Don't think you need to wear a high viz jacket all the time. Just after a breakdown. I've heard you need to be able to put it on before you get off the bike. So store it in a tank bag rather than topbox etc.
I learnt something there!! I didn't realise filtering was illegal in France. I've been riding through France a couple of times a years for the last 10years and filtering everywhere!
[….It's also illegal in Germany...
me n dynspud orf to france soon cant wait...
Post Brexit, it may all change but at the moment its simple.Hi-viz (meant to be worn but nobody does) in case you break downSpare bulbsHeadlamp deflector (I never use them)GB sticker or euro number plateInsurance certificate and log book and licence carried at all timesHelmet is meant to have hi-viz reflective stickers but ignore that as your a visitorGloves are a legal requirement now but most sensible people wear themBreathalyser - Ignore the bullshite at halfords and on the ferry (they may still be a legal requirement until the law is repealed but the fine is €0.)Biggest thing to learn is keep your eyes on stalks. The French are very bike friendly but filtering is illegal (never need to do it as so little traffic where I am in Mayenne).They ride on the wrong side of the road.Roads joining from the right onto your main road have right of way (You have to give way even though there are no markings) unless the side road has a give way or stop sign.30mph (50kmh) limit starts as soon as you pass the village/town limit signNational speed limit starts (unless its signposted otherwise) as soon as you go through the village/town limit sign (Same as the entry sign but with a line through it)National speed limit on single carriageway roads is 50mph (80kmh) since last summer and police do on the spot fines.NSL on motorways is 110kmh (70mph ish) or 130kmh (80mph ish) depending on the signposts. On the 130kmh stretches, this automatically drops to 110kmh when its wet.As of yesterday when I came back to the UK after a weekend away, fuel is about the same price as the UK. If you want to fill up over there Unleaded is "San Plomb 95"