tour francia in camper

• Camper usati
• Camper nuovi
• Concessionari e rete vendita
• Le prove di CamperOnLine
• Provati da voi
• Primo acquisto
• Area professionisti
• Accessori e Prodotti

• Ammortizzatori
• Provati da Voi
• Diari di viaggi in camper
• Cerca Strutture

• Aree sosta camper
• Agriturismi con sosta camper
• 10 Consigli utili per la sosta
• Area strutture
• Tutti i Forum
• Comportamenti
• In camper per
• Altro Camper
• Regolamento
• Area Utenti

• CamperOnFest
• Informativa Privacy

Condividi questa pagina con:

O copia il link

Francia in camper: diari di viaggio, soste e itinerari

Viaggio in Borgogna in camper

Borgogna, terra ricca di storia, arte e natura. Un viaggio all'insegna del viaggiare slow, scoprendo e gustando questa spettacolare regione francese.

Periodo: 03/07/2023 - 15/07/2023 (12 giorni)

Scozia 2023 in camper

A Luglio ci chiediamo: “Quest'anno dove si va?” La Noemi decide: “Scozia!”, mi scarico da COL il vecchio “Diario di bordo”, lo integro con altri appunti e lo taro alle nostre nuove esigenze; anche questo è senza foto in quanto più semplice da scaricare.

Periodo: 16/09/2023 - 07/10/2023 (21 giorni)

Costa Atlantica, Bretagna, Loira, Parigi in camper

Vacanze estive 2023 in terra francese percorrendo la costa atlantica da l'Ile d'Oleron alla Bretagna con deviazione a Parigi e Chanonceaux

Periodo: 07/07/2023 - 30/07/2023 (23 giorni)

Bretagna in camper - Agosto 2023

La bellissima Bretagna con posti nuovi e posti già visitati dove è sempre un piacere tornare.

Periodo: 05/08/2023 - 18/08/2023 (13 giorni)

Canal du Midi in camper

Canal du Midi in primavera con biciclette al seguito.

Periodo: 23/05/2023 - 28/05/2023 (5 giorni)

Alta Savoia - Luglio 2023 in camper

Un viaggio tra le montagne e i villaggi dell’alta Savoia, esclusivamente in sosta libera, appoggiandoci alle numerose aree di servizio per camper che abbondano in Francia

Periodo: 09/07/2023 - 25/07/2023 (16 giorni)

BeBeerLux in camper

Cozze, patatine fritte, cioccolata e birra. Il pranzo è servito tra opere d'arte e natura.

Periodo: 03/08/2023 - 28/08/2023 (25 giorni)

Olanda 2023 in camper

Viaggio di famiglia nei Paesi Bassi attraversando Francia e Belgio in cerca di tante curiosità!

Periodo: 10/08/2023 - 27/08/2023 (17 giorni)

Normandia 2023 in camper

Ritorno in una regione sempre molto apprezzata e piena di sorprese, per una vacanza all’insegna delle maree e dei frutti di mare, ma anche ricca di mete naturalistiche, culturali e storiche

Periodo: 30/07/2023 - 15/08/2023 (16 giorni)

Cirque de Gavarnie - Pirenei Francesi in camper

Escursione al circolo glaciale e alla grande cascata.

Periodo: 18/08/2000 - 19/08/2000 (1 giorni)

Parigi e Irlanda 2023 in camper

Il fascino della Ville Lumière e la raffinatezza della sua cucina, la selvaggia bellezza della natura irlandese, ma anche i ricordi dei tragici eventi che infiammarono l'Ulster. I vari aspetti di un viaggio da ricordare.

Periodo: 26/07/2023 - 28/08/2023 (33 giorni)

Discesa della Dordogne in camper

La discesa in canoa della Dordogne partendo da La Roque Gageac.

Periodo: 03/08/2000 - 03/08/2000 (0 giorni)

40 giorni in Francia - seconda parte in camper

Seconda parte del nostro viaggio, effettuato da soli, dal 6 al 26 settembre.

Periodo: 16/08/2023 - 26/09/2023 (41 giorni)

40 giorni in Francia - prima parte in camper

Diario diviso in due parti: la prima si svolge da metà agosto al 5 settembre e la seconda dal 6 al 26 settembre. I primi 20 giorni trascorsi con un'altra coppia di camperisti e i restanti 20 giorni da soli, sino al rientro in Italia.

