France By Thumb

Let’S Not Go. We strongly urge you to consider the risks before you choose to hitchhike. We do not recommend hitchhiking as a safe means of transportation, and none of the info presented here is intended to do so.

No one should hitch without careful consideration of the risks involved. Hitching means entrusting your life to a random person who happens to stop beside you on the road, and hitchers always risk theft, assault, sexual harassment, and unsafe driving. Some travelers report that hitchhiking allows them to meet local people and travel in areas where public transportation is sketchy. The choice, however, remains yours.

Hitchhiking at night can be particularly dangerous; experienced hitchers stand in well-lit places. For women traveling alone, hitching is just too dangerous. A man and a woman are a safer combination, two men will have a harder time, and three will go nowhere. Experienced hitchers pick a spot outside of built-up areas where drivers can stop, return to the road without causing an accident, and have time to look over potential passengers as they approach. Hitching (or even standing) on autoroutes is usually illegal: one may only thumb at rest stops or at highway entrance ramps. Finally, success will depend on appearance. Drivers prefer hitchers who are neat and wholesome-looking. It’s fairly difficult to faire de l’autostop (hitchhike) in France, but the method of travel is mildly popular in Corsica—particularly along hiking routes.

Most Western European countries offer a ride service that pairs drivers with riders; the fee varies according to destination. Eurostop (www.taxistop.be/index_ils.htm), Taxistop’s ride service, is one of the largest in Europe. Allostop (www.allostop.net) is another sizable ride service. Not all organization screen drivers and riders; ask in advance.