Paris by Car: Parking, Crit’Air & Tolls – Local Driver Tips

Do you plan to drive to Paris by car: it is a tempting option, especially if you are living in one of the neighboring regions. Just load up your car and within 5 or 6 hours, find yourself standing beneath the Eiffel Tower.

And surprisingly, a car journey to Paris is often even quicker and more cost-effective than traveling to Paris by train or plane. Just think of the waiting time at the airport!

But as tempting it might be to travel to Paris by car, as a local Parisian driver with years of experience, I have to tell you the truth: Driving in Paris certainly comes with its challenges.

And it even comes with extra costs that you probably haven’t thought of yet. But don’t worry, I have you covered.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

In this article, I will shed light on everything that matters when you are driving to Paris with your car. And this includes:

• parking
• speed limits
• highway tolls
• anti pollution measurements
• paying fines (hopefully not necessary, though)

Especially if this is your first time navigating Paris by car, it’s likely to find yourself at least once in a tricky situation, where you’re not sure what to do.

Or worse: faced with a ‘prune’—a ticket, in French.

But that doesn’t have to be the case or worrying. In this article, I’ve compiled all the information you need to make driving in Paris a breeze.

#1 Crit’Air: Anti-pollution vehicle sticker

First things first: To drive your car in Paris, you’ll need an anti pollution sticker called Crit’Air.

Essentially, this sticker categorizes your car into one of the existing 6 categories, determining whether you’re allowed to enter a specific zone. Here, it’s important to note that not all of France falls under an environmental zone.

But more and more regions and cities are implementing this system to fight pollution.

Within the Paris zone, only vehicles categorized as Crit’Air 1, Crit’Air 2, and Crit’Air 3 are permitted. On days with particularly high air pollution, even owners of Crit’Air 3 vehicles might be required to leave their cars parked.

Remember: For Paris, your car needs to qualify at least for the Crit’Air 3 sticker.

Order the Crit’Air sticker: Easy!

There is only one way of getting your hands on the Crit’Air: order it here online. It’s a fairly simple procedure, that you have to take care of in advance.

The vignette costs €4.76 (2024), including postage, and it must be visibly stuck to the windshield. If caught without the sticker, you risk a fine of at least €68.

You might also be interested in these articles:

#2 Traffic Rules in Paris

Of course, you’re familiar with traffic rules, no doubt. Yet, Parisian traffic has a few peculiarities you need to be mindful of.

In the following chapter, I am telling you more about speed limits, the right of way in Paris and why you should not drive on the right lane of the Périphérique.

Speed Limits in Paris

Speed limits are an ongoing discussion and usually, when one new rule is in place, they are already discussing the next. Currently (2024), the following limitations are in place:

Speed limits in the city center

Since August 2021, the general speed limit in Paris is 30 km/h. There are a few larger roads, though, where 50 km/h is the limit.

This applies mainly to the Boulevards de Maréchaux, which runs as an inside ring road parallel to the Boulevard Périphérique. But also to the Champs-Élysées and the Voie Georges Pompidou, the road along the Seine.

But to be honest and in case of doubt, I mostly drive 30 km/h. It’s the safest way to avoid fines. And in most cases, you can’t go much faster anywhere due to high traffic.

Speed limits on the Périphérique

On the Boulevard Périphérique, the ring road encircling Paris, is a freeway of a total length of 35 km.

The speed limit on this is currently 70 km/h. However, from September 2024 it will be lowered to 50 km/h. I strongly advise adhering to this limit.

The Police conduct very frequent and thorough checks, and they don’t hesitate to send your fine to your address. Even if you’re from abroad in France.

Paris by Car: Right of Way

Of course, the simple right-of-way rule applies in Paris as well. In many other cities, streets are often signposted, and one can generally assume that the driver on the main road has priority.

However, it’s not the case in Paris, and it actually took me years to get used to it.

Most streets in Paris without traffic lights lack priority signs. This means, it’s ALWAYS right of way for the vehicle on the right, regardless of the size of the street you’re on.

