France / Europe Checklist

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

3. LED replacement is not obligated. I think it's expensive and not handy carrying a full headlight or taillight unit around

4. In France it's not allowed but it on my car(s -Camper and Golf GTE) they just don't show up.
- A good tip: Use waze - the local people always tag the fixed camera's as mobile ones so you are still aware where they are.

6. We use Bip and Go. It works in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. There are multiple formulas so you can choose. I have the one where you pay per "used month" otherwise you pay nothing except when you don't use it for a year. The fact that you can keep driving is a great convenience (30kph - 20mph), you lose less time and better for feul economy.

5. If you are not going to go in the big city centers it's not worth it. Just be watchfull for scammer website's. They're around. (PS: If you ever come to Belgium, we don't have stickers, it's all done online )

10. Local Police in France are what you call "normal" Gendarmerie can be a bit stricter
The same in Italy Polizia Locale are the normal ones and Carabinieri are tougher (military style) - you don't mess with these guys unless you are a child... then they are very cool and sweet

11. Get some real baguette's and pain au chocolat from a small bakery in a small town when you get the chance.

1. 100% not needed on T6.1 with LEDs
2. You need to go into settings & change from MPH to KM, this will then change the whole digital dashboard to KMH with revised dials etc
3. just get a set of Halfords replacement bulbs - not T6.1 specific, just with a selection of the smaller bulbs, don't worry about the headlamps.
4. What camera warnings? there are none in the built in systems
5. I would get the Crite air sticker, its a few quid & lasts the life of your van.
9. To show you haven't just knicked the van.
11. If you use the ACC it may take a mile or two in France before it switches to letting you overtake on the Left.

5 = yes

Cheap and easy to get, your plans may change unexpectedly

Just had a fun trip to France where I forgot to take my wallet …. Doing everything on Apple Pay.

Thankfully the toll tag allows autoroute access

mikeelawson said:

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

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Have never needed any of these things and have been going to France all my life.

General advice: take notice of the speed limit(s). It changes regularly and especially at spots where they are doing road works, you'll get camera's making your trip expensive ;-)

mikeelawson said:

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

Click to expand...

7. VW Assistance only lasts for 3 yrs from registration. It is not extended if you have the extended warranty. You should have a VW Assistance card that lasts 3yrs. Renew for £160 for 2 yrs.

5. Easy enough to get the sticker, and quite cheap on the official site. Temporary emission zones may include highways in some regions and this will only get worse in future.
6. Toll tag can be very comfortable and saves time if there are any queues. Get one that includes Italy and where you only pay for used months. I have Bip and Go and can recommend.
10. I've once been stopped many years ago, travelling in a border region. Police were friendly and just the normal check of driver's licence and vehicle registration. Certainly no check of all the officially required inventory like breathalysers (at that time).

Most systems that have integrated camera warnings won't work in countries that prohibit them. That said, I found a great app that has an amazingly accurate database (updated regularly) of both mobile and fixed cameras all over Europe, UK, etc. Radarbot Pro. Don't leave home without it running if I'm off to a location where I am unsure of where they might be. You can also have it run in the background and CarPlay will still send the alert tones to warn you stealthly.

Just had it confirmed that I do not need breakdown certificate. Also read that you are not allowed to travel with batteries in bike on bike rack and in Italy have to have a warming triangle thing. Many thanks for the above info. Mike

mikeelawson said:

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

Click to expand...

By log book do you mean v5 maybe only if you are over 50. If v5 it is to prove who ones the van and if stopped by police they will want to see it.

However if you mean the handbook - the big folder with van codes and how to use the van you need that too as the codes are needed if you brake down it was the first thing I was asked by the garage when I have.

mikeelawson said:

Just had it confirmed that I do not need breakdown certificate. Also read that you are not allowed to travel with batteries in bike on bike rack and in Italy have to have a warming triangle thing. Many thanks for the above info. Mike

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What happens if your battery is not removable? Mine is technically removable, but it is recommended that it is only done by a mechanic.

Barbara said:

By log book do you mean v5 maybe only if you are over 50.

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I don't know if its just you, but every one I know refers to the V5c as the logbook still.

Even the DVLA call the V5C the log book,

Just an example from their web site.
Get a duplicate log book

You need to get a log book (V5C) if the original has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed by you or your insurance company.

You can get a duplicate log book online if you do not need to change anything in the log book. The log book will be posted to the address which the DVLA has on record.

mikeelawson said:

Just had it confirmed that I do not need breakdown certificate. Also read that you are not allowed to travel with batteries in bike on bike rack and in Italy have to have a warming triangle thing. Many thanks for the above info. Mike

Click to expand...

For the bike rack be sure to get te correct one... Note: They sell "turnable" versions witch you can use for both countries:

jonr71 said:

What happens if your battery is not removable? Mine is technically removable, but it is recommended that it is only done by a mechanic.

