motorhome travel in france

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Motorhoming & Campervanning in France- Your Complete Guide

Planning to go touring in France with a motorhome or campervan? There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and what kit to bring with you. Here’s everything you need to know about motorhoming in France.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in France checklist below to help you stay organised

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Motorhoming in France

If you enjoy motorhome life in the UK or elsewhere, you’re going to LOVE motorhome touring in France. There’s everything you could want from a road trip, including fantastic campsites by the beach, vineyards and local markets full of wine, cheese and other goodies, incredible history and plenty of places to explore.

Even better, the French LOVE motorhomers and campervanners. They are not only welcomed, they are provided for, with copious motorhome parking spots and approved overnight stopovers called Aires (more on that shortly!)

France is often the gateway to Europe for anyone in the UK with a Motorhome. All too often we rush through as quickly as possible, keen to drive to other locations, like Spain or Italy.

But I urge you to take some time to explore. France has some incredible destinations for camper holidays- see below for great itinerary ideas.

If you’re contemplating taking a motorhome to France, this post will help you plan your trip- and tell you what you need to bring and organise before you leave. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Motorhoming in France checklist to help you remember everything.

Motorhoming & Campervannin in France Checklist

Planning a trip to france with your motorhome or camper.

GUIDE – For a step-by-step guide, with video walkthroughs of aires, motorhome set up, checklists and more, grab our France Road Trip & Motorhome Travel Planner

CHECKLIST – Don’t forget to grab your FREE France motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Motorhome Touring in France- video

If you’d like to share our experiences of motorhoming in France, watch this video to see our experiences with French tolls, motorhome campsites and driving in France! We also show you around the Menton Lemon Festival and we cross the Millau viaduct in our motorhome.

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Motorhome route planner for France- where to go

The best thing about planning a motorhome or camper trip is that you can literally go ANYWHERE. But that freedom can also be a bit overwhelming- where do you even start?

Before we tell you about the essential things you need to do whilst motorhome touring in France, let’s chat about some of the places you can visit on your France road trip .

Northern France in a campervan routes

Again, many people drive through northern France as a way of getting somewhere else, but there a lot to discover here if you make time to explore.

Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include:

• The Normandy beaches. Everyone should do this at least one
• Mont St Michel – one of the most historical places in France.
• Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France
• The Loire Valley. If you like chateaux and history, this is for you!
• Ile de Re and La Rochelle
• Strasbourg- one of the best and biggest Christmas markets in Europe !

On a side note, I know Paris is in the north of France and we LOVE Paris… but not with a motorhome or camper. Park up in a campsite nearby and travel in by public transport or taxi. Driving in Paris is a law unto itself! (There are plenty of incredible places to see around the Paris area without going into the city itself and we would always suggest getting the train in, instead of driving!)

New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:

See all our Europe motorhoming posts here

NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it

Motorhome Route Planner Southern France

We’ve spent a lot of time motorhoming in southern France. Some of our favourite places include:

• The Gorges du Verdon . One of the most spectacular places we have EVER been with our motorhome
• The Pyrenees, especially the Cirque du Gavarnie . It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.
• French Alps. Exploring the Alps with a motorhome is one of our favourite trips. We also love Lake Annecy and you MUST add the cable car up Mont Blanc to your France motorhoming itinerary.
• Bordeaux and the Dune du Pilat- make sure you allow time to visit some of the incredible vineyards in the area!

READ MORE: 11 Unmissable France road trip itineraries and ideas

Campervan in France Advice- when to go

The best time to visit France with a motorhome, campervan, caravan or any other vehicle is whenever you have time to explore! Some people pop over on the Eurotunnel for a weekend break. Others take a month to explore one corner.

The beauty of France being so large is that usually there will be at least one area with decent weather. And the beauty of exploring with a home on wheels is that you can drive to wherever the weather is best for you!

Generally, the best weather in France is between April- October. You may still get decent temperatures into November on the French Riviera (that’s the coast on the Med, not the Atlantic coast.) If you’re planning to go motorhome skiing in France, then December- March are your best times, but be aware that a new French law was passed in November 2021 about winter tyres/ snow chains.

RELATED: If you are planning a winter motorhome trip, read this first.

It can get VERY hot in summer, especially down south. It can also be amazingly windy- you’ll find many cafes and restaurants near the Mediterranean or Atlantic bolt down their outdoor furniture.

Our favourite times are Spring and Autumn. It’s usually warm, especially in the south, but there aren’t huge crowds and it’s easy to get access to popular tourist places.

Driving from the UK to France camper routes

If you’re taking your motorhome from the UK to France, there are a couple of options on how to get over there- ferry or Eurotunnel.

Getting to France by Ferry from the UK

Ferry routes go from all along the south coast and occasionally up the East Coast too. The main operators are:

• Brittany Ferries
• Irish Ferries

We enjoy taking the ferry because it cuts down on driving time- we’re travelling whilst we’re sleeping. Also, we’re often driving from South-West England to the west coast of France- so ferry cuts off a lot of that journey.

We were reluctant to take the ferry with our dog, as we didn’t want to leave him in the vehicle, but there are now pet-friendly cabins available on the Portsmouth-Caen route with Brittany Ferries which we use all the time.

The downside of taking the ferry, especially with a motorhome or campervan, is that it’s MUCH more expensive and there are less frequent crossings. Also, in bad weather, it can be miserable.

Taking a Motorhome on the Channel Tunnel

The “Chunnel” is fast, effective and probably the cheapest way to get a motorhome or caravan to France, even in school holidays. There are very few downsides, but the biggest is the delays in summer. Sometimes the queues can be HOURS long- and that was before BREXIT.

The other big downside is how far you have to drive to get there if it’s out of your way- that’s the main reason we don’t use it as often as the ferry, although if we’re going straight through France to go motorhoming in Germany , the Netherlands or anywhere further east, it makes sense.

Also, if you use LPG in your camper for movement (ie, in place of diesel or unleaded) then you are NOT allowed to use the tunnel. (Having gas bottles for cooking/ heating is fine.)

Don’t forget, you can use your Tesco vouchers to reduce the cost even further and some motorhome clubs also offer discounts.

Read More: Driving in Europe after BREXIT? Find the changes HERE 

Best Motorhome Route to Italy Through France

If you’re planning a route through France for an Italy road trip , we’ve put together some of the best driving routes for motorhomes, campers, caravans and cars (complete with estimated toll charges)

Motorhome/ camper Hire in France

Of course, if you don’t own or have access to your own motorhome, camper, car or caravan, you’ll need to rent a vehicle.

There are some important questions you need to consider when renting a motorhome – including making sure you can get to the vehicle and exactly what gear will be on the vehicle when you collect it.

Don’t forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driver, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring.

Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws.

Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border into another country if that’s what you’re planning to do.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Motorhoming in France- what do you need?

In France, as with all countries in Europe, there are certain things you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan.

Don’t forget, if you are driving through France to get to another country, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country.

Grab your FREE France travel checklist so you remember it all!

Things you need to drive in France- safety gear

Unlike in the UK, there are some things you legally MUST carry in your vehicle when Motorhoming in France. These are:

• Hi-vis reflective jackets – one per person (These MUST be accessible without getting out of the vehicle- ie, don’t keep them in the garage unless you can reach them from inside!)
• Warning triangle
• Headlight beam converters – must be fitted before you drive in Europe.
•  UK sticker  attached to the back of vehicle or reg plates.
• First aid kit – compulsory in many countries, including France and Germany. Find out what we carry in our European first aid kit here

TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in France BEFORE you get to the border- prices at Eurotunnel or on the ferry can be two or three times as much. Here’s what you need from Amazon ., which is cheaper than Halfords or the high street.

Do I need a breathalyser to drive in France?

No. Repeat after me- you do NOT need a breathalyser to drive in France.

It was a law France passed a few years ago… and then quietly removed for whatever reason. Many posts ranking highly in Google still list a breathalyser in their essential Europe driving accessories list, but I promise you you don’t need one.

BLIND SPOT Warning STICKERS for vehicle over 3.5 tonnes in France

As of the 01 January 2021, France have decided all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have ‘blind-spot’ stickers, even visiting foreign vehicles.

Here’s everything you need to know about motorhome blind spot warning stickers and if you need them.

Clean Air Sticker

Some of the bigger French cities require you to have a sticker before you can drive in. Personally, I recommend NOT driving into any cities and staying outside the zone, but here’s what you need to know about Crit’Air.

Get a full list of the essential kit and paperwork needed for motorhome touring in France and Europe

Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when campervanning in France

The following kit are things you might need to carry in your car, motorhome, caravan or campervan, depending on when you are planning your road trip in France.

If you are travelling between 15 October and 15 April, you will need to have snow chains able to be fitted as conditions dictate on many roads in the mountains..

• Snow chains/ winter tyres – If you’re going to one of these regions in winter (Nov- March) you’ll need either snow chains or winter tyres fitted. Snow socks are allowed but not as good.
• Red/ white warning board sign – for bike racks or anything overhanging the end of the motorhome or campervan. These are not currently compulsory in France, but they ARE compulsory if you’re motorhoming in Spain and Italy. Get the more expensive aluminium one, the cheaper versions are not legal in Italy.
• Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle
• Fire extinguisher
• Water and snacks- just in case you run into traffic or breakdown somewhere remote.

What documents do you need to drive in France?

If you’re driving in France, you need to carry the following documents:

• Passport (or identity card)
• Driving licence (check it is in date!)
• Motorhome Insurance documents- check you are covered for driving in Europe
• Breakdown cover
• Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)
• Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d
• Trailer certification
• Green card (get from your vehicle insurer)
• International Driving Permit if required
• Personal travel insurance

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in France?

Most UK citizens do not need an IDP to drive in France, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!)

You might need one if you have:

• a paper driving licence only
• a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

(If you do need an IDP, here’s an  in-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permit  and which one(s) you need from a UK post office.

Motorhome touring in France- Other useful things you might need

We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. We’ve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much.

Here is a list of things we highly recommend when motorhoming in France, but which are NOT essential:

• Motorhome WiFi – learn our favourite way to get internet on the road
• Toll pass (see below)
• TV- If you’d like TV in your motorhome or camper , here’s how to get it.
• Motorhome sat-nav – get one you can enter your motorhome dimensions into, like these
• Motorhome security camera – this thing is GOLD for allowing us to go exploring and leave the van for a short time.
• Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in France with your motorhome
• Inverter- a motorhome wild camping essential
• An awesome road trip playlist!

Motorhome Travel in France- where to stay

Once you’ve got a vehicle to tour around France in, the next thing to consider is what sort of motorhoming holiday you want to have and where are you going to camp/ park up overnight?

• Do you want to stay at a luxury campsite with pitches for motorhomes, campervans and caravans which has a pool, restaurants and activities for the kids to do?
• Do you want to use  aires/ free overnight parking spots in Europe  and stay 2/3 nights in a place before moving on?
• Would you prefer to wild camp in your motorhome and stay at a new place each night, far from crowds and cities? 

Deciding the type of holiday you want to have will make planning your motorhome trip a lot easier. Here’s a bit more information about the types of motorhome parking available in France to help you decide.

Motorhome campsites in France

Like in the UK, campsites in France vary in quality and price. Some campsites have great facilities, like swimming pools or a beach on a lake, watersports, play area, restaurants, fresh bread delivery, shop etc.

Others are more rustic and aren’t much more than an aire with an attendant. Expect the facilities at cheaper campsites to be much lower in hygiene standards than you might be used to!

There are some gorgeous motorhome campsites in France, right by beaches and lakes, with swimming pools, evening entertainment and kids clubs. If you want a relaxing holiday whilst staying in your own van and enjoying the sunshine, this might be the best option for you.

They work much like in the UK- you arrive, check in (and will usually need to show a passport), are given or can select a pitch with or without electric (depending on what you booked) and that’s it.

Expect some campsites to keep your passport for the duration of your stay with them. This is often at the places where you haven’t paid in advance- I always try to pay in advance and keep my passport where I know it’s safe!

Dogs are normally always welcome on campsites, but there isn’t always a dog walk/ run where they are allowed off lead.

The best motorhome campsites in France

We do occasionally use campsites in France. This is normally when we want to ride our motorbikes and don’t want to leave the van unattended all day in an aire or wild camping spot.

Because we rarely plan a route through France, and therefore we never know where we’re going to be, we book campsites at the last minute- or just turn up. This doesn’t always work, (especially in  August or between October-March when many campsites shut) but there always seems to be something around which works out.

If you’re more organised, you can find some of the best motorhome campsites in France here.

France motorhome travel in the school holidays- or not?

If you’re travelling in the school holidays, you’ll want to book up the campsite (if you’re using one) asap- the best ones get booked up months in advance.

If you’re NOT travelling during the school holidays, you might want to consider getting an  ACSI camping card – you’ll save a lot of money on campsite charges.

Overnight Motorhome stopovers in France – Aires

For us, we prefer to travel around France and explore different places during our motorhome trips instead of staying in one area. We generally stay only one night in a place (unless we’re planning to ride the motorbikes, in which case we find somewhere for a few nights.) 

There are two types of motorhome overnight parking options instead of campsites. The first are approved Motorhome parking places, which are called  Aires in France .

Aires are approved overnight motorhome parking places, often provided and maintained by the local commune. They are designed for motorhomes or campervans (not caravans sadly). You can’t book an aire in advance, and they all have different services available.

Some have electric hookup and waste disposal, others are literally an approved motorhome parking place for the evening. You can often stay in an aire for 2 or 3 days. Some are paid and will have a sign somewhere telling you what to do to pay; some are free.

How to find and use Motorhome Aires in France

You can find aires using a motorhome app like Park4Night or campercontact, or you can get a book before you go (see below).

READ MORE: Step by step instructions on how to find and use French Aires for motorhomes

To use an aire, you turn up in your motorhome or campervan and see if there’s an available space. It’s that simple! Most aires cater for motorhomes up to about 8m, so if you’re towing with your motorhome (like we often do), you need to be very careful which ones you choose.

Aires have no set arrival or departure times, so there’s a lot more freedom, but they often have a 24h or 48h max duration- and that is checked, so don’t overstay your welcome.

Bear in mind that there is often no security or personnel at these places (you often pay at a machine like a car park) so we try not to leave the motorhome unattended for long periods.

Books to help your find motorhome aires in France

We don’t use books to find campsites or aires on France (we prefer apps), but I know many people prefer having something which doesn’t rely on motorhome wifi or internet!

Here are some excellent France motorhome guides to help you plan your travels and overnight stopover. They also make excellent gift ideas for motorhome owners !

Motorhome Parking Tips for Aires in France

You cannot pre-book Aires- they operate on a first-come basis. We found people tended to move on about 10-11am and most were parked up by 4pm, so try and move within that window for the best chance of finding a space.

We like aires, as we feel happier leaving our motorhome if we want to go off an explore, and don’t want to deal with the noise or expense of a European campsite. We tow motorbikes behind our motorhome and love being able to use them without worrying if the van is ok.

RELATED: How to find and use aires and motorhome stopovers around Europe

Wild camping in France for Motorhomes

We love wild camping in a motorhome in France – and there are some INCREDIBLE places to stop for a night.

Motorhome wild camping offers a lot of freedom- you can turn up and leave as you like, although we only ever advise using a wild camping spot for one night; otherwise, the locals might think you’re moving in!

Want to stay off-grid with your motorhome?

Grab our FREE wild parking checklist and make it easy for yourself. Everything you need to do, bring or remember when you stay off-grid.

You need to be very respectful when wild camping- it’s not a right, it’s a privilege, so take away all of your waste, don’t play loud music and don’t park too close to someone’s house. If a sign says it’s private land, either ask the owner for permission or move on.

Don’t park anywhere with a sign saying no overnight parking. Don’t forget many farmers and landowners carry guns in France- you don’t want to get on the wrong side of that!

READ MORE: Step-by-step guide to motorhome wild camping in France

France Passion- approved overnight motorhome parking scheme in France

If you’d like to avoid campsites and sostas, but don’t want to risk staying off-grid, there is another option which offer places to stay with a motorhome or campervan- France Passion.

France Passion is a collection of businesses and locations across France which allow motorhomes and campervans to stay overnight on their land.

In return, you are expected to eat a meal at the restaurant, or buy some wine or produce from their shop. If you enjoy visiting vineyards, chateaux or local markets, this might be a good scheme for you.

Motorhome and campervan service points in France

In addition to the aires, France has a system of motorhome service places. We find these using the app Park4Night, and each place allows you to empty waste (both grey and black) into safe and hygienic locations. If you’re lucky, there will also be fresh water available.

TOP TIP: Use your own water hose when filling your fresh water tanks- many public hoses have been there for years and have all sorts of disgusting bacteria lurking inside!

Getting LPG in France

LPG (GPL) is fairly plentiful and can be found at selected petrol stations and at autogas stations. If buying from a petrol station, you may need to wait for an attendant to turn the system on for you. You can find places which sell LPG using MyLPG.eu

If you don’t have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome , you will need a different attachment in order to be able to connect to a French gas bottle.

READ MORE: Learn  how we find LPG in Europe for our motorhome without refillable bottles

Getting Fuel in France

Many people worry whether they should fill up in UK or France.

In our experience, France is often a little cheaper, BUT there are often has fuel strikes. We ALWAYS fill up in the UK before we go… just in case.

Driving tips for France motorhome travels

France is generally not too bad for drivers (at least, not compared to motorhoming in Italy !) The scariest thing about driver in France are the… ummm… older generation who don’t realise that priorite a droite is no longer a thing (more on that below!)

Some quick tips for driving in France:

• France drives on the right, like much of Europe
• You DON’T need a left-hand drive vehicle although it might help if you’re travelling on your own.
• The road system is set up for you driving on the right. Signs are on that side, roundabouts have helpful arrows and slip roads are pointed the right way. It’s not as hard as it sounds
• Avoid driving in Paris. At all times. In any vehicle.
• The maximum speed for private vehicles under 3.5t is 130kph (81mph) on motorways but speed limits are lower for cars towing caravans and for motorhomes over 3.5t in weight. You might need to display motorhome or caravan speed stickers
• If driving through towns and villages, only use the horn in an emergency.
• Helmets are compulsory if you are motorcycling in France
• Buses and trams have right of way.
• Seatbelts are compulsory
• In-car speed camera detectors and  motorhome sat-nav systems  warning of the presence of radars are illegal (whether they’re in use or not!)
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use a hands-free unit without earbuds.
• Minor traffic offences can result in on-the-spot fines.
• UK driving licences are perfectly acceptable to use and you probably won’t need an IDP (find out the changes made to  driving in Europe after BREXIT )
• You will need a green card to prove you  have motorhome insurance  cover when travelling in France.

Priorite a droite in France

France no longer has the stupid ‘prioritie a droite’ rule, (which meant you had to stop ON the roundabout for anyone coming onto it…!) HOWEVER, expect the occasional older French resident to merrily sail onto the roundabout and expect you to stop for them. It’s fun. Also, I believe it still exists in some places in France- like the Arc de Triomphe. Again- avoid Paris.

There is an excellent article explaining Priorite a droite, with all the corresponding road signs, right here

Speed limits in France

Speed Limits are as follows (unless otherwise signed!)

• 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways
• 110km/hr (68mph) on major roads
• 90 km/h (50 mph) on minor roads (out of town)
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
• In rain or snow conditions, the limit is lowered to 110 k/h on motorways and 90 k/h on trunk roads- this WILL NOT be signposted- you’re expected to know it

Motorhomes with trailers or caravans:

• motorways 80 km/h (50 mph)
• major out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
• minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
• built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)

Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes and under 12 tonnes:

• motorways 100 km/h (62 mph)
• major out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
• minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
• urban areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)

Beware of parked cars on the sides of fast roads

Entrapment is allowed in France and police will regularly park an old car at the side of the road with a hidden camera in it, and then they’ll pull you over further down and give you a speeding ticket.

Speed camera warnings in France

If you see a sign for a speed camera, there’s nearly always a camera within a mile for sure.

Tolls in France

France, like nearly all countries in Europe which don’t have a vignette system, has tolls on its major roads. You collect a ticket at the machine as you enter the road system and pay (either a person or machine) at the end in cash or on a card. Tolls in France are one of the most expensive in Europe (just be grateful you’re not motorhoming in Norway!)

Depending on your route and size (height!) of your motorhome, a trip from Northern France to southern will cost around 50€. If your motorhome is over 3m, you will be charged as a Class 4 vehicle, not class 2, so it could be as much as 90€.

Most motorhomes are calculated for class B, regardless of the number of axles. You can calculate the toll cost of your intended route  here

You can use a tollpass/ telepass (like e-Movis) or you can pay-as-you-go by cash or card (we always recommend carrying some cash- just in case!) Signs indicate the means of payment accepted on each lane.

Driving in France- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Campervanning in France- security

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your  motorhome security  when travelling in France. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecured area.

More useful things to know when motorhoming in France

Emergency Numbers:  112 will get you everything you need.

Language – French. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere.

Currency – Euro

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (not at tolls and often not at fuel stations)

Timezone – GMT+1 (or one hour ahead in BST) France is always one hour ahead of the UK, no matter what. Their clocks go forward and back whenever ours does.

Tipping – If you decide to treat yourself to a meal out, most restaurants will include a tip in the bill. Otherwise, 10-15% is standard. Coffee shops and lunchtime eateries often don’t include a tip, so check your bill before paying.

Shops – Many shops close on Sundays. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons.

