Unlike other countries, motorways are not free in France. And you risk finding the bill very steep if you take this expressway, the most expensive in the region, by a long way!
Summer is fast approaching and many French people are planning to go on vacation. The car remains a preferred means of transport, offering flexibility and freedom. However, taking the road has a significant cost, particularly because of motorway tolls. Some motorways in France have particularly high prices, and they increase every year, which affects the travel budget.
The increase in tolls is indeed a reality that motorists must prepare for every year. In 2024, prices will increase by around 3% on average. For example, motorways managed by APPR, such as the A5 and A6, saw their rates increase by 3.02%. On the ASF, which manages sections like the A7 and the A10, the increase is 2.70%. On the A65, managed by A’lienor, prices rose by 4.31%. And the increase is 2.79% on Sanef motorways such as the A1 and A4. These increases are mainly due to inflation and investments made by motorway companies for the maintenance and improvement of infrastructure.
But in addition to regular increases, certain prices are particularly high, not to say prohibitive. Particularly on a small highway in Île-de-France, which holds the sad record for the most expensive toll in the country.
This highway is the A14. Located to the west of Paris, it connects Orgeval in Yvelines to the La Défense district in Hauts-de-Seine. For just 20 kilometers of travel, you have to pay 10 euros at the Montesson toll. That’s 50 cents per kilometer! Of course, the price varies depending on the times of passage: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., the price increases to 6.40 euros. but still remains very high when compared to other motorways in France. For example, on the A13 motorway, linking Paris to Caen, the fare is 28.50 euros for around 200 km, or around 14 cents per kilometer. Likewise, the A10 motorway, which connects Paris to Bordeaux, costs around 60 euros for 550 km, or 11 cents per kilometer. The prices of the A14 are exorbitant in comparison, making this small highway a route reserved for wealthy motorists, like the departments it crosses.
For motorists who regularly use motorways, however, there are solutions to reduce the bill. Electronic toll badges offer subscriptions with reductions of up to 40% from 20 identical journeys per month. And it is still possible to save money by sharing travel costs with passengers through carpooling. but, in general, and not just for summer holidays, it is advisable to plan your journey carefully and find out about the prices of the different tolls. Motorway company websites regularly publish new rates, making it easier to anticipate expenses.