Contrary to popular belief, not all of Frances A1 is toll-free. The section within Paris and north to CDG is free (managed by the Direction des Routes). However, the majority of the long-distance route is operated by Sanef (Société des Autoroutes du Nord et de l’Est de la France).
Current estimated tolls for a Class 1 vehicle (standard car):
Payment methods:
Avoid tolls? There is a free alternative via the N2 and N17, but this adds 1.5 to 2 hours of driving through small villages and traffic lights. For long distances, the A1 toll is worth the time saved.
Memorizing these junctions will prevent missed turns: frances a1
| Exit | Destination | Why it matters | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 3 | A86 (Paris Super Périphérique) | Connect to western Paris, Versailles, or Orly Airport. | | 5 | CDG Airport | Terminals 1, 2, and 3. | | 7 | A104 (La Francilienne) | The ring road around eastern Paris. Use to avoid central Paris when going to Lyon or Marseille. | | 9 | Survilliers | Access to Parc Astérix (the famous theme park). | | 13 | A29 (Amiens/Reims) | A critical shortcut; go west to Amiens (ferries to UK) or east to Reims (Champagne region). | | 14 | A26 (Calais/Troyes) | Very important: North to Calais/Dover (Channel Tunnel ferries). | | 15 | Arras-Centre | Visit the Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial. | | 19 | A21 (Rocade Minière) | Access to Lens (Louvre-Lens museum). |
Caption:
Hello! 👋 My name is Frances.
I am a student. I am from London. 🇬🇧 Contrary to popular belief, not all of Frances
I like coffee ☕ and books 📖. I am happy today!
Question for you: Where are you from? Write in the comments! 👇
The Frances A1 was one of the first modern motorways constructed in France. Work began in the 1950s, with the first section opening in 1959 between Paris and the town of Senlis. By 1965, the entire 211-kilometer (131-mile) stretch from the Porte de la Chapelle in northern Paris to the border town of Neuville-en-Ferrain (near Lille) was completed.
Strategically, the A1 was designed to serve two purposes: Payment methods:
Today, the A1 remains the busiest motorway in France, carrying over 180,000 vehicles per day near the Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport zone.
If you break down on Frances A1:
Sanef provides free roadside assistance (depannage) for minor issues like running out of fuel (they will bring 5 liters for a fee) or changing a tire, but towing to the nearest garage is not free (starting at ~€150).