Car Travel

Travelling by car is one of the most flexible and enjoyable ways to reach and explore the Mayenne. Whether you bring your own vehicle from the UK, Ireland, or mainland Europe, or hire one on arrival in France, driving gives you the freedom to explore charming villages, rolling countryside, and historic sites at your own pace.

Routes from the UK & Ireland

Via Ferry – Crossings from Portsmouth, Poole, Plymouth, Dover, Rosslare, or Dublin bring you into northern France (Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Calais, Dunkirk). From there:

Caen / St Malo – around 2–2.5 hrs to the Mayenne.

Cherbourg / Le Havre – approx. 3 hrs.

Calais / Dunkirk – around 5–6 hrs, following the A28/A13/A84 or a scenic inland route.

Via Eurotunnel (Folkestone – Calais) – A swift 35-minute crossing under the Channel with your car, followed by a 5½–6 hr drive to the Mayenne.

Routes from Mainland Europe

From Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, main autoroutes link easily via Rouen or Le Mans.

From Spain and Portugal, drive north via Bordeaux, Angoulême, and Tours, then onto Le Mans before entering the Mayenne.

Autoroutes vs. Route Nationales

Autoroutes (Motorways, A-roads)

Fastest option for covering long distances.

Tolls apply on most sections.

Services and rest stops are frequent and well equipped.

Route Nationales (N-roads)

Free to use and often more scenic.

Slower, as they pass through towns and villages.

Perfect if you prefer a relaxed journey with opportunities to stop and explore.

Most travellers mix both options: autoroutes for speed, route nationales for a more leisurely pace.

The New “Flux Libre” (Free Flow) Autoroutes

Some French autoroutes now use a “Flux Libre” toll system instead of traditional toll booths. Here’s how it works:

Cameras automatically record your number plate when you enter and exit the autoroute.

Payment can be made online within 72 hours (via the website or mobile app), or automatically if you register an account in advance.

Don’t worry – foreign-registered cars are fully recognised, and instructions are available in English.

Signs on the road will clearly indicate “Flux Libre” sections, with reminders on how to pay.

This system makes journeys smoother, with no stopping at toll barriers – perfect for a hassle-free drive.

🚦 Crit’Air Emissions Stickers in France

If you plan to drive through larger French cities such as Paris, Rennes, Rouen, or Nantes, you may need a Crit’Air vignette (air quality certificate). This sticker indicates your vehicle’s emissions rating and is required for entering certain Low Emission Zones (ZFE), especially during high pollution periods.

Ordering is simple and inexpensive – you apply online via the official French government website and the sticker is posted to your home address:

👉 Official Crit’Air Application Portal

⚠️ Be careful of scam websites charging inflated prices; the official cost is only approximately 5 euros (including postage).

For most holidaymakers driving to the Mayenne, Crit’Air is not required unless you plan to visit major cities, but it’s always best to check your route in advance. 

Driving in the Mayenne

Once you arrive, driving is a pleasure:

Quiet country roads wind through rolling landscapes and charming villages.

Ample parking is available in towns and tourist areas.

Having a car gives you the freedom to explore local markets, castles, rivers, and hidden gems beyond the main routes.

✅ Whether you choose a quick motorway dash or a leisurely countryside drive, travelling by car gives you the best of both worlds – freedom, comfort, and the joy of discovering the Mayenne at your own pace.