Sardegna, Corsica orientale e dito, in camper

Sardegna e Corsica orientale da Bonifacio a Corte e Da Calvi a Bastia, via "dito", in senso orario.

Periodo: 19/09/2023 - 30/09/2023 (11 giorni)

La Bretagna dei paesaggi, in camper

Diario di viaggio effettuato in camper in Bretagna, prevalentemente lungo la costa in senso orario da Marennes a Le Mont-Saint-Michel, con partenza e arrivo a Verona.

Periodo: 08/07/2023 - 30/07/2023 (22 giorni)

Estate 2023: sud-ovest della Francia in camper

Viaggio nel Sud Ovest della Francia in una regione verde piena di borghi e poco battuta dal turismo di massa.

Periodo: 11/08/2023 - 02/09/2023 (22 giorni)

Normandia e Bretagna in camper - agosto 2023

Giro in senso antiorario da Etratat a Saint Nazaire.

Periodo: 07/08/2023 - 27/08/2023 (20 giorni)

Provenza, Ardeche e Camargue in camper

Piacevole riscoperta di quest'area francese.

Periodo: 17/06/2023 - 02/07/2023 (15 giorni)

Francia: Occitania e Camargue in camper

Viaggio a tappe nella regione dell'Occitania e parte della Camargue, fiume Tarn, grotte e tanto mare.

Periodo: 05/08/2023 - 25/08/2023 (20 giorni)

Francia 2023 in camper

Un viaggio di tre settimane nella Francia centrale, nell'accogliente Borgogna, percorrendo ciclabili lungo i canali e visitando insediamenti trogloditi.

Periodo: 02/06/2023 - 24/06/2023 (22 giorni)

Calimero in Belgio in camper

Un bellissimo viaggio alla scoperta delle città del Belgio.

Periodo: 26/05/2023 - 10/06/2023 (15 giorni)

Viaggio in camper nel Perigord

Viaggio tra villaggi, grotte, castelli e abitazioni trogloditiche

Periodo: 24/05/2023 - 05/06/2023 (12 giorni)

Ritorno in Bretagna, Normandia e Loira in camper

Si parte per un nuovo viaggio, proprio come ci piaceva tanto fare negli anni passati. Dubbi ed incertezze fino ad un momento prima della partenza, ma per non sbagliare, rifacciamo il primo viaggio che facemmo in camper nel lontano 2005...

Periodo: 15/07/2022 - 07/08/2022 (23 giorni)

Provenza a Natale in camper

Breve vaganza di Natale nel sud della Francia.

Periodo: 23/12/2022 - 01/01/2023 (9 giorni)

Sottoscrizione

Il messaggio è in fase di inserimento., camperonline.

Buongiorno gentile utente, da oltre 20 anni Camperonline offre gratuitamente tutti i suoi servizi grazie agli inserzionisti che ci hanno dato la loro fiducia, permettici di continuare il nostro lavoro disattivando il blocco delle pubblicità. Grazie della collaborazione.

Azione eseguita con successo

Azione fallita.

France by motorhome: Guide + 21 essential routes

Table of Contents

Guide to France by motorhome or camper

Discover quintessential camper country , the most motorhome-friendly country in Europe. And find out with this travel guide to France by motorhome that we have prepared from our own experience of our many motorhome trips through France.

Here you can find r everything you need to know to travel by motorhome to France. Regulations on parking, spending the night and camping in a motorhome or camper, recommended places to spend the night, tips and tricks. 

Additionally, in this guide we show you the 21 motorhome routes through France or in a campervan essential that will help you decide your next trip to France in a motorhome or camper. 21 routes that we have done and we tell you about our own experience.

The first tip before starting

A tip: Don't travel without travel insurance . Avoid medical co-payments, have a lawyer who specializes in what may happen to you during the trip and avoid bad times due to cancellations or incidents on your route. The travel insurance that so far convinces us most for traveling as a family is Iati Family, Coverage price is ideal for traveling both in Spain, Europe and outside of it. It covers everything on your trip, not just medical topics essentials with a doctor and pediatrician 24 hours a day through the chat of your App . I leave you here a discount that they will give you at the end of requesting the quote.

Basic guide to France by motorhome

Welcome to the adventure of exploring France by motorhome !

