Ten years old used to be the limit for standard cover. However I do believe that cover is available for older cars too, albeit more expensive. The AA or RAC etc will be able to tell you this and also what you need in the car to comply with French law.

Driving is a doddle in France. Decent road and away from large urban areas, traffic free. You can get a Sanef electronic toll device, available through their website. very good. We have them for France, Spain and Portugal. Similar to the Dartford Charge system.

Good luck and enjoy the holiday.

Cheers Concrete

Juat a few reminders:-

HiViz jackets - good - but remember they must be accessible inside the car before you get out, if not and you get controlled you will cop a fine.

The breathalyser thing is such an old bad joke in France - you are supposed to have one but you can't get fined if you don't - it's a long story look it up!

Headlamp deflectors are a good idea too.

And don't forget, the French love paperwork - yours - so make sure to carry it all, driving licence, insurance cert, mot cert, and the original of the V5.

If the car isn't registered in your name carry wtitten permission to use it.

Know the speed limit and stick to it rigidly - the french police and gendarmes are very vigilant on main popular tourist routes.

Speed camera warnings on sat navs are supposed to be disabled, and radar detectors are not legal in france.

And in case you didn't know, there are no speed limit signs entering french towns, the town name sign with the red border is the speed limit sign - 50 kph = 30 mph roughly unless otherwise signed.

Have a safe journey!

Absolutely essential, I would say, to have breakdown cover - especially with wife and kids with you.

I had an unfortunate experience last year in France, reported here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=119513

Might be worth a read.

It was all unecessary, as it turned out and could have been quickly fixed at roadside but Pierre the Pirate had other ideas.

Your best bet may be to extend your AA cover, but if you're a member of a union or a professional organisation etc. worth checking to see if they have deals. I would ensure that cover included repatriation of you and car if necessary.

Have a good trip.

Thanks again EVERYONE for your advise, apart from the odd grumpy b***** on the forum this is still a fantstic place for advise and good all round people.

I didn't say a word....:>)

Remember though, that if you need recovering off the Autoroute, you will have to pay, get a receipt and then the AA will reimburse you.