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This is because if someone goes in the back and crushes the battery could catch on fire. Check it is lithium and then speak to bike dealer I think

mikeelawson said:

This is because if someone goes in the back and crushes the battery could catch on fire. Check it is lithium and then speak to bike dealer I think

Click to expand...

mikeelawson said:

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

Click to expand...

Il de Rey is a really lovely place ,if you get chance stay at camping whales for a night at the north of the island near the lighthouse , one of the best sites we have stayed on in France

$l@k! said:

For the bike rack be sure to get te correct one... Note: They sell "turnable" versions witch you can use for both countries:

View attachment 96201

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Lol, this can't be serious. A different one for each country, same colours but stripes in a different direction? Funny. The things they make up.

Never used one and never had a problem in any country.

mikeelawson said:

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

Click to expand...

Mike, we’ve just returned from three weeks in France, Italy and Switzerland. I’ve addressed the questions I’m able to answer below.
1, We have a T6.1 with LED lights and presented no problem to oncoming traffic at night without fitting light deflectors.
2, Mileage does not automatically switch to KM. If you go into the vehicle menu, then settings, then units, you can switch from miles to KM.
3, We purchased a cheap Halfords non LED light bulb kit along with a fluorescent jacket for each occupant and travelled with that.
4, Tom Tom speed camera warnings were disabled automatically in Switzerland.
6, We used a Starling card for toll payment. Worked well in France. However Italian tolls were intermittent and we had to collect the not payment reference number on the receipt and pay on line within 15 days, for two Italian tolls.
9, we were asked to provide passports, license and V5 (logbook) by Italian customs officers on exiting the Mont Blanc tunnel. They were extremely polite and friendly.

Good checklist, don't forget french law says you need yellow hi vis jackets, one for every person traveling in the van, and they need to be in a place where you can access them without leaving the vehicle, so not tucked away in the depths of the boot.
Have a fab trip.

Another thread and checklist to compare with

Post in thread 'Travelling to France This Summer'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/travelling-to-france-this-summer.44326/post-590096

mikeelawson said:

I know that this has been covered beforehand however there seems to be some gaps in experience knowledge. Would be grateful for collective thoughts on preparation for France trip:

I have a VW California Ocean T6.1 registered in March 2021and we are off to Ice De Re in September:

1. Light deflectors, there seems to mixed opinion whether these are required on T6.1 with LED lights. Does not seem to be a menu option?
2. Does the mileage automatically switch over to Kilometres, we have the multi media screen upgrade?
3. Spare bulbs, can anyone point me to link for purchase? I thought LED replacement could only be installed by dealers?
4. Not sure if you can do it, but seems to suggest that you have to switch off camera warnings?
5. Low emission zones sticker. We are not going anywhere near Paris etc, however is it worth getting one to be on safe side?
6. Tag for tolls. Is it worth getting one, recommendation? or just wing it with card or Apple pay? We are off to Italy (for a month) the following year does this impact choice?
7. It advises that you need proof of breakdown cover. I have extended warranty with VW, where dod I get proof of European breakdown, from dealer?
8. We are taking electric bikes, I have read that you need to register these like the Bike register scheme in UK. Has anyone got insurance on Bikes just for European trip? Anyone had experience of theft in France?
9. Not sure the reason behind taking logbook?
10. Anyones experience of being stopped by police?
11. Any other general advice?

I am sure that there are individual answers to all of the above (been trawling for several hours now), however would very much appreciate collective response on the above.

Much appreciated

Mike

Click to expand...

1. LED lights are completely flat, no kick up at the curb, so no change needed.
2. No, but v easy via the menu.
3. I still use a pack from an old Merc, should anyone require to see (never happened yet)
4. I doubt you’ll find this an issue. We run Waze in the background to Google maps.
5. Crit’Air sticker is about £4. Applies to urban areas - some fixed some not, like if you pass through Rouen currently. No time limit.
6. If you have a co driver, and travelling at non peak French holidays, not required. Otherwise, a tag could save some stress and (lots of) queuing. We’ve just got one (from Emovis) based on recommendations due to a trip to France soon, and one planned for spring 2023. Links via DD to the bank account (uk company). For Italy, so far, we’ve never had a problem at toll gates.
7. Not aware of this need. As your van is registered 2021 you’ll be covered by VW Assistance, so show this - should be in your handbook folder.
8. No experience.
9. To prove you own the vehicle.
10. Once. Stopped after going through a red light (in error!). Ticking off, officer was appalled at my bad French, no documents required.
11. Carry hi-viz vests, one per occupant. Take your certificate of insurance (No need for green cards now apparently). Personal travel insurance. Be aware of limitations of VW Assistance if you have this as your breakdown / recovery cover.