I got scared just reading this. I’ll take the bus.
Fraussie
November 29th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Didn’t you read Buses in Paris? I don’t reckon they’re all that safe!!
Maple Leaf
December 1st, 2011 at 9:30 am
I’ve always been very intimidated by Place de l’Etoile so when I finally worked up the courage to drive around it in peak traffic for the first time, I was very proud that I came out alive and with the car in one piece!
I also remember the first time I saw someone using the bumping technique to get into a spot that was half the size of their car. I ran home to tell my husband all about it as if it were the most shocking news ever, but he wasn’t fazed of course!
I actually had to get a French driver’s license because I let the year go by in which you can simply exchange your Canadian license for a French one. It was a costly mistake but in way I’m pleased to say that I managed to pass two driving tests (actually three because there are two test phases in Ontairo) and I passed each the first time!
Fraussie
December 1st, 2011 at 11:21 am
Yes, you should be proud. They rarely give people their driver’s licence first time here. I just traded mine in which I thought was terrible considering that we drive on the left in Australia! Now I drive on an international licence when I go back on holidays.
Fraussie
December 5th, 2011 at 10:27 am
Visitors can now drive in Paris! The Autolib’ Bluecars are now working. Full instructions on https://www.autolib.eu/
[…] I practically turned round in circles in the 16th arrondissement the other day trying to understand where I was supposed to be going and yesterday, when I was going to the sales at Usine Center in the north of Paris, I overshot the turnoff completely. Relationnel tells me I should be watching the screen as well. But I have to confess it doesn’t really help! Maybe it’s just a question of practice. I certainly hope so because once we start going down to Blois more often I’ll be driving to a lot more in places I don’t know, not like in Paris where I can usually navigate pretty well, even around Place de l’Etoile. […]
Must be an Australian thing, I always make visitors ride in the car around Etoile. And when I’m finished getting them around the first time, I take them again for a second spin of fun.
The most important rule about driving in Paris applies from the old saying; ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join them’. 🙂
Fraussie
May 17th, 2012 at 2:44 am
I absolutely agree! I’ll have to try the second spin.
I got scared just reading this. I’ll take the bus.
Didn’t you read Buses in Paris? I don’t reckon they’re all that safe!!
I’ve always been very intimidated by Place de l’Etoile so when I finally worked up the courage to drive around it in peak traffic for the first time, I was very proud that I came out alive and with the car in one piece!
I also remember the first time I saw someone using the bumping technique to get into a spot that was half the size of their car. I ran home to tell my husband all about it as if it were the most shocking news ever, but he wasn’t fazed of course!
I actually had to get a French driver’s license because I let the year go by in which you can simply exchange your Canadian license for a French one. It was a costly mistake but in way I’m pleased to say that I managed to pass two driving tests (actually three because there are two test phases in Ontairo) and I passed each the first time!
Yes, you should be proud. They rarely give people their driver’s licence first time here. I just traded mine in which I thought was terrible considering that we drive on the left in Australia! Now I drive on an international licence when I go back on holidays.
Visitors can now drive in Paris! The Autolib’ Bluecars are now working. Full instructions on https://www.autolib.eu/
[…] I practically turned round in circles in the 16th arrondissement the other day trying to understand where I was supposed to be going and yesterday, when I was going to the sales at Usine Center in the north of Paris, I overshot the turnoff completely. Relationnel tells me I should be watching the screen as well. But I have to confess it doesn’t really help! Maybe it’s just a question of practice. I certainly hope so because once we start going down to Blois more often I’ll be driving to a lot more in places I don’t know, not like in Paris where I can usually navigate pretty well, even around Place de l’Etoile. […]
[…] we managed to put it on the roof and drive away without getting a fine (we happened to to be in an Auto’lib parking […]
Must be an Australian thing, I always make visitors ride in the car around Etoile. And when I’m finished getting them around the first time, I take them again for a second spin of fun.
The most important rule about driving in Paris applies from the old saying; ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join them’. 🙂
I absolutely agree! I’ll have to try the second spin.