Living in the Languedoc:   Driving:   Special considerations in the Languedoc-Roussillon

Beware that the traditionally relaxed attitude to drinking and driving had changed. Embarrassed by the hugely disproportionate road accident statistics, the government has forced the police to clamp down heavily. Local authorities, meanwhile, are cutting down hundreds of miles of plain trees along the sides of the roads, convinced that these "killer-trees" are responsible for the high death toll (rather than, for example, the widespread habit of driving at high speed three inches away from the car in front, or overtaking on blind bends).

Some roads in the Languedoc are mountainous and narrow, with numerous bends. You should be vigilant and beware of wandering animals. The majority of road accidents occur during the tourist season.

Wheel chains are necessary in mountain areas in the winter.  In some places they are compulsory.

There are a number of periods during the year, including all Sundays when heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are banned from driving on roads in France. Road hauliers should contact the Road Hauliers Association, the Freight Transport Association or the Department of Transport for further information.