Sunday fuel

[Nixy]

I've heard that everywhere is shut on Sunday's in France which would make buying fuel for the bike a bit of a problem.
Am I going to struggle getting fuel or is it just the smaller towns/villages that shut?

 

[Lebowski]

You'll be fine on a motorway, but even in the larger towns and some cities you will struggle to find something open.

However, in an emergency, you can usually find a friendly local who will pay with their French credit/debit card in return for the equivalent in cash.

Our credit/debit cards won't work in their forecourt machines yet.

 

[Rolfy Dave]

Just got back yesterday, and ditto what lebowski says...

Some Esso garages are open on Sundays as well, and even the little garage in our village of cocumont (population 67 & 3 dogs, no pub) was open for about 3 hours on Sunday morning.

Have a safe trip.

Besty wishes,

Rolfy
:beer:

 

[Red Mick]

You'll be fine on a motorway, but even in the larger towns and some cities you will struggle to find something open.

However, in an emergency, you can usually find a friendly local who will pay with their French credit/debit card in return for the equivalent in cash.

Our credit/debit cards won't work in their forecourt machines yet.

Don't believe what VISA et al will tell you, although they're accepted in shops, the automatic pumps won't accept them.
I've always been lucky with finding a local driver to help, even in the smallest of villages, there's always someone to assist. I always try to offer a tip as thanks, but that's always been refused with appreciation for the offer.

 

[Lebowski]

I read somewhere that they are trying to update the pumps to accept our cards but it's going to be a long process... probably be a bit hit and miss at first too.

Be nice when you can use them on the motorway tolls too.

Daft really as most cash points will now take your debit card....

:dunno:

 

[AndyXXV]

I'm off to France tomorrow and I'm now wondering whether I need to take some more Euros in cash for petrol! Am I right in thinking that this is only an issue on Sundays and credit/debit cards are OK at other times.
Also, is it cash only at the tolls? and are there bike lanes or can you go through any?

 

[Lebowski]

I'm off to France tomorrow and I'm now wondering whether I need to take some more Euros in cash for petrol! Am I right in thinking that this is only an issue on Sundays and credit/debit cards are OK at other times.
Also, is it cash only at the tolls? and are there bike lanes or can you go through any?

You should only have problems on Sundays and after about 8pm in more rural areas. I'm not sure about debit cards as I've only ever used my credit card to fill up which, in anything other than the back of beyond, has always been ok.

As far as I know, you can't pay by card at the tolls, unless you want to pay the car price.....

No bike only lanes either, only time I've heard of anything like that was for the old Bol D'or when bikes were free on the Route d'Soleil.

They're reasonably civilised over there, except FUK that is....

 

[dufus]

I think it's been covered, motorways and toll roads all ok, every where else..don't bet on it

 

[matty-on-the-back]

Hmmmm, syfun it out of a milk float :yo: but aye, if you had a red bird the fuel lasts longer

 

[Aidey]

In most French towns and hypermarkets fuel stations are open on Sunday mornings, but it would be wise to fill up Saturday. Motorway service stations have to be open 24 hours, but like here you do pay a premium. It would be a good idea to keep some Euros back for that emergency fill up if some French person is willing to use their card for you. And yes it does happen, despite the tales of legendary French indifference and rudeness, most are more than willing to help out, perhaps its based on their "good Samaritan" law.

 

[Aidey]

They're reasonably civilised over there, except FUK that is....

Ive heard that Fuk is very civilised when he's over here as he believes strongly in the "mission civlilatrice", that is to bring French enlightenment to all the heathen countries of the rest of the world!

 

[uncle shrek]

Hmmmm, syfun it out of a milk float :yo: but aye, if you had a red bird the fuel lasts longer

Is that 'cos they're slower?