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France is a nice country to drive in. It has an excellent network of motorways, all roads are in good condition and the country has many scenic areas where driving is truly a pleasure.
The motorway is called "autoroute" in French. Motorways are excellent, but most of them are paid. You will either pay when exiting the motorway, based on the ticket you have received at the entrance or you will pay at various toll points on the road. If speed is not so important, you may choose other roads. This will save you some money, since motorway tolls in France are pretty high, compared to other countries. At the same time, other roads will allow you to see the beauty of this country and to stop in towns that you like.
Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on other roads outside cities and 50 km/h in cities. A heavy rain reduces these speeds to 110 km/h, 100 km/h, 80 km/h and 50 km/h respectively. Heavy fog further reduces these limits to 50 km/h on all roads.
Fuel is expensive in France, but so it is in most of the nearby countries. If you want to buy cheaper fuel, don't use the stations on motorways. Fill your tank instead at supermarkets, where you can find the best value for money.
French drivers are generally skilled and polite. They drive in a predictive manner, so it will be easy for you to integrate in the traffic. They are not very tolerant with mistakes, so you may hear the horn if you cause any inconvenience for them. This politeness may diminish in large cities during rush hour, when everybody wants to get faster to their destination.
Pedestrians are usually respected and allowed to cross the street in the places marked accordingly. However, drivers will not allow pedestrians to cross the street in other places, you will see they don't bother to brake.
France has a mild climate in most of its areas, so you don't need to take additional precautions during winter. Things change dramatically if you pass through the mountains. They get a lot of snow, so it is compulsory to have snow chains. Police may not allow you to pass if your car is not well equipped for winter.
Driving in cities may not be so pleasant, since many of them are old and have narrow streets. It is better to leave your car in a parking and explore the city by public transport.
Alcohol tolerance is very low in France. There is an accepted limit of 0.50 g/l. As soon as you are above this limit you can get anything ranging from fines, driving license withdrawal, jail sentences and confiscation of your car.
Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers. Radar detectors are forbidden. Getting caught with one, even in your baggage, will result in a heavy fine.
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