France in Focus

Planning to go to Grindelwald in December, I know there has been talk on here about winter tyres, unable to find it, what are the regs? how does it effect you if you have a big 4x4 pick up truck, do I need chains or socks as well? thanks.

I have a little 4x4 and changed over to winter tyres in November. The official period is 1st November to 31st of March. Only certain roads are affected but, as I live close to the mountains, it was easier than having to lug snow chains in the boot all the time. Remember if you have a four wheel drive and go for chains or shoes you have to have one for each wheel.
https://www.service-public.fr/particuli ... 89?lang=en

Does your 4X4 already have M+S tyres?

Grindelwald - assuming you mean the one in Switzerland - there are no requirements, just recommendations.

see: https://lenews.ch/2022/10/07/what-are-s ... ter-tyres/

But how are you getting there? If driving through France all the French Departments neighbouring Switzerland mandate 'winter' tyres (technically those with a Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake icon - which as Dominic says many M+S have) or studded tyres or socks/chains fitted from 1st November to 31st March. I just use Michelin Alpin winter tyres with the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake icon as less faff.

see: https://www.frenchentree.com/living-in- ... in-france/

I think for any distance socks are a waste of time, especially with a big 4x4 that will quickly shred them.

Antonia wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:22 amRemember if you have a four wheel drive and go for chains or shoes you have to have one for each wheel.

NO - you don't - you read the manual as some 4x4 vehicles require them on the front or rear depending on how the traction control system copes with them. Discovery 3 and 4, for example, should only have them on the front. Note also the speed recommendations:

Thanks we are going via the Aosta Valley in Italy, staying a few nights there, then up to Grindelwald (CH) might send the DW up the North Face then back into the French alps then down into eastern France and then home. So will just get a set of M&S boots fitted, no need for chains, which if anyone has used them, know they are a pain in the backside to fit, back in the Uk always had M&S fitted on a set of separate rims, to swap near winter, easier then taking to have the tyres swapped over, thanks again.

Having a spare hour or so have found out more about the Winter tyre Law, at the moment if you live or are passing through one of the 34 departments, you must have a tyre that is stamped with the letters 3PMSF ( Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake) or one with M & S ( Mud and Snow) In November 2024 only tyres stamped with 3PMSF will be allowed, some M&S do comply but not all of them, make sure you check, I will now be fitting 3PMSF compliance tyres.

niemeyjt wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:38 am NO - you don't - you read the manual as some 4x4 vehicles require them on the front or rear depending on how the traction control system copes with them. Discovery 3 and 4, for example, should only have them on the front. Note also the speed recommendations:

Thank you for correcting me. I have in fact gone back to the manual and you are right as, in my case, the chains should only be fitted to the front wheels. That'll teach me to quote a mechanic

Antonia wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 2:22 pmThank you for correcting me. I have in fact gone back to the manual and you are right as, in my case, the chains should only be fitted to the front wheels. That'll teach me to quote a mechanic

A mechanic who sells snow chains perhaps?