Doing Laundry in France while motorhome touring

We struggled to get our motorhome anywhere near a proper laundrette (which are often in the centre of towns and cities). We ended up putting it on the back of our motorbikes, or specifically choosing a campsite with laundry facilities.

However, many bigger supermarkets in France have some washing machines outside and it’s very common to pull up, put on a load of laundry and then do your shopping.

Touring France with a dog

France is pretty dog-friendly and they are widely accepted on public transport. Take a muzzle and their pet paperwork, such as the AHC- although we’ve never been asked to show this.

Read more:  changes affecting travelling to Europe with a dog after BREXIT

We also found dogs were allowed on the beaches except in high season, which makes sense and they’re often allowed in restaurants if they’re well-behaved and on a short lead.

Other posts you might find useful:

• The best road trips in France
• Unmissable road trip ideas for Europe
• Essential motorhome checks to do before you travel

See all our Europe travel tips and ideas

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Hi Both, We have lived in the south of France for fifteen years. In general the French do not tip. They may leave the few coppers of loose change on the plate but will remove everything from a Euro up. I have never tipped in a restaurant in France and never had a waiter hover expecting one. Like the rest of Europe there is a compulsory minimum wage and people are not allowed to work for tips alone. If you get extraordinary service for something then that is up to you but don’t feel compelled to do it.

Having been a waitress (many moons ago) I know how nice it was to get a tip, so we always try and leave one. 🙂

Informative post….France is fab. I don’t think you mentioned Critair Stickers for travelling into some cities and areas during heavy pollution. Our moho is too old for one and we manage to get to the Med without encountering any issues but Paris has a permanent zone and many cities now have this in place for temporary polution. Ive read many people end up paying a fortune for one through dodgy websites when they areess than £5 …the AA have a link to the official website. Happy Travelling Michaela-moho PS never taken a breathalyser either ?

Hi Michaela. I’ve updated the guide to include Crit Air. 🙂 Thanks for the tips about the AA website. Safe travels.

Hi, thank you for providing such an informative blog! Planning on taking our first trip abroad in our motorhome and finding lots of very useful info here. I will have lots of questions that I’m sure I will find answers to here but one answer I haven’t found yet is regarding hills/mountains. We have a old J reg talbot and I’m a little concern about travelling anywhere near mountains. Would you say the roads near mountain ranges are generally ok to take a motorhome such as ours on or should we avoid them?

I will be back to pick your brains some more and will be sure to purchase necessary items from your page to help you in your work.

Pretty new to motorhome life but living it since November 2019 and loving it. Can’t wait to get into Europe as it seems so much more motorhome friendly than here in the UK. Oh, we are originally from the South West too, maybe we will cross paths one day!

Thanks again

Garry, Jess, Jasper (the dog), Kraken (the cat) & Batfink (the kitten)!

Hey guys. I think it depends on the vehicle- and you know that better than us. If you struggle getting up a steep-ish hill in the UK, you’ll really struggle in ‘proper’ mountains like the Alps or the Pyrenees. If you’re not sure, steer clear- there’s nowhere to turn around halfway up! Let me know how it goes!

My only comment would be. You need to be aware of heights, we have a 2007 Knaus su ti on a Renault master chassis if we go over 3500 meters, Andorra is a prime example, the engine is starved of oxygen and really struggles to move. I’ve written to MMM magazine and followed their advice but to no avail. Most vehicles have no problems but I have had two cars with the same problem

Hi, Really informative and helpful article. Lots of useful tips and advice. I’m planning on doing an road trip through France , then Spain this summer and followed then a ski season in France ( actually was looking at doing it last year but the virus stopped that ) . I may of missed it but had you got any recommendations for travelling in Spain. Regards Stephen

Thanks so much for your blog – it’s been so helpful! 🙂

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Everything you need to know when motorhoming in France

Going to France with your motorhome? Do it! France is an ideal holiday destination, with a beautifully diverse landscape, a pleasant climate, delicious cuisine and lots of perfect sites for motorhomes. And for motorhome owners.

After a day of exploring the area, you can enjoy one of the many acclaimed wines, with a piece of cheese and baguette in the French evening sun. With a French Chanson playing in the background. Read this country information before you leave, and you will have everything you need to know before you set off in your motorhome to France.

Overnight stops

Are you taking your motorhome to France and looking for a place to stay overnight? Then search for campsites and motorhome stopovers. For French motorhome locations , see Campercontact. You are allowed to stay overnight for free anywhere that a passenger car (or camper <3,500 kg) or bus (or camper> 3,500 kg) may park. So, officially you can spend the night at any place where you are allowed to park. However, you should not stay for longer than seven days in one place. You can stay for a maximum of 24 hours in parking areas along motorways. If you want more than just an overnight stop and prefer to try wild camping instead, then you can only do this with the permission of the owner of the land or the police.

Emergency telephone number

Emergency telephone number: 112 Ambulance: 15 Police: 17 Fire department: 18

Compulsory to bring

The French government requires motorhome owners to have a breathalyser in their motorhome, so that if in doubt drivers can test their own alcohol levels. If you get stopped and you don't have one with you, you won't get a fine. You are allowed to have a maximum of 0.5 promille in your blood. This is a maximum of 49 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. For a new driver (less than 3 years driving license) a promillage of 0,2 promillage applies. Furthermore, a warning triangle and an easily accessible reflective jacket for the driver and a set of spare lamps are mandatory. Not mandatory, but a good tip (if we say so ourselves) is to bring a plug adapter or blue Euro plug with you. Many French motorhome pitches still use earthed plugs.

Roads and traffic

Speed limit

In France the following speed limits apply:

• Within built-up areas ≤ 3,5 t: 50 km/h
• Within built-up area > 3,5 ton: 50 km/h
• Outside built-up area ≤ 3.5 tons: 80 km per hour
• Outside built-up area > 3.5 tons: 80 km per hour
• Motorway ≤ 3.5 tons: 130 km per hour
• Motorway> 3.5 tons: 110 km per hour. On 110 km per hour roads with 4 lanes and separate carriageways, a maximum speed of 100 km per hour applies.

Speed camera warning

In France it is forbidden to use speed camera warnings via the navigation system. However, the indication of danger zones in a navigation system is permitted.

In France, you have to pay tolls on many of the motorways. The five toll categories and their details can be found on autoroutes.fr . For each toll road, there is an alternative route where no toll charged. If there is no alternative route other than the motorway, then that motorway is toll free.

Driving in winter

As of 1 November 2021, it is compulsory to carry 2 snow chains or to drive with 4 Winter tyres in mountainous areas during the winter period (1 November to 31 March). Mountain areas where this obligation applies are the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, Jura and Corsica. In addition, snow chains are compulsory wherever indicated by signs. If, in the event of an accident, the motorhome has not been prepared for winter conditions, the driver may be held (partly) liable.

Other traffic rules

• A motorhome over 3,500 kg may not drive on the left lane on a French three-lane road.
• Vehicles> 3,500 kg or longer than 7 meters must keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from the vehicle in front.
• Vehicles in built-up areas must keep a distance of 1 metre from pedestrians and passing cyclists, even when they are walking or riding on the pavement. Outside built-up areas a distance of 1.5 meters applies. When passing, indicators must be switched off.
• Using a mobile phone is prohibited. You can also get a fine if the motorhome is stationary and you have a phone in your hand. Pressure is still being exerted on the French authorities from various sides to reverse this regulation. For the first three months of 2021 there is an tolerance period during which no fines will be given. The size of the sticker is 25x17 cm. The stickers are to mark the zone that the driver can hardly see. The measure is intended to prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians.The stickers must be placed on the right rear side (between 0.9 and 1.5 m from the ground) and on each front side (between 0.9 and 1.5 m from the ground) of the cabin. An instructional video can be found here.

Additional load

Is your motorhome carrying an additional load? Please read the following rules.

• The load must not extend more than 3 metres backwards and must not protrude at the front.
•  If the load sticks out more than 1 meter, it is mandatory to attach a reflective sign to the furthest point.
• In the dark or in poor visibility, the load must also be fitted with a red light.
•  The maximum load of a vehicle with trailer is 2.55 metres wide and 12 metres long.
• From 1 January 2021, it will be compulsory for vehicles > 3500 kg to have blind spot stickers installed.

Pressure is still being exerted on the French authorities from various sides to reverse this regulation. For the first

Environment

French environmental zones

In France you have a low emission zone (ZFE), permanent environmental zones (ZCR) and temporary environmental zones (ZPA). The latter are air pollution protection zones where access rules are temporarily imposed when there is a pollution peak. These zones can be active for a few days and are then only accessible with a valid environmental sticker, the 'Crit'Air'. For permanent zones, the access rules always apply. 

Advice: purchase an environmental badge when travelling to France (more information under the heading: French environmental badges). Admission to an environmental zone depends on the colour and number of the environmental badge. 

Website with information about the French environmental zones. 

French environmental stickers

In France there are six different environmental stickers (called 'Crit'Air' there). Motorhomes built after 1997 qualify for a sticker. And your vehicle's emissions determine which sticker you get.   

On this website you will find a simulator which shows you which Crit'Air Vignette you need to buy for your motorhome. You can order your French environment sticker here.  Stick it on the bottom right (as seen from the inside) on the inside of the windscreen.

Report a change?

The information on this page is checked regularly. However, it is possible that the regulations have changed in the meantime. All information on this page is therefore subject to change. Have you discovered an error? Please let us know via our contact form and we will, if necessary, amend it as soon as possible.

Travelling to France - Travel Hub

Our French neighbours bring feelings of warmth and comfort, a love hate relationship to many! Travelling to France in your motorhome is just a wonderful experience – especially to those that are new to motorhoming.   France is a fantastic place to travel to in your motorhome. France itself has everything from cosmopolitan cities, historical chateaus, the finest cuisine and stunningly beautiful countryside. 

But the best thing – France is incredibly motorhome friendly. France is set up to make motorhoming and road trips so easy! From campsites to Aires and availability for low cost waste and grey water disposal as well as filling up your water tank – all for a few euros.

Travelling to France will be much easier after you have read our handy French travel guide. It will give you all the practical and essential information that you need to know before you go.  From what sim card you need, how to take your pet to France with you and the rules on wild camping. So buckle up and lets kick your road trip planning for travelling to France, off to a good start. 

France Travel Hub - Jump To

Key facts - our french essentials.

French, spoken all over the country and many speak good English too.

In France they use the single European currency of Euro and Cents.

France is part of the Schengen region, (it counts as part of your 90 days free visa travel)

France is in the Central European Timezone, which is GMT +1

ATM & Credit Cards

French ATMs are plentiful. Credit Cards are widely accepted.

Plugs and Voltage

C and E plug types (both 2 round pins). Type E has male socket hole, 230 standard voltage and 50 Hz.

Not necessary although shows appreciation. All items have 15% added to the actual item price (not on top of the bill).

UK travellers need a passport and from 2024 need a ETIAS (electronic visa). Schengen countries travel visa free.

Female Travel

Perfectly safe as a female travel. Take usual precautions in the big cities at night time.

GHIC card will give you emergency cover or state healthcare. Advise Travel Insurance Policy too.

Motorhome Parking

Good range of Aires and campsites. Wild camping is legal - but follow the rules.

French Roads

A mixture of toll roads (A), old national roads (N) and Departmental Roads (D).

Best Travel Months

Spring/Autumn for less crowds, Summer for warmth, Winter for Ski and Christmas Markets

LPG Available

Readily available but you might need an attendant to 'turn it on'. You can't always 'just fill up'

Top 5 Airports - Paris - Charles de Gualle, Paris Orly, Nice Côte d'Azur, Marseilles, Lyon Saint-Exupéry

Motorhome/ Car Insurance

Likely to be covered as it is an EU and Schengen country - check with your insurance company to be sure.

Not required. 15% Service Charge is added to every bill. Living wage is paid to staff.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency - 112 (Fire, Police and Ambulance) Hard of Hearing - 114, 15 - Medical, 17 - Police, 18 - Fire

Must be microchipped. Must have Rabies injection. Animal Health Certificate (for each trip!)

Traditional Food

French Onion Soup Bouillabaisse Croque monsieur Escargots de Bourgogne Croissants!

Why Visit France?

Exploring France in a motorhome is an awesome way to see what this country has to offer. France isn’t just one place; it’s beaches, mountains, vineyards, and cities all rolled into one. And with a motorhome, you can see them all at your own pace. France is also really easy to get to from the south of England.

France is great for motorhome travel because it’s set up for it. There are plenty of places to park and stay, from fancy campsites to simple spots just for motorhomes. This makes it easy to travel around, whether you want to see the famous French Riviera, the Alps, or small villages.

One of the best parts of travelling this way is the food. Each part of France has its own special dishes and wines. You can go from tasting seafood in Normandy to trying cheeses in the Loire Valley. And since you’re in a motorhome, you can shop at local markets and cook your finds right there. Even the supermarkets are just amazing! The first French supermarket we stopped at just for something simply, we ended up buying so much stuff, it really is a food lovers dream! 

Travelling in a motorhome also means you get to meet locals and see how they live, which is something you might miss if you were just passing through quickly. Plus, France has a lot of beautiful routes perfect for driving, like the Route des Grandes Alpes or through the wine country. The tolerance for motorhomers is completely different from the reception that you receive in the UK. It really is so refreshing. 

So, if you’re looking for a road trip that lets you see loads of different things, eat great food, and meet new people, doing it in a motorhome in France is a smart choice. It’s about freedom, comfort, and adventure, all at once. 

Download our Handy Road Trip Planner

Use our handy ready made PDF planner to help you plan your trip. We created a 9 day planner to use to plan a 1 week trip. Simply print out more copies for each week of your travels. Capture everything you need from your start and end points to where you will stay. There is space to write all the things you want to see and more. Plenty of room for jotting down notes as you plan too. 

*Road Trip Planner

*By downloading our planner, you give us permission to send you our newsletter. We send this approx every 6 – 8 weeks.

When to Visit For Your Road Trip in France

For a motorhome road trip in France, the best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for in your adventure. For us, we prefer to find the warmer weather, with longer days and milder evenings, but there is some great skiing to be had in France, which of course means a winter break is the best. 

France in Springtime

Spring in France is a great time for a road trip. The weather is getting warmer, and the landscape is blooming. Plus, it’s before the summer rush, so places are less crowded. You’ll get to enjoy the beauty of places like Provence with its lavender fields starting to bloom towards the end of this period without too many people around.

France in Summer

If you love sunshine and don’t mind the crowds, summer is peak season. It’s perfect for beach destinations along the French Riviera. However, it’s also when France is busiest, and prices for campsites can be higher.

Autumn in France

The weather is still nice, especially in September. This is harvest time in wine regions like Bordeaux or Burgundy, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts. The autumn colors are beautiful, and the tourist crowds have thinned out.

France in Winter

It’s the off-season for most of France, except for the Alps and Pyrenees, where it’s peak ski season. If you don’t mind the cold and enjoy winter sports, it’s a great time. Plus, you’ll see the Christmas markets in December.

We would avoid the south of France in the summer months just because of the crowds, but of course, you can always avoid the crowds by going to non-tourist places – France is about 2.5 times the size of the UK – with about the same number of people living in it. 

France also has a lot of festivals in the summer which may influence the time you want to go.

In summary, if you prefer mild weather and fewer people, spring and fall are the best. For beach weather and lively festivals, choose summer. Winter is great for skiing or enjoying France’s cities without the crowds. It all comes down to your personal preferences and what you want to experience on your road trip.

France since Brexit - What's Changed?

Since Brexit, a number of things have changed with regards to travelling to France.  The legal requirements for entry are obviously the biggest one. France is part of the Schengen Region. This is not the same as the EU or Europe! These are common mistakes people make.

Being part of the Schengen means that UK citizens with British passports can only be in the Schengen region for 90 days out of 180 days. It can be difficult to keep track of – but thankfully there are many apps that can help you with that.  It is more complicated than it first sounds – and the penalty for this is can be a ban – a pretty significant event, considering there are 27 member countries of the Schengen. Check out our article for ‘The Schengen Shuffle’ to find out how to manage the impact of this for fulltime travellers. Try and keep a few days in your back pocket just in case something goes wrong.

You don’t need a visa as of now, but in 2025 you will need an EITAs – an online registration system that is being introduced. 

You will need to apply for a GHIC health insurance card to cover you for basic hospital cover either free or low cost – but it is best practice to get yourself travel insurance when you are travelling to France. Medical costs can run into their thousands so it really is recommended. 

As a result of Brexit, your mobile phone roaming fees will likely be affected. So you will need to either pay a daily roaming fee (in most cases) or swap out your sim card for a local card which will give you access to data/calls etc.

Last but not least – the pet passports have changed. Instead of a pet passport, you will need to apply for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) which confirms that your pet is microchipped and has an up-to-date rabies vaccination. You need to get a new certificate each time you travel within 10 days of your travel date. This will be valid for 4 months. 

France Itineraries and Information

Searching for a quick getaway, but want to go across the channel? We have 5 roadtrip ideas for northern France, which will make you go ‘ooh la la!’ My particular favourite is the Champagne trail!

Everything you need to know about the rules on driving in France. From speeds, drink driving rules, wild camping and even the speeding fines. Driving essentials in one place.

Traditional Foods In FRANCE

What is there to say about French food? This famous fine dining cuisine can be whatever you want it to be.  The number of Michelin starred restaurants offering the most exquisitely presented food can be found all over (630 of them to be precise – as of 2024).

We are way more practical than that! Whilst we love a good fine dining experience – we are very much more about local and traditional foods to try. Foods of the regions interest us. Every area will have its own speciality – Epernay & Champagne are a match made in heaven for example. 

French Onion Soup – a delectable bowl of hearty French onion soup is hard to beat. An 18th century dish, made with onions and beef broth, served with a big chunk of toasted bread on top finished with grated cheese lightly grilled. It was known as ‘Drunkard Broth’ as it masked the smell of alcohol! I have made this before and it took about 3 hours! Went down a storm!  

Bouillabaisse – a favourite of my dads and my sons! A soup which is from the south of France – mainly made with fish, shellfish and vegetables in broth. The spices used in it give it the real flavour, although the dish is so old (2,500 years apparently!) it is hard to know what is totally authentic, but if you are around Marseille, this is the originating city.

Croque monsieur – available in cafe’s all over France – the traditional cheese and ham toasted sandwich. Thought to have originated from Parisian cafes in the 1900’s, the croque monsieur is in essence a ham and cheese sandwich with bechamel sauce (both inside and on top) with the top layer having grated gruyere cheese on it, melted under the grill. Yum! 

Escargots de Bourgogne – we couldn’t not mention snails could we? For the older people or film fanatics – remember Julia Roberts with her ‘slippery little suckers’ phrase? Escargot de Bourgogne are classic snails in garlic and parsley butter. If you get a chance – look for a snail farm whilst you are in France – get right to the source. Snails with garlic are totally delicious.  

Last but not least – the humble Croissants. Can’t get much more classic that this finest of pastries served for breakfast. OK – not unusual these days – but you will surely taste the difference from the fine pastry selections that you can pick up from the local ‘boulangerie’, deliciously buttery and flaky. I always eat twice as many – so bad for the waist line! 

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Travelling to France with a motorhome - All you need to know

It's a foregone conclusion: your next motorhome trip will be to France ! On the way, you will encounter the most beautiful landscapes, eat the most delicious French dishes and feast your eyes on the historical villages and cities. To prepare for your motorhome journey to France, below you'll find a selection of the highlights, important traffic rules, camperstops and camper guides. Bon voyage!

Highlights on a motorhome journey to France

Normandy & Brittany Normandy and Brittany are among the most popular regions in France. This is not surprising with the beautiful landscapes and historical cities that you will find there. This motorhome route  takes you to the most beautiful places in Normandy and Brittany. In Giverny in Normandy, you will learn all about the French painter Monet. Afterwards, you continue to the forests of Lyons la Forêt for a pleasant walk. From here, travel to Rouen for the Gros Horloge, an immense watch you can admire from the street. Then tick the 'Venice of Normandy' and the chalk cliffs of Etretat off your French bucket list. Then head on to Brittany, passing the Côte de Granit Rose, Dinan, Rennes and Carnac. The Pyrenees In the French Pyrenees there are several locations worth exploring. For example, go to Cirque de Gavarnie, one of the most beautiful valleys in France, visit Saint-Lizier, which is called one of the most beautiful villages in France. Wherever you go in the French Pyrenees, there are plenty of places to go walking and cycling. So be sure to bring your hiking boots and bicycles on your next motorhome journey through France!

Wine regions If you travel from A to B in your motorhome in France, you're bound to come across them: endless vines ! Burgundy, Alsace and Bordeaux are among the most famous wine regions in the country. So it's time for a visit with your motorhome! Drive a wine route that takes you past the most beautiful vineyards and regularly tastes a good glass of wine or combine your visit with a city trip, for example to Auxerre or Dijon, from where you will be among the vineyards in no time! UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the jewels of France The UNESCO World Heritage List boasts numerous beautiful sights in France. Think for example of the old market town of Provins, the harbour town of Le Havre or the fortress town of Carcassonne where you can admire the enormous fortifications surrounding the city. They are all on the list for a good reason, so it's time to pay them a visit in your motorhome!

Camperstops in France

Special traffic rules during your motorhome journey in france.

