Hitchhiking London to Paris

[Benjiman]

Hiya,

I'm wanting to hitch from London to Paris, I wondered if anyone had done this recently and had any tips for me.
Also with hitchhiking how would I get across the channel?
Best place to get out of London?
And how to hitchhike in France when I don't speak French, or do alot of French people speak English?

I am a 20 year old male and don't look scruffy or anything.

Cheers

Benj

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

I used to hitch almost every day, as part of making my living. (I was a 'trade plater', delivering cars throughout the UK). I've never tried international hitching but, after managing to get several thousand lifts, I think I've mastered the basics of hitching ;-)

Obviously, you need to be heading down either the M2 or M20. Since all commercial traffic, heading for Dover, is meant to use the M20, rather than the M2, that's the one I'd choose. (It also gives you the option of the Channel Tunnel).

You can't hitch from the point where two motorways meet, so you don't want to be approaching the M20 from around the M25. That means leaving London via the A20, to try to find a lift which is going straight on, along the M20. I don't know south London very well but, looking at a map, my instinct would be to try to find a suitable hitching point near to the junction of the South Circular (A205) and the A20.

Ensure that you've got a LARGE sign with LARGE letters on it. (Many inexperienced hitch hikers have signs that can't be read. Use a marker pen and in really thick letters, about 10cm high, write 'M20 -PARIS'. (The 'M20' bit should hopefully prevent people who're turning onto the M25 offering you useless lifts. The 'Paris' bit might help you find a driver who's heading for the continent).

[mushroom25]

you would have to book across the channel from Dover as a foot passenger, only P&O and SeaFrance appear to have foot passenger fares.

[Buenchico]

With a bit of luck, you'll find someone who's heading for a ferry (or the tunnel) who's got a ticket which, say, is for 'car +5 passengers' when there are only 1 or 2 people in the car. (Lorry drivers can usually take a passenger in their cab, without any extra fare, but it's increasingly hard to get lifts in lorries because many firms have insurance which is invalidated if anyone other than employees travel in the vehicle).

If you can't get a direct lift, make your way to Dover, and stand at the dock entrance with a 'PARIS' sign. Sooner or later, someone will pick you up.

Don't worry that you can't speak French. I've picked up hundreds of non-English speaking hitch hikers in the UK and we've always managed to communicate somehow!

These links might also help:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A10421687
http://www.autostop.lt/faq/FAQ_F.html

NB: Carry a bright torch, with fresh batteries. I've sometimes found myself stranded in the dark at unlit, or poorly lit, junctions and my torch has saved me from sleeping by the side of the road in the rain. (i.e. use it to illuminate your sign, so that people can see you).

Also wear a high-vis vest. They don't cost much. (Tesco were recently selling them at �2 each. If they've run out, many discount stores sell them for no more than a fiver). Drivers spot someone in a high-vis vest well before someone without one. It gives them time to slow down and read your sign.

Lastly, set out early. You really need to be at the A205/A20 junction as soon as it gets light. Then, hopefully, you should be in Paris later the same day. Otherwise you might find yourself stranded overnight.

Good luck ;-)

Chris

[mushroom25]

(oops, hadn't considered a "through" hitch.....)

[SKA]

WOW sorry for sounding thick but people actually hitch? I thought it was only on TV and films. That's so cool!!

[Benjiman]

great replies! thanks so much Buenchico :)

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