Useful tips for traveling through Paris.

The brave driver who ventures into Paris by car is in for a challenge. Driving slowly, finding no parking spots, and dealing with traffic jams are all part of the experience. You never know how long it will take, but you do know you’ll arrive stressed and exhausted. What a torment. However, there are alternatives, and with a few tips, you can still drive through Paris and even find a parking spot!

Prefer the “périphérique”, the ring road, before entering Paris.

Driving to Paris is no fun. If you’re coming from the surrounding areas or the suburbs of Paris, take the périphérique, the ring road around Paris. You can drive 35 kilometers without traffic lights, making it easier to drive than in Paris itself. Moreover, light boards along the entire route provide real-time traffic information. Watch out for drivers merging from the right and the many speed cameras. Remember that the maximum allowed speed is 70 km/h. There are 30 exits, called “porte”, and you choose the most suitable exit for your destination to leave the ring road and enter the capital.

Avoid rush hours.

You should avoid rush hours as much as possible. It’s so busy that you only waste time. V-Traffic.com, a site specializing in real-time traffic information, conducted a study over 4 years and concluded that Tuesday morning and Friday evening are the worst times to drive around Paris. You better believe it.

Check traffic information in advance.

Try to get real-time traffic information for your routes. Tune the radio to frequency 107.7. This station informs you about the road conditions in your area, as well as accidents, incidents, roadworks, or demonstrations. With GPS and smartphones with internet access, you can also stay updated on traffic and the duration of your journey.

Parking in Paris is possible

As incredible as it sounds, there is always a solution for parking in Paris. Opt for underground parking garages as soon as you see one. For a rate of €5 per hour, you can park safely. Check in advance where an underground parking garage is near your destination. You can also park on the street, but those spots are hard to find. If you manage to find one, don’t forget to locate a parking meter and place your ticket visibly on the dashboard. The price for parking is also €4 per hour, and you pay with a card that you buy at a “tabac”, a small shop selling magazines and cigarettes. Parking is free in the evening from 8 pm to 9 am the next day and all day on Sunday.

Visiting Paris by scooter

A much more convenient alternative is the scooter, which is increasingly used in Paris. It is safe, fast, and manageable, making it much easier to get around the capital. It is easier to park as it takes up less space, saving a lot of time. Moreover, there are many parking spaces for two-wheelers.