Île-de-France hosts two emblematic motorway tunnels that can impress young drivers: the A14 (Nanterre tunnel, 2.4 km) and the A86 Duplex (10 km, France's longest road tunnel). These infrastructures combine tolls, specific speeds, ventilation and absence of hard shoulder. Here is the complete 2026 guide to tackle them confidently.
The A86 Duplex: 10 km of two-level tunnel
The A86 Duplex connects Rueil-Malmaison to Versailles-Pont Colbert. Progressively commissioned between 2009 and 2011, it has two stacked tubes (Versailles-Rueil direction below, Rueil-Versailles above). Its particularity: 2 m height limit bans lorries, motorhomes and vans over 2.10 m. This restriction makes it a « cars only » tunnel, safer but also denser in light-vehicle traffic.
2026 toll and pricing
The Duplex is tolled, managed by Cofiroute. The 2026 full Rueil-Versailles journey costs €11.80 for light vehicles (class 1) and €13.30 for utility vehicles (class 2). Young drivers must know electronic tolling is mandatory: no cash barriers. A Liber-t or Bip&Go badge is therefore necessary.
Speeds and specific rules
In the Duplex, the speed is limited to 90 km/h in free flow, 70 km/h in dense traffic or poor visibility. Safety distances are raised (70 m between vehicles, shown by road markings). Formal ban on horns, stopping (except emergency), U-turns.
Ventilation and sensors: oxygen vigilance
The tunnel has 12 ventilation shafts and CO2/CO sensors. If thresholds are exceeded, an automatic system slows upstream traffic via variable message panels. Young drivers who feel unwell (headaches, dizziness) should stop in dedicated emergency lanes (every 500 m) and call 112.
The A14 Nanterre tunnel: 2.4 km tolled
The A14 links La Défense to Orgeval and crosses Nanterre in 2.4 km of tunnel. It is a tolled motorway tunnel (electronic only since 2023). The full journey costs €7.90 in 2026. The speed is limited to 110 km/h - well below the classic motorway 130 km/h - for safety reasons.
The parallel RN13 pitfall
Many beginners confuse the paying A14 (fast) and the free RN13 (30% slower but no toll). For the driving test, using the RN13 is never penalised but may lengthen the route. Examiners mainly assess behaviour at tunnel entry: merge acceleration, speed adaptation, lighting vigilance.
Practical tips for driving in a Paris tunnel
(1) Before entering, switch on low-beam headlights (mandatory even in daytime). (2) In the tunnel, keep at least 70 m from the vehicle ahead. (3) Never stop except in real emergency. (4) In traffic jams, cut the engine to limit interior pollution. (5) If fire upstream: kill the engine, leave keys in ignition, exit the vehicle and reach an emergency exit on foot.
Exam questions on tunnels
Since 2024, the theory test includes about a dozen tunnel-specific questions. Most frequent: tunnel speed limit, safety distance, incident behaviour, meaning of illuminated signs. Île-de-France schools include these questions in their review sessions.
Free quote for your Île-de-France licence
DevisPermis.fr partner schools include tunnel training in their programme. Fill in the form in two minutes: up to three quotes within 48 hours, with complete packages. No commitment.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays