Here's the biggest difference between driving in the US and France

Matthew DeBord/BI

I just got back from a short trip to France.

It was far from the first time that I've been there, but it was the first I'd ever driven in the land of the Gaul.

Intellectually, I knew it would both the same and different from driving in the US. For starters, in France, you drive on the right side of the road.

And I also knew that parking in Paris would be challenging, but that along the autoroutes outside the city, there would be convenient places to stop for snacks, coffee, or even a nice dinner.

I knew that the mix of vehicles on the roads would be different. As in: no big SUVs or pickups.

But wow, was I ever ill-prepared for one major difference.

Hatchbacks!

Hatchbacks to the left of me ...

... and hatchbacks to the right!