This basic guide is designed for those intrepid travelers who want discover the cultural wealth, exquisite gastronomy and impressive landscapes of this beautiful country on wheels.

From the lovely medieval villages to endless vineyards , France offers a unique experience for motorhome travel lovers. Join us on this exciting journey as we unravel the secrets of life on wheels in the land of elegance, history and good food.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey on French roads!

Prepare your trip to France by motorhome or camper

Mandatory chains or winter tires for your motorhome or camper if you go in winter.

You should know that between November 1 to March 31 in 48 departments of France, including those bordering Spain, it is It is mandatory to carry chains (at least for the two drive wheels) or winter tires.

If you want to see an article about what chains and / or winter tires are better for motorhomes, here We leave you an article that we talk about from our experience in our motorhome.

Finally I leave you here, an article on recommendations of what you should never do in the snow in a motorhome. and a video summary of the problems and solutions that you may encounter traveling in a motorhome in snowy places.

Documentation that you must bring for your trip to France by motorhome

To go to France, you must have the valid DNIs or passports of adults and also children as identification documentation.

On the other hand for medical issues you must take the European sanitary card in force, although you should know that in France there is medical copayment for foreigners in most things. For this reason, and due to various experiences of colleagues, we decided to always carry a travel insurance that for the cost it has we are safe and calm. We always take out the Iati Family or Getaway insurance, which is designed for traveling as a family in a motorhome or camper, which apart from the medical insurance even includes accident insurance for the pets you travel with or even a small theft insurance for the interior of the property. mobile home. For the price it is really worth it. Without obligation we leave you here a discount of 5% of the insurance What we tell you in case you want to request a quote to have the best price.

We set up your motorhome route in a personalized way, a route that you will do: Click & Go!

If you would like to save time, setbacks, fines and trust our experience In the camper and motorhome world, we remind you that we have a assembly and organization of personalized route in motorhome of which many people are more than happy.

With our service you will have a fully interactive Click & Go So that just click and the GPS will take you to each of the essential places without losing in setbacks and spending the night in the better places possible. Access the service so that we can send you your budget by filling in the following form.

Regulations on parking, overnight stays and camping in a motorhome in France

Traveling through France in a motorhome is very easy. Without a doubt, the motorhome routes through France are among the best in Europe and being camper friendly, France makes it easy for you. Now I'll detail why.

Regulations on parking and spending the night in a motorhome in France freely

The regulations in France regulate that You can park and spend the night anywhere a vehicle can, as long as don't camp (leave the perimeter of your vehicle, that is, take out tables, chairs, etc.).

It is exactly the same as in Spain, although with particularities, which we will see later. This is the general rule, you can park and spend the night without a problem if there is no explicit prohibition.

Regulations on camping in a motorhome in France

Camping in France is meticulously regulated in various ways depending on the region and site.

Now as a general rule Free camping (taking out table chairs, opening windows, awning...) throughout France is prohibited in these places with close surveillance:

• In natural parks or protected environmental areas
• In the streets and public roads
• Less than 500 meters from a tourist attraction
• On private farms without permission

Outside of these sites, we must look at each case about the region we are in and place, a normative tidal wave. .

But as a general rule, outside of the sites mentioned above, if there is no prohibition, we could take out our awning, table and chair to eat without problem.  Although if you look closely, few places are outside of them. Another important thing to know is that the French motorhome culture is of great respect and education , which makes it impossible for anyone to leave their table and chair and awning anywhere all day. And if it They do it, they do it only at the time of using it and then they collect everything quickly. You must always do this as well, so that free camping is still tolerated in France outside of the sites we have mentioned above.

Motorhome services and areas in France

France by motorhome is very easy since has the largest network of motorhome areas in Europe with more than 6000 motorhome areas . Motorhome areas with all the services of emptying and filling with water and many with electricity. 

Most of the overnight areas for motorhomes or campers are municipal and free or at very low prices, less than € 10 for 24 hours.

In practically all points of interest or tourist towns you will find a motorhome area, and generally always central or well connected to the center of the towns.

The French have a PhD in camping and caravanning and it shows.

In addition to these motorhome areas, we find a network of overnight areas in very important farms and vineyards where they allow to spend the night and camp in exchange for the purchase of km0, this network is what makes France Passion.

