Travelling to France from New Zealand
Air New Zealand, an international and domestic airline group providing air passenger and cargo transport services within New Zealand, as well as to the world.
Travelling to France from the UK
If arriving in London an excellent option for getting to France is the Eurostar and then the TGV system for destinations outside Paris. Tickets can be purchased in New Zealand and there is an excellent website www.railplus.co.nz where your tickets can be purchased prior to your travel.
The Eurostar arrives the the Gare du Nord. The RER (Line D – direction Malsherbes or Melun) will take you to Gare de Lyon where you can take the TGV to Burgundy.
If arriving at GD Airport there is a TGV service to Dijon at certain times of the day. There is a greater frequency of TGV’s leaving Gare de Lyon for Dijon. You can get to the Gare de Lyon from GD airport by taking the RER (Line B – direction Robinson or Saint Remy Les Chevreule) to Gare du Nord and then change to the RER (Line D – direction Malsherbes or Melun) to take you to Gare de Lyon.
There is currently (2011) significant reconstruction going on at Gare de Lyon. Follow the signs carefully to the TGV departure area (signs ‘All Trains’ or “Grande Lignes”which is from the top level of the station.
If travelling by TGV back to Paris and then onto London via the Eurostar allow at least 90 minutes from the time you arrive at Gare de Lyon to check in at Gare du Nord for the Eurostar. Again take Line D (RER – direction Orry La Ville Coye or Porte de la Chapelle) to Paris Nord (this is the stop for Gare du Nord) and then take escalators up to the ground floor. Follow the Eurostar signs and you will then take an elevator to the Eurostar check in area on the first floor.
Road Travel in France
If arriving in Paris and/or leaving from Paris take the ring road from Paris and follow the signs for the A6/E15
Advice on driving outside in France can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.
Information on safety and potential traffic black spots is available on the French government website. This website is available in French and English.
To drive in France you must be 18 years of age and have a valid UK, NZ or International driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. Failure to comply may lead to a fine and/or your vehicle being impounded. You are not permitted to drive at 17 even if you hold a valid licence. If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
It is obligatory to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must be stored inside the vehicle itself. Non-compliance is a fineable offence. Driving regulations in France are different from those in the UK. Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines and potentially immediate confiscation of your vehicle and licence.