarmes may look for and the penalties are pretty severe.

If it's very old it might not be up to date. I use Waze all over Europe, it's free and it's so good!!!

Silly me - I meant 2 year Sat nav. But we have a Kia Niro 2019 with inbuilt navigation. Surely that will work?

No reason why built in should not work, you just need to make sure the mapping database is up to date - if not treat with caution...

Just use Google maps

If you download the map you need in Google maps you can use it offline so it doesn't use data.