Keep in mind that many streets in Paris are quite narrow and often not very visible. Therefore, always ensure you watch out and yield to traffic coming from the right.

#3 Boulevard Périphérique: The Ring Road

Feared by many who drive to Paris: the ‘périf.’ As you already know, this Parisian ring road is essentially a 35 km long freeway where the speed limit is 70 km/h. And where you mostly will experience traffic jams.

The ring provides connections to all highways leading to Paris. So, if you’re driving to Paris by car, you’ll inevitably encounter the Périphérique.

There are essentially 2 things you need to pay attention to:

1. Traffic merging onto the ring road ALWAYS has the right of way. So, if you’re on the far-right lane, you must yield to merging vehicles. Potentially braking or even stopping. If I don’t need to exit immediately, I usually move to the second lane immediately.
2. Motorcycles and scooters might overtake you from both the right and left sides, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, so don’t be startled.

Another thing to watch out for, but that is not super important, is that you drive onto the ring in the right direction.

Wait, how can that not be super essential, you ask? Because first, your navigation system in your car will show you the way, and 2nd because worst case, you drive a bit longer. It’s a circle, after all.

Anyway, what I mean is, that the Périphérique goes both east and west. But is mostly labelled as périphérique exterieur (outer ring, traffic goes clockwise) and péripherique intérieur (inner ring, traffic goes counterclockwise).

It’s important not to stress out. Parisian drivers can be quite aggressive, but they also tend to forget and forgive quickly. If someone gives you a rude gesture, they’ve typically forgotten all about you by the next traffic light.

#4 Parking in Paris

Must Read: My comprehensive Parking in Paris Guide here

If you’re driving to Paris, I strongly recommend that you arrange a safe parking spot in the city before your trip.

To make it short, your best option is to book a hotel with parking.

Simply, because street parking is utterly expensive and difficult to find. Plus, you are not allowed to park in one spot longer than 6h.

You can also book a spot in a parking with parclick, which is usually the same price as hotel parking.

Easiest Solution: Book a Hotel with Parking

A hotel with parking offers the undeniable advantage of driving directly to your hotel with the assurance that your car will be in safe hands for the duration of your stay.

Additionally, it simplifies the organizational of your trip, as you only need to focus on booking the hotel. However, be aware that parking is (almost) never free, and the price is primarily determined by one factor: location.

Below I assembled a list for you with a range of hotels across all budgets. They are well-located and, on purpose, not in the middle of the city center.

This way, you avoid navigating through Parisian traffic yet remain central enough to easily explore the city’s attractions without much commuting.

Budget Hotel in Paris with Parking:

Affordable Hotels in Paris with Parking

Mid-range Hotels in Paris with Parking

• Acacias Etoile – Located near the Metro and close to the Arc de Triomphe – Parking: €35/day
• Fred’Hotel – In the beautiful southern part of Paris, includes breakfast & parking for €20/day
• Novotel Porte d’Orleans – Close to the highway, tram, and Metro right in front. Parking: €20/day

Upscale & Luxury Hotels in Paris with Parking

• Brach Paris – Rooftop terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower, close to Metro – Parking: €50/day

Important: I strongly advise against exploring Paris in your car. It’s best to leave your car in the garage and explore Paris using the Metro.

Parisian city traffic takes so much time! You spend most of your vacation in traffic jams, looking for parking places, and then spending a fortune on parking. The Metro is much more practical.

If you prefer not to use the Metro, it’s still better to take an Uber or a taxi than driving yourself

Also interesting:

Leaving the car in the suburbs, a good idea?

Even though it might seem like the most convenient and cost-effective solution, I strongly, strongly advise against it. If your car remains unattended there for several days, you can be sure that it will be broken into.

I lived in a (fairly quiet and residential) suburb myself for many years and, due to cost reasons, didn’t have a garage. My car was broken into so often that eventually, I stopped locking it just to avoid further damage.

