Reader Question:
We often notice that on rural roads, vehicles already on roundabouts give way to vehicles approaching them. There are no special signs in place, so why does this happen? M.B.
Drivers in France should be aware that there are two types of roundabout - and they follow different rules.
These are the rond-point (the traditional form) and the carrefour à sens giratoire (‘junction with a turning direction’), which is now the more common design, particularly on larger or busier roads.
Although rond-point is often used as a catch-all term in everyday language, the distinction is important - and can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with French driving rules.
One key difference: priority
The main difference between the two lies in who has right of way.
At a rond-point, the standard priority-to-the-right rule applies, as set out in the Code de la route. This means drivers already on the roundabout must give way to vehicles entering from their right.
At a carrefour à sens giratoire, however, the opposite is true: vehicles already circulating on the roundabout have priority, and those entering must give way.
Failing to respect this rule at a carrefour à sens giratoire can result in a fine of up to €750 under Article R415-10 of the Code de la route.
A well-known example
One of the most famous ronds-points in France is the junction around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (Place Charles-de-Gaulle, formerly Place de l’Étoile), where vehicles entering still have priority.
This type of layout is now relatively rare.
Give way/yield signliyapo/Shutterstock
How to tell the difference
The easiest way to distinguish between the two is by looking at signs and road markings.
At a carrefour à sens giratoire, you will see:
A “Cédez le passage” (Give Way) sign - an upside-down red triangle
A broken white line across the entrance
These indicate that you must give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
If there are no such signs or markings, you should assume it is a rond-point and apply the priority-to-the-right rule.
In both cases, drivers should approach roundabouts with caution - particularly on smaller rural junctions where the type may not be immediately obvious.
