If you are planning to drive to Paris, it is recommended to prepare properly and check a few important issues. In addition to the requirement of having a Crit'Air sticker, it is worth checking the current traffic restrictions in the city and the available parking options.
The authorities in Paris take many actions aimed at improving the air quality in the city, including limiting the traffic of vehicles with high levels of pollutant emissions. Therefore, it is important to know what the current traffic restrictions are and whether they apply to your vehicle. This can be checked on the official website of the city or on road signs.
If you have booked accommodation in the city center and plan to arrive by car on a Sunday, it is worth checking whether the road to your accommodation is not closed. This can be done on the official website of the city or by consulting with the accommodation staff.
Traffic restrictions and car-free Sundays are important elements of planning a car trip to Paris. In this article, we will provide more information on these issues to help you prepare for your trip to the French capital.
Paris Respire
In Paris, many streets are closed to car traffic on the first Sunday of the month (areas in color). As part of the "Paris Respire" (Paris Breathes) program, many streets and squares in the city center and in some neighborhoods are closed to motor vehicle traffic every Sunday and on holidays.
In this way, residents and tourists are encouraged to use bicycles, scooters, and other sustainable means of transportation. Various cultural, sports, and recreational events are also organized on the streets closed to traffic. It is worth checking which streets are closed to motor vehicle traffic on Sundays to avoid unnecessary travel difficulties.
If you have booked accommodation in the city center and plan to arrive by car on the first Sunday of the month, it is worth checking whether the road to your accommodation is not closed. This can be done on the official website of the city or by consulting with the hotel staff.
Crit'Air
Introduced in 2016, the Crit'Air system aims to reduce emissions of pollutants, especially PM10 and PM2.5 particles, which pose a serious threat to human health. Crit'Air stickers indicate the level of pollution emitted by a vehicle, allowing city authorities to restrict the movement of those that contribute the most to air pollution.
To obtain a Crit'Air sticker, you must complete an online application or send a form by post. Required information includes the vehicle owner's details, registration number, date of first registration, emission level, and emission norm version. The application can be submitted even several months before the planned trip.
The cost of a Crit'Air sticker is approximately €4.61 for a foreign vehicle (as of 2023). It's worth noting that the price may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the date of first registration.
The Crit'Air sticker consists of a sticker placed on the front windshield of the vehicle and a QR code that allows the validity of the sticker to be checked by the authorities. The sticker is valid for the entire time the vehicle is in use and can be transferred to a new vehicle in case of replacement.
Failure to have a Crit'Air sticker or possession of a sticker with an incorrect emission level can result in fines and financial penalties. Therefore, it's worth ensuring that you have the appropriate sticker before entering Paris and other cities in France where this identification system applies.
If you are unable to obtain a Crit'Air sticker on time, you must have proof of the application and payment. This proof is a document that contains information about the level of pollution emitted by the vehicle and the date of application. It is sufficient documentation to allow entry into Paris and other cities in France that require a Crit'Air sticker.
Parking in Paris
The next important issue is parking. In Paris, parking on the streets can be difficult and expensive, so it's worth considering alternative options such as underground or outdoor parking lots.
The cost of parking in pay-per-parking zones (zone de stationnement payant) depends on where you want to park. In some parts of the city, parking fees are higher, while in others, they are lower. The standard hourly rate for parking in Paris is around 6 EUR, but in some neighborhoods, it can be as high as 8 EUR per hour. Paid parking hours in Paris are usually from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and holidays, street parking is free, but it should be noted that many streets in the city center are closed to car traffic at that time.
An alternative to street parking is underground parking. There are many underground parking lots in Paris that offer different prices per hour or for the entire day of parking. The cost of parking in underground lots depends on their location and time of parking. In the city center, the cost of parking in underground parking lots usually averages around 32 EUR per day.
In this case, it is worth considering using the ZenPark app to find underground parking lots. ZenPark is a platform that allows you to reserve a parking space in an underground parking lot in Paris and other cities in France. This way, you can avoid the need to look for a free space on the street and minimize the risk of receiving a ticket for illegal parking. The ZenPark app allows you to make online payments for parking and makes it easy to find and reserve a parking space in your desired location. It should be noted that some underground parking lots in Paris have charging stations for electric vehicles. We recommend booking your parking spot in advance due to attractive prices and a wider selection of parking spaces.
In summary, if you plan to come to Paris by car, it's worth preparing in advance and checking the required formalities, such as obtaining a Crit'Air identifier and planning your route through the city. It's also worth considering leaving your car in a parking lot outside the city center or using the ZenPark app to find a spot in an underground parking lot. At the same time, it should be noted that Paris has a very well-developed public transportation network that allows for comfortable travel around the city. Therefore, if you have the option, we recommend leaving your car and using buses, trams, metros, or city bikes.
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