Visiting France

[Wudus]

I am planning a few days holiday in France. I have a Type 2 3 phase cable and I assume finding and using EV chargers won’t be much different from UK but paying for a charge seems to be a minefield. I would like to just pay with a normal credit card or maybe my Octopus Electric Universe Card but it seems I may need to buy membership cards such as Ivizia, Chargemap, etc in advance. I don’t mind paying fees to sign up for such cards if necessary but I don’t want to pay for 4 different cards that I may not need. I would be grateful for any advice and recommendations from people who a familiar with the systems in France.

 

[siteguru]

There are a few members here who live in France - hopefully they'll see this thread.

 

[Ian Key]

If you use the Electroverse app you can apply filters to only show chargers that use the Electroverse app or are contactless.

 

[VAG]

You could try Shell recharge the card is free. I would avoid Chargemap, as it is always more expensive than others. Paying by credit card is only available on Fastned stations, so not very useful for all around coverage.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

Hi , all depends on your travel plans, you could use "a better route planner" app and put in your expected itinerary . It will show you the chargers available from which you can choose what cards/apps you will need. RAC have useful webpage for European travel.
Bring cream crackers!

 

[Wudus]

Ha! I didn't know there is a cream cracker famine in France. So much cheese and no crackers!

 

[EWD]

I have a Chargepoint Card as well. I find it's often cheaper on Total Chargers.

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

Don't forget to get your Crit'Air sticker

Crit'Air clean air stickers - need to know for driving in France | RAC Drive

With the law change in France we explain what the 'Crit'Air' clean air stickers are, where they're used, how to get one and what happens if you don't

www.rac.co.uk

 

[Wudus]

I’ve ordered a Crit Air sticker and I have also discovered that I need UK stickers on my car reg plates for visiting France. I don’t mind because I think they look good, just a shame that they don’t quite cover the green stripe completely.

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

I’ve ordered a Crit Air sticker and I have also discovered that I need UK stickers on my car reg plates for visiting France. I don’t mind because I think they look good, just a shame that they don’t quite cover the green stripe completely.

Don't forget you'll also need a bunch of stuff like high-vis vests for everyone in the car, breathalysers, spare bulbs & fuses, a first-aid kit, etc, etc. Basically, all this:-

Comprehensive Driving in France Travel Kit

Our Comprehensive Driving in France travel kit contains the essentials for driving in France. One high viz jacket is required for each occupant of the vehicle. If you are also driving in Spain or some other European countries you will need Two warning triangles.

www.euromotoring.uk

 

[tsedge]

Don't forget you'll also need a bunch of stuff like high-vis vests for everyone in the car, breathalysers, spare bulbs & fuses, a first-aid kit, etc, etc. Basically, all this:-

Comprehensive Driving in France Travel Kit

Our Comprehensive Driving in France travel kit contains the essentials for driving in France. One high viz jacket is required for each occupant of the vehicle. If you are also driving in Spain or some other European countries you will need Two warning triangles.

www.euromotoring.uk

Soon you'll need another car to carry all the kit!

What's the thinking with the breathalysers? That you'll stop yourself drink driving if you have them?

 

[MG4 64kw SE]

I am planning a few days holiday in France. I have a Type 2 3 phase cable and I assume finding and using EV chargers won’t be much different from UK but paying for a charge seems to be a minefield. I would like to just pay with a normal credit card or maybe my Octopus Electric Universe Card but it seems I may need to buy membership cards such as Ivizia, Chargemap, etc in advance. I don’t mind paying fees to sign up for such cards if necessary but I don’t want to pay for 4 different cards that I may not need. I would be grateful for any advice and recommendations from people who a familiar with the systems in France.

We just had the Electroverse (octopus) card and app for our recent France trip. Only used fast chargers but worth taking the type 2 just in case. The electroverse app displays all the chargers it is compatible with. Worked for us on the IONITY, Engie and becharge chargers we used. Nice to get an itemised bill on the octopus app as well, brings it all together.

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

Soon you'll need another car to carry all the kit!

It does come with its own holdall!

What's the thinking with the breathalysers? That you'll stop yourself drink driving if you have them?

I think it's legally required because the Gendarmes always forget to bring theirs.
It's also useful to have extras. If you're stopped and asked to use one, you instantly fall foul of the law that says you have to have two in the car.

 

[EWD]

Don't forget you'll also need a bunch of stuff like high-vis vests for everyone in the car, breathalysers, spare bulbs & fuses, a first-aid kit, etc, etc. Basically, all this:-

Comprehensive Driving in France Travel Kit

Our Comprehensive Driving in France travel kit contains the essentials for driving in France. One high viz jacket is required for each occupant of the vehicle. If you are also driving in Spain or some other European countries you will need Two warning triangles.

www.euromotoring.uk

I'm pretty sure breathalysers haven't been mandatory in France for some time. The law got shelved.

 

[Wudus]

I thought the requirement to carry breathalysers had been dropped by the French authorities

 

[Ian Key]

I thought the requirement to carry breathalysers had been dropped by the French authorities

I think the law still stands but the French being the French shelved the fine

 

[tsedge]

Perhaps you can still use it to breathalyse the Gendarmes?

 

[OriginalBigAl]

Good luck with that! Hello clinky.

 

[tony powell]

I live in France and mainly use the appropriate app. Very rarely use the RFID card. Top tip use LIDL as they only cost 25c a kWh and pay by scanning the QR code. Also Freshmile is pretty good. Or charge at hotels for free.

 

[HarryTheGreyhound]

I am planning a few days holiday in France. I have a Type 2 3 phase cable and I assume finding and using EV chargers won’t be much different from UK but paying for a charge seems to be a minefield. I would like to just pay with a normal credit card or maybe my Octopus Electric Universe Card but it seems I may need to buy membership cards such as Ivizia, Chargemap, etc in advance. I don’t mind paying fees to sign up for such cards if necessary but I don’t want to pay for 4 different cards that I may not need. I would be grateful for any advice and recommendations from people who a familiar with the systems in France.

I went around Brittany and Pays de Loire last year. Almost everywhere took Electric Juice card, with a surprising number being free. Also used an Ionity on the way back to Caen as it was early and convenient, but you should be with with your Octopus card.

Only thing I would say is to take a cable with you as lots of places are untethered.