If my car breaks down in france whom should i ring for the number of a local garage?

Question

I don't have european roadside recovery but i do speak fluent french

Answer 1

Even if you're not an AA member, or you are a member but don't have European cover, the AA will give you numbers to contact abroad.

Answer 2

It would be better to get european roadside cover but as you speak fluent french then you shouldnt have a problem. I would research the ave cost of work that may need to be done before going as they may try to rip you off

Answer 3

try vehiclerescuedirect. For what it costs, not worth going without. I've just paid £16 for a 5 day European trip.

Answer 4

Let me tell you my experience. Four years ago I drove a Ford Mondeo from London to France. My destination was Les Alpes but my car broke down near Champagne, not even a quarter of the journey. At the time I was like you, didn't want to pay for a European roadside recovery for such a short trip. To make the matter worse, I didn't even have a mobile phone. So me and my partner pushed the car on the roadside near the kerb, walked along the way to find a rescue phone kiosk ( they have that along the autoroutes ), then waited for the nearest garage and towing service to come for the rescue. While waiting , many autoroute patrolling gendarmeres drove by and stopped to offer help. But then we told them it's fine and help was on the way. Around 30 minutes later, the rescue team arrived, towed our car to the Ford dealer and dropped us to a car hire shop. They charged 130€ for the service.

Answer 5

If you break down on the Peage, the police mechanic has to attend and remove your vehicle - minimum cost €163. If it is a minor problem the garagiste will often repair free of charge. For all other roads you are free to ring any local garage, but be aware that if your car is not French made, they will probably not have anything in the way of spares and you will either have to wait or get your car removed to a dealership It is very expensive and you would be well advised to take out European break down cover. Virtually every French motorist has a 'break down' policy. Please also remember it is cumpulosry to carry a warning triangle, spare bulb kit, and a yellow refelctive waistcoat - the waistcoat must be in the passenger area of the car (not the boot) most French drivers just drape them over the back of the drivers sea - if the police can see it you are unlikely to be stopped. Also ther are a lot of new fixed and modile radars in France (all hidden) so speeding is risky.