• Large motorhomes with a maximum permitted mass exceeding 3500 kg must have a blind spot sticker affixed to the motorhome.
• Previously it was compulsory to carry an alcohol test in the car. From May 2020 this will no longer be compulsory.
• When driving on a narrow mountain road, ascending traffic has priority over descending traffic.
• Along a toll road, repairing your own vehicle is prohibited.

Guides for your motorhome journey in France

Camperroute: de Vuurtorenroute in de Bretagne!

Het Franse schiereiland Bretagne ligt in het westen van Frankrijk en staat met name bekend om zijn uitgestrekte kustlijn, historische stadscentra en gezellige badplaatsjes. Maar wist je ook dat vuurtorens tot het Bretons erfgoed behoren? In Bretagne vind je de grootste concentratie aan vuurtorens van heel Frankrijk! Met wel 52 vuurtorens zijn de Bretonse “phares” goed voor zo’n 75% van het totaal aantal vuurtorens in heel Frankrijk. Ga met ons mee op camperreis en ontdek deze prachtige bouwwerken aan de Bretonse kust!

Route des Phares

De vuurtorenroute in de Bretagne staat ook wel bekend als de ‘Route des Phares’. Deze route loopt langs het gebied aan de Bretonse kust dat de hoogste concentratie aan vuurtorens heeft. Tijdens deze route kun je 20 vuurtorens zien, naast dat je op deze route ook veel andere leuke ervaringen en activiteiten tegen zult komen. Deze route is ook prima te rijden met de camper en zal ongeveer 5 dagen in beslag nemen! Lees snel verder en ontdek op welke camperplaatsen je kunt overnachten tijdens het rijden van de ‘Route des Phares’!

Dag 1: Lannion

De camperreis begint in Lannion. Toegegeven, deze plek ligt nét niet op de officiële vuurtorenroute, maar het is toch de moeite waard om deze plek te benoemen in deze camperroute. Parkeer je camper bij de gelijknamige camperplaats Lannion en je bent helemaal klaar om het centrum van deze historische stad te ontdekken!

In het centrum van Lannion vind je een grote verscheidenheid aan architectuur: van middeleeuwse huizen tot aan een oud klooster. Maar de architectuur is niet de grootste trekpleister van deze bestemming, dat is namelijk de nabijgelegen Roze Granietkust. Deze prachtige kustlijn ligt ten noorden van Lannion en staat bekend om zijn kleurige rotsen in de meest prachtige vormen. Als je van wandelen houdt moet je hier zeker heen om even langs de rotsen af te struinen! Vergeet je camera niet, want je zult ongetwijfeld foto’s willen maken op deze mooie plek.

- Neem je camera zeker mee en leg de Roze Granietkust vast!  ©  VERNEUIL Teddy – Lezbroz, Tourisme Bretagne

Dag 2: Lannion – Kerlouan (90 km)

Op de tweede dag begin je officieel aan de vuurtorenroute. Na 90 kilometer rijden met de camper kom je aan in Kerlouan, waar je de vuurtoren van Pontusval tegen zult komen. Deze vuurtoren is gebouwd in de 19 de eeuw en is één van de meest gefotografeerde vuurtorens van Europa! Helaas is de vuurtoren niet meer open voor bezoekers, maar dat betekent niet dat je er niet meer van kan genieten.

Ben je op zoek naar een bijzondere ervaring? Dan kun je met Barrachou Paddle mee om te gaan suppen rondom de vuurtoren van Pontusval. Zo heb je echt de mooiste uitzichten op de vuurtoren én de omgeving! Aan het einde van de dag kun je je camper parkeren bij Aire de Camping-Car de Ménéham .

- De vuurtoren van Pontusval doet het uitzonderlijk goed op foto’s!

Dag 3: Kerlouan – Plouguerneau (13 km)

Een stukje ten zuidwesten van Kerlouan ligt Plouguerneau, een plaatsje waar vanuit je gemakkelijk naar l’Île de Vierge kunt. Op dit eiland vind je misschien wel het mooiste strand van de Bretagne en een indrukwekkende vuurtoren die, gelukkig, nog open is voor bezoekers! De vuurtoren leent zijn naam aan het eiland: Phares de l’Île Vierge. Tevens is dit ook één van de grootste vuurtorens van Bretagne! Ook hier kun je gaan suppen rondom de vuurtoren en het strand, met Glaz Évasion. Daarnaast kun je er ook voor kiezen om met een kayak te water te gaan.

In Plouguerneau kun je met je camper overnachten bij Lilia . Plouguerneau zelf heeft een klein centrum met weinig aanbod aan restaurants en winkels, maar het natuurschoon in de omgeving doet je dit al snel weer vergeten.

- Bezoek zeker Phares de l’Île Vierge op dit prachtige eiland!  ©  PORIEL Thibault, Tourisme Bretagne

Dag 4: Plouguerneau – Lampaul-Plouarzel (33 km)

Op dag 4 kom je aan bij misschien wel het hoogtepunt van de vuurtorenroute, namelijk bij Lampaul-Plouarzel. De kustplaats zelf is misschien niet zó interessant, maar dit is wel het perfecte uitgangspunt om naar Île d’Ouessant te gaan! Op en rondom dit eiland voor de Bretonse kust vind je maar liefst 5 vuurtorens, waarvan er ééntje open is voor bezoekers, namelijk de Phare du Stiff.

Naast vuurtorens vind je op dit eiland ook het Musée des Phares et Balises, oftewel het museum van de vuurtorens! Hier moet je heen als je alles wilt leren over de geschiedenis van de Bretonse vuurtoren. Eenmaal terug in Lampaul-Plouarzel kun je nog een kijkje nemen bij een laatste vuurtoren: de Phare de Trézien. Ook deze vuurtoren is nog open voor bezoekers. Aan het einde van de dag kun je met je camper terecht bij Aire de Porspaul .

- Ook 's avonds zijn de vuurtorens indrukwekkend om te zien!  ©  BERTHIER Emmanuel , Tourisme Bretagne

Dag 5: Lampaul-Plouarzel – Brest (24 km)

De laatste dag van deze camperroute brengt je naar de Franse stad Brest. Echter is dit niet de enige bestemming van deze dag, want onderweg naar Brest kom je nog langs enkele vuurtorens die open zijn voor bezoekers! Op volgorde kom je langs de Phare de Kermorvan, Phare de St Mathieu en uiteindelijk de Phare du Petit Minou. Na een bezoekje aan deze prachtige vuurtorens kom je aan in het gezellige Brest. Een prachtige havenstad met een groot aanbod aan historische architectuur en bezienswaardigheden.

Eén van de grootste toeristische trekpleisters van de stad is het Oceanopolis. Hier wordt het leven in de verschillende oceanen ter wereld tentoongesteld. De camperplaats waar je zult verblijven, Parking Oceanopolis , ligt bijna voor de deur van de bezienswaardigheid. Wil je nog wat meemaken van de haven van Brest? Neem dan een kijkje bij Compagnie Maritieme Brest Ouest. Je kunt hier niet alleen naar mooie boten en schepen kijken, je kunt er ook nog zelf op eentje meevaren!

- Overal in Brest zie je dat dit een havenstad is!  ©  PORIEL Thibault , Tourisme Bretagne

Nog meer ontdekken van Frankrijk? De mooiste plekken van Frankrijk kun je het beste op de fiets verkennen! In onze blog “ 5x fietsen vanaf de camperplaats in Frankrijk! ” lees je alles over de mooiste plekken om te fietsen in het land van de baguettes en barets. Houd je van de bergen? Rijd dan met je camper naar het zuiden van Frankrijk en bedwing de ‘ Route des Cols ’. On y va !

Ontdek meer...

Overnachten | Camperroutes   | Natuur

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15-day camper van tour in France + free route map

Need an idea for an itinerary to visit France in a campervan? You might be able to take inspiration from my 15-day motorhome tour from North to South of France . For each stage, I recommend visits and inexpensive solutions for the night (homestays, camping or in unusual places).

Of course, in 2 weeks, you can't visit all of France, but my itinerary allows you to discover the great unmissable sites of France. Thus, you will visit beautiful towns, villages classified as the most beautiful in France, castles, vineyards, etc ...

With my 15-day itinerary in a motorhome, you will visit the most touristic sites in France as in the circuits of travel agencies, but in a cooler way! Indeed, that's the whole point of traveling in a motorhome: you take the time. And it doesn't matter if you don't visit everything that was planned, the important thing is to do it at your own pace!

Ideas for campervan itineraries to visit France

Here are some cool itinerary ideas that you can use as inspiration when planning a motorhome road trip. Indeed, if you have more than 2 weeks of vacation in France, why not combine the circuit that I will detail below with a more complete itinerary for a region that you prefer:

• Provence-Luberon
• North Brittany
• Normandy-Brittany  
• Pink Granite Coast
• Arcachon bay
• Coasts of Languedoc Roussillon

Visit France in 15 days in a motorhome

Among all the advantages of traveling in a motorhome, the main advantage is being able to land close to tourist sites . Not only does it save time but in addition, you can camp in unusual places, sometimes sublime at unbeatable prices! Indeed, better than camping, I use the Home Camper application (see details below).

You will see that my circuit to visit France in 15 days is quite busy. In fact, it is optimized for those who want to discover as many sites as possible in a short time. But, if you like to travel by taking all your time, either you eliminate a few steps or you plan to do this tour in 3 weeks or 1 month. So, you have the chance to better enjoy each step!

Motorhome rental in France

For those who are not equipped with a van or a motorhome, it is very easy to rent a motorhome to visit France freely. Indeed, there is a platform for connecting with individuals who rent their motorhomes: Yescapa

The choice is important and the rentals well supervised and insured (payment on the site via a secure space).

The advantage is that you can choose the motorhome in the city in France from which your route starts. Thus, you program routes from Paris (ideal for foreigners arriving in France by plane), Toulouse , Bordeaux or Marseille !

Where to spend the night in a campervan in France?

When you invest in a motorhome or a rental, you tell yourself that you can travel inexpensively. But the bad surprise of the new campincarists is to note that the nights in the campsites are expensive. In addition, in high season, free pitches are very rare in campsites in France or in areas reserved for them. Suddenly, traveling in a motor home becomes expensive and a source of problems to find where to sleep.

My good plan is HomeCamper an online booking platform for  private land with inhabitant . These are pitches that can be rented to sleep in a van or motorhome in vineyards, parks, farms and even in gardens with swimming pools! The best part is that there is contact with the locals and that the prices are very low (between 5 Euros and 15 Euros per night).

All you have to do is register on the site and look for land close to your stopover to spend the night there. You make a reservation request and so you are sure to know where to spend your nights.

For the circuit below, I show you the locations closest to the stages that I programmed for this 15-day road trip in France. However, there are places where you won't find a HomeCamper solution. In this case, there is always the camping solution which is more practical for visiting certain cities.

Itinerary to visit France by motorhome in 15 days

• DAY 1 : Arrival at Roissy - Charles de Gaulle airport + transfer to your hotel and overnight in Paris
• DAY 2 : Visit of Paris in 1 day - Night in Paris
• DAY 3 : Motorhome rental and trip to Mont Saint Michel - Night near Mont Saint Michel
• DAY 4 : Visit of Mont Saint Michel  - Night near the site
• DAY 5 : Journey to the Loire Valley - Night near Chambord
• DAY 6 : Visit of Chambord Castle in the morning - Road to Amboise and visit of the Château d'Amboise - Night near Amboise
• DAY 7 : Trip to Bordeaux - Night in Bordeaux
• DAY 8 : Visit of Bordeaux - Night in Bordeaux
• DAY 9 : Journey Bordeaux – Rocamadour + Visit of the City and Night near Rocamadour
• DAY 10 : Route to Toulouse + visit of the pink city and night near Toulouse
• DAY 11 - Road to Carcassonne + visit of the Cité de Carcassonne - Night near Carcassonne
• DAY 12 : Route to Avignon - Night in Avignon
• DAY 13 : Visit of the city of the Popes and road to Marseille – Overnight near Marseille
• DAY 14 : Visit of Marseilles - Night near Marseille
• DAY 15 : Return flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport for foreigners.

Motorhome tour map

Click on "More options" to enlarge the map and switch to GPS mode!

Program of visits along my 2-week circuit

My road trip represents a total of around 2000 km crossing France from North to South. However, if it is more convenient for you, you can do this road trip in the opposite direction and start from Marseille to go up to Paris. The journeys between each stage vary between 200 and 400 km during the day, which is enough for this road trip to remain pleasant.

Paris - Day 1

• For foreign tourists arriving by plane at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport: Take a taxi to go to your hotel in the center of Paris (about 30-40 minutes) + Night at Paris
• For those who are in a motorhome, I advise them to go to the Campsite in Paris because they have a shuttle to central Paris.

Paris - Day 2

• Day dedicated to visit of the emblematic sites of Paris  : Champs Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Pont des Arts, Les Tuileries, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Sacré Coeur… (see my Paris walking route )

• Night at hotel or camping .

Mont Saint-Michel – Day 3  

• Taxi to pick up the camper van and journey to Mont Saint Michel (5h drive) - Night near Mont Saint Michel
• Night at Mont Saint Michel in Home Camper: Homestay campsite at Ferme Saint Michel . It is a restaurant located 2 kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel which offers a location in their private car park surrounded by trees and greenery.

Mont Saint-Michel – Day 4

•   Visiting day of Mont Saint Michel

Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see site for all French tourists or from all over the world who visit France. I recommend that you take a whole day to visit this wonder which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Nuit à the Saint Michel Farm

Loire Castles – Day 5

• Journey to the Loire Valley (335 km)
• Night near Chambord in Crouy sur Crosson. You can rent a pitch with Home Camper and enjoy resting in a quiet and shady place.

Loire Castles – Day 6

• visit the Chambord Castle - At the heart of the largest closed forest park in Europe, the Chambord Castle is the biggest and the most beautiful Castles of Loire .

• Road to Amboise and visit of the Château d'Amboise - This famous Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its Renaissance style, it dominates the banks of the Loire.

• Night near Amboise in Civray-De-Touraine (11 km) in Home Camper homestay .

Bordeaux - Day 7

• Journey to Bordeaux (around 4 hours)

• Night at Bordeaux le Lac campsite .

The location of this campsite is ideal for visiting Bordeaux without having to worry about the camper van. Indeed, you will leave your vehicle at the campsite and take the tram line C which is only a 5-minute walk from the campsite. So you will quickly reach the city center of Bordeaux.

Bordeaux - Day 8

• Visit of Bordeaux (see my Bordeaux walking route ) - Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is full of beautiful sites: Place des Quinconces, Saint André Cathedral, Grosse Cloche, Porte Cailhau ... Not to mention shopping because Bordeaux has the largest shopping street in Europe ( rue Sainte Catherine)!
• Night at the Bordeaux le Lac campsite.

Rocamadour – Day 9

• Bordeaux – Rocamadour trip (3 hours drive)
• Visit of the medieval city - Clinging to its cliff, Rocamadour offers an impressive view of the Alzou Canyon. This mythical site has been a famous place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages.
• Night near Rocamadour in Payrac homestay .

Saint Cirq Lapopie – Day 10

• Very early departure towards Toulouse with stopover in Saint Cirq Lapopie (56 km)
• Visit of Saint Cirq Lapopie - Near Cahors, this village overlooking the Lot has been classified "  Most beautiful village in France  "In 2012.

• Route from Saint Cirq Lapopie to Toulouse (130 km) + Visit of Toulouse (see my Toulouse walking route )

• Night 15 km from Toulouse à Montberon homestay

Carcassonne - Day 11

• Road from Toulouse to Carcassonne (1h30)
• Visit of the Cité de Carcassonne - World famous, Carcassonne is a fortified medieval city unique in Europe. Its history is marked by 2000 years of conquests and by the imprint of Catharism and the Crusades.

• Night in Pezens near Carcassonne in formula Home Camper

Avignon – Day 12

• Carcassonne-Avignon journey (3h)
• Installation at the campsite + Ticket reservation for the Palais des Papes for the next day
• Night at the campsite. I recommend the Pont d'Avignon campsite  which is located on the other side of the Rhône from the Cité. The convenience is that you can take the free river shuttle at the end of the  Path of the Canotiers  to be at the foot of the City of the Popes!

Avignon – Day 13

• Visit of the city of the Popes (see my Avignon walking route ): The Palace of the Popes, the bridge, the ramparts, the churches and chapels ...

• In the late afternoon, drive to Marseille (2h)
• Overnight 20 km from Marseille at Aubagne homestay

Marseille – Day 14

• Visit of Marseilles (see my Marseille walking route )

• Night near Marseille in Aubagne.

Motorhome tour in France – Return – Day 15

• For foreigners, return to Paris by motorhome by road (9 am) or see at the time of rental if it is possible to return the vehicle to Marseille. Thus, you can return to Paris by plane or TGV from Marseille.

Are you looking for ideas for a motorhome road trip? Go away visit Greece in a motorhome or to stay France this is an idea for a road trip in Ardèche or a road trip in the Gorges du Tarn or my most beautiful road trip in Luberon and Provence

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5 Best Routes for Exploring France with a Motorhome (+ Tips!)

Of all the European countries, exploring France with a motorhome is the obvious choice for us Brits. Just a hop over the channel and we’re there.

Some of us have fond memories of travelling France as a child, and even as an adult – usually to the big cities. The French countryside is stunning though, and one of the most interesting, efficient and different ways to experience it is by hiring a motorhome in France and following a tried and tested route, your way .

Bed, transport and kitchen all in one? Sounds like a cost effective way to travel to me.

Let’s take a look at some of the best France in a campervan routes, to inspire your next trip.

Best campervan routes in France

Let’s have a look at some of the most popular campervan routes France has to offer. Fancy travelling in a motorhome around France?

1. Corse in a campervan

– Travelling round Corsica is one of the most popular routes to do in France by campervan

Corsica is right up there on my places I want to visit list. Really need to make this happen. It also happens to be one of the most popular places to rent a Yescapa vehicle.

The little island looks incredible – surrounded by azure waters, beautiful churches, so many restaurants to try and some mind bending views easily visible from the seat of your new motorhome.

Exploring France with a motorhome is so popular in Corsica there are many campsites where you can pull up for the night. Diverse landscapes with moon shaped bays, Corsica is the perfect place for anyone with a motorhome who wants a relaxing trip. The island is only around 100 by 50 miles, meaning that you won’t be racking up a high daily mileage, but you can take it slow and steady, enjoying what you do see.

READ MORE 

The All-Time Best Campervan Routes in the UK 

2. The Wine Region (Bordeaux) by motorhome

– Bordeaux is another popular France in a campervan routes

Now’s the time to make friends with someone who doesn’t drink, if you’re planning on taking your motor home through the wine region. Failing that, or actually, even better, this is your big opportunity to make the most of the fact that your home and your wheels are now all one.

Park up at one of the wineries and you can sample their offerings to their full potential knowing that your bed is just a few steps away for an early night.

It’s not just drinking the wine that’s the main attraction here, seeing how it’s grown is also fascinating. You’ll pass alongside beautiful vineyards, see the wine production in action and traverse the hills and flats offering stunning views of one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

Motorhoming in France is even more fun when you’re in the wine region!

3. The Castles of the Loire Valley

– Motorhoming in France is the perfect opportunity to take in the incredible countryside

The Loire Valley, is one of the most popular places to go on a road trip in Central France. It’s here that you’ll find stunning chateaux to stay at and / or explore, underground villages, and of course, the Loire River – available for all water based activities.

Starting in Saint Nazarre you’ll drive across France with the likes of Nantes, Angers, Tours, Orleans and Briare to tempt you from your road trip. There’s a simple route to follow, but you can always divert if you see something or somewhere you fancy. There are ample restaurants and vineyards along this route to try too.

I mean, this is France.

Touring France in a motorhome is even more appealing when you factor in that you won’t have far to wander back to your campervan at the end of an evening of indulgence!

The Loire Valley is one of the best places to go camping in France.

Campervan around France

Check out this video of motorhoming in France to give you some serious inspiration for what you could do there! And have a read of my suggestions for the best accessories for campervans for some inspiration to what to pack, and these great campervan gadgets too .

4. Mountain Road by campervan

The Mountain Road is aka the route of the Grand Alps. Living up to its name, this is a drive that starts from Lake Geneva on the border with Switzerland and takes you all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, somewhere like Nice, by way of the French Alps.

That means there’s tonnes of beautiful scenery, peaks and passes to marvel at as well as a good few opportunities to pop on the hiking boots and get in a workout.

While it’s closed in winter, motorhomes can travel the 400 plus miles between May and October and there are plenty of campsites along the way. There’s also loads of stunning places complete with car parks that you can simply call home for the night and wake up to snowy peaks in the morning.

I’d suggest doing this trip as soon as the road opens, so that the roads are clear but the mountains are still covered in snow. This is one of the most beautiful places to go exploring France in a motorhome. Beaut. 

5. Biarritz in a campervan

– Travelling down the coast is one of the best France motorhome routes 

If you’ve got the staying power, then get yourself down to the south west of France where this cool coastal town, not too far from the Spanish border, can offer you a few days of sun, sea and surf.

Making your way from the northern crossing at Calais, you can stop off at places like Loire, La Rochelle and Bordeaux before finally vegging out on the sunny beaches of Biarritz on your trip through France in a motorhome.

Once a fave with Napoléon III, the town has held onto its popularity and has a load of campsites, making it the perfect place to pitch up for a week before making the journey back north.

