Where Are the Free Motorways in France?

"Toll-Free" vs "Toll-Paid": What Do Those Terms Really Mean?

In France, the motorway network is split between toll-free and toll-paid motorways. The main difference lies in who manages and maintains the roads.  

So-called “concession” motorways are funded by tolls, while “non-concession” sections are managed directly by the state and are therefore free to use. Many free sections exist, often converted from former national roads into expressways.  

The aim is twofold: to ensure continuity on key routes at no cost to drivers, and to provide balanced motorway coverage across the country, especially in less densely populated regions.  

Some of these motorways offer toll-free access for their entire length, while others are only free for certain stretches.  

Which Are the Main Free Routes?

Among the best-known motorways, some are completely free:  

- The A84 between Rennes and Caen, known as the "Estuaries Motorway", is entirely toll-free.  

- The A75 from Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers is free for almost 340 km, with the notable exception of the Millau Viaduct, which remains a toll section.  

Other routes feature long free sections:  

- The A20 in central France is free between Vierzon and Brive-la-Gaillarde. However, it becomes a toll-paid motorway as you head towards Montauban and Toulouse.  

- The A31 in Lorraine is toll-free in the north up to Toul and towards the Luxembourg border, but is toll-paid in the south.  

- The A35 in Alsace is toll-free from Basel to Strasbourg and up to the German border.  

Some regional motorways are entirely toll-free:  

- The A25 between Lille and Dunkirk.  

- The A38 linking Dijon to the A6, converted into a toll-free route to improve access to the greater Dijon area.  

- The A34 between Reims and Charleville-Mézières, toll-free for its entire length.  

- The A68 in Occitanie, toll-free between Montastruc and Marssac, but toll-paid as you approach Toulouse.  

These motorways are a major advantage for drivers looking to cut travel costs.  

They are also essential for local residents, providing quick routes for daily journeys without the regular expense of tolls.  

They play a vital role not only for long-distance travel but also for local journeys, making it easier to reach employment hubs, shopping areas, and major urban centres. This dual function—serving both local and long-distance needs—explains their strategic importance in France’s motorway network.  

Which Are the Main Partially Toll-Free Sections?

On some major routes, only certain sections are free. For example:  

- The A28 north of Rouen, which remains toll-free for several dozen kilometres.  

- The A63 in the Landes, with short toll-free stretches before returning to toll-paid status.  

Choosing Between Toll-Free and Fast Routes

Toll-free motorways are appealing, but they don’t always replace toll-paid motorways. Toll-paid roads often offer more lanes, smoother traffic, and fewer stops. On longer journeys, choosing the toll-free option can add travel time, especially during busy holiday periods.  

It’s important to compare your options and choose based on your real needs:  

- Use toll-free routes when they genuinely make sense for your journey.  

- Opt for toll-paid motorways to save time, especially on busy main routes.  

- Mix both options depending on the regions you cross to keep costs down.  

Planning ahead is key. Knowing the main toll-free motorways helps you map out your route and balance comfort, safety, and budget!  

Our tip: check motorway toll rates in advance and make your choice by weighing the time saved against the cost.  

Bip&Go: Your Partner for Hassle-Free Travel

Whether you’re a regular driver or not, Bip&Go makes life easier!  

With your windscreen toll badge, you can drive straight through toll-paid sections, enjoying fast access at barriers. No more searching for tickets or cards: you save time and travel with complete freedom!  

Discover our other articles on similar topics:  

- What is a motorway concession?  

- What is the shortest motorway in France?  

- What are motorway interchanges for?  

- How are motorways maintained?  

- How does motorway tolling work?  

- How can I pay for the motorway?  

- How does electronic tolling work on motorways?  

- How can you save time on the motorway?  

- How do traffic jams form on the motorway?  

- Why are motorway service areas essential?  

- What are the free-flow motorways in France?