#5 Drive to Paris: Highway Tolls & Péage

The roads in Paris, the Périférique and also in the greater Paris region are mostly free.

However, since you’re likely coming from another country to Paris and therefore need to use the highway, you’ll inevitably encounter the péage (toll).

How does the péage work?

The péage is the toll you have to pay on on most highways in France. Essentially, you receive a ticket upon entering the highway, and when you exit at the toll booth, you pay for the distance you’ve traveled. However, there are also exceptions.

For some routes, you pay without a ticket, while for others, you pay multiple times because each section is maintained by a different toll operator.

For instance, if I drive from Belgium to Paris, I pay only once. However, if I drive from Paris to Normandy, I pay a smaller amount four times.

How do I pay tolls in France?

You can pay tolls on French highways using a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or cash. Certain debit cards are also accepted.

You’ll notice when you approach the péage, that you have a choice between different lanes. It’s important to initially steer towards a lane marked with a green arrow, as these are open.

If you want to pay by card, choose a booth marked with the CB (Carte Bleue) sign. If you prefer to pay in cash, use the lane that displays either coins or a person on the sign.

Tip: When approaching the booth, stay to the far left. Otherwise, you won’t reach the machine and will have to awkwardly open the door, which is not very convenient… it’s just all in all quite an uncomfortable situation.

#6 What to do if you receive a fine from Paris?

If you expect a fine from Paris, let me warn you in advance: It might be pricier than what you’re used to in your home country. They are not kidding.

Speeding violations within city limits start at around €135, and going 50 km/h over the limit can reach up to €1500. Running a “dark yellow or red light? That’ll cost you €135! You can find the exact fines on this website.

Will a ticket be sent to your home address?

Yes, it will. Since 2013, vehicle owners are identified across Europe, so expect that your ticket from France won’t be forgotten. But the good news is, any potential points won’t be deducted from your record in your country.

How can you pay a fine from France?

If you have to pay a fine, to do it quick as possible is the key. The sooner you pay your fine, the more discount you receive.

Sounds odd, but that’s how it works. For instance, if you get fined 135 euros for speeding in inner-city areas, you’ll only pay 90 euros if you pay within the first 15 days. However, if you wait more than 45 days, the bill skyrockets to a whopping 375 euros.

You can pay the fine via bank transfer or credit card, but all the details are outlined extensively on the penalty notice.

What happens if you don’t pay the fine?

Even if you think they can’t catch you, ignoring a traffic ticket, especially from France, isn’t the wisest move. With the European agreement, refusing to pay can lead serious consequence.

#7 Is it worth traveling to Paris by car?

It’s a question with no one-size-fits-all answer, it simply depends.

If you are traveling to Paris with kids, arriving by car can definitely be less stressful. Plus, it might be financially interesting, especially if you plan a last-minute trip and Eurostar, TGV, or ICE prices are at the max.

When hovering over the question if you should travel to Paris by car, remember that it’s not just the fuel that eats your budget. But also tolls and parking charges adding up.

If you’re traveling with just one companion, a trip to Paris by car can sometimes be expensive.

Once in Paris, your car becomes useless as the city is well-connected by the Metro, and the costs of using public transportation will be in any case cheaper than driving around in your car.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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FAQ: Traveling to Paris by Car

Do I need an environmental sticker for Paris?

Yes, the Paris City Area is an Environmental Zone, and You Need a Crit’Air Sticker to Drive In.

Can I Drive into the City Center of Paris by Car?

Yes, but bear in mind that certain areas are permanently or temporarily closed to cars, especially on weekends.

What are the Towing Costs in Paris?

If your car needs towing due to a breakdown, be prepared for costs of around €200. If you’re towed for parking violations, brace yourself for towing fees of €135, along with a fine.

Is it Possible to Sleep in a Car in Paris?

In Paris, it is permitted to sleep in your car for one night, provided that the car is not parked in the same spot for more than 24 hours.

Are There Hotels in Paris with Free Parking?

Not to my knowledge.