READ MORE: Best Places to Camp in the South of France

Make sure to book your ETIAS for France ASAP, as it’ll be mandatory from 2025. The application is fully online and can be completed at any time of day, from anywhere with an internet connection.

Tips for parking your motorhome in France 

Once you pull up in one of these fab destinations, what about parking?

Well, most of these destinations have campsites you can drive straight on into without a reservation. Some require a small fee for the night and others are completely free. Alternatively, you can look up some safe spots away from the regular camping crowd using websites like park4night.com or campercontact.com .

That way you get to sleep in some cool locations, wake up where you want and immediately get on your way to the next destination without being held up by any bathroom or exit queues.

Wild camping in France for motorhomes 

“Le camping sauvage” as it’s known in France, or just wild camping to us is when you set up your motorhome wherever you please. There are of course, rules around this.

If you plan to wild camp in France, with your motorhome, you need to know the law. 

The principle rules are: 

• Wild camping is permitted anywhere in France subject to the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land, and subject to certain general limitations. The basic rules are set out in  Article  R111-33  of French town and country planning law.
• The main restrictions stipulate that wild camping is not permitted on the coast, in protected natural sites, and on the perimeter of classified historic monuments.
• Local authorities and the authorities in charge of designated natural sites, such as national or regional parks, may establish specific rules pertaining to their own area.

So basically, look for signs indicating local by-laws, don’t wild camp with your motorhome in France on private land, and be very careful when camping on or near the coast. 

Wild Camping in Scotland

Wild Camping in England

Top tips for exploring France in a motorhome

Before you hit the road, it’s good to remember and acknowledge that driving a campervan is a lot different to driving a car. And driving a campervan in France is definitely different to driving one in the UK — hello right side of the road.

Campervans are bigger for a start and that means they’re more difficult to park and there are restrictions on certain bridges, tunnels and roads to watch out for. Then there’s the difference in engine size, the weight of the vehicle itself and rules of the road you need to consider if you’re exploring France in a motorhome.

So whether it’s your first or fifth motorhome trek across France, here are a few words of advice on how to get safely from A to B in France in a motorhome. And if you want to hire a VW Campervan , here are some top tips for you.

1. Be headlight aware

Make sure your headlights work and flick them on whenever there’s poor light, even if it’s in the daytime. It’s a legal requirement.

2. Belt up at all times

Even though it can be tempting for your passengers to have a snooze on the bed or make a quick sandwich in the back while you’re doing the driving, make sure they keep the cooking for later and sit with a seatbelt on as you drive. Safety first!

3. Measure the motorhome 

Whip out the tape measure and size up the motorhome so you have a better idea of how much wider it is than your car at home. It’ll help with road positioning when you’re driving on those narrow roads and keep you from veering off.

If you’re exploring France in a motorhome, it’s a great idea to know what kind of girth you’re dealing with. 

4. Travel with a friend

Don’t drive one alone. More than anything, campervans are so damn difficult to park, you need a buddy to direct you as park up and reverse it. Consider coming up with your own set of hand signals (the polite kind) between you and your friends so you know what they’re trying to tell you as you slide it into reverse.

When I went on a campervan holiday around Somerset, in England , it sometimes took two of us to get me out of the cute, quirky, yet small streets of Cheddar Gorge. It’s just a whole new beast to get used to! 

5. Be security conscious

A big van means a big win for any pesky thieves about and so the best thing to do is to go all in on any alarm systems and deadlocks you’re offered. That way you’ll have a bit more peace of mind when you’re off exploring.

6. Pack the breathalyser

In France, anyone who owns a vehicle has to have one so make sure you’ve got one in your campervan when you’re motorhoming France.

7. Pack the red triangle

And while you’re at it, throw a red emergency triangle in the back. Should there be an accident, you’ve gotta have one of these to warn other drivers.

8. Speed detection camera kits are illegal

Keep any speed camera detection kits at home. It might make you feel all smart but they’re illegal in France and could mean a big fine.

Driving France by motorhome

– Exploring France in a motorhome means seeing some incredible views

These are just a few of the options for driving through France with a motorhome. Once you’re clutching the keys, you can go anywhere you like.

Hire a motorhome with Yescapa and they can also sort your insurance for you, from well-known companies Maif, AXA, Allianz and Atlantis Seguros. You can request whichever level insurance you like, from basic to all out fully comp, and they’ll sort it out for you.

If you’d like more information, check out Yescapa’s free eBook on ‘ How to Conquer Europe in a Campervan ‘

Campervan around France 

I hope this post has helped you to plan your campervan route through France, and given you a few France motorhoming tips to remember along the way. 

Let me know if you decided to get involved!

Pin these France in a campervan routes for later

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

13 Comments

Great read! Recently returned from doing the North Coast 500 in a campervan which we hired from clarkiescampers.com. Already planning our next adventure, however this time I time we will go some place warmer! 🙂

Oh wow, sounds fab. My boyfriend and I are getting a campervan to travel the Pembrokeshire Coast in August – can’t wait!

@VickyFlipFlop, Hi Vicky We are 1st timers and looking forward to travelling in a hired campervan to explore France, do you have any routes that 1st timers should go on?

Your ideas are really helpful and you always inspire me with your great ideas and techniques… I’m also living in my campervan and almost visit minimum 5 times on your site in a month… to be updated with your thoughts… Thanks again for this post….

Oh wow, that’s cool! I hope I do that one day too 🙂

Loire valley definitely our favourite. Hundreds of fabulous Chateau lining the river banks. One of our favourite has to be Chambord. Once the kings hunting residence the Chateau is beyond belief and well worth visiting.

Oh nice! I definitely have a lot of France to discover, one day!

Interesting read, thanks!

Glad you enjoyed it Robyn – fancy doing a trip round France in a motorhome then?

Great post and article! So stunning pics you shared. Thank you so much for sharing it.

No worries. Thanks for reading and commenting :).

So my Father-in-Law has said we can use his motor home this year as we can’t afford to fly anywhere. Reading through this post, I’m going to put France on the table! Thanks Vicky.

Yay, definitely! I loved seeing the sights of France when I cycled through and I think seeing it by motorhome would be even better. Have fun!

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On the Road Since 2010, Traveling Across USA & Europe With Pets

Motorhome Travel In France III – Checklists, Crit’Air & Pet Transport

September 1, 2019 by libertatemamo 1 Comment

We’ve finally made it to the last installment of my French Motorhome Travel mini-series!

I covered a lot of ground in my last two posts on finding places to stay and French road rules , so today I’m just going to wrap it up with a few extra items that are important to take note of before you decide to take your motorhome to France, particularly checklist items (items required by law), Crit’Air stickers (and yes, if you don’t have one, you should get one now!) and how to safely & legally travel with your pets on the road. Here we go…

1. Checklist Items

When you travel through France is that there are certain items that you are required by law to have with you at all times inside your motorhome. It’s not a long list, but if you don’t have these items you can be fined, so it’s worth double-checking that you have them all.

The following items are mandatory :

• For your driving license , make sure it is current and valid for the type/size/weight of RV you are driving and for the entire time you plan to be in France. Also if your license is non-EU, consider getting an IDP (International Drivers Permit) . This is actually not a legal requirement in France, but it is required in certain other EU countries, so it’s generally a good thing to have on-hand. US drivers can get an IDP for $20 at AAA.
• For your motorhome registration , make sure it is current and valid for the entire period of your travel in France. Also you need to bring the original document (not a copy). For UK drivers this would be your V5, for French drivers this is a “carte grise”.

• Hi-Visibility reflective yellow vests – these are mandatory for all passengers in France and must be worn if you break down on the side of the road. They must also be accessible directly from the drivers seat so make sure to keep them up-front, not in your rear garage.

• Spare Bulbs & Fuses – for headlamps, side-indicators etc. Technically you can only be fined if your bulbs are blown/faulty and you do not have spares on-hand to fix them (in other words, you won’t be fined if your bulbs are all OK and you don’t happen to have spares on hand) so this is kind of a strange one, but since the possibility of a fine is there I think it just makes sense to carry them.
• Spare Prescription Glasses (if you wear them) – if you wear prescription glasses you are required to carry a spare pair in the motorhome.

• Country Code Sticker (if you do not have EU plates): You are required to have a country code sticker on the rear of your vehicle unless it has standard EU plates that show the country code in a circle of stars on a blue background. This includes all tow vehicles, such as caravans and trailers.

The following item is highly recommended :

The following is NO longer required by law:

• Breathalyser  – several years ago a law was introduced requiring everyone to carry a breathalyser in their vehicle in France. However just a short time later another law was introduced making it a non-fineable offense. So basically it’s a requirement to have one, but you won’t get in trouble for not having one (confusing, right? ).  Bottom line is that you don’t need one anymore, but if you decide buy one anyway, get one that shows the French certification mark NF.

2/ Environmental Controls & Crit’Air Sticker

One thing you should definitely to get before you travel with your motorhome to France is something called a Crit’Air sticker . It only costs €3.11 (plus postage) to get and it’s valid for the lifetime of your vehicle, so just go ahead and order one !

Crit’Air stickers are stickers that classify the level of air pollutant emissions of your vehicle. They range from level 0 (green/electric vehicles) to level 5 (industrial-type equipment) and are specific to your vehicle and the type of engine you have (your license plate number will be printed on it). Our new Carthago motorhome has a Euro 6 diesel engine, so it was rated level 2.

Since 2016 Crit’Air stickers have been mandatory in larger French towns with permanent low-emission zones (e.g. Paris, Lyon & Grenoble) and can be activated (=certain numbers restricted) in up to 28 other areas of France during times of high pollution (e.g. during heat waves).  In smaller towns the stickers are not required so if you only travel in rural areas you may never need it. However since the sticker is so cheap and easy to get, I just recommend buying one and slapping it on your motorhome*. More and more French cities are joining the program, and the minimum fine for not displaying the sticker is €68, so IMO it’s inexpensive insurance for the future.

Useful Website Links:

• Crit’Air is the place to order your sticker
• Green-Zones has detailed info on environmental controls across all of EU
• The French Transportation Ministry has info on all current French regulations regarding Crit’Air stickers. In addition this real-time map is a good place to check if pollution controls are currently in force that might cause Crit’Air circulation restrictions.

*Placement -> the sticker must be displayed on the right-hand lower corner  (looking from inside of your motorhome) of your windshield.

3. Pet Restraint & Travel Rules

There’s quite a bit of confusion on various motorhome forums on what exactly is the legally requirement when transporting pets in your vehicle in France, and to be honest the French driving core ( code de la route) is not exactly clear. There are very firm rules about passengers, but nothing specifically written about pets (= animaux de compagnie). However if you read through the details there are two rules which are highly applicable:

• Rule R 412-6 -> nothing must obstruct the vision of the driver.
• Rule R 412-1 -> all passengers must be secured by a seat-belt (unless their “morphology” prohibits it) .

The first one is easy. Your pet cannot and must not ever get in the way of the driver’s field of vision. The second one is more complicated. Are pets considered passengers and so must wear seat-belts? Or is their “morphology” not adapted to seat-belt use (hmmm)?

Well, to be honest it doesn’t really matter. The first rule makes it clear enough. Your pets should be secured while traveling so that they do not ever get in the way of your driving . However the second rule implies that the way you secure your pet is up to you. It can be in a cage or crate, using a pet seat-belt, with a leash, using a physical barrier, or by some other restraint. As long as he/she cannot accidentally get loose and in the way of the driver, you should be good to go.

For motorhome travelers I think a pet seat-belt harness is a really good investment for dogs, while collapsible travel bags/crates are really good investments for cats. For Polly we have the Kurgo Crash-Tested Harness and really like it whereas for the cats we’ve always liked the Sherpa Travel Bags .

Oh, and remember that your pet must have a pet passport with valid rabies vax with them at all times. It’s a legal requirement for cross-border travel and some campgrounds in France will ask to see it.

That wraps up my French motorhome travel mini-series and just in time too!! We are headed to the French Atlantic Coast for a multi-week tour and plan to use ALL the gems of knowledge that we’ve shared with you, and perhaps pick up a few new ones along the way too. Either way you are all coming along for the ride, so we’ll stay tuned and we’ll see you on the beach….

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Touring France by Motorhome

Want to tour France by motorhome or campervan? This hands-on guide includes the practical information you’ll need to know before you go!

We’ve also written a comprehensive guidebook to touring France in your motorhome – Motorhome France is available now from Amazon.

France in a Nutshell

Key facts for touring france by motorhome.

Brexit note: some of the areas below will be affected by the UK’s departure from the EU. We’ve put together a summary page with more information . Please read this too, especially if you plan to travel with a pet.

• Weather – France is an all-season destination, with winter skiing and summer sun. Just be aware the entire country goes on holiday in July and August, so popular areas will be very busy.
• Currency – France uses the Euro (€). £1 is worth around €1.2.
• Insurance – most motorhome insurance policies will cover France – check your policy.
• Language – locals speak French and outside of tourist areas you’ll be expected to at least try and speak French. Younger folks tend to speak good English though.
• Place to Stay – France has an incredible range of motorhome campsites and aires, and the France Passion scheme will welcome you to a large range of local businesses. Finally France tends to allow more informal parking than the UK, in quieter areas.
• Mobile Phone and Internet – you can usually use your UK phone and Internet allowance in France, check with your provider. We use a Vodafone 30 day 4G SIM, with a Three Internet with Legs SIM card as a back-up for Internet, and 1p Mobile SIM cards for phone calls.
• Getting there from the UK – there are a large number of ferry routes from England to France, or the Eurotunnel if you don’t want to take a boat.
• Renting a Van – if you don’t have the time to drive your own motorhome, there are several companies renting vans in France. Expect prices of roughly £700 to £1000 a week for a two berth C Class coachbuilt.
• Customs – you can cross borders between EU countries with large amounts of alcohol and tobacco, as long as it’s for personal use. There are customs posts at some land borders, although they are typically unmanned, with Andorra being a notable exception.
• Pet Dogs – you can take your pet dogs and cats (or ferrets) to France and return to the UK with them without quarantine. You’ll need a valid Pet Passport for this (talk to your vet), and will need to visit a vet for a worming treatment on your way back to the UK.
• Roads – generally well-maintained and with little traffic compared with the UK.  France drives on the right. Note that some roads in the mountains will be closed temporarily or permanently in winter.
• Low Emission Zones – France has the Crit’Air system which limits which vehicles can drive in some cities, or some larger areas when air quality is exceptionally poor.
• Headlights – some countries mandate the use of dipped headlights even during bright daylight. France doesn’t have this law.
• Compulsory Equipment – download the AA’s latest requirements PDF to see what you need to carry. France officially requires you to carry a breathalyser. As we understand it there is no fine for not having one though, and we no longer buy them.
• Tyres – check the AA’s page for the latest details . If you plan to spend a long period of time in the mountains in winter, strongly consider Alpine-marked winter tyres. We tend to tour into the summer too, so fit M+S tyres ,and carry a set of snow chains.
• LPG (Gas) – Autogas (GPL) refill stations are available widely across France. If you don’t have a self-refillable system, note that you can’t get Calor Gas bottles refilled in France.
• Tolls – Most of France’s motorways are toll ( péage ), and vans over 3.5 tonne pay more. You can pay for tolls in cash (Euros) or card. Some bridges are toll, as are some tunnels under the Alps.

Great Places to Motorhome to in France

It’s hard to stress just what a wonderful range of places there are to visit in France, from majestic mountains to beautiful beaches to vibrant cities. France likes motorhomes (called camping cars ) too, so you’ll frequently find you can park for the night withing striking distance of nearly every attraction.

Here are just a few of the places we’ve visited. Click on the links below to get the full blog post, with the GPS co-ordinates of where we stayed overnight.

• Paris ( blog post here )
• Epernay in the Champagne region ( blog post here )
• The Loire chateaux – Chenonceau ( blog post here )
• Beynac on the Dordogne ( blog post here )
• Anglet, Biarritz ( blog post here )
• Carcassonne ( blog post here )
• The Camargue Wetlands ( blog post here )
• Chamonix Mont Blanc ( blog post here )
• A lavender farm in Provence ( blog post here )

Champagne Region – Epernay

Loire chateaux – Chenonceau

The Dordogne – Beynac

Anglet (Biarritz)

Carcassonne

The Camargue Wetlands

Chamonix French Alps

On a lavender farm in Provence

A Quick Look at France – Some Short Videos

A free France Passion stopover – an olive farm near the Pyrenees

Wild camping with a jaw-dropping view of the Mont Blanc massif

Driving a motorhome onto the Channel Tunnel train

Watching the Tour de France at Col de la Colombiere

Using a French launderette (a lavarie)

Visiting Rocamadour by motorhome

How Much Does it Cost to Tour France?

Being so close to the UK, France is relatively inexpensive to access by motorhome. Alongside a huge campsite network, there are also thousands of free and low cost official ‘aires’ to stay overnight, many of them with service points for taking on water and disposing of waste. Using these can drastically cut your tour costs.

As an example, we toured France for three months in 2018 spending £36 per night, for two people ( see the cost breakdown here ). This includes the cost of the ferry, and a couple of one off costs –  a new wheel bearing for Zagan  and having Charlie ( our beloved pooch ) put to sleep. They don’t include vehicle tax, MOT, vehicle insurance, breakdown cover, personal travel insurance or depreciation of the motorhome.

Some things aren’t particularly cheap in France: the numbeo.com cost of living website gives a good idea of costs for eating out, buying basic foodstuffs, clothes and so on ( here’s the numbeo page for France ). Here are some tips for keeping your costs down:

• If you prefer using campsites some or all of the time, check out the ACSI Camping Card scheme , which offers lower-cost camping out of season.
• Many of the motorways are toll, but there is always a free route nearby. Yep, it’ll be slower, more tiring and use more fuel, but it’ll also be more interesting.
• Supermarket food costs are fairly similar to the UK. We mix up budget supermarkets (Lidl) with more varied local shops, street markets and French supermarkets (Carrefour, E. Leclerc, Auchan and Intermarche).
• Eating out costs are comparable to the UK. Eating out during the day is often cheaper than in the evening: look out for menu du jour where you get a limited choice of starter, main and desert for maybe €15 to €20 a head in less touristy places.
• Supermarket petrol stations usually sell fuel much more cheaply than other (even very nearby) petrol stations.

To help you budget for your trip, here are the costs for our 2018 three month tour of France ( more detailed info here ).

Click for more information on this tour.

France by Motorhome – In Depth

When to go to france.

France is an all-year motorhome touring destination. Our personal preference is to travel in the spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant across much of the country, and the aires and campsites are relatively quiet. That said, we’ve also enjoyed visiting the Alps in winter , and the busy coastal areas in the summer .

As a general rule we try to avoid being in the north during the winter, as the skies tend to be grey and the temperatures low. If you do plan to head up into the high altitudes of the Alps, Pyrenees or the Central Massif, having a well-winterised motorhome is helpful for staying warm and comfortable when it’s -10°C and a blizzard outside!

In July and August temperatures in the south can get rather warm indeed, with the inside of the van getting into the mid to high 30’s (degrees Celsius). We tend to seek out shade on campsites or cooler air in the mountains when the heat is too much for comfortable sleep at night.

It’s also well worth keeping the French school holidays in mind when planning where to go ( here are the dates ). Much of France is on holiday in July and August, which means very busy aires and campsites. We were caught out once when heading up into the Alps in winter , finding the ski aire we were heading for was almost completely full and all the electricity hook-up points were gone, when the aire had been almost empty the week before. If you do plan to use aires, we suggest arriving between 10am and 2pm to increase your chances of getting a space.

Driving Your Own Motorhome to France

There are tons of ferry routes from England and Eire to France, and of course the Channel Tunnel for a faster, sea-free route. This interactive Department for Transport map shows the routes: click on any of the ports to see crossing times, which ferry companies service that route and any current disruption to travel.

Our personal preference is to use the north France ferry routes into Calais or Dunkirk, or to use the Eurotunnel (the Channel Tunnel). The reasons for this are:

• We live in Nottingham, so the Dover port is relatively easy for us to access.
• We’ve done most of our travelling with our pet dog, and preferred the shorter crossings so he could stay in the motorhome and sleep.
• Shorter crossings mean fewer worries keeping our bacon and sausage stash frozen.
• We’ve used the Channel Tunnel a few times , and really enjoy it. The crossing’s only 35 mins compared with at least 90 mins for a ferry, and we could stay in the motorhome with our dog. It also avoids any issues with rough seas or sea-sickness.

We also try to book our ferry or tunnel well in advance, as crossings can fill up or get more expensive closer to the date of travel. Unsociable hours crossings are also cheaper, but arriving in France on unfamiliar roads in the dark can be a tad stressful, so we tend to try and arrive during daylight.

A few hints and tips for ferries and the tunnel:

• Don’t forget your passports and pet passports!
• Your ferry or tunnel company will tell you when to arrive. If you get there an hour earlier, they may well pop you on an earlier departure for free, or if you’re too early, may ask you to leave the port and come back later.
• You’ll have to turn your gas off at the bottles for the crossing. Our fridge stays cool for several hours once it’s down to temperature, so we just switch it to 12V and sometimes shift frozen cool blocks from the freezer to the fridge.
• We switch our satnav to kilometers, and programme in the destination in France while waiting for the departure. We then switch it on before leaving the boat or train, so it gets a GPS lock quickly.

Click here to see the Department for Transport interactive map of ferry crossings.

Renting a Motorhome in France

Motorhome rental companies like mcrent.eu offer motorhomes for rent for pick-up either in France, or the UK or another European country, depending on your touring or holiday plans. The rental companies websites usually let you get a quick idea of costs, which tend to vary with motorhome type/size, and season.

For a rough idea of costs, McRent shows the following quotes:

• A 2 week rental of a 2 berth panel van mid January, picked up in Lyon (convenient for the Alpine ski resorts): €1200 (around £1000).
• A 1 week rental of a 4 berth C class coachbuilt in mid June, picked up in Paris: €1000 (around £900).
• A 2 week rental of a 4 berth C class coachbuilt in mid June, picked up in London (from where it could be driven to continental Europe): £1400.

If you’ve not toured in a motorhome before, have a look at our book, The Motorhome Touring Handbook , for tons of first-hand tips and ideas.

Finding Places to Overnight in France

Finding places to overnight in your motorhome in France is easy. There are thousands upon thousands of aires, free (wild) camps and campsites. We’ve used all types of overnight stopover in France, but we avoid staying in motorway aires as these have a poor reputation for security.

Here are some of our favourite resources for finding places to stay:

• Other blogger’s maps ( see more info )
• The Camperstop book of aires ( see more info )
• The campercontact.com database and app of motorhome aires ( see more info )
• The park4night.com database and app listing aires, campsites, free camps and French businesses who allow overnight stays ( see more info )
• The ACSI CampingCard out-of-season camping discount books ( see more info )
• The France Passion book which lists French businesses allowing free overnight stays ( see more info )
• All the Aires France books ( see more info )

We tend to wing it a little when travelling France these days, so we never book ahead nor do we tend to do much research. In the past we’ve carried a Lonely Planet France and Rough Guide to France to help us find interesting places to stay.

Driving in France

Apart from the obvious need to drive on the right, driving a motorhome in France is much the same as driving it in the UK. The majority of road rules are the same, and you’ll soon get the hang of going the ‘wrong way’ around roundabouts and down slip roads!

We tend to find ourselves actually relaxing when we finally arrive in France, after driving down the frantic M1, around the packed-out M25 and down the jammed M20! The traffic in France is much lighter than in the UK. We’ve driven across France maybe 20 times and every time we laugh at how few cars there are on the roads. The motorways feel like they’ve only just been opened.

With that said there are a few things to be aware of; keep reading for the low-down!

Road Rules in France

Right – some stuff to know about driving in France before you arrive! Here we go…

• You’ll need some mandatory bits and bobs like headlamp deflectors – check out the AA PDF of equipment .
• Speed limits and and distance signs are in km , not miles. We switch the units on our satnav to kilometers when we’re waiting for the ferry. France is peppered with speed cameras, and it’s easy to creep over the limit, so pay special attention to your speed.
• If you break down anywhere on a motorway (including service stations and slip roads), you have to use the orange phones to get help (this is usually free) or call 112 from your own phone. Your breakdown company can’t recover you from a motorway (a road number starting with an ‘A’) or a few sections of fast N road in France.
• You have to stop at STOP signs . This means coming to a complete halt, which can feel really difficult especially where a STOP sign’s been placed right across the main road in a village just to get you to slow down.
• Flashing amber lights mean ‘proceed with caution’ or ‘you can proceed but give way to the right’ so you can pass them, but slow down and check for anyone popping out from any side road to the right.
• France has a weird ‘ priority to the right ‘ rule. More about this below.
• Motorway signs are in blue , like the UK. If a sign says ‘peage’ on it, it means it’s a toll road so you’ll have to pay to use it.
• France is trialing a lower national speed limit for rural roads. Most roads which were 90kph are now 80kph. Ignore your satnav and look out for road signs.
• When you get to a town or village, slow down to 50kph , or slower if there’s a lower limit posted. The sign showing the start of the 50kph limit looks like this (there’s a similar one with a diagonal red line at the end of the village):

Give Way to the Right – Priorité à droite

OK, in France you can find yourself driving the main road through a town or village and suddenly find a car at a side road either pulling out right in front of you, or blaring their car horn as you drive past (we even got beeped at in a car park in the same way).

This is Priority to the Right folks, and it’s a bit hard to get used to. We’ve crossed France umpteen times, and it still catches us out. The deal is this, good luck making sense of it:

• Let’s say you’re driving along a French department class road (like a UK B road)
• You get to a village and notice a yellow diamond with a black line through it
• You pootle along the main road at 50 kph
• You HAVE to keep an eye on the side roads to the right. If they have no Give Way or STOP road markings, then officially traffic CAN pull out on you
• When you get to the end of the village the same yellow diamond sign but without the black line shows priority switches back to you

This is ‘fun’, but almost all of the time the ‘normal’ priority rules work and we normally forget all about Priority to the Right after a day or two in France (not that we’re suggesting you do the same!). It seems to be applied mainly in very small villages or quiet roads, where there’s normally very little traffic or no budget for painting road markings. One thing we know for sure: we can’t for the life of us keep a track of all those yellow signs as we’re driving along: “have we got priority now?” “dunno”. We love France!

Toll Roads in France

France has a mixture of ‘fast’ roads across the country ( the official website for these is here ):

• Free motorways (autoroutes) or ‘A’ roads (blue on the map). Note that the sections of motorway around Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne are free, and make a good way to get started when leaving the port.
• Free national routes  or ‘N’ routes which are sometimes dual carriageways (green on the map)
• Paid (toll or peage) autoroutes or ‘A’ roads (red on the map)

France, being rather a large country, is difficult to cross at any speed unless you use the roads above, which generally means paying for tolls. Not that we do, at least not often. If you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind slowing down for endless villages, towns and roundabouts, then you never need use a toll road in France. You can also get clever with the fast roads, using those free fast roads (the blue and green ones) while using slower roads to link them up. The A75 is a particular favourite for us, a quick and free way to climb into the Massif Central from the south of France.

Assuming you do opt for the toll roads, a few tips:

• You can pay for them in cash (Euros) or cards. We carry cash as not all cards are accepted at the payment booths. You can pay with Euro notes and get change, although it can be awkward to reach!
• You can get an auto payment tag allowing you to use the non-stop telepeage ‘t’ lanes at toll booths. We’ve never bothered, but you can get more info here .
• If you want to pay in cash, head for a lane which both (a) has no height limit and (b) has a green arrow above it.
• Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes or 3m high pay more ( more info here ). The toll booth works this out automatically.
• You usually get a ticket when you enter the paid road, then insert it into the toll booth. It’ll show you how much to pay.
• If you’re in a right hand drive vehicle with no passenger, be prepared to undo your seat belt and cross over to the passenger side to get tickets and pay tolls.
• Even if you’re on the same side as the toll booth, you may need to remove your seat belt and lean out of the vehicle some way to reach it. Be careful not to drop your cash or card.
• Don’t speed on motorways (or anywhere else), as speed cameras will nick you.
• If you break down on a motorway, your breakdown company cannot recover you from it. You need to use the orange phones or call 112 from your phone to get (usually free) recovery off the motorway, then call your breakdown company.

Low Emission Zones in France – Crit’Air

A handful of French cities have ‘clean air’ restrictions over which vehicles can enter their centres, referred to as the ‘Crit’Air’ scheme. There are also a similar number of larger areas which can enforce restrictions in the event of abnormally high air pollution.

You could very, very easily drive right across France several times without getting anywhere near any of these zones, we have. Have a look at the RAC website here , which explains the scheme and lists the areas it applies to.

If you do plan to head into the zones which Crit’Air applies to, you’ll need a windscreen sticker for your van. France issues 6 classifications of sticker, depending on how old/clean your van is. Each zone can then determine which classes of van can enter them. The sticker cost about a fiver and you can order one here .

Petrol, Diesel and LPG

Diesel, petrol and LPG are widely available in France. A few hints and tips for finding and buying these fuels:

• Diesel is called gazole in France, petrol is essence or super ( sans plomb  or sp mean unleaded), LPG is called GPL or autogas . Diesel pump handles are black or yellow, unleaded are green.
• Some fuel stations are physically difficult to drive a large van through. We try and pick one of the easier lanes when approaching the station, even if it means waiting longer. In some cases we’ve found it easier to reverse out of the garage than try and drive through to the booth.
• Some fuel stations allow you to pay at the pump while others require you to pay at a booth which can’t easily be done without one of you getting out of the van.
• Some service stations away from the motorway close on Sundays, some have automated pumps so you can get fuel out of hours, but not LPG.
• France uses the dish adapter for LPG fill-ups, bring your own with you. When filling with LPG you may need to ask the attendant to enable the pump for you. We’ve only been refused an LPG fill-up once in France, as we suspect the attendant wanted to close up and go for lunch!
• Fuel at supermarkets is generally cheaper than other types of petrol station. If you have a smart phone, there are various apps which show up-to-date fuel prices for all the stations in a selected area – these are often free and can save you a fair bit of money.
• For a rough idea of fuel prices, have a look at fuel-prices-europe.info .
• To find LPG (GPL) stations, have a look at myLPG.eu .

Motorhome Service Points (Bornes) in France

Service points, sometimes called ‘bornes’ in France, are areas where you can take on fresh water, and empty your grey water tank and toilet cassette (black water). Some have electrical hook-up which enables you to recharge your leisure batteries for an hour or two, although this is often hard to do as it means occupying the service point and preventing others accessing it.

They’re normally a drive-over drain, with an installation off to one side with two taps: one for taking on fresh water and one for rinsing your cassette out. A few tips for finding and using service points:

• Almost all campsites have them. If you pay to stay on a site, the services are included. If you don’t stay, some sites will still let you pop in and use the services for a few Euros.
• There are thousands of service points outside of campsites in France, sometimes at supermarkets and petrol stations, but normally at aires.
• You can find service points using apps like campercontact.com and park4night.com.
• Service points are usually located on aires, but can be stand-alone (with no associated parking) too.
• In winter water supplies are often turned off at times when the supply might freeze: hors gel . Use the apps to try and find ones which are still turned on (check the comments), or plan to visit a few service points.
• Most service points charge a few euros, between €2 and €5. Some take cash, others cards (c arte bleue means a bank card), and some older ones require you to visit a local business and buy a token called a jeton.
• Some service points let you charge your leisure batteries for an hour or two, typically for about €2 an hour.
• Some folks unwittingly use the fresh water tap for rinsing their toilet cassette: we use anti-bacterial wipes to clean the tap before attaching a hose pipe or using a collapsible water carrier.
• The design of some drains makes it difficult to get positioned correctly when disposing of grey water. Having a flexible extendable hose helps get the water into the right place.
• If the water to the service point is turned off, we sometimes use our grey water to rinse out our cassette.

Using Internet, Phone and Post in France

This is how we stay in touch when we’re touring France in our motorhome:

• For the Internet we have an unlocked 4G personal WiFi device . This has a Vodafone 30 day 4G SIM in it, and we carry a Three Feel at Home ( Internet with Legs ) PAYG 3G SIM card as a back-up. Our system ( described in detail here ) uses a roof-mounted antenna which helps get a better signal, as the metal shell of the van effectively blocks much of the signal.
• For the phone we use SIM cards from 1pmobile.com . We don’t use these for Internet access.
• For mail we only tend to send postcards from France, and you can only get stamps for these (timbres, pronounced tam-brer) from post offices, which have limited opening hours, or from some tabacs (newsagents).

Doing Laundry in France

France has a pretty good network of launderettes (called laveries)  which enable you to do your washing and clothes drying on the road. Finding them can be a bit of a challenge and we’ve never found a map showing them all. Searching the Internet for laverie and the name of the town can work, but be aware this sometimes brings back dry cleaners (look for laverie libre service for self-service places). Laveries are generally cash-only, so keep a collection of €1 and €2 coins handy. Some provide washing powder and fabric softener, some don’t.

French supermarkets also sometimes have washing machines and tumble dryers in their car parks, I kid you not. You can get your washing done while you shop, then eat lunch in the van while it dries. We also find clothes washing facilities on campsites and occasionally at marinas.

Touring France with a Pet Dog

As long as you have a valid Pet Passport ( details of the PETS scheme here ), you can travel to France with your pet dog, and return into the UK without your pooch having to go into quarantine ( important: the requirements for this may change when the UK leaves the EU ).

We’ve done this many times, and have had no issues. A few hints and tips if you want to tour France with your dog or dogs:

• If you don’t have a pet passport, contact your vet early as it can take some weeks/months to get them arranged.
• To return into the UK you’ll need a vet on the continent to administer a worming treatment and complete a section in your Pet Passport, then allow between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK. There’s a useful Google Map of vets which can carry out this procedure , but our experience has been most vets are well aware of it and can do the job for you.
• You’ll need to declare your pets when booking the ferry or Channel Tunnel, and pay an additional fee for them.
• Although French supermarkets have wide ranges of pet food available, don’t assume your specific brand will be on the shelves. Either take enough for your trip, research ahead to see if it can be bought in France, or plan to transition your dog to locally-available food.
• Leishmaniasis is endemic in Mediterranean Europe, so plan to get either a Scalibor collar or Advantix treatment which protects against sand flies, as well as ticks and fleas.

Want Even More Information About Taking Your Motorhome to France?

For much more detailed information on preparing for and enjoying a motorhome or campervan tour of France, check out Motorhome France – An OurTour Guide available as a paperback or eBook on Amazon.

Are You New to Motorhome Touring?

That’s the end of this guide, thanks for reading!

If you’re new to motorhome touring, then we wrote The Motorhome Touring Handbook just for you. It’s got all the info you need to quickly get up to speed choosing a motorhome and using it to take the biggest adventures of your life!

The Motorhome Touring Handbook is available as a paperback or Kindle eBook. You can read more about the book and buy it from Amazon.co.uk .

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Thanks for reading our guide to France! If you’ve found it useful, please consider sharing it using the buttons below? This really helps build the blog’s audience, which in turn helps motivate us to keep it alive and kicking. Cheers, Ju and Jay

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Please Comment to Share Suggestions or Feedback for this Guide

Really helpful. Thank you. Cheers Peter

You’re welcome Peter, happy travels, Jay

Me and my boyfriend are touring France in June/July, do you know of any campsites in the Reims area? Or know if Reims is worth visiting? We are visiting many other places too. I have the book of all the Aires, but wondering if we should stay in actual campsites too? What would you recommend? Thanks :)

Hi Faye. We’ve never been to Reims, so can’t help directly, sorry. We use a mix of Aires, campsites, France Passion and free parking (wild camping). The ACSI Camping Card is worth looking into as it gives discounts at good sites for out-of-season stays. The dates vary by site but you can have a look at the ACSI website and check around for which sites are in the scheme, and the dates they class as low season. Cheers, have a wonderful tour, Jay

Hi guys .great reading as we are taking our pooch for 6 months or more to tour france .really jyst go and do wot we want wen we want as we used to go camping over there and as were not far from you (newark).we will put more imfo up as we are due to sale our normal route (Portsmouth to leharve) as we want to pop back to blangy for a few days to settle down befor we go off…great to read your trip..best regards mike

Great stuff, enjoy the free life Mike! Jay

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A Surfer’s Guide to Motorhome Touring in France

A surf trip in a camper van is an incredible way to explore a new location and indulge in the sweet surf break that it offers. France, in particular, boasts incredible surfing opportunities for wave riders of all levels. Motorhome touring in France is an incredible way to enjoy the coastline with your surfboard.  

It’s not hard to come by a camper in France, and the biggest challenge that you’ll find is picking the best one for you. The Atlantic coastline is 4,668 kilometers long, and offers unbeatable surfing conditions, throughout the year.  

If you want to find out more about the best places to surf every month, read our month-by-month surf guide here.

While some surfers travel in an RV or motorhome, others prefer the versatility of a campervan. Here’s all that you need to prepare for an epic surf trip along France’s motorhome routes.  

* Just to let you know that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on them we might receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Options for   Motorhoming in France

Before you map out the route and wax up your board, you need to decide which vehicle is best to meet your needs.  

RV (Motorhome) in France

An RV offers space and comfort to kick it after a surf – whether you’re a beginner finding your feet, or a pro shredding tubes.  

Benefits of a touring France by motorhome

A motorhome is a fantastic option for traveling in slightly larger groups or families. With more space to sleep and work, a motorhome (or RV) is the perfect home away from home on the road in France.

Where to rent an RV motorhome in France

There is a choice of places to find RV rental. France may boast a few choices, but we recommend Auto Europe . The website has a choice of urban plus motorhomes, family plus motorhomes, and even premium options.  

Surfing Campervan in France

Campervans are another great option. Slightly smaller, but equally as effective.  

Benefits of campervanning in France

Campervans allow you to travel across France’s gorgeous landscapes with flexibility and maneuverability. A campervan is also a great option because it offers all that you need to live comfortably, without being clumsy.  

Where to find campervan rental in France

It’s as easy to find a camper in France as it is to rent an RV. One of the best sites is Van-It , with a selection of campervans available to rent without breaking the bank. There are all different sizes, perfect for an unforgettable surf trip.  

Seven Stops: France Motorhome Routes for Surfers

Once your bags are packed and your fuel tank is full, you can get going. There are so many amazing spots to stop and surf along the coast of France, and we encourage you to take your time. Even so, there are a few spots in particular that we’d like to point out for you to circle on your map.  

1. Yport, Normandy

Yport is one of the more popular spots to surf in Normandy. Nearby, Etretat is also a great option. The classic wave breaks as a left-hand point break over flat rocks and promises to be a lot of fun. There are very few crowds meaning that you can enjoy the waves without getting flustered. Keep in mind that swell consistency isn’t the best in Normandy, so it’s best to manage your expectations.  

If you’re looking for a place to park your vehicle overnight, then Le Rivage is a fantastic option. Located on the top of the cliff, the spot boasts an epic view and the opportunity to read the waves.  

When the swell isn’t working in your favor, then you can explore the little French village Fecamp. The combination of art, history, and the marina makes the spot a charming location for a holiday.  

Distance to next destination: 552 kilometers

2. Pors Peron, Bretagne

During the winter months, Pors Peron transforms into a clean, consistent wave. When the conditions are right, the exposed beach break is another surf spot that’s worth adding to your itinerary. Just like Yport, there are few crowds, meaning more waves to go around.

Pors Peron is largely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. Camping Pors Peron is a simple campsite that offers everything that you need, without the fuss. They offer great facilities, just a stone’s throw from another beach.  

If the waves aren’t working, then you can always drive to the nearby medieval town of Pont Croix. The little town is filled with gorgeous historical sites, delicious restaurants, and captivating culture.  

Distance to next destination: 325 kilometers

3. Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, Vendée

Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is home to a much-loved surf spot that isn’t as well known as others. It’s a gentle spot that suits surfers of all levels (and ages). Boasting a fairly consistent beach break, wave riders can shoot either left or right, as long as you don’t mind riding slightly smaller waves.

Camping Les Cypres is the camping ground of choice near Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. In many ways, the camping grounds cater to surfers and share access to both Saint Gilles Croix de Vie as well as La Sauzaie.  

While the beach is arguably the biggest attraction in the area, there are other fun things to do in the area. A lot of activities are centered around nature, such as the Le Grand Defi, but there are also many cultural sites to visit, such as the Vendee Miniature Museum.

Distance to next destination: 234 kilometers

4. Montalivet, Bordeaux

Montalivet is a standard surf spot that breaks over a sandy bottom, offering rides to surfers of all levels. There’s potential to get a really long ride, depending on whether you visit when the conditions are right.  

Although it’s located slightly further away from the beach, Camping Le Bonheur Est Dans Le Pré is the campsite of choice when stopping over at Montalivet. The extra drive is worth it, as the space is beautiful and serene.  

A lot of the attractions in the area pivot around natural beauty. For example, there’s the option to explore the nearby vineyards and empty beaches. The local village of Vendays-Montalivet is also a great spot to grab a cup of coffee or mingle with the friendly locals.  

Distance to next destination: 67 kilometers

5. Le Porge, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Le Porge is an hour’s drive from Bordeaux and the surf spot in Le Porge is the perfect place for beginners, with a choice of two schools ready to teach beginners as well. The wide-open beach boasts fun peaks and exposed beach breaks.  

La Grigne is a large campsite that can become quite busy in summer. The campsite is within walking distance of the beach and offers a beautiful, forested area to relax after fun in the water.  

Even if the swell isn’t working, it’s worth visiting the local beaches in Le Porge. Traveling a short distance in each direction will bring you to Lacanau, Andernos-Les-Bains, and Carcans.  

Distance to next destination: 187 kilometers

6. Hossegor

Hossegor is the pride and joy of surfing in France. The consistent wave breaks in four main spots, suited for various skill levels. The entire town is set up around surfing, and there are more than enough surf schools, rentals, and waves to go around.  

Want to return to Hossegor at a later stage? Read our blog on planning the ultimate Hossegor surf trip here.

There is a choice of several campsites to choose from in the area. Depending on what you hope to achieve from the trip, you can browse campsites around Soorts-Hossegor and take your pick!

If you’re traveling as a surfing nomad, then there are several places that are perfect to live, work, and surf in Hossegor. Read about them in our blog here.

When you’re not surfing, you can explore the rest of what Hossegor has to offer. Take a stroll in the forest, visit the farmers market, pop into a sunset bar, and grab an ice cream from Café de Paris.  

Distance to next destination: 38 kilometers

7. Bidart, Biarritz

There are several spots to surf in Biarritz, but Bidart’s surfing beaches are a great place to start. Choose between Ilbarritz for all levels, Pavillon Royal for experienced surfers, and Erretegia for surfers from beginner to experienced.  

