Driving to France - What to take?

E

Easty-5

Member
 Aberdeen
Hi All, My holiday is fast approaching and I'm heading over to the East side of France for a fortnight. Where? I have no idea. The folks booked it all. A couple of hours from Paris is all I know :lol: Anyway, I am taking the Z4MR so thought I best get my finger out and organise what I need to do/take other than luggage, which should be fun trying to fit in.

The car was serviced (oil), new brakes fitted all round and new rears tyres put on. All 2 weeks ago. So hopefully it will be mechanically sound. I will need to get European breakdown cover sorted out. Is there anything else I need to take, maybe oil etc?

We are booked onto the ferry from Folkstone to Calais. Will the M get onto the ferry okay without scraping?

Am I forgetting anything?
 
- Fluorescent Jacket for each occupent in the car
- Breathalyser kit (2)
- Insurance Cert.


That is all I take each time.
 
One is also req. to carry spare bulbs as well. But truthfully. I never have bothered carrying spare bulbs.
 
Space saver wheel, scissor jack and brace? Maybe a bit OTT, but least it will keep you moving.

GB sticker if your number plate doesnt have it.

Regarding the legal requirement for spare bulbs... What does it say if you have front xenons and led rears... Which are not replaceable... I took a spare bulb kit the only time i went (not in the Z) the bulbs wouldnt fit the car, but thought it would get me out of trouble if stopped!!


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
 
aquazi said:
Regarding the legal requirement for spare bulbs... What does it say if you have front xenons and led rears... Which are not replaceable... I took a spare bulb kit the only time i went (not in the Z) the bulbs wouldnt fit the car, but thought it would get me out of trouble if stopped!!


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Do exactly the same here - cheapest set of spare bulbs I could get.

I always check here for travelling on the continent:

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf
 
In 15 years driving in France ive been stopped twice , once for speeding & once for a random vehicle check leaving a motorway junction .
Neither occasion was i asked to show any of the supposed required item's ? bulbs,triangle etc , I do have them of course .
Aquazzi's tip of the jack is a good one , its surprising how remote you can find yourself at times although without a spare to put on you could have a long walk 8)
enjoy the trip & start a post with pics while you are away :thumbsup:
 
Ive been pulled several times in france for random checks :D
They never checked anything other than licence ..... and took a peek in the boot.

Only accessory I take is a credit card :D
 
From experience of going over to watch Le Mans they don't seem to care too much about the bulbs / GB stickers, but are more fussy about the high-vis jacket.

I must say I've never bothered with the GB sticker as it spoils the look of my car! But I always have one in the glove box just in case so I can go down the "oops I was just about to put it on..." route.
 
As well as original documents a memory stick (with secure access) with copies of all your documents, cards, passports etc on to. I carry one on all my trips, business and pleasure, and it has proved its worth several times when documents are required for whatever reason :thumbsup:
 
As well as original documents a memory stick (with secure access) with copies of all your documents, cards, passports etc on to. I carry one on all my trips, business and pleasure, and it has proved its worth several times when documents are required for whatever reason :thumbsup:
 
Never fitted gb badge because they simply look rubbish.

Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 
Spare bulbs are NOT required for France, nor most of Europe.

They are only recommended.
 
Easty-5 said:
Hi All, My holiday is fast approaching and I'm heading over to the East side of France for a fortnight. Where? I have no idea. The folks booked it all. A couple of hours from Paris is all I know :lol: Anyway, I am taking the Z4MR so thought I best get my finger out and organise what I need to do/take other than luggage, which should be fun trying to fit in.

The car was serviced (oil), new brakes fitted all round and new rears tyres put on. All 2 weeks ago. So hopefully it will be mechanically sound. I will need to get European breakdown cover sorted out. Is there anything else I need to take, maybe oil etc?

We are booked onto the ferry from Folkstone to Calais. Will the M get onto the ferry okay without scraping?

Am I forgetting anything?
Click to expand...

Not sure about the M, but my E85 gets on the ferry without any problems. Bit narrow on there, so mirrors in when parked, door dings are a worry on the ferry.

Tip - If it's a P&O boat, head for Langans (might just be the brasserie these days), for a waiter service brekkie/lunch. Relax with some good grub and drinks and before you know it, you'll be ready to get off.

In well excess of 20 french trips, I've never been stopped. Personally I don't bother with any of the requirements, just MOT/Logbook/Insurance papers. A spare litre of oil is worth sticking in the boot. The cars serviced, forget it now and enjoy.

Tolls, have a few euros to hand to pay these, they do take cards, but can be hit and miss with UK cards, cash is quicker and less hassle.

IMO France is a stunning country, with some great roads, if you can, get off the Autoroute and get on some of the minor roads, you'll see and experience a lot more.

Have fun!
 
I have the M front bumper and have recently used both the channel ferries and euro tunnel with no scrapping coming on or off
 
Easty-5 said:
Hi All, My holiday is fast approaching and I'm heading over to the East side of France for a fortnight. Where? I have no idea. The folks booked it all. A couple of hours from Paris is all I know :lol: Anyway, I am taking the Z4MR so thought I best get my finger out and organise what I need to do/take other than luggage, which should be fun trying to fit in.

The car was serviced (oil), new brakes fitted all round and new rears tyres put on. All 2 weeks ago. So hopefully it will be mechanically sound. I will need to get European breakdown cover sorted out. Is there anything else I need to take, maybe oil etc?

We are booked onto the ferry from Folkstone to Calais. Will the M get onto the ferry okay without scraping?

Am I forgetting anything?
Click to expand...
Plenty of euros for all the on the spot speeding fines :rofl:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom