Discover France’s Free Motorways

Which Sections of Motorway Are Toll-Free in France?

There are toll-free motorways on the French road network. But what exactly does that mean? A toll-free motorway is a fast road that charges no toll, typically funded and managed by the state, unlike concession motorways which are run by private companies. In France, the government has chosen to keep certain stretches of motorway free to encourage regional mobility and reduce the isolation of rural areas. These fast routes aim to boost local economies by making businesses more accessible and enabling smooth travel without extra costs. So what motorways in France are toll-free? Bip&Go, your mobility expert, has the answers.

List of Toll-Free Motorways in France

There are currently several toll-free motorway sections across the country. These include the following routes:

These motorways in France make local and regional journeys easier, reducing transport costs and keeping traffic flowing.

Why Are Some Motorways in France Toll-Free?

In France, there are two types of motorways: concession routes and non-concession routes. Concession motorways are managed by private companies (such as Sanef) under contract with the state. These are the toll roads. The companies fund construction, maintenance and operation through tolls.

Free motorways are managed directly by the state via agencies such as the Direction des routes. Their upkeep is paid for through public taxes. Today, toll-free routes account for 2,000 km out of the 12,000 km on the French motorway network. These free sections have been chosen for strategic reasons. They often cross sparsely populated regions that need toll-free urban routes to support economic and social development. Please note that services on free sections are often more limited: rest areas tend to be simpler, for example.

Have Any Toll-Paid Motorways Become Toll-Free?

In some cases, certain concession motorways are returned to state management at the end of their concession contract. The process is known as motorway reversion. When this happens, the route can become toll-free again, as was the case with the A20, where the section between Brive and Montauban became toll-free after the concession ended in 2006.

Reversion can be a real economic benefit for a region, as it reduces travel costs. However, the state must be able to fund the maintenance of these routes, so returning to toll-free status is a carefully considered decision. Currently, discussions are ongoing about whether to make certain peri-urban sections toll-free again.

How Does France Compare to Other European Countries When It Comes to Free Motorways?

France has a higher proportion of toll-paid motorways than most other European countries. Only 17% of the French network is currently toll-free. This hybrid model, combining toll-free and toll-paid sections, is unique in Europe. While the Spanish system is similar in some respects, Spain has recently made many motorways toll-free in regions such as Catalonia and Valencia.

By contrast, Germany operates a mainly toll-free system for its autobahns (motorways), except for lorries, which pay a charge. Over 50% of German motorways are toll-free.

In Italy, as in France, most motorways are toll roads managed by private concessionaires, though some local stretches are free. Austria and Switzerland use motorway vignettes to fund the maintenance of their national roads.

For Hassle-Free Motorway Travel in France, Get Your Bip&Go Badge

With the Bip&Go electronic toll system and badge, subscribers can drive straight through toll barriers without stopping. This significantly reduces waiting times, especially during busy periods. On a free-flow motorway, the badge means you don’t need to pay the toll online after your journey—the toll is automatically charged to your subscription.

In addition to its electronic toll service, Bip&Go offers extra benefits, including:

- Access to 400 partner car parks across France and Europe, 
- A discounted charging card for electric vehicles, 
- Access to the Bip&Go app, which lets you track toll expenses, plan journeys, manage your subscription, and locate electric vehicle charging stations on the road network.

The Bip&Go badge can also be used by motorcyclists thanks to a special armband.

Interested in signing up for Bip&Go’s electronic toll service? Find the subscription that suits you today.

Choose your Bip&Go electronic toll subscription!

FAQ

Which regions of France have the most toll-free motorways?

Toll-free motorways can be found both in the north and south of France, though they are currently less common around Paris.

Do toll-free motorways in France offer the same services as toll-paid motorways (rest areas, service stations)?

As toll-free motorways are funded by public investment, they generally offer fewer services than concession motorways.

How does Bip&Go work on toll-free and toll-paid motorways in France?

The Bip&Go badge is detected at toll barriers and enables automatic payment of your tolls, so you don’t need to stop.