There are several camping spots to choose from, some of which are right in front of the surf spots. One of the best campsites is Camping Erreka which offers a bit of luxury in an authentic and natural environment.  

The beautiful, coastal town in the Basque country is dripping with culture and offers the opportunity for traveling surfers to immerse themselves. Visit the local golf course, the lookout deck at Rocher de la Vierge, and the Cathedrale Saint-Marie de Bayonne.  

Tips For Traveling Through France In A Motorhome

Whether you’re taking a campervan to France from your home, or you’re renting one in the country, there are a few details to note.  

• A valid driving license is essential
• Make sure that you have the vehicle’s original registration document handy
• Be careful to stick to the speed limits in France
• Stock up on snacks and water for late nights
• Invest in a portable wifi device if you plan on doing any work on the road
• Keep an eye on the expected climate and temperature to make sure that you’re prepared

France is a fantastic digital nomad destination, especially for surfers. Read more about our top destinations to work and surf around the world.

Bags Packed and Surfboards Ready!

Are you ready for the ultimate surfing road trip through France? Hiring a campervan can save you money and give you everything that you need – as you need it.

Whether you need a larger motorhome for a bigger group or prefer the zippy size of a smaller campervan – France’s surfing coastline is your oyster!

• Ultimate surf van for a California road trip
• Campervan hire in Portugal for the ultimate surf trip

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Candice Boyers

Candice Land, aka Candi Land, aka The Captain, is a freelance writer, digital nomad and full-time globe trotter.

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Driving a motorhome in France: Basic facts to help you drive safely

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Driving a motorhome in France (under 3.5 tonne) can be tricky if you aren’t used to driving larger vehicles. If this is the first time driving a left-hand-drive vehicle on the other side of the road and in a foreign country, then the level of complexity increases.

Planning for this part of your journey ahead of time can improve your confidence, get your head in the right space, and alleviate many of the anxieties, frustrations and even fear that you might otherwise feel.

We have written this guide to allay these concerns as much as possible by providing the facts and some of our tips, gathered through over 25 years of driving large motorhomes “on the opposite side of the road”.

As we travel around in our motorhome, we often meet many people who tell us they would love to do a motorhome road trip but are too terrified to drive. Others have been frightened by people’s overzealous stories in online forums about how difficult it is to drive in France and in Europe in general.

It’s true. There can be times when driving a motorhome in France can be a bit interesting, to say the least, and there have been times we’ve found ourselves on some roads and in some locations we’d have preferred to avoid. But these are the exceptions. Most of the time, our driving in the motorhome is a breeze.

Important paperwork for motorhome travel

Pre-travel planning, equipment required by law, crit air stickers for low emission zones in france, tolls in france, road rules in france, general tips for driving in france, more motorhoming in france resources.

While we generically refer to this section as relating to paperwork, items can now be kept and shown using a smartphone or email. Whichever way you carry your paperwork, be it in physical form or digital, just be sure to have it and be able to access it when required.

• Passports and visas- these go without saying. You need them to travel, and you need them to prove your identity in other countries either to the police, to hotels, campgrounds etc. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter France either immediately or if you are staying longer term. In the post-Brexit era, there may also be a further requirement of UK residents to carry additional paperwork. This is still a work in progress.
• Emergency contact details – Have this handy somewhere should someone else need to contact you. If you are travelling in a motorhome, it’s a good idea to have a note written and placed either in a conspicuous place in the cabin or in the glove box.
• Travel Insurance – we always recommend having travel insurance to cover a range of incidents that could occur while you travel.
• Driver’s licence – Generally your own driver’s licence is enough but many people still advocate having an International Driver’s Licence. Some rental companies still require it as part of their hire conditions. The internet is full of opinions on these, and we have our own, but we will say here, do your homework and be satisfied with your decision and the risk (or lack thereof) it might involve. You must be over 18 and hold a full open driver’s licence.
• Medical paperwork as it is relevant to you and your travel. Once again, in an emergency, this could be very helpful. Take note of any current (or changing) requirements relating to medical situations in the countries you are travelling in.
• Crit air sticker – if you plan on driving through any of the low-emission zones in France, you may need a sticker. Read our comprehensive guide on everything yo need to know about crit air stickers in France .
• Relevant vehicle paperwork – If hiring a motorhome , ensure that you have roadside assistance included in your hire; know where the paperwork is and how you can contact them if required. The same goes for insurance (carte verte), registration papers (carte grise in France) and if coming from the UK V5Cs and green cards. It’s also a good idea to have the contact details for the hiring company too. If you own your motorhome, you should have all your own paperwork relating to ownership and registration of your vehicle as well as details on your roadside assistance company.
• If you plan on using the France Passion network , ensure you are a paid-up member and have the sticker on the windscreen. If you are a member of any camping associations, have your membership details with you.

We highly recommend having a mobile phone with access to data and voice calls in the event of an emergency. If you have a smartphone much of the above information can also be saved to it. We use and recommend Maya Mobile eSims .

When people are away from home for a period of time, it’s fairly usual to remember to pay certain bills in advance or do what many of us do these days and have our bills on direct debit. This makes travelling very easy.

Often, when we travel we always seem to have some important business going on at home. Many times it’s been important property transactions that just seem to always settle when we are away. As such, we do some planning before we leave to ensure that we will have access to everything we need.

This includes access to online banking, having e-signatures ready for anything that needs signing and appropriate instructions in place at home (e.g. banks, lawyers).

If you are planning on transacting when overseas as a minimum you should ensure the following is possible.

• Ability to send outbound emails from another country. While this might sound completely ridiculous, we have had this issue in the past. Many years ago, our Australian email would only allow us to receive emails and not send them. We didn’t even think to check this and it caused enormous issues. This same company still has the same process, which defies belief in this digital age. Needless to say, we changed providers.
• If you are not using your usual mobile sim overseas (more of an issue with non-European, non-UK residents), be aware that any two-factor authentication messages normally sent to your mobile won’t be received unless you turn on global roaming or have access to wifi for wifi messages like iMessage. Failure to be able to get these verification codes could mean you can’t access your cash. We also recommend having an authenticator app on your phone – like Google – so that all you need it wifi, not your phone number, to get your codes.
• If you have a local sim, update any of the important online profiles you use with the temporary number. Advise friends and family back home of your new number as well.
• Be aware of transfer limits for online banking and payments and have any changes made ahead of your travel. Also, remember that most online banking and other website access relies on two-factor authentication (2FA) these days. If you know that you need to get a code before you can access your information, ensure you have access to that device (either email, phone or 2FA number off an authenticator app). If you don’t use your normal phone number, the codes will go to your phone and you won’t be able to access them. If you have iMessage on an iPhone and have wifi connection, then you will be able to get your codes. It’s worthwhile checking all of this thoroughly before you leave.
• If you are using a money card or a new credit or debit card, ensure it is activated before you leave. We use and recommend Wise for all of our international currency and debit card that works easily in other countries.
• Download any apps you might want to use while you are at home and have access to good internet.
• Download any movies, games etc from providers such as Netflix. They are a great way of keeping yourself amused without requiring data.

These days, much of this can be overcome with complete access to data connections, but it just pays to think all of this through carefully. In a worst-case scenario, have someone at home that you trust who can transact on your behalf where possible.

There’s a lot of equipment to carry when you are doing a trip in a motorhome and much of it is at your discretion. However, there are several items that are mandatory, as required by European law.

• Warning triangle – Must be used in the event of a breakdown.
• Reflective vests  –  Have one onboard for every traveller. If you are standing out on the road working on your vehicle or waiting for roadside assistance to arrive, you need to be able to be seen.
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Headlamp converters  –  May be required for UK registered vehicles
• Snow chains  are compulsory in some European countries in winter 
• In some European countries, like France, a  signal board  is required when carrying bicycles on a rear bicycle rack

Note – it is NOT mandatory to carry a breathalyser kit in France any longer. The relevant law was scrapped in late 2019.

More reading >> Read our comprehensive list of equipment for your motorhome ?

Do I need a crit air sticker to drive in France? This has become a common question asked by all travellers who are planning to drive their own vehicle or one they’ve hired.

We won’t go into all the detail here; it would take too long. But you can read our comprehensive guide on crit air stickers here . This guide gives you all the specific details about what crit air stickers are, whether you actually need one, where to buy it and how to use the French government website. There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, so use this as your up-to-date guide.

If there’s one thing that can easily raise the heart rate of a motorhome traveller in France (or further afield in Europe) it is tolls. More specifically, it’s getting stuck on a toll road and having to pay when you had no idea they even existed, or that you were on a toll road. The anxiety rises if you get to the payment zone and don’t have any money or a toll transponder.

Taking a toll road is great for expediency, and there have been times when we have used them for this purpose. The cost of the toll also cancels out, sometimes, the cost of it taking longer to drive on the smaller, less efficient roads.

However, be mindful that driving a motorhome puts you into one of the higher classes, meaning that tolls can be upwards of €50 depending on where you are driving.

France has many autoroutes, the name given to the main arterial highways linking the major cities all over the country. As far as a piece of infrastructure goes, they are magnificent pieces of work, allowing for the mass transit of vehicles, often at a very fast pace.

Most of them are privately owned, hence the toll. So how do you know what is and isn’t a toll road? These days, most of the online mapping tools and apps we use will tell us where the toll roads are and allow us to change settings to avoid them.

In France, as a general rule, it will be those roads with an “A” prefix. Note however that some of the A roads in the north of France remain government-owned and as such currently do not attract tolls.

On the roads themselves, the toll roads are designated by blue signs. Other main roads have green road signs.

Along the autoroutes or as you are about to enter one, the word péage will be visible. This is another clear indication that the road you are about to drive on or enter is a toll road. In French, péage means toll.

Toll tickets

Upon entry to most toll roads, machines generate a ticket that indicates the date and time you entered but most importantly, where you entered. This is important because you will be paying for the distance driven. The longer you stay on an autoroute, the more you pay.

If you don’t get a ticket, this can still be completely normal. Certain toll roads don’t charge for the distance and have a fixed rate for the journey.

When you get your ticket, put it somewhere safe. I know this sounds a little weird but it’s amazing how many stories I’ve heard of people either throwing it away, or losing it in a very short space of time.

You need to be able to find the ticket when you reach the pay station at the end of your trip on the autoroute. Failure to produce it will see you paying the maximum amount,

How to pay for tolls in France

Locals use electronic transponders called télépéage. These are by far the most efficient way of using the French toll roads. Each trip is recorded, you can sail through the toll gates without having to stop and worry about making a payment and there are various payment methods you can use to settle the account.

If you are planning on spending a long period of time in France or using the toll roads a lot, or both, definitely investigate this option.

Note however that to set up a Télépéage account you need to have a European Union bank account which will possibly rule many people out.

UK residents can use a service called Emovis tags and can receive a tag prior to travelling to France. They also have tags for Portugal and Spain.

Otherwise, the options are either cash or card. As a non-cash user, I would actually say here that sometimes having cash on hand for tolls can be useful. Whilst credit cards can be used, they should be the chip and pin variety. Even so, there are still many stories of cards failing at a toll gate, with a line of traffic behind you. This can cause great frustration and anxiety for travellers.

As you are approaching the toll gates, look ahead to decide as early as possible which lane you need to be in. This can be a bit tricky at peak times, but it is imminently painful if you get into the wrong lane in thick traffic. The French don’t take too kindly to visitors trying to wriggle their way out across multiple lanes.

As a guide, the following indicators exist at the toll gates. If a lane has a red cross above it, it’s closed. Green, it’s open. A blue sign with coins being tipped into a container means that cash is accepted but it’s an auto-pay gate. Change is not given.

A blue sign with a man means that the booth is operated by a real person and therefore change is possible. A blue sign with CB means credit cards only and the orange sign is for those with e-transponders.

Cost of tolls in France

The cost of the tolls vary depending on the type of vehicle you are driving, the autoroute and the distance.

For toll charges by autoroute, refer to the official Autoroutes France website.

Drive on the right

Driving in France means you drive on the right-hand side of the road. When entering a roundabout you approach it in an anti-clockwise fashion. When on the autoroutes or highways, the “fast” lane is the left-hand side in the direction of your travel. Overtaking is therefore done via the left-hand side.

Don’t drive in the fast lane if you aren’t prepared to do the speed limit (or faster) as you will aggravate the drivers and even though the horn is infrequently used, you might get a good dose of honking. At the very least, they will flash their headlights.

Driving on a side that is different to what you are used to at home can be challenging. We’ve always been ok with driving in Europe, but there are a few tricks to make sure you don’t forget.

Whenever you have been parked for a while, or stopped overnight, it’s always a good idea to remind yourself when you sit in the driver’s seat for the first time of where you need to drive.

Coming out of a supermarket or shopping centre can break your concentration, and driving out of a carpark can sometimes make you forget where you are. Again, remind yourself where you are.

Driver’s tip : We always refer to a small saying “as long as the driver’s bottom is on the centre line”, you are driving the correct way. So left-hand drive, right-hand side of the road, bottom is on the centre line, tick!

Speed Limits in France

Generally, the speed limits in France are as follows, but be mindful that in some areas, different limits may be signed separately.

• 130 kph (80 mph) on toll roads (autoroutes)
• 110 kph (68 mph) on highways with dual lanes each way and highways without tolls
• 90 kph (56 mph) on all other roads
• 50 kph(31 mph) in towns

Traffic lights are used in France. Following green (go) a yellow light appears (slow down and get ready to stop) and then red (stop). After red, it goes straight back to green once more.

Some speed limits also change when the weather conditions are poor. For example, on the autoroutes, in wet weather the speed limit falls to 110 km/h (68 mph)

Speed cameras, both fixed and mobile, are used extensively throughout France. Speed radars used by individuals in vehicles are prohibited by law.

Priorité à Droite. This is the rule that can cause confusion, even to locals. This old road rule means that at any intersection, all vehicles are required to give way to the right. Sounds simple enough, especially as most intersections are anchored by traffic signs to advise which vehicle must give way.

However, in the absence of any traffic sign, this old rule comes into force, and all vehicles must give way to their right. Sounds logical, and sounds easy enough to remember, however, there are two locations where it is more likely to slip your mind, and the consequences, if you do so, could be dangerous.

The two locations are on roundabouts and on country roads. Let’s talk about roundabouts first.

Usually, once you are on a roundabout, the approaching traffic must give way to those on the roundabout and you only enter when it is safe to do so. However, on roundabouts in France that are not signed, vehicles that are already on the roundabout must also still give way to those entering it from their right.

It means you really can’t just get on the roundabout and whiz around and get off where you want. You need to watch out for those on your right. This can be a bit tricky when you are also looking for your exit.

The roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a very good example of the Priorité à Droite rule in action.

The second area where you are likely to need to remember this rule is in rural areas and small villages.

Many of us would be used to driving on a major road where smaller roads come in from the sides and meet with the larger one. In many circumstances, vehicles on the small road joining the major one would be required to give way. In France, this is the case only if it is signed.

Otherwise, any vehicle on the major road needs to give way to the vehicle approaching on the right. This holds even if the vehicle is stationary. The exception to this is if the road is a dirt one. Failure to give way to a vehicle coming out from the right while you are driving at a fast speed is never going to end well.

See what we mean! It’s a simple rule with several variations in how it is applied.

Our best advice is that wherever you are, always keep your eye on the traffic signs and what they are telling you. Also, if you are out of the cities and on roads where your speed might be a bit higher than what you would maintain in the towns and villages, keep an eye out for those roads coming at you from the right. Even if you’ve seen a sign, it’s probably always best to take your foot off the accelerator a little, just in case.

The traffic signs for Priorité à Droite are yellow, white and black. When you see a sign that is a yellow diamond, surrounded by white with a black border, this means you have right of way. If you see the same sign with a black diagonal line through it, you must give way to the right at all times.

Use of headlights

We think it’s good practice to have your lights turned on at all times. It is however only law in France to do so in conditions of poor light or bad weather.

Use of horn

This is not Italy nor India . Horns are not part of the driving culture here and are only used when faced with an emergency.

Wearing seatbelts

Seatbelts are required to be worn by French law. There are also specific rules governing the use of seat belts for children depending on weight/age.

Use of mobile phones

The use of mobile phones in any way while driving is prohibited in France.

Drivers can still use them in the event of a breakdown if they are on the side of the road,but otherwise they can only be used when parked in an official parking spot.

Drinking and driving

It’s easiest if you just don’t do it at all. The blood alcohol limit in France is 0.05 and is policed.

As part of their environmental strategy, France introduced a new scheme in 2017 whereby an emissions sticker showing the age and the cleanliness of the car with regard to pollutants. More details can be found on this website and in our crit air stickers guide .

In general, the French law covers you as though you were a standard commuter vehicle. If a car is allowed to park in a particular location, so too may motorhomes. The only times this doesn’t apply is where there are signs to the contrary and where it explicitly says motorhomes may not be parked. Or, if there are height barriers – like those sometimes found in supermarket carparks – then clearly you can’t park a larger vehicle there.

Pay attention to where you park, especially in major cities. Look out for any signs noting where you can and can’t park, and coloured lines also. A single yellow line painted on the road or along a curb is an indicator that parking is not allowed. A solid yellow line means no stopping or parking. A broken yellow line means you can stop but not park.

Some small towns even have a local parking system where you need to buy a “parking disc” from the tourist office or newsagent and display on your dashboard.

The solution to not getting towed or fined is to make sure you understand where you are parking every single time. Don’t assume all towns follow the same rules.

Also, just as a general tip, don’t park anywhere that looks unsafe, either for you or your vehicle.

When we are in a motorhome, we are always on the lookout for parking areas where it is easy to park. These are usually large parking lots, sometimes just out of the main city centre. There are of course some towns that make it incredibly difficult to park, but more often than not, you’ll find something. The larger the carpark, usually means better access and a greater opportunity to keep your vehicle safe.

Keep the big vehicles like motorhomes out of the big cities unless you have an insatiable thirst for adventure and want an adrenaline rush. We’ve done it and survived in more major European cities than I care to remember, but it’s not the best way to spend your time and given the choice, it’s something we’d prefer to avoid.

If it’s your first time driving on the right hand side, or it’s been a while, find a quiet area to take the motorhome for a drive first. Give everyone who is going to share the driving a dry run. Confidence behind the wheel is 99% of the solution.

Be prepared if you are driving in small villages to have to re-route, pull your side mirrors in or reverse back out of the small side street you mistakenly went down. This will all happen at some stage. The secret is to keep your cool and take your time correcting the situation.

Share the driving if you can. Being a co-driver is also good for learning and understanding what the driver is going through and makes you a better helper/navigator.

Get your petrol from petrol stations connected to supermarkets (like leClerc and Carrefour) as they will always be the cheapest. Otherwise, get your fuel off the highways. Fuel on autoroutes is always the most expensive.

On the subject of fuel, make sure you have fuel before the weekend hits just in case you find yourself in a town where they aren’t open. Many fuel stations these days are unmanned and you require a chip and pin credit card to buy fuel before you pump it.

We use and recommend Wise debit cards for purchasing of fuel. Most petrol stations will take a pre-authorisation amount from your card before you start pumping fuel, which can be as high as €130-€150. If you have a normal debit card, it’s quiute possible that this amount will stay on your card for some time (sometimes 20-30 days) and will have the impact of reducing your available funds. Wise debit cards have the pre-authorised amount placed on the card, and it is immediately corrected once you have finished the re-fueling process.

You can check out and apply for a Wise debit card here .

In France, it is also a really good idea to keep an eye on truck strikes and industrial action and unrest in general. They can both stuff up your travel arrangements by blocking road access (or severely impacting the time it takes to get to your destination) or fuel can become limited.

Get a GPS. These days having a GPS installed in your motorhome, even if you are hiring, should be a basic inclusion. They really do keep you out of trouble, and with the wonderful screens they have these days, give you fair warning of the exits and roads you need to take well in advance.

Even with a GPS though, you need to keep your wits about you, as sometimes they are not as up to date as they should be. Maintenance on roads and bridges can mean detours and an addition to your schedule in terms of time or distance that you hadn’t factored in to your plans.

Also, unless your GPS is great at advising of routes with no height restrictions, this is another area that can cause you to have to recreate a route. Sometimes, we’ve been led on a certain route, only to find out that the only way across the river in a particular area was by a bridge with a height restriction. There’s no getting around these types of issues, you just need to be prepared for them and find another way.

If you’ve got a nervous passenger, take the time before you start out each day to explain where you’ll be driving and the types of roads or traffic situations you might expect to find. That way you are preparing them as much as you can.

Drive to the conditions. If you are driving a large motorhome, you’ll know that it is a big, heavy rig. Slowing them down quickly is not something you really want to be doing. Maintain good distances between other vehicles, don’t drive in dangerous weather conditions, and when in doubt, slow down. Unless you are happy to match it with the locals doing 180kmh on the autoroutes, stay out of the fast lane.

Don’t ever think it’s ok to drive in bus lanes. These are reserved for buses, taxis and bikes.

If you are able, get some bikes to carry with you. Being able to get into the smaller towns using this mode of transport reduces the pressure on driving in small villages, or large busy ones and also finding a park (usually more frustrating that the driving)

Finally, last but definitely not least, do a quick walkaround your motorhome each day before leaving your overnight location (or any other spot you’ve been parked in for a while). When you are on the road for a while, sometimes the days all blur into one.