Farms as places to sleep, camp and do services in France

Many farms in France, have spaces enabled for motorhomes in France . You just have to search for them on Google Maps to find some of the best ones.

Here is an example of a farm that we stop at every time we pass through the central east of France:

In general, the roads They are very good in France. The national roads usually have a shoulder and are usually good, although depending on the area you will find many changes in grade, curves and a lot of two-way traffic.

The Highways are excellent, but on the other hand the prices are abusive. In some sections there are highways, however they are minimal.

Finally, you should know that between November 1 to March 31 in 48 departments of France, including those bordering Spain, it is mandatory to carry chains (at least for the two driving wheels) or winter tires.

Buy what is necessary and useful for this trip by motorhome or camper: list of 50 useful things that we carry in our motorhome

21 routes and trips in France by motorhome or camper to inspire you

Discover different routes through France by motorhome. Routes through France in a motorhome to the different regions and departments of this great camper-friendly country, where traveling in a motorhome will be easy and you will enjoy great natural and cultural paradises.

1. The magical French Brittany

Enjoy one of the most magical places in France in a motorhome. In the French Brittany in a motorhome You will discover an incredible coast and nature, full of mysteries, impressive lighthouses, menhirs and incredible prehistoric sites such as Carnac, a World Heritage Site.

Also, if you go to French Brittany, make a note visit Vannes, make a musical tour of the hobbit cottage village of Meneham and since you will be next visit the impressive Abbey of Mont Saint Michell, a World Heritage Site , which you must also reserve in advance so as not to be left without a ticket or wait in eternal queues.

2. Tarn et Garonne by motorhome

The French department of Tarn et Garonne by motorhome You will love it if you are looking for a quiet place, without crowds but with a lot of charm.

Located in the Occitanie region, it is a hidden treasure that captivates those seeking an authentic experience in the heart of France. With a rich history, picturesque landscapes and charming rural life filled with medieval villages, Tarn et Garonne offers a peaceful and enriching getaway.

In short, Tarn et Garonne is a destination that invites exploration, where natural beauty, history and culture converge to offer an authentic and enriching experience to those who venture to discover its charms.

3. Picturesque towns on the Red Coast by motorhome

La Costa Roja in motorhome It is an ideal complement to a route through Cap de Creus. A trip through picturesque and charming fishing villages along the Catalan Costa Brava

4. The Ariège in the heart of the Pyrenees

In the heart of the French Pyrenees, touching Andorra, we find a route that you should not miss because of the Ariege in motorhome . Nature, peace, hot springs and ski resorts await you.

5. Normandy between cliffs and traces of war

Normandy by motorhome It is one of those trips that leave no one indifferent. Between contrary feelings, a trip takes place that every motorhome driver must do.

6. From castle to castle along the Loire

Discover a route where fairy tales, princesses and princes will accompany you at all times. visit the Castles of the Loire in a motorhome accompanied by our bicycles is one of the most dreamed routes.

7. Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 

On a trip through the  Perigord by motorhome and through the Dordogne by motorhome  you can discover the most beautiful villages in France, unusual farms, caves and prehistoric archaeological sites and much more!

8. Lake and mountain in the French Lac Leman

Near the border with Switzerland we find this destination, within one of the largest lakes in Europe. Discover the shores of Lake Geneva by motorhome , a territory in France full of beautiful villages, where the great mountains of the Alps rise a few kilometers away. A territory that will surprise you!

9. The French Alps

Whether to ski in winter or to enjoy its trails and landscapes in summer, the French Alps by motorhome They are always a good destination. And on this route you must never forget the precious Annecy in motorhome , french venice.

10. Disneyland in a motorhome a MUST with children

Whether you like it or not, there is a destination with children that is never missing on a motorhome trip through France. Enjoy  Disneyland in motorhome   or camper and get carried away by the Disney world,

11. The Quercy Natural Park, a little-known place in France

Discover a destination that perhaps sounds little to you and that, on the other hand, has a lot to offer you. The Quercy in a motorhome It is a destination that will not disappoint you.

12. Alsace at Christmas, a must with a motorhome

If we talk about a Christmas trip, without a doubt this is the great motorhome trip in France. Discover Alsace by motorhome at Christmas .

