Motorway Tolls in France - How Does the French Toll Work?

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There are no vignettes or road taxes to pay in France for residents or visitors. Instead, the French motorway network is maintained and improved by using toll roads via an electronic toll, Le télépéage. These are paid at toll gates or by using the French toll tag. Also referred to as the Liber-t electronic toll tag, it allows you to avoid a potentially long wait at the toll stations.

Nearly all of the series of motorways in France are toll roads, typically marked with a blue and white sign featuring a bridge and two-lane road with the phrase ‘Péage Also called turnpikes or tollways, these are controlled-access roads which means you're required to pay to gain entrance to the rest of the roadway.

To find out all you need to know about toll roads in France to ensure a more stress-free driving experience in the country, read on.

Understanding Tolls in France

The revenue from the tolls collected on the roads throughout France is used to help build and maintain its motorway system. Toll motorway concession companies make up 50 percent of the budget for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the country's national road network, according to a case study by The Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF). The remainder of road financing is through the national budget and regional budget grants.

As mentioned, no road taxes are paid, instead, tolls are charged on French motorways. The first toll freeway in France that opened was a section of the A8 on the Côte-d'Azur. Tolls were levied here from July 9, 1961.

Unlike many countries, French toll roads aren't managed by the government. The French government regulates the toll road network through the Ministry of Transport which monitors private companies that are allowed to benefit from its roads. The Ministry of Transport ensures they're operating as per concession contracts, including the toll rates which must be in line with predetermined formulas.

Overview of Toll Roads in France

France has the largest network of toll roads in Europe. Of the 7,383 miles (11,882 km) of roadways in its motorway system, they make up over three-quarters of the total. There are no tolls charged on country roads - the route nationale.

The A routes are similar to interstate highways. All incur tolls and are typically in perfect condition, with frequent service stations and rest stops included. Although not particularly scenic, they generally provide the fastest route.

Major routes among the network of toll roads in France include:

  • Paris direction A6/Lyon
  • Route du Soleil (A6/A7).
  • Paris-Bordeaux (A10).
  • Paris - west (A14)
  • Lille (Lille) - Nantes (A1/A2-A11)
  • Lille - Paris - Bordeaux (A1/A2-A10)
  • Lille - Paris - Brive-la-Gaillarde (A1-A10-A71-A20)
  • Lille - Paris - Clermont-Ferrand (A1-A10-A71)
  • Lille - Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Pézenas - Le Perthus near Spanish border (A1-A10-A71-A75-A9)
  • Lille - Reims - Lyon - Albertville (A1-A26-A31-A39)
  • Lille - Paris - Lyon - Nice (A1/A2-A6-A7-A8)
  • Lille - Paris - Lyon - Le Perthus near the Spanish border (A1/A2-A6-A7-A9)
  • Lille - Reims - Lyon - Le Perthus at the Spanish border (A1-A26-A5-A6-A7-A9)
  • Luxembourg - Albertville (A31-A39-A40-A41)
  • Luxembourg - Nice (A31-A6-A7-A8)
  • Luxembourg - Le Perthus at the Spanish border (A31-A6-A7-A9)
  • Mulhouse - Le Perthus at the Spanish border (A36-A6-A7-A9)

Tunnels subjected to tolls

France has more than 60 tunnels that are over .62 miles (1,000 meters) in length from the architectural marvel that is the Mont Blanc Tunnel to the ground-breaking Channel Tunnel. Seven of these tunnels incur tolls:

Tunnel du Mont Blanc

Connects France with Italy through the Alps, from Chamonix to Courmayeur.

Tariffs for the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Vehicle category One-way trip Return ticket

1 Vehicle with two or more axles with a height from the front axle less than 1.3 meters and a total height of less than or equal to 2 meters €54,10 €67,50

2 Vehicle with two or more axles with a total height greater than 2 meters and less than or equal to 3 meters €71,60 €90
3 Vehicle with two axles with total height greater than 3 meters €196,50 €305,70
4 Vehicle with three or more axles with total height greater than 3 meters €394,80 €620,10
5 Motorcycle, motorcycle with side-car, motorcycle with trailer €35,80 €45
D Exceptional transport "A" (refrigerator, vehicle towing another vehicle) €409,80 -
E Exceptional transport "B" (that requires occupation of the whole carriageway) €1087,90 -

Tunnel du Fréjus

Connects France with Italy through the Alps, from Modane to Bardonecchia.