When you wake up in the morning, you might forget that the night before you parked yourself really close to a high curb, or a bank of rocks, bollards or near some other immovable object. Refreshing yourself with your surroundings will save you doing something you might wish you didn’t.

When planning your journey be mindful of the distances you are wanting to travel and your planned destination. If driving on the smaller roads, the time that it takes to get to the final location will be increased.

Have a plan for where you are going to stop for the evening (and a backup plan just in case you get help up). Our best advice here is to arrive during daylight. Trying to find the location of a campground, or worse, a France Passion site in the dark can test even those with the best patience.

• Learn more about staying at a France Passion location
• Understanding Aires de Service in France

Also, use this time to check that everything is secure for the drive ahead. Steps are up, vents are down, bikes are locked on and external doors locked in. Do the same check on the inside, making sure drawers and cupboards are locked into place and everything that could be a projectile is put away.

What happens if you have an accident in France? We’d all like to think it won’t happen, but there’s so much that can happen outside of our control when we are on the roads. We’ve even had someone back into a hired motorhome in a carpark while we were actually inside! They caused a lot of damage and we had to call the police.

• Always stop whenever there has been an accident
• Assess the situation – if anyone is injured call the appropriate authorities immediately
• Take photographs of the scene
• Ensure you have all details of the other drivers involved
• Document everything straight away so nothing is forgottten
• Complete an accident form.

This website is a useful resource.

We’ve written many guides on motorhoming in France to help those starting out for the first time or those looking for inspiration for their itinerary.

Hire a motorhome in France

We use and recommend Anywhere Campers for motorhome hire in France and Europe. They are professional, have excellent motorhomes, transparent pricing and are also one-way motorhome hire specialists. Read our guide on motorhome hire in Europe .

Buy a motorhome in France

If you are looking to buy your own motorhome in France, it’s important to make sure it’s done legally. We recommend France Motorhome Sales . You can read our comprehensive guide on buying a motorhome in France – legally!- here .

Motorhome how-to guides

• Must-ask questions before hiring a motorhome in France (or Europe)
• Tips for planning a European motorhome itinerary
• What’s inside a campervan?
• Things to pack to make your motorhome life a breeze
• Tips for picking up a hired motorhome
• Tips for motorhome safety
• Comprehensive packing guide for motorhome road trips

Motorhome itineraries in France

• 20 days in south-west France + France Passion stopovers in south-west France
• Lot River and Lot Valley itinerary
• Following the Tour de France in a motorhome
• 10-day itinerary Burgundy France

Book your flight:  Flights are an important part of travel and we’re always looking for the best deals. If you can travel mid-week and be flexible, you’ll often find great deals on flights. We also use  Skyscanner  and  Expedia for flight bookings. Dollar Flight Club is a great resource for getting special advance offers and even error fares directly to your inbox.

Book your accommodation:  We all love to stay in different places, from the comfort of a self-contained apartment or house to a resort or luxury hotel. Sometimes we need something quick, easy and comfortable for an overnight stay. 

We use all of the following online booking portals depending on where we want to stay and the type of accommodation we are looking for.

• VRBO and Stayz (in Australia) – great for holiday rentals of more than seven days and often have discounts for longer periods.
• Booking.com and Expedia – two of our favourites due to their cancellation and refund policies.
• Trip Advisor – perfect for getting reviews, checking availability and pricing comparisons all in one place.

Book your rental car or motorhome:  We always use  Discover Rental Cars  anywhere in the world for car hire.  Anywhere Campers  is our preferred motorhome hiring company in Europe, especially if you want to be able to pickup and drop off at different locations (even countries) in Europe. If you’d like to buy your own motorhome in France , we use and recommend  France Motorhome Sales . Use our code FMS1022 or tell John we sent you!

Book a tour:   We travel independently, but when we do book we book them with reputable companies who have a great cancellation and refund policy. If you are looking for advance tickets to an attraction, group or private tours, we use and recommend  Get Your Guide  and  Viator . Both have a great range of tours and flexible cancellation policies. If you are looking to do a food tour in Europe, we also recommend  Eating Europe Tours .

Be covered:  We always travel with  travel insurance . We did it before the pandemic and it’s even more important for us to do so now. We use Cover-More in Australia.  SafetyWing  has great rates for travellers who are away from home for extended periods. 

Be ready : Make sure you pack a few essentials: universal adaptor ,  power bank  and  noise-cancelling headphones

About The Author

Kerri McConnel

A former corporate business executive, Kerri is the content creator for Beer and Croissants, a trusted source of detailed guides on motorhome travel, road trip itineraries, and destinations.

Together with Stirling, they are motorhome experts, having independently road-tripped their way across much of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand since 1995. Back home in Australia, they own their own motorhome and can always be found on a regional road trips, taking in towns that often no one has heard of.

They are responsible travellers; long, slow trips in motorhomes, spending time in small regional communities where the tourists usually don't wander, and spending money in their small economies. And where possible, they travel in shoulder and off seasons, so they don't add to the tourist rush.

As an Honorary Barge Lady for Barge Lady Cruises and a regular on European Waterways vessels, Kerri is also an expert on luxury barge travel in Europe, having completed five barge cruises in France and Scotland.

Kerri is a Digital Travel Publisher Member and former board member and treasurer of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (2020-2023).

Everything written and produced on this site is our own work. there's no AI and if we've written about it, you can trust we've been there, done that!

Read more about Kerri here

2 thoughts on “Driving a motorhome in France: Basic facts to help you drive safely”

Hi Pam, please contact John Mottram from France Motorhome Sales. It’s a long shot, as the majority of this won’t be a service he provides, but he can talk to you about registering and insuring. You will need to check the necessary visa requirements as well for staying in the Schengen zone for that period of time. Also you should read this as well especially since you have a 1995 vehicle. https://www.beerandcroissants.com/critair-stickers-france-complete-guide-to-clean-air-stickers/ . I will email you directly with John’s details. Please tell him you’ve been referred by me so he makes the connection.

Hello –

Hello! Hello, we are looking for very specific information as to how to do a year travel in a camper van – we are bringing from the US. We have long stay visa and a shipping company to get our van over, I am looking for information specific to legally having our 1995 Eurovan in France for 1 year. We have valid US License, insurance and passport. We are having trouble finding information on VAT tax – if there is any, and are we legally allowed to travel for 1 year? Do we have to register? insurance?

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Pam

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A Luxury Experience Motorhome

Oulala provides luxury Campervan and Motorhome rentals in France all inclusive, enabling families, couples or friends to explore and enjoy all that France and its surrounding countries have to offer. Located in the heart of France, adventure awaits you in every direction….

Whether you’re already motorhome enthusiasts, or you’re new to the world of motorhome rental and want to experience a different type of holiday, our holiday homes on wheels provide comfort and luxury merged with practicality and fun. More spacious than you might think and as versatile as you could ever need – travel, explore, relax and enjoy your holiday in style. We can assist with local airport transfers from your chosen airport, complete tutorials about your vehicle, suggested routes and must-see places. We’re here to help ensure your Oulala Motorhome Rentals experience is exceptional in every way.

Do you need more info about Motorhome rentals in France and Campervan hire in France ? Just take a look here …

Motorhome rentals in France and Campervan hire in France is Oulala

Airport information.

One of the many benefits of Oulala’s location (Corrèze) is its close proximity to two easy to reach airports and the huge selection of UK airports that fly to our region of France.

Fly to Brive-la-Gaillarde (BVE) or Limoges (LIG) we can arrange a transfer to our Head Office (Le Lonzac) where we’ll give you a full tutorial covering everything you’ll need to know about your luxury holiday home on wheels!

Fleurette Florium

Oulala France Motorhome Rentals

3 Rue des Entrepreneurs ZA La Montade 19470 Le Lonzac – FRANCE

Phone (UK): +44 (0)7500 828858 Phone (FRANCE): +33 (0)7 85 55 15 67 Email: [email protected]

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RV rental France

Choosing RV Rental in France Is Easy With Campanda

France is considered one of the most romantic countries in the world. With its famous assortment of wines, sprawling metropolises, and rich culture, few travelers can resist the allures of this Land of Love when it calls.

However, planning a trip out of the country can be hard, especially when it comes to finding reliable transportation. For many people, this can be the one factor that actually prohibits them from even going on a trip; one look at hectic bus schedules, pricey plane tickets, and taxi fees, and the fire of adventure that once ignited their hearts sputters and dies in a wave of intimidation.

At Campanda, we want to keep that fire going! Our RV rental in France enables you to surpass all that hassle by providing you with campervans that are well maintained and reliable. You can take that long-awaited road trip to the Land of Love without worrying about any secondary transportation. When you rent an RV with us, you’re on the only schedule that matters: yours.

The Benefits You Get With Our RV Rental

We give you much more than the chance to travel in the utmost convenience. Our RV rental in France provides vehicles that are equipped with an assortment of amenities, including:

• Restful and comfortable lounge areas, where you can stretch out after a tiring day and recharge for your next adventure.
• Kitchens that come with everything you need to prepare your own meals in between trips or at the end of the day, thus cutting back on food expenses.
• Clean and sanitary facilities.

Because we know that our drivers can be anyone from college students to retired married couples, we offer a wide range of RV options. With 25,000 types of RVs and more than 800 pickup locations all around the world, we are confident that we will be able to find an RV that works for you.

Our RV rental in France comes with many options, including Class A, B, and C motorhomes (which offer differing degrees of luxury), travel trailers (a good choice for those who don’t plan to camp out in RV lots), and vans (for travelers who just want a familiar design that is safe and easy to maneuver).

Why Choose Us: Pricing and Outstanding Client Support

We don’t stop at providing you with the best RVs for rent in the area. We go above and beyond by offering friendly customer support that has served as the cornerstone of our business, and has earned us our brilliant reputation as the go-to RV provider for travelers of all backgrounds and ages.

Customer service is the lifeblood of any business. When it doesn’t flow properly, the industry collapses. Nobody understands this more than your Campanda friends, and what has made us stand out is our outstanding level of customer support.

Not sure what RV would be best for the trip you have planned? No problem. Ask our experts for advice and they will be more than happy to make sure you get the perfect vehicle. Found a lower rate somewhere else on the market? Let us know and we can either match it or give you a full refund if your RV meets a few simple conditions:

• The two offers are for the same vehicle, at the same location, and for the same dates.
• The conditions of the RV rental are the same.
• The two offers are advertised on the same day.
• The offer meeting these above conditions is found within 48 hours of when you initially book your RV.

No matter what RV location you arrive at in France, you can be confident that you’ll get our ultimate threefold package of convenience: affordability, customer support, and quality vehicles.

Your RV Rental in France: Tour the Country

Now that you have your RV rental, the next big question is this: where can you go with it? The answer: everywhere! France is speckled with beautiful landscapes, fine dining, and culture just waiting to be explored. If anything, it’ll be harder to narrow down your itinerary, because there are so many incredible places to see in this beautiful country. When you choose our RV Rental in France, here are some good places to start once we hand you the keys:

• Paris: No trip to France would be complete without a drive down to this famous city, even if it’s just for a day. Visitors can see classic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and explore fashionable outlets and cafes.
• Marseille: Perched on the breathlessly blue coast and looking like something out of a movie, this city offers a plethora of entertainment for every traveler. Some attractions include Vieux Port and the hilltop basilica.
• Burgundy: As one of France’s most famous “wine countries,” Burgundy is a must for wine tasters of all levels of expertise. If wine is definitely your specialty, you can also consider taking your RV to Bordeaux, a city hub of the famous wine-growing region.
• Annecy: A “less touristy” destination, Annecy is an old fashioned town in Southeastern France that contains cobbled streets, gurgling canals, and pastel-colored houses. It’s a good escape for travelers who want to step into the magic of the past, and who are perhaps looking for a quieter environment than Paris or Marseille.
• Arles: This is the city famous for inspiring the work of Van Gogh, and it’s not hard to see why. Once a provincial capital of Rome, the city has many remains from that area, creating an atmosphere that is at once nostalgic, majestic, and awe-inspiring.

A Safe, Affordable Way to Travel

Our RV rental in France is a great travel option for any terrain, whether you plan to drive through busy cities or a peaceful countryside. We are committed to providing you with RVs that will propel you into the experience of a lifetime, so why resist the call of France any longer? Ask us about our rental booking and make enquiries right away.

If you want to book an RV from the capital, then go ahead straight to our Paris page.

Or you can take a look at other West European countries such as: Germany - Italy - Spain

The Best Destinations for Motorhome & Campervan Holidays in France

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Motorhome & Campervan Holidays in France

France is so easy to get to in a motorhome or campervan. Just hop across the channel and you’re in another world. Find all the best destinations for motorhome and campervan holidays in France here.

For many people, France is the best place to road trip and holiday in a motorhome or camper van in Europe – us included, we have been living and travelling in our campervan in France and Europe for the past two years.

In this guide to motorhome destinations in France, you’ll find information about all the best places to travel to in a motorhome or campervan in France plus tips about where to stay in France in your home on wheels!

The proximity to the UK, ease of getting your vehicle there and the welcome motorhomers receive makes it a favourite place for motorhome travel. Read on for a quick spin around the diverse regions to find the best French holiday destinations, off the beaten track destinations and some great ideas for fantastic motorhome holidays in France.

If you’re looking for France campervan hire or motorhome rental, check out  Auto Europe , who have over 50 pick up locations and a large fleet, for special offers and deals.  For help planning a route, read this comprehensive guide to motorhome road trip planning .

Where to Stay in France

Campsites in france for motorhomes.

There are thousands of France motorhome and campervan sites. From five star luxury on the Cote ‘d Azur to caravan and motorhome club sites in France and rustic and rural in the Auvergne, you’ll find a site and pitch that’s perfect for you as you’re touring France. Book the best French campsites with Eurocampings for the best deals on over 2,700 campsites in France.

Use your  ACSI CampingCard (which gives you 60% discount at European campsites out of season) for out of season per night deals and discounts and to help you search for the best motorhome sites in France, wherever you’re heading. Check out our pick of the  best motorhome campsites in France and Europe .

French Aires

Whoever first suggested the network of aires scattered across France deserves a medal.  All around this welcoming country, you’ll find motorhome aires where you can stay overnight for just a few euros (sometimes free) and be provided with fresh water, waste services and sometimes electricity.

Often run by the local municipality and occasionally commercially, aires draw people to towns and villages that would otherwise see no tourist traffic. Use the All the Aires book or  Park4Night  to find these great alternatives to campsites for motorhomes in France.

Is this your first time visiting France? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Wild Camping for Motorhomes in France

There are lot of opportunities to wild camp in France . Follow the rules, pick your spot and be respectful and you’ll be able to road trip the whole country without needing to stay on a site. Use  Park4Night  or one of the other wild camping apps to find the best spots.

France Passion

A scheme unique to France, you pay £30 for the book, maps and online access and can stay at any one of over 2,000 vineyards and farms, some even have a swimming pool!   France Passion  will get you off the beaten track and meeting local people, many of whom have hands on roles in producing the food and drink of the regions and pride themselves on their welcome and customer service.

The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming in Europe

If you’re planning a motorhome trip to Europe for the first time, our guide has tips, advice and info to help you plan your tour.

Don’t struggle trying to plan your European trip, find out everything you need to know before you go + loads of motorhoming tips for when you arrive.

Map of French Regions

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

A huge region, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stretches from the high hills and plateau of the Massif Central in the west to the highest point of the French Alps in the east. Luckily driving a motorhome in France is easy, as Lyon from Calais will take you around seven to eight hours on the autoroute.

Get to Dijon and set your sat nav to non-toll roads for the best scenery as you head into the region. Lyon, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France , is also a great staring point for this region if you’re looking for motorhome hire or campervan rental as Motorhome Republic have lots of collection options from the airport.

Divided by the mighty Rhone river and with the centre of the region being the vibrant city of Lyon, there is great diversity here and four distinct climates. The further south you head, the more you will notice the flora, fauna and climate taking on a Mediterranean feel.

Come here if you like…

• Mountains – there are literally hundreds in this region, across the mighty Alps and Mont Blanc to the medium-high extinct volcanoes of the Massif Central.
• Being active – from extreme sports like paragliding to white water adventures and the more day to day skiing and hiking, this region is a paradise for anyone who appreciates activity in the great outdoors.
• Gastronomic delights – Lyon is not only one of the  most beautiful cities in France , it is the food city of this gastronomic country. Regional dishes are influenced by the mountains and tends to be hearty and wholesome. Melted cheese is a favourite from fondue to the divine  raclette , just one of many dishes made with melted cheese and potatoes!
• Water sports – with Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy and Lac de Bourget in the region, summer sailing, wind-surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking are on the doorstep.

Bourgogne-France-Comte

This beautiful region of France is famous for its rich history and wine. Sometimes abbreviated to BFC, this area is around a five to six hour drive from Calais on the A26, making it a great area for a one week motorhome itinerary.  

Part of this area is the old historic region of Burgundy, once the heartland of France and known for its’ wines, such as Beaujolais and Chablis.  With a mix of low agricultural lands and the fabulous mountains of the Jura, BFC is sparsely populated and sees relatively little tourist footfall.

• Great food and drink – the home of the unique Vin Jaune, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Comte cheese and Dijon mustard is a powerhouse of French cooking, particularly where the use of wine is required!
• Atmospheric historic cities – Beaune and Dijon are just two gorgeous cities in this region, packed with history, Gothic and medieval architecture with a typical French ambience.
• Breathtaking castles – there are well over thirty well-preserved chateaux in this region, find the best of them  here .
• Off-the-beaten-track places – you won’t find hordes of tourists here, especially if you head to the Jura mountains for  fantastic hiking  and their magnificent cirques.

The rugged peninsula of western France, Bretagne, is an ideal place for a two week motorhome itinerary. With Rennes, the capital of the region, being just an hour’s drive from St Malo, it is literally a hop over the channe l. Two to three hours from Cherbourg and five to six from Calais, this is an accessible area wherever your start point and route.

With a wild and dramatic coastline and with an undiscovered feel beyond the well-known tourist spots, Brittany offers a shared Celtic culture, ancient mysticism and every type of beach imaginable, as well as the incomparable Mont Saint Michel, one of the most beautiful landmarks in France .

• Beautiful gardens – also known as the  Garden Coast , Brittany has some of the best gardens in France.  From English country borders to exotics, there’s something here for every green-fingered visitor.
• The Îles de Glénan  – a stunning archipelago off the Brittany coast, perfect for a day trip.
• Delicious cider – Brittany is cider country.  With more than 600 apple varieties grown in the region, there’s a cider to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Customs and tradition – the pan-Celtic tradition is very evident here; the Breton language is spoken with pride and wide-spread cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance.

Centre-Val de Loire

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the south-west of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and an an hour less from Caen, this region is a popular holiday destination and would be ideal for a motorhome road trip following the river.

Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks fo the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

• Delicious white wine – Touraine, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre and Valencay are just some of the well-know whites produces in this region.  Take a vineyard tour and make sure to enjoy a tasting afterwards!
• Beautiful chateaux – one of the main attractions of the region, the chateaux of the Loire Valley are world famous.  There are over eighteen chateaux in this region alone, find ten of the best of them  here .
• Historic cities – from Joan of Arc’s home city of Orleans to the royal chateau of Blois and Tours with it’s beautiful old town, the cities of this region are must-sees.
• Bird watching –  La Brenne natural park  is the hidden gem of Centre-Val de Loire. To the south of the region, this huge park containing over a thousand lakes is a wetland paradise for twitchers. Over 260 species have been recorded here, and over 150 species are known to breed here.

2 Week Motorhome Itinerary France

Let us do the planning for you and grab our France motorhome itinerary, packed with campsites, aires, attractions and insider tips.

Let us do the hard work for you! Get up every day knowing your trip is planned with driving routes, overnight stops and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

Grand Est borders Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and a small part of Switzerland so its not surprising that this region has multi-cultural influences. One of the easiest regions in France to get to if you’re arriving in Calais, a four hour drive will take you to the heart of the rolling Aube, for the fantastic  champagne route . In six hours you can be in  Strasbourg , the capital of the region and home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

Previously known as Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, the region is an intriguing mix of vineyards, the low lying Vosges mountains and some of the prettiest towns in France, found in the  Alsace department . In some less-visited and remote wooded parts of the Vosges, lynx, boar and wolves can still be found in the wild, making the rich nature and bio-diversity of the area of particular interest.

• Medieval   cathedrals – Grand Est is home to some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, many are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Champagne and wine – the vineyards of the Champagne and Alsace departments are a must if you’re a wine lover, with Lorraine producing lesser known but no less delicious wines to rival Alsace.  The  wine route of Alsace  is perhaps the best known, but there are others to be explored.
• War history – the moving Verdun & Argonne battlefields and war graves cemeteries of WWI can be found here, along with the WWII Maginot Line forts. The Surrender Room in Reims is where German forces surrendered to Eisenhower in May 1945, brining an end to the long war.
• Accessible hiking and cycling – easier on the heart and lungs, the hiking routes of the Vosges are a pleasure. With stunning rolling scenery and trails to take you through historic villages and make the most of the views,  hiking in the Vosges  is accessible to all.  Cycling in Alsace  takes you to the heart of the region, and the smells and sounds of the many vineyards will fill the air as you cycle through the lush, rolling countryside.

Hautes-de-France

This is is the most northerly region of France, to the north of Paris and home to the port city of Calais, meaning it’s on your doorstep. Not a major tourist region, the area is known for the battlefields of WWI, most notably the Somme, a four month battle in which over a million people lost their lives. 

