Know the score at the 2007 Rugby World Cup

As the 6th Rugby World Cup kicks off on 7th September, throngs of fans from the 20 finest rugby playing nations will be descending upon the host country France. With the tournament happening on their doorstep, fans from the UK and Ireland are well placed to offer some much needed support, but Alamo Rent A Car is advising they take heed of its top tips for driving on the other side of the channel.

Dawn Clayton, Marketing Manager, Alamo Rent A Car comments, “The 2007 Rugby World Cup is a fantastic opportunity for fans from the UK and Ireland to watch some great rugby. But it is important that supporters arm themselves with lots of local knowledge so that their once in a life time trip is perfect.”

ALAMO’S TRIPS FOR DRIVING IN FRANCE

Drivers flash their headlights at the car in front if they want it to give way

In built up areas drivers must give way to vehicles coming out of a side turning on the right if there’s no stop or yield

Visiting drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 40kmh (24mph) will have their licence confiscated on the spot. This could lead to a suspension of up to 3 years.

The last car in a queue of slow moving traffic must use hazard-warning lights.

Speed limits:
On Motorways (when dry) – 130kmh/80mph
On Motorways (when wet) - 110kmh/68mph
On Open Roads (dual carriageway with central reservation) – 110kmh/68mph
On Open Roads (other) – 90kmh/55mph
In town – 50kmh/31mph

Alcohol Limit – 50mg of alcohol in bloodstream. Severe penalties apply, including fines (always obtain an official receipt), imprisonment and suspension of driving licence. This could be a suspension of up to 3 years and imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Mobile Phones – It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving and can result in an on the spot fine of €22

Seat Belts - Compulsory for front and rear seated passengers if already fitted. Children must be over 10 to sit in the front unless a child seat is fitted

Horns should be used only in cases of extreme danger

Parking - Yellow lines mean absolutely no parking. Parking is allowed on one side of the street only and signs will indicate which side to park. Pay and display machines are common, otherwise parking is normally free between 1900 hrs and 0900hrs and at weekends and public holidays. Larger cities also operate a blue zone system whereby parking discs or tickets must be displayed for a maximum stay of 1.5hrs.

Supporters have plenty to see and do after the final whistle blows, and a car from Alamo will ensure fans have the freedom to explore all that France has to offer. Those planning to watch Ireland play in Bordeaux can enjoy tours of the local vineyards of Margaux and Saint-Émilion or the beaches of Arcachon or Biarritz. Scottish fans will be able to explore the chateaux and rolling hills of the Loire Valley when attending their games in St Etienne. And Welsh and English supporters can enjoy museums, golden beaches and terrific seafood restaurants in Nantes, or drive just an hour away to visit the Futuroscope amusement park.

Those who want to immerse themselves in the game completely can even visit the Chapelle de Notre-Dame-du-Rugby. The small Romanesque chapel was rededicated 40 years ago as a shrine to Rugby. Rugby shirts adorn the walls, behind the altar is a range of memorabilia, and the guestbook is filled with prayers for injured players or pleas for victory. The stained glass windows portray rugby images, including the Virgin Mary with a scrum at her feet and the Baby Jesus throwing the ball into a line-out.

Clayton continues: “There’s plenty to see and experience in and around the match venues, which an Alamo car will give you the freedom to explore. Whether you fancy visiting the surrounding countryside, or taking a road trip to the next venue, Alamo has branches convenient for all the host cities. With our top tips, fans planning to drive can also be sure to arrive stress free following a comfortable journey.”

Rugby World Cup Venues – Your Nearest Alamo Branch

City - Alamo Location

Bordeaux - Bordeaux Train Station

Lens - There are locations at two of Lille’s train stations.

Lyon - There are three locations in Lyon.

Marseille - There are three locations in Marseille including the train station and airport.

Montpellier - Montpellier Train Station.

Nantes - Nantes Train Station.

Paris - There are nine locations in Paris including the airport and train stations.

St-Denis - There is one location in St Denis.

St-Etienne - There is one location in Saint Etienne.

Toulouse - There are two locations in Tolouse including one at the train station.

Cardiff - Cardiff International Airport.

Edinburgh - Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh.

For a full list of locations and to view the fleet visit alamo.co.uk