Vehicle category One-way trip Return ticket

1 Vehicle or vehicle combination whose height at the front axle is less than 1.30 meters and the overall height is less than or equal to 2 meters €54,10 €67,50

2 Vehicle or vehicle combination whose height at the front axle exceeds 1.30 meters or whose overall height exceeds 2 meters and is less than or equal to 3 meters €71,60 €90
3 Vehicle with two axles with a total height of more than 3 meters Starting at €196,50 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle Starting at €305,70 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle
4 Vehicle with three or more axles and an overall height of more than 3 meters Starting at €394,80 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle Starting at €620,10 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle
5 Motorcycle, motorcycle with sidecar, motorcycle with trailer €35,80 €45
B Vehicle with a width between 2.81 meters and 3.50 meters, slow-moving vehicle, towed vehicle €548,00 PL Euro 5-6 -
C Vehicle with a width between 3.51 meters and 6 meters or a length exceeding 25 meters €1 087,90 PL Euro 5-6 -
F ADR class 1 goods, classification 1.3 C and 1.3 G (quantity - 5 T) and ADR class 2 (Aut. of 22/06/2010) €734,40 PL Euro 5-6 -
Escorte ADR Mandatory escort for ADR shipments €159,00 -

Tunnel Maurice Lemaire (Tunnel de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines)

Connects Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges through the Vosges Mountains.

Vehicle category One-way trip
1 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight including trailers (folding, luggage, folding trailers), height up to 2m €6,70
2 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight with a height between 2 and 3 meters (e.g., campervans), as well as combinations with a towing vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes GTW and a height between 2 and 3 meters €10,50
3 2-axle motor vehicles with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes or with a height of 3 meters and above €18,70
4 Motor vehicles with 3 or more axles, with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes, or with a height of 3 meters and above. Combinations with a towing vehicle over 3.5 tonnes GTW or a height of 3 meters and above €31,40
5 Motorbike and Side-car Trike €4,00

Tunnel Prado-Carénage

Connects the Marseille city center to the A50 and A55 freeways. Located in the city of Marseille, this tunnel connects the city's southern district and eastern motorway to the city centre and northern districts. It is recognisable by its standard price for all vehicle classes - €3.20.

Vehicle category One-way trip
All toll categories All vehicle classes €3,20

Tunnel Prado Sud

An extension of the city's tunnel network in Marseille.

Vehicle category One-way trip
All toll categories All vehicle classes €2,70

Tunnel de Puymorens

Connects the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales with Andorra and Spain.

Vehicle category One-way trip
1 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight including trailers (folding, luggage, folding trailers), height up to 2m €7,70
2 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight with a height between 2 and 3 meters (e.g., campervans), as well as combinations with a towing vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes GTW and a height between 2 and 3 meters €15,90
3 2-axle motor vehicles with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes or with a height of 3 meters and above €26-
4 Motor vehicles with 3 or more axles, with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes, or with a height of 3 meters and above. Combinations with a towing vehicle over 3.5 tonnes GTW or a height of 3 meters and above €42,90
5 Motorbike and Side-car Trike €4,60

Tunnel Duplex A86

Connects Rueil-Malmaison to Vélizy in the western part of Paris. (This tunnel is not accessible to motorbikes, vans and cars taller than 2m).

Vehicle category One-way trip
All toll categories Between €1,60 and €14,50 (Depending on section, day of the week and time of day)

Link to the full tariff list: public-content.vinci-autoroutes.com

Bridge tolls

There are also tolls for some bridges and viaducts in France, including:

Pont de Normandie

Connects Le Havre to Honfleur across the Seine estuary.

Vehicle category One-way trip
1 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight including trailers (folding, luggage, folding trailers), height up to 2m €5,90
2 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight with a height between 2 and 3 meters (e.g., campervans), as well as combinations with a towing vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes GTW and a height between 2 and 3 meters €6,80
3 2-axle motor vehicles with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes or with a height of 3 meters and above €7,40
4 Motor vehicles with 3 or more axles, with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes, or with a height of 3 meters and above. Combinations with a towing vehicle over 3.5 tonnes GTW or a height of 3 meters and above €14,70
5 Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists Free

Pont de Tancarville

Connects Tancarville to Marais-Vernier across the Seine.

Vehicle category One-way trip
1 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight including trailers (folding, luggage, folding trailers), height up to 2m €2,80
2 Motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible total weight with a height between 2 and 3 meters (e.g., campervans), as well as combinations with a towing vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes GTW and a height between 2 and 3 meters €3,50
3 2-axle motor vehicles with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes or with a height of 3 meters and above €4,20
4 Motor vehicles with 3 or more axles, with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tonnes, or with a height of 3 meters and above. Combinations with a towing vehicle over 3.5 tonnes GTW or a height of 3 meters and above €7,20
5 Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists Free

Pont de l'île de Ré

Connects the mainland at La Rochelle to the island of Île de Ré.

