[gizmo335i]

Not BMW related except for the fact that I didn't see many in France...but I just wanted to share a few things....in case anyone is interested...

One thing about driving around Paris....there's no rules, lol...people pass on the right...even on the highways outside the city. I thought it was fun. And everyone always told me not to drive there...so that's why I did it...just so I could see for myself...

I saw two Ferrari Californias driving around...hadn't seen one of those before (and I see quite a few Ferrari's here in Germany).

It wasn't nearly as expensive as everyone said. Gas was actually cheaper than Germany and eating out wasn't too bad.

We walked up and down the strip heading up to the Arc. I saw sooo many nice cars driving around that road. Porsche Carrera 4S's common, Mercedes S class AMG's and there were auto dealers that were 4 stories with cars mounted on the walls. Pretty cool.

Other than that, I saw the basics.....the Mona Lisa, Eiffel tower, etc....

Just thought I'd share....

[maswastage]

Passing on the right and chaotic driving in general is not unique to France; rather, you guys in Germany tend to be unique in showing common courtesy and having road manners. You'd be appalled at the way people drive in the States; people will drive 5 under the limit in the left lane, they'll cut through traffic without looking or using their signals, they'll accelerate past you and cut you off only to end up driving slower than you were before, etc.

[marcel b]

cool! Did you drive around the arc the triumph? That is really crazy. No lines on the road, coming from the right has priority and 6-7 cars next to eachother crossing through... My wife is from Paris and she told me just to go in fast not looking to the left as you have priority Coming to a halt is deadly. Crazy French

Great city, for sure.

[marcel b]

Originally Posted by maswastage

Passing on the right and chaotic driving in general is not unique to France; rather, you guys in Germany tend to be unique in showing common courtesy and having road manners. You'd be appalled at the way people drive in the States; people will drive 5 under the limit in the left lane, they'll cut through traffic without looking or using their signals, they'll accelerate past you and cut you off only to end up driving slower than you were before, etc.

I just came back from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I can tell you, that is completely crazy over there Seems there are no rules at all. (Accept for stopping at traffic lights)

[ZuerstBMW]

Glad you had a good time. I love Paris.

[gizmo335i]

Yeah, I know about the states...I grew up there....German drivers on avg. have to be some of the best in the world....at least at handling cars and not doing stupid shit....and you will hardly EVER see them pass on the right...

I did the arc thing. Funny thing is we were heading back to the Hotel and the wife said "Come on, you have to do it." I hit it right at 5 P.M. when traffic was crazy...but when I got it in...and there actually wasn't too many cars driving around it at the time...but I went in and came back around and had to go through it again...it was cool...it is weird that you have priority coming in....why would they make it that way for just one roundabout in Europe, I wonder..

I have driven in Qatar and Riyadh...which I'm sure are probably comparable to Dubai....they are crazy drivers there for sure....most don't care about speed limits or damaging their cars. Plus there will be the little trucks with sheep piled up in the back that look like they're about to fall over....

I'm slowly remembering cars I saw there...I did see an E90 M3 and a couple 335i's....

[marcel b]

Originally Posted by gizmo335i

it is weird that you have priority coming in....why would they make it that way for just one roundabout in Europe, I wonder..

In the past it was very common to have priority coming in the roundabout. When I grew up in Holland, all roundabouts where like this. Over time the gradually changed them. But I think there will be still roundabouts left where traffic coming in has priority.

[BenTrovato]

Any cool pics???

I remember being told many times about the chaotic driving in Europe but I actually prefer it to the North American driving. Italy is my favourite, especially in areas outside the cities. Even though it seems chaotic, it seems like more people are paying attention.

[kgb1637]

I remember walking up the Champs towards the Arc and the dealers are very extravagant, I went in the Merc dealer just because they had the brand new at the time SL 65 AMG that I wanted to check out.

[griffon252]

wow that sounds like a fun time! I remember when I was in England and watching them speed through those tiny alleys and streets. For me, an American, it was odd not seeing as many SUVs but with taxes and stuff it makes sense!

[gizmo335i]

Here are a few...

[gizmo335i]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Any cool pics???

I remember being told many times about the chaotic driving in Europe but I actually prefer it to the North American driving. Italy is my favourite, especially in areas outside the cities. Even though it seems chaotic, it seems like more people are paying attention.

It's funny you say that....it's crazy sometimes...but people are better drivers it seems like....but that could be because it's harder to get a license here...they do A LOT more training...

I just drove down to Italy recently too...and I agree..I liked driving there...seemed like I was able to let loose...no rules there, lol....nobody cared about blinkers and it was all out war...lol

[pmeloche]

Driving slow in the left lane will cause people to pass you on the right. Nice pictures btw. I like the way you reference the Champs Élysés leading up to the Arc de Triomphe as "the strip".

[gizmo335i]

Yeah I guess I'm a little ignorant on Paris...

I guess I was driving a little slow with a wife and baby in the car....but I think I was speeding most of the way...my navigation alerts me to the cameras...

[TiAg335i]

i've been to paris...is it me or does the city seem extremely polluted? like the air quality seems horrible

[PINeely]

Drivers in France can't hold a candle to drivers in Italy.

[Sylon]

I drove from K-town in Germany to Bordeaux, France (near Spain), and drove thru Paris on the way. Drivers in France remind me of drivers in the States, so I felt just fine driving there.

However, the drivers in Doha, Qatar and Ashghabat, Turkmenistan are some of the worst drivers I have ever seen anywhere in the world. There is no concept of lanes, blinkers, hell you would be lucky if they stop at stop lights.

[pmeloche]

Originally Posted by TiAg335i

i've been to paris...is it me or does the city seem extremely polluted? like the air quality seems horrible

I've been to Paris too and you are right. It feels very polluted. The city has over 8M people on a surface roughly 9 Kms x 12 Kms so it's fairly densely populated. I don't think it's any more polluted than Los Angeles or Mexico City however.