If you drive in France, you’re going to be a frequent user of France’s petrol stations (‘stations–service’ or ‘stations essence’).Here’s what you need to know about finding the cheapest fuel and filling up your car (‘faire le plein’) in France.
Finding a Petrol Station in France
Stations-service can be found in just about every town across the country, as well as at aires (service stations) along France’s autoroutes (motorways). Most large supermarkets and hypermarchés have fuel stations, and it is always worth shopping around for the cheapest prices. The government website ‘prix-carburants‘ can help you find your closest petrol station, as well as compare prices.Simply click on your department in the drop down list and a list of fuel stations will come up, giving their location and price.
Filling Up Your Car in France
Most petrol stations operate both self-pay lanes, where you can pay by credit or debit card (you will need to enter your card and PIN number beforefilling up and remove your card before the pump is activated), and attendant-operated lanes, where you will fill up your car first, then drive up to the payment booth to pay the attendant.
At some petrol stations (particularly those along motorways and routes nationales), you may be required to go inside and pay prior to filling up your car, or fill up first then pay inside afterwards (the instructions will be marked on the pump!).
The majority of petrol stations will offer between three and five different options, and the labelling system typically follows Euro standards (although some still follow the old French system so it can be confusing!). ‘Diesel’ fuel will be orange or yellow (and clearly marked ‘Diesel’) with B7 or B10 indicating the amount of biofuel it contains or XTL indicating synthetic diesel. Unleaded fuel is green and marked E5 or E10 indicating the amount of biofuel it contains, or E85 (Superethanol).
Finding Electric Car Charging Stations in France
There are more than 30,000 charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles around France, with more springing up all the time. Most EV charging points are located around cities or large towns – most large supermarkets and aires will have at least a few charging points, while in rural areas, it’s worth checking ahead to find out where the nearest charging stations are.Chargemap, Plug Share and Iziviaare useful apps to find charging points and purchase the prepaid cards you will need to make payments.
Driving in France
Whether you own a car in France, travel to France in your UK or EU-registered car, or hire a rental car – FrenchEntrée has all the need-to-know info about driving in France. Our Essential Reading articleswill take you through buying, registering, and insuring your car, as well as offering tips and advice on driving and car ownership in France.
FAQs
In France, you pump and then you pay; you do not have to pay first. When you finish pumping, all you have to do is go inside and tell the attendant your pump number and he/she will understand. Supermarkets in France sell gas and diesel, and are much cheaper than at gas stations.
How do I pay at French petrol station? ›
If you use a manned booth, fill up as required and then drive up to the booth where you can pay through the little window in cash, card or cheque (French). Lots of fuel pumps have a 24/24 sign – this indicates that you can buy fuel at any time of the day or night – if you have a chip and pin card.
What is unleaded petrol called in France? ›
You want sans plomb (without lead). Usually the nozzles are green, and are marked SP95 and SP98. SP is Sans Plomb, and the figures are octane or something similar.
How much is unleaded petrol in France? ›
Price of petrol in France VS UK : comparison
| Fuel | France | UK |
|---|
| Unleaded 95 | 1.948 € | 1.75 € |
| Diesel | 1.865 € | 1.77 € |
| LPG | 0.994 € | 0.98 € |
Aug 18, 2023
Yes, in most cases. You used to pumping your gas and then paying the attendant in the booth on the way out. If it's closed and there is no attendant you need a credit card that works at the pumps, which you may not have. In France most big gas stations are closed on Sundays, except on the autoroutes.
Do French petrol stations have toilets? ›
All have toilets and most have picnic tables and children's pay areas.
How do you pay for petrol? ›
Many offer a 'pay at pump' service, but to use this you will need to have put your credit or debit card into the chip and pin machine at the pump and had it authorised, before you lift the nozzle and put the (correct) fuel in.
How long do French petrol stations hold money? ›
It turns out they “block” 120 euros every time and it can take 7 days for them to refund the difference. So I am now stuffed for money till the rest is put back on my card. I appreciate Monzo have no control over this, but surely there's a way around it? It doesn't happen obviously in UK petrol stations.
How do you pay for a car in France? ›
Paying for your car will typically done by credit or debit card, unless you're buying an older car from a private seller (in which case cash may be ok). After the initial transaction for your deposit, you'll likely pay month to month.
What is gas called in France? ›
Gaz ou Essence for Gasoline.
Thanks to the new EU regulations on fuel labelling, it's now easier than ever to know exactly what fuel to use when you're driving abroad – you simply pick the same one as you would at home, whether diesel or petrol. For those driving in France, E10 is the most common unleaded petrol available.
How much is unleaded 95 in France? ›
Average fuel prices, all regions
| Fuel | Average price €/litre | Number of Stations |
|---|
| SP95 | 1.950 | 3439 |
| E10 | 1.920 | 7282 |
| SP98 | 2.001 | 7807 |
| E85 | 0.898 | 3567 |
2 more rowsWhat is the average salary in France? According to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE ), the average salary in France in 2022 was 2,340 euros net per month, or 39,300 euros gross per year.
Is petrol cheaper in Italy or France? ›
Both fuels were the cheapest overall in Andorra, at £1.23 for unleaded and £1.10 for diesel. The more expensive destinations include France, at £1.62 for unleaded and £1.47 for diesel, and Italy, where unleaded costs £1.62 and diesel £1.49 per litre.
Is fuel cheaper in France or England? ›
Historically, prices have been very similar in both countries. Between mid-2020 and mid-2021, petrol and diesel were cheaper in the UK, but since the start of 2023 it's now more expensive to fill up in France.
Do you pump your own gas in Europe? ›
At some stations, you pump the gas first and then pay the cashier (your pump may be "frozen" until the previous customer pays up). At others, you pay at a central kiosk and then select your pump number. Some places offer full service. Other stations are like the ones in the US, where you pay at the pump.
Can you drive petrol cars in France? ›
Yes. There is a national law, based on the classifications of vehicles shown in the table below. Low emission zone stickers are mandatory for French vehicles and cost 3.72€. For vehicles registered in France, the French LEZ stickers can be bought here.
Is petrol cheaper in France? ›
Fuel costs in France are higher than the European average, largely due to tax. Indeed, the cost of the fuel itself only comprises 39% of the price paid at the pump, with an added 11.5% going to distribution costs. The rest of the money goes into the state's coffers.