Vehicle category High season (20 June - 11 September) Low season ( 12 September - 19 June).

1&2 Light vehicle with a GVW ≤ 3.5 tonnes and an overall height ≤ 2m. Light vehicle towing a trailer (total height ≤ 2m and GVW ≤ 3.5t). €16- €8-

3 Vehicle with or without trailer with overall height > 2m and < 3m and GVW≤ 3.5t €18- €18-
4 Vehicle with 2 axles of the HGV or coach type whose overall height is ≥ 3m or whose GVW > 3.5t €40- €40-
5 Motorised two-wheelers > 50 cm3: motorbikes, sidecars, quad bikes, etc. €3- €3-

Viaduct de Millau

Spans over the River Tarn and the Millau Valley in the south of France

Vehicle category High season (15 June - 15 September) Low season (16 September - 14 June).

1 Vehicle with an overall height of less than or equal to 2 metres, with a maximum permissible weight of less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes. A combination of vehicles with an overall height of less than or equal to 2 metres and a towing vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes. €10,90 €13,30

2 Vehicle with an overall height of more than 2 metres and less than 3 metres, with a maximum permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes or less. A combination of vehicles with an overall height of more than 2 metres and less than 3 metres, with a towing vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes or less. €16,30 €20,00
3 2-axle vehicle with: either a total height of 3 metres or more, or a maximum permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes or more. €36,30 €36,30
4 Vehicle with more than 2 axles and a height of 3 metres or more or a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. A combination of vehicles with a total height greater than or equal to 3 metres. Rolling combination with a towing vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. €46,00 €46,00
5 Trikes with a power output >15 Kw and an unladen weight exceeding 550 kg are authorised (article R421-2 of the Highway Code). €6,50 €6,50

How Do Tolls Work In France

The toll roads in France are not managed by the government, but rather by private companies such as Sanef, Vinci Autoroutes, AREA, and Uli. The Ministry of Transport monitors these companies to ensure that their rates are in line with predetermined formulas and that they're operating as per the concession contracts.

We'll take a deeper dive into this in the following paragraphs.

Sanef

Sanef operates approximately 1,282 miles (2,063 km) of the motorway network in France, primarily in Normandy, the Grand-Est, and Hauts-de-France regions. It includes:

  • A1
  • A2
  • A4
  • A16
  • A26
  • A29

AREA

The AREA network of French motorways includes:

  • A41 Chambéry-Sud - Grenoble
  • A41/A410 Chambéry-Nord - Annecy - Autoroute Blanche
  • A43/A430 Lyon - Chambéry - Albertville
  • A432 Saint-Laurent-de-Mure - A43
  • A48 Coiranne - Saint-Égrève
  • A480 Saint-Égrève - Claix
  • A49 Voreppe - Valence
  • A51 Claix - Col du Fau

Vinci Autoroutes

Vinci Autoroutes covers 2,734 miles (4,400 km) of highways in France which is half of the French highway network, best viewed on the French toll roads map below:

Detailed Guide to Toll Rates in France

The toll rates for driving on French roads vary depending on the type of vehicle such as motorcycle, passenger car, and truck. The distance driven and even the type of road are two of the other factors. For example, the high-speed, well-maintained Autoroutes (the main toll roads), often have higher tolls than tunnels and bridges. The season and time of day can make a difference too. Some toll roads incur higher rates during peak travel times or tourist seasons to help manage maintenance needs and traffic flow.

Here's what you can expect by vehicle category:

Vehicle category Description Typical Toll Fee Implication
Category 1 Cars and motorcycles Lowest toll fees
Category 2 Vehicles over 2m (6.5 ft) and under 3m (9.8 ft) such as small trucks and vans Slightly higher fees
Categories 3 & 4 Large vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses Highest fees

To give you an idea of the toll rates in France, below are the rates for some of the country's most popular routes when driving a standard passenger car:

  • Calais to Paris/Roissy CDG: €24.7
  • Amiens to Paris/Roissy CDG: €11.9€
  • Pont St Maxent to Paris/Roissy CDG: €3.8
  • Horden to Paris/Roissy CDG: €16

Navigating Toll Gates in France

Before driving on French toll roads you'll want to learn how to successfully navigate the toll gates. It's important to select the correct lane, so be alert for the signs that indicate where you need to be. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, cash, and telepeage. There are different lanes based on those payment methods that are marked as follows:

  • Green arrow: open to all payment methods
  • Blue rectangle: credit or debit cards only
  • Orange 'T': Telepeage only for vehicles with toll charging sensors (slow to 30 km/h but do not stop)
  • Red cross: closed

