Driving on the Peripherique

[5Foot5]

Hi

We have been going to France for the last 20 years and, in general, have found driving there to be absolutely fine. Even the motorways seem easier than ours.

However, we have never before had to tackle the Peripherique around Paris. This year thought I don't think we can avoid it. At least not without adding a great deal on to the journey and, seeing as we have a long way to go, we are not keen to do that.

DH keeps saying he is sure it will be fine, he has driven on the M25, can't be any worse - blah, blah blah. Nevertheless I must confess to being slightly apprehensive about that part of the journey.

Does anyone have any tips / advice about this?

The Peripherique's really not that bad. It's no worse than many stretches of the North Circular. The Arc de Triomphe is much, much crazier.

Use Streetview on Google Maps to get an idea of what your exit (and the ones preceeding it) look like and what signage to look out for. And do watch out for motorbikes and scooters when changing lane.

If you go off an exit early by mistake, don't do what my taxi driver did a few years back - he reversed back on again!

I second the comment about looking out for the "Portes" - they don't seem to bother with exit numbers.

I remember when I was about 10 during a v hot summer before air con in cars...my Dad driving round it 2 and 3/4 times because he kept missing the turn. It was grim.

since then I have done it quite a few times including solo with a baby, with DH while throwing up with food poisoning (not good), and with 2 small boys. Worst was with my "helpful" Dad.

Check the signs for "bouchons" ie jams. Periph is not that long, so it would be worth going the long way round to avoid a jam.

Sat nav is great, as is the advice to keep out of the outside lane. Also just ignore as best you can, the other idiots on the road!

Use this site. It shows you the road signs you have to follow which makes it quite easy.

It is nothing like the M25 at all. It is more like the North circular at its most manic.

It's not that bad but you do need to have your wits about you.

Go there in the rush hour when it's almost at a standstill. Much less hair raising IMO!

Hi
An alternative to the peripherique is to take the A104/N104 which takes you south east of Paris. You then join up with the A10 south west of Paris. We have taken this route many times and found it much more reliable than the peripherique.

The driving on the peripherique isnt bad but it can get completely log jammed for no good reason.

I hope you have a good holiday.