13. Vallespir, Capcir and French Cerdanya, hot springs and pure nature in the French Pyrenees

Discover a place full of hot springs, ski slopes, castles and trails full of nature in the heart of the French Pyrenees. The Vallespir in a motorhome , Capcir in motorhome or the Valley of Eyne and Llo in a motorhome for the French Cerdanya in motorhome You will fall in love summer or winter.

14. Skiing and snowshoeing in the French Pyrenees

Discover ski slopes as great as those of Font Romeu by motorhome , Les Angles by motorhome or Portè Puymorens in a motorhome . Ideal places to go with the family and also to learn to ski, as they all have a free slope for beginners.

15. Route through the Cathar castles and Orgues Ille sur Tet 

In the south of France you can discover the route of the Cathars among its castles and magnificent natural landscapes. Enjoy a route through the Cathar castles by motorhome and discover the authentic France.

16. Lavender fields and the sea in Provence and the Côte d'Azur by motorhome

Enjoying walks among lavender fields and vineyards is possible in a   motorhome trip to Provence . A region where you can discover some of the most beautiful small villages in France and enjoy incredible landscapes.

17. The Camargue National Park, between marshes

Between marshes, birds and Roman archaeological sites of the surrounding populations we discover the Camargue by motorhome.  

18. The Landes and Bordeaux in a motorhome

In a unique setting, we find the Landes on the French Atlantic coast and close to Bordeaux, the epicenter of good French wine.

19. Roman and medieval Occitanie

Occitania is home to great treasures, Roman and medieval archaeological sites that surprise any traveler and where it is worth getting carried away in a motorhome.

20. The Ardèche

We spent 5 days in the Ardeche in a hot summer. There in the waters of its river we enjoy the coolness of the sunsets. The Ardeche in a motorhome is a river, a kayak adventure, prehistoric caves and charming villages. 

21. The South of France in a motorhome Carcassone, Toulouse and more

A route through Narbonne, Carcassone until we reach Toulouse by motorhome, discovering its surroundings is a route 10, especially at Christmas when all these cities together with Le Bacarès become Christmas stories full of Christmas markets and attractions, an essential route through the South of France at Christmas that you can't miss.

Other countries and motorhome routes

 motorhome routes in spain.

Next, access different useful articles that can help you plan your getaways in a motorhome or camper van in Spain.

Latest posts from our blog

Definitive manual for traveling by motorhome【2024】

Super complete manual for traveling by motorhome with all the answers to your questions.

Guide to traveling to the United States by motorhome. Driving for the American dream!

Hello adventurous traveler! If you are reading this it is because you have surely been bitten by the adventure bug and you are planning to tour the United States in a motorhome or camper or, RV (Recreative Vehicles) as they call these vehicles in the US, a choice that promises to be epic and full! of unforgettable moments! As a mother of two…

Conquer Olympus on wheels: The definitive guide to traveling by motorhome in Greece

Greece in a motorhome has been a great gift. A dream come true from years ago. We are Pilar, Jose, Arnau and Anna, a traveling family who loves life and this planet. We normally travel by motorhome, previously by van, but we also like cycling and even backpacking trips. In our Kucavana blog, we share with you,…

Driving, parking, spending the night or camping a motorhome in Spain: guide to regulations, technology and more

We explain where you can drive, where you can sleep, camp and park your motorhome or camper van

Ethical code:

On our blog you will find affiliate links. These are always placed with our highest ethics. We never publish any service or product that we have not used before and that we are sincerely happy with. That is why our recommendations are always ethical. In addition, there is no additional cost for you to book through our links and, on the other hand, it means a small commission for us that helps us maintain this blog so that you can continue enjoying it for free.

This entry has 2 comments

Boon day!!! I love your adventures described here, Marxem de Solsona capped the Dune du Pilat and I do not advise to open one of your routes: Perigord with a motorhome and for the Dordonya with a motorhome, could you pass me the info please? I don't know if ens will be molt aprop del desltí but fa bona pinta.

Thank you so much!!

I check the links, potser hi hagut some problem. I review and the grounds are now mateix. 🙂 Thank you for notifying family and thank you for all of you who are a fan of following and want to share travel stories! One abracada!

Leave your comment Cancel reply

Subscribe to the mailing list!

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Shopping Cart

20-day Motorhome itinerary through South-West France

When you make purchases through links on this website we may earn a commission. Read more .