These tips will also help ensure successful navigation of the toll gates:

  1. Have your payment ready before you reach the toll gate if you are paying by card or cash. Telepeage users will want to make sure their transponder is visible and installed correctly.
  2. If you have any issues when making payment such as a card being declined, there is a help button for assistance.
  3. When interacting with personnel in toll booths, remember to be patient and courteous. If there is a language barrier, communicate in the most simple words possible.
  4. Always keep your receipt

Use the toll tag

Toll tags are a convenient payment method for French tolls. Everything is paid via a card that's attached to the tag. The device is fitted to your vehicle, eliminating the need to stop and physically pay at toll stations. Instead, you can drive through the designated lane, making for a faster journey.

The toll tag is attached to your windshield. As you approach the toll gates you can opt for both the green arrow and Orange T lanes. Slow down to 30 km/h. When you are near the bar it will open automatically. The toll tag is by far the most convenient method to pay the French tolls.

The Free Flow Tolling System

Free-flow motorways are roads without toll barriers so you can travel without stopping. Instead, there are smart sensors along the motorway that can detect a vehicle and identify it through the license plate number or electronic toll badge. The sensors can precisely determine the position of the vehicle and the direction of traffic. If you don't have an electronic toll badge, you can visit the website of the route you drove within 72 hours of your journey to pay for the toll. You can also stop at specific rest stops to pay the toll.

Free-flow technology is new in France with the first appearing on the A4 motorway at the Boulay toll plaza. The A79 motorway that crosses the Allier department between Sazaret and Digoin has been added, and before the end of 2024, the entire Paris-Normandy route will become the first free-flow motorway in the country.

There are multiple advantages to free-flow tolling:

  • Fewer delays
  • Better traffic flow with a lower risk of traffic jams
  • Better for the environment with fewer CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption without having to stop at barriers
  • Less stress with no need to fumble for change when approaching toll stations

There are also some challenges with free-flow tolling:

  • Without the presence of toll booths, there is no physical way to prevent drivers who have no intention of paying tolls from accessing the road; however, high-definition cameras may be used to identify violators
  • Foreign visitors without electronic toll tags must be very alert to understand that they must pay later, which can result in significant fines if unpaid within 72 hours
  • Those who don't have an electronic toll tag may face issues with the online site, requiring a call to customer service. There is an option to pay in person but it's much less convenient than paying at a toll station on the road.

French Low Emission Zones

A Crit'Air certificate is a sticker that's placed on the windshield of a vehicle, providing a visible way to identify the level of emissions that it's producing. They are issued by the French government in various colors that indicate the different emission levels. For example, the green sticker indicates a 100 percent hydrogen or electric vehicle, while the dark blue sticker is for Euro 2 diesel vehicles, the group that pollutes the most.

The French Crit’ Air stickers are used to help reduce air pollution and can be used to restrict access in certain areas, allowing authorities to react quickly when pollution levels are high. That means you'll need to check to see if there are any restrictions that might apply to you before traveling.

All vehicles are affected whether they're driven by residents, tourists, or those passing through; however, the Crit'Air stickers are only compulsory in certain zones. That includes Paris within the perimeter of the A86 motorway from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on public holidays.

FAQ & Answers

Can I pay French motorway tolls with a credit card?
Yes, most toll gates in France accept major credit cards as a payment method. Look for the credit card symbol on the toll gate signs.
Yes, some toll road operators offer discounts or subscription plans for frequent travelers, such as commuters or those who travel long distances regularly.
If you enter a toll lane designated for toll tags (Télépéage) without a toll tag, you may be able to pay the toll at the end of your journey using cash or a credit card at a manned booth or automated machine.
No, motorcycles usually have lower toll rates compared to cars. However, the exact rate can vary depending on the specific toll road.
Some European toll tags are interoperable with the French toll system. Check with your toll tag provider to see if your tag is compatible with French motorways.
If you don’t have sufficient funds to pay the toll, you may be issued a payment slip (called "Avis de Paiement") to settle the amount later. It is important to pay this promptly to avoid fines.
While most major motorways in France are toll roads, there are some regional and local roads that do not charge tolls. However, these routes may be longer and less direct.
Toll amounts can be estimated using online toll calculators provided by toll road operators or through navigation apps that include toll cost estimates in their route planning.
Generally, there are no tolls for entering or exiting cities. However, certain urban expressways and ring roads may have tolls, especially in larger cities like Paris.
Refunds for overpayments or issues at toll gates can be requested by contacting the toll road operator’s customer service. Keep your receipt as proof of payment to facilitate the process.

Tolls in Neighbouring Countries

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