Originally Posted by IO540
Low level is easy enough in small hops, which is what most pilots do.
Long flights across France are quite difficult to plan at low levels, due to the amount of low level restrictions to check out. It's true that most of it is inactive on any given day, particularly at weekends, but it still needs to be checked out, or in-flight diversions planned.
That said, the French (and just about everybody outside the UK) are much more casual about Class D transits than the UK where one has to sit up and beg and hope for the best (and have a diversion planned).
Takes all of 15 minutes for the worst route from UK to South coast of France and the worst level. Draw line, list areas, look up areas. Note frequencies and restrictions applicable.
Remember that even when flying airways VFR, the restricted areas are still applicable. It is only the IFR flights than can pass through with the ACC.
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Originally Posted by IO540
No, in general there is no Class A in France below FL200 or thereabouts
There is a big chunk of Class A called the Paris TMA with levels down to 1500ft in places.
Outside the Paris TMA, airways are class E from base up to FL115 and then Class D from FL115 to FL195. Above FL195 is Class C in accordance with the single European Sky.
Best to check out the official publications when planning a trip rather than rely on reading PPRUNE.
Regards,
DFC