Visiting this region is inescapably poignant and most people come here predominantly for the memorials and war sites. But there is more to see here, including the incredible beaches, elegant resort towns and pretty fishing villages dotted along the unspoilt and beautiful Cote d’Opale, or  Opal Coast .  

• Battlefield tours – the battles of Flanders, the Somme, Vimy and Ypres were all fought on the soil of the Hautes-de France by French, British, Canadian, Australian and African troops. The memorials and cemeteries marking these make for moving visits.
• Mining history – much of the infrastructure in the northern parts of the region has been shaped by mining, a now redundant industry in this part of France. Visit the UNESCO listed  Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin  for a fascinating insight into the industry and a miner’s life in the pits.
• Beautiful belfries –  tall and often ornate clock-towers attached to civic buildings, belfries are common in the region and were built to symbolise the power of the local alderman and councillors.   The Belfries of Belgium and France  is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site and features Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of architecture.
• Seaside resorts – littered along the coast, the resorts of le Touquet, Dunkirk, Boulogne-sur-Mer and Neufchatel-Hardelot are known for great seafood, wind sports and pretty architecture.

Motorhoming in France Essentials

Ile-de-France

Ile-de-France is the small region surrounding the  beautiful city of Paris . The region is home to Paris itself and several other notable cities, the best being the UNESCO fortified city of Provins, the huge forested estates surrounding Fontainebleau and Versailles, the site of the palace of the same name.  

A four hour drive from Calais, it is perhaps not the first destination motorhomers think of but it is possible to avoid Paris completely in your motorhome and see see the best bits of this compact region.

RELATED POST: One Day Paris Itinerary – Map, Guide & Tips

• Big cities – although driving in and around Paris in a motorhome is to be avoided at all costs, you can camp outside Paris and get the train in, just follow this  perfect Paris itinerary !
• Theme parks – just three and a half hours from Calais,  Disneyland Paris  is achievable for a long weekend in your motorhome. Check out  Park4Night  for campsites near Disneyland Paris for motorhomes.
• Modern architecture – there are four Le Corbusier villas in Ile-de-France. Villa Savoye in Poissy and Villa La Roche, Villa Jeanneret and Immeuble Molitor in Paris itself.
• Royal palaces – The Palace of Versailles has to be one of the most opulent and ornate palaces in the world. Glistening with gold leaf, the interiors of Versailles seem to go on for miles. Stuffed with historic paintings, furniture and artefacts this royal palace is an incredible architectural achievement and a real bucket list Paris attraction . If you find the interiors a bit much, the gardens are truly spectacular.

Normandy borders the English Channel and is easily accessible from all the channel ports, the furthest being St Malo around a three to four hour drive. Le Havre is in the region itself and a perfect arrival port which is popular with motorhome travellers. Normandy was a significant medieval empire and controlled much of England and Wales, leaving a rich history for visitors to explore.  

The three huge attractions of Rouen cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry and Mont Saint-Michel are the must-sees of the region. Along with the pretty fishing port of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches, this region has much to recommend and is one of the best motorhome destinations in France.

RELATED POST: Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

• Medieval heritage – Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is chock full of medieval architecture and history. The Bayeux Tapestry, telling the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 is held in the town of the same name.
• Gorgeous gardens – if you are a gardener or painter, then there is no better garden in the whole of France than Giverny, Claude Monet’s country home and garden. Gloriously and unashamedly colourful, this beautiful place has provided inspiration to generations of gardeners and painters alike.
• WWII history – hundreds of thousands of Allied troops landed on the beaches of Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword on 6 June 1944. The D Day landings and the Battle of Normandy which led to victory on the western front are commemorated at hundreds of moving cemeteries and memorials in the area.
• Impressionist art – known as the birthplace of impressionism after Monet took inspiration in Le Havre and painted ‘ Impression, soleil levant ‘ (‘Impression, sunrise’) in 1872. Normandy houses two major collections and has no fewer than  fifteen museums  dedicated to impressionist art and history.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

One of our personal favourites for France campervan holidays, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region of France. From the ports of Caen or Cherbourg, the capital Bordeaux is a good seven to eight hour drive, making this an ideal destination for a two or three week holiday. Alternatively, Bordeaux is another great destination to fly to if you’re looking for van hire.

This region in the south west of France is incredibly varied, from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the gently meandering Dordogne valley to the almost continuous beach of the long Landes coastline. Pine forests, vineyards, elegant resorts and rustic villages shape this space, along with great regional food and wine which give life and colour to a seriously enjoyable region of France.

• Chateaux and castles – head to the  Dordogne Valley  for the best pick of local chateaux, including the mighty Chateau de Castelnaud and Chateau de Beynac, literally across the river.
• Beaches – there are hundreds of miles of soft golden beaches along the coast. Stretching from the glamorous resort of Biarittz in the south to La Rochelle in the north, only interrupted by the river Garonne and Arcachon Basin. If you like sand, head for the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat. Climb to the top and enjoy the incredible view of the blue, turquoise and green crystal clear waters of the Arcachon basin as the tide ebbs and flows. You’ll also find some of the best caravan sites in France along this glorious coast.
• Surfing –  people come here to surf the huge Atlantic rollers coming in from the Bay of Biscay and there is an annual  world surf competition  held in Lacanau-Ocean. If you can’t stand up, get a body board or just spend hours deciding whether to float over the next wave or power under it.
• Mountains – the eastern Pyrenees are to the south of the region and beyond the towns and cities provide amazing cycling and hiking opportunities.   

Occitanie (previously known as Languedoc) is one half of the south of France and is a region of huge contrast. A solid ten to eleven hour drive from Caen, Occitanie makes a good destination if you have three or four weeks to travel or, as part of a longer trip. We think it’s worth the drive time for the atmosphere, history and beauty you will find in this region. 

From the sun drenched Herault of southern France and the Mediterranean coast to the wild and raw beauty of the Cevennes and the majesty of the Pyrenees, the landscape and climate differs greatly. This is a busy part of France, home to Carcassonne and its’ renovated La Cite, one of the  largest castles in the world , Lourdes and the Pont du Gard. These three top the busiest tourist destinations in Europe list and are best visited outside of July and August.

RELATED POST: South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips

• Hiking – the Pyrenees are a more compact and gentle mountain range than the Alps, with lots of easy to moderate hiking and fantastic motorhome wild camping . They are one of our happy places and you can even cross into Spain in your motorhome over the high mountain passes.
• Wild swimming – the gorges of the region have some of the best  wild swimming  and canyoning in France.  Tucked into the Montagne Noire or the midi-Pyrenees, the water is crystal clear and refreshing.
• Outdoor adventures – head for the Gard and Lozere departments where you’ll find nature at its finest.  Winding rivers are superb for kayaking and often have small river beaches and swimming holes with perfectly placed rocky ledges to jump from. The Cevennes National Park offers great hiking in a wild and natural environment.
• Religious history – The Aude and Ariege have a strong  Cathar history  and you can see remnants everywhere. Follow the Route of the Cathar’s  through fortified hilltops, castles, villages and towns for a fascinating insight into a religion that shaped this part of France for centuries.

Recommended Reading

Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Wild Camping in France for Motorhomes – All You Need to Know

Pays de la loire.

The Pays de la Loire is a region of north-western France which adjoins the region of Centre-Val de Loire. Both regions share many characteristics including the Loire Valley and large numbers of famous chateaux.

One difference is the long Atlantic coastline of the Pays de la Loire known as the Vendee. A very popular UK tourist destination due to its proximity to the eastern channel ports, and enjoyed for its gentle waves, sandy beaches and quintessential sea-side resorts.  

An easy three to four hours from Caen to Nantes places you the heart of this region, with the Loire Valley to the east and the beaches of the Vendee to the west.  

• Bucket and spade holidays – perfect for family holidays as the Vendee is lined with some of the best French holiday parks offering fantastic facilities.  Kids love the beaches for the perfect sand-castle building sand and gentle waves.
• Theme parks – the Puy du Fou historical theme park has  over 1,5 million visitors a year and is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of France and perfect for a day out if you are travelling with kids.
• Escaping the crowds – yes, you can do that in one of the most popular regions of France! Head for  Vallée du Loir , the lesser known cousin of the Loire Valley, and relax in an unspoilt and charming landscape of pretty villages, manor houses and fields of sunflowers.
• Seaside resorts – the picture-perfect resorts of les Sables d’Olonne, Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie and St. Jean de Monts have lots of great restaurants, cafes and street markets in the summer months and are relaxed places to while away an afternoon or evening shopping for trinkets and souvenirs.   

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

A favourite of many, us included, this region, often abbreviated to PACA, covers a large and diverse area. From the sparking Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps and from the river Rhone to the Italian border, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the furthest from the UK, taking a whopping twelve to thirteen hours from Calais to Marseille. If you don’t fancy that but want to campervan in the south of France, fly to Marseille and rent one!  

For the glamorous and fashionable resorts of the French Riviera, the lavender fields and whitewashed towns of Provence and the wilderness of the Camargue, those driving hours are so worth it. The sun baked landscapes, beautiful hilltop towns and villages and the abundant local produce and delicious wines just add to the attraction. If you’re looking for somewhere a little less visited , head for the fascinating village of Fontaine-de-Vauclause, source of the river Sorgue which rises deep underground, and nearby Cavaillon, for delicious  Charentais melon , only found in Provence.  You’ll also find some of the best motorhome campsites in France in this region.

• Glitz and glamour – St Tropez is one of the most famous French holidays.  People flock there for its’ port where the rich and famous berth their mega-yachts and to enjoy the honeyed stone buildings and pretty squares of a slightly more relaxed and authentic St Tropez.  If you want more, head to Monaco or Cannes or one of the  ridiculously opulent villas  which open their doors to the public. You’ll also find some of the best campervan sites in France in this area, giving you great access to the whole coast.
• Iconic Lavender – field upon field and row upon row of beautiful and fragrant lavender carpets  Provence  in June and July. Go early in the day for the best photo opportunities.
• Local produce – experience a marchés hebdomadaires ( farmers market). Most towns have a weekly market where you will find fresh bread, wonderful fruit and vegetables, pungent cheeses, meaty saucisson sausage, fat olives and pretty much any other fresh food stuff you might want to buy. Alternatively, head to the Menton lemon festival, where 120 tonnes of local citrus fruit is used to build floats and decorate buildings…who knew?
• Perfume – in addition to edible produce, Provence is a world renowned perfume producer. The most prestigious perfumeries are concentrated around the town of Grasse. All sell to the general public, and three prestigious maisons (houses) of Galimard, Fragonard and Molinard are also open to visitors.

Are you looking for more France travel inspiration? check out these top posts…

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

Off The Beaten Path France – 8 Unique Places

The Best Wild Swimming in France: 12 Most Beautiful Spots

La Bambouseraie: How to Visit the Hidden Gem in Anduze

The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

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Are you looking for a unique and memorable travel experience in France or across Europe? AVIS explore is here to help you make your dreams come true . We have been specializing in motorhome, van and camper van rentals since 1979 , so we know all about motorhome and van rentals!

Renting a motorhome or a van does not only mean going from point A to point B but living a unique experience. Whatever your destination, AVIS explore opens up the roads of France and Europe with a network of motorhome rental agencies throughout France . We are present in several regions of France , notably in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg, with agencies easily accessible so that you can pick up your vehicle near your home or your vacation spot. At AVIS explore, you can even opt for the one way rental not forcing you to come back to your starting point or have your motorhome or rental van delivered to you wherever you want.

A fleet of motorhomes and rental vans maintained and renewed

Travel to new horizons to discover the most famous monuments as well as hidden gems accessible only by motorhome or van by road. Treat yourself to the world now with AVIS explore . Take advantage of our wide range of motorhomes, vans and camper vans available for rent . Our models are renewed regularly to offer you the latest models on the market and are of course maintained to the last detail. We select them so that they are adapted to all needs and budgets, whether you travel alone, as a couple or with your family . Our fleet ranges from the small convertible based on Renault Trafic, to travel as a couple, to the family motorhome, perfect for a vacation with family or friends. If you are looking for a unique motorhome and van rental service in France, choose AVIS explore .

With our vehicles, you will be able to discover new horizons, whether in France or in Europe, while traveling comfortably and safely. Our vehicles include practical equipment for a comfortable life on board , such as comfortable beds, a fully equipped kitchen, a refrigerator, a heater , etc. And you have a range of services offered to meet your needs at no extra charge : free 2nd driver, comprehensive vehicle insurance, free parking for your personal vehicle, deposit without blocking your credit card, Huttopia Camping Card for low-cost nights, dishes and utensils provided, gas bottle, welcome kit, electric extension cord...

Whether you are going on a road trip of several weeks in Europe or you are travelling through a region of France, we have the vehicle you need. If you don't know which vehicle to choose, don't hesitate to ask us for advice . We will help you to find the vehicle which corresponds to your desire of freedom and discovery.

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When you choose AVIS explore , you benefit from a premium service: our entire team, both in the agency and at the head office, is committed to accompanying you throughout your trip , from the reservation to the realization of your trip itself. Are you looking for a unique and memorable travel experience in France, as well as the opportunity to explore the roads of Europe? AVIS explore is here to help you. You will find on our website all our recommendations of destinations and travel itineraries and if you are out of ideas or want a trip just for you, our Travel Planner is there to create a customized itinerary according to your desires and tastes .

If you dream of going on a road trip in Europe easily and at the best price, renting a motorhome, van or van is the ideal solution. You will be able to travel in total freedom, without having to look for an accommodation in each city or country visited.

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Renting a motorhome, van or camper van from AVIS explore means opting for an original travel experience that will allow you to discover France and all of Europe in a different way, while enjoying optimal comfort and quality service. Book your dream vehicle with AVIS explore now for an unforgettable travel experience!

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Rent an RV in France

With its diverse landscapes, charming villages, and renowned attractions, France is a dream destination for road trips. Rent a camper van or Class C RV and explore its hidden gems, soak in the natural beauty and immerse yourself in the rich culture, all at your own pace. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a food lover, renting a Class C RV or compact camper van in France is a fantastic idea that guarantees unforgettable memories and an authentic travel experience. Pick up your camper van rental at one of our roadsurfer stations in Paris, Bordeaux, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes, Geneva – Pays de Gex, or Lyon, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

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Explore France RV Rentals

Beach Hostel Class B RV | VW T6.1 California Beach

• 150 hp diesel engine
• Big bed (whole vehicle width)
• Slide-out kitchen
• Manual pop-up roof
• Rear parking sensors with camera
• Cruise and distance control ACC, GPS

Surfer Suite Class B RV | VW T6.1 California Ocean

• Integrated kitchen
• Outdoor shower (cold water)
• Automatic pop-up roof

Road House Class B RV | Sprinter

• 140 hp diesel engine
• Large kitchen area
• Indoor shower/wet bath (hot water)
• Rear parking sensors with camera, cruise control, etc.

Travel Home Class B RV | Mercedes Marco Polo

• 163 hp diesel engine
• RV trailer hitch

Family Finca Class B RV | Sprinter

• 177 hp diesel engine
• Fixed high roof

Camper Cabin Class B RV | Ford Nugget

• 170 hp diesel engine

Camper Cabin Deluxe Class B RV | Ford Nugget Plus

• Tow hitch & Rear parking sensors with camera

Couple Cottage Class B RV | Sprinter

• 130 hp diesel engine
• Without pop-up roof
• Parking assistance & tempomat

Cozy Cottage Class C RV

• Spacious living-kitchen area
• Large wet bath (hot water)
• Rear view camera, cruise control, spacious rear compartment, etc.

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Your France Road Trip

Rent a camper van or Class C RV in France and enjoy the freedom to explore, discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in the culture, indulge in outdoor adventures, and have a cost-effective travel experience. From the rugged beauty of the French Alps to the stunning coastal landscapes of the French Riviera, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Experience the authentic charm of French culture and create lasting memories with your roadsurfer camper van rental. To help get you started on your journey, we have collected some useful information to support you in the planning process.

• Driving in France

Camping in France

• Events & Festivals in France

Driving rules in France

Driving in France can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, but it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations to ensure a safe and smooth journey. If you’re nervous about navigating the narrow streets of Provence, we recommend renting a smaller camper van. Here are some key points to keep in mind when driving in France:

• In France, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle.
• France has an extensive network of toll roads, known as “autoroutes”. These roads offer faster travel but come with toll charges. Be prepared to pay toll fees at various points along your journey.
• You can pay by cash or credit card, and some toll booths also accept electronic payment devices. (roadsurfer tip: Save time and avoid congested highways by choosing a lane where you can pay by credit card)
• With a height of less than 6 and a half feet, our camper vans are considered a car which is convenient at French highway toll stations.
• The general speed limits in France are as follows: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on non-urban roads, 90 km/h (56 mph) on roads with no separating median, 110km/h (68 mph) on divided highways, and 130 km/h (80 mph) on freeways, unless otherwise indicated. Priority on the right is a long-standing French driving rule.
• You will also find “Crit’air” accesses in the largest French cities to regulate pollution. Make sure that your vehicle has a “Crit’air” sticker and that you are in the category authorized to drive, as failure to have a sticker can result in a fine.

France offers a wide range of camping options, from traditional campgrounds to more adventurous options like wild camping. Here’s what you need to know about camping in France:

• Wild Camping – Allowed in certain areas of France under specific conditions. It is becoming more and more complicated as it is forbidden in many places such as nature reserves, beaches, public areas, and less than 655 ft from access to clean water for drinking. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by respecting nature and leaving your campsite as you found it.
• Municipal Campgrounds – Offer low-priced campsites with basic facilities, are generally spacious, and have managed to preserve their charm.
• Camping in National Parks – France is home to several stunning national parks, such as the French Alps, Pyrenees, and Provence. These parks often have designated camping areas where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. However, it’s important to check the regulations for camping within national parks, as they may have specific rules and restrictions.
• Private Campsites – support local hosts and experience the French culture with roadsurfer spots . Whether you pitch on a farm, in a vineyard, or in private garden, discover a unique camping experience away from the tourist crowds.

Popular events & festivals in France

Embarking on a camper van or Class C RV road trip in France not only allows you to explore the country’s stunning landscapes but also provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the excitement of popular French events, from world-class music festivals to prestigious sporting events, and lively cultural celebrations, all while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of your own cozy mobile accommodation. Here’s an overview of some of our highlights:

• Nice Carnival (February, Nice) – A dazzling and vibrant event where the streets of Nice come alive with colorful parades, elaborate floats, and lively music, showcasing the City’s rich cultural heritage and festive spirit.
• Fête de la Musique (June, whole country) – A lively and inclusive celebration held on June 21st each year in France, where musicians of all genres take to the streets, parks, and venues, to perform free concerts, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere throughout the country.
• Tour de France (July) – An iconic 23-day cycling race held annually during the summer, where professional cyclists traverse the picturesque French landscape, conquering challenging stages and captivating audiences with their incredible athleticism and determination.
• Bastille Day (July, whole country) – A vibrant and patriotic French holiday celebrated on the 14th of July throughout France.
• Fête des Lumières (December, Lyon) – A mesmerizing festival where the city becomes a captivating canvas of light and art for 4 days, with stunning light installations illuminating the streets, buildings, and landmarks, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
• Strasbourg Christmas Market (December, Strasbourg) – A magical winter wonderland where the enchanting streets of Strasbourg come alive with festive lights, charming stalls selling handmade crafts and delicious treats, and the joyful sounds of carols, creating a truly memorable and enchanting Christmas experience.

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UK tourists in France risk being 'stranded for five days' after paying £284

U K tourists have hit out after a botched RAC rescue turned a French road trip into an ordeal. When a motorhome broke down in France, the UK holidaymakers say they felt unsafe and were left stranded... for FIVE days.

DK, from Solihull , wrote into the Guardian and said: "We’d bought a £284 breakdown policy with the RAC, including European cover, and a recovery vehicle arrived promptly. The mechanic was unable to fix the problem, so we were told it would be towed to a dealership.

"However, the recovery truck was not long enough to carry the vehicle and, after trying to manoeuvre it off the campsite, the driver left it blocking a lane. A larger truck was eventually sent and, since it was getting late, the motorhome was moved to a storage depot for the night.

READ MORE UK faces half term heatwave with England 'hotter than Turkey' next week

"The site, shared with a breaker’s yard, was unstaffed and we were advised by the driver to stay with the vehicle for security reasons. That night we witnessed people with their faces covered entering vehicles and removing their contents.

"It felt very menacing. The RAC was unable to find a dealership willing to take us the next day and offered us a hotel, but we feared it would be unsafe to leave the motorhome unattended in the depot, so spent another alarming night expecting to be transferred to a repair garage the next day."

They added: "We were eventually taken to a dealership on the Tuesday, five days after we had broken down. We had to miss a rugby World Cup match we’d booked tickets for, and had spent hours on the phone trying to get things moving with the RAC."

RAC says: “We’d like to make it clear we helped at every stage of the breakdown. This included towing his large motorhome out of a tight space at his campsite, transporting it on a larger recovery truck to a storage compound when no garages were able to accept it for some time, and covering the cost of repair.

“Importantly, when it became apparent the vehicle would have to go into a storage facility, we offered to pay for a hotel which he refused, instead choosing to stay in his vehicle. We’ve also offered to pay for the subsequent hotel stay and the cost of hiring another motorhome during the repair. We’d still very much like to resolve things with him.”