We’re back.  Back in France and back in a motorhome .    In an instant, I feel as though we’ve never left, and at the same time, it feels like it’s been too long.  As the golden fields of corn pass us by and we navigate through the small villages built right on the edge of the road, it feels so familiar.  As the first boulangerie enters my line of sight, I feel right at home.  All that’s left now is to kick back and enjoy our next 20 days on the road.

Even though we have travelled substantially through France, the southwest has remained an area where we haven’t been. Wherever we go, whatever we do, travelling through France in a motorhome is akin to being in our happy place. If you haven’t already tried being in a motorhome in France, you should give it a go. We highly recommend it.

As is usually the case when we are in a motorhome, there are very few plans.  We have a start and end date, but not much more.  Apart from a tour booked in at the Remy Martin House of Cognac, and a desire to include both Bordeaux and Roquefort , the rest of the time was completely flexible. 

Itinerary by region

Highlights of 20 days travelling through south-west france, day 1 -véron to gron, day 2 – gron to châteauroux, day 3 – châteauroux to roullet saint-estephe, day 4 – roullet saint-estephe to virollet-font paillaud, day 5 – virollet-font paillaud to bordeaux, day 6 – bordeaux, day 7 – bordeaux to lège-cap-ferret, day 8 – lège-cap-ferret to arcachon, day 9 – arcachon to cocumont, day 10 to 12  – the lot river, day 13 –  lac parcaloup to saint-flour, day 14 –  saint-flour to saint-gérand-le-puy, day 15 – saint-gérand-le-puy to moulins, day 16 – moulins to saint-martin-sur-nohain, day 17 – saint-martin-sur-nohain to saint-père-sur-loire, day 18 – saint-père-sur-loire to paroy-sur-tholon, day 19 – paroy-sur-tholon to gron, day 20 – gron to véron, breakdown of cost, where to stay when travelling in a motorhome, camping-car parks, more motorhome planning resources, more motorhome itineraries.

The map below has been put together to understand the direction we drove and the locations we visited during our 20-day road trip.  It does not cover every single location – there’s not enough room on the map!  There are various ways of driving through this area but as a general rule, we avoid the large motorways.

We usually use them if we are in a hurry, but to give you a sense of how often we used them, on this trip, it was only twice and for a relatively short period.  To clarify further, these were A roads, but not toll roads.  When you are up on the big motorways you can miss out on so much.

Built to make road transport more efficient, they serve many purposes well, but assisting slow travel is not one of them.  If we spent all of our time on these roads, we would miss the beauty of the villages that you will see below.

Hidden amongst the red map markers below is a blue one. This is Véron, our starting and finishing location. We then traveled in an (almost) circular, anti-clockwise direction.

Day one is all about the pickup and so this is an overnight stop only.  Pickups for the motorhome are in the afternoon.  By the time we do the handover and go and get our supplies to stock up the vehicle, we always find it easier to stay somewhere close by.  The small village of Gron has a great overnight camping spot, becoming our go-to place on night one.

Region:Bourgogne-France-Comté

Bléneau.

Department: Yonne

There are plenty of small towns like this along the way and they usually have great markets.  Nothing spectacular, just every day fresh produce markets selling amazing food.  We stopped here and bought some supplies for our first tasty lunch on the road.  We were all stocked up with fresh beetroot, triple ‘Brie de Meaux’ cheese, and a baguette.  This man below was delighted with our French attempts.  His smile alone made all the difference to me.

Region: Centre Val de Loire

Don’t miss the  Chateau de La Verrerie   as you drive between Bléneau and Châteauroux.  We were driving through the forest roads and saw a sign indicating there was a chateau somewhere around.  It’s a great spot for lunch, by the lake, and on the right day, tours can be taken inside the chateau.

Vierzon and Châteauroux

Department: Indre-et-Loire

Although we didn’t spend much time here,  both are equally beautiful places to visit.  We stayed overnight in Châteauroux en route to a planned tour of the cognac distillery.

Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Department: Haute-Vienne

Limoges is famous for porcelain.  I’ll admit to having seen the label Royal Limoges on crockery before but had no inkling as to its origins.  Dating back to the late 1700s, Royal Limoges is now the oldest porcelain making company in the area.  The Old town is compact so very easy to walk around.  Parking is difficult in the city, so it’s easiest to park on the outskirts.  You’ll need a bit of fitness though as there is a reasonable climb up to the top.

Must see places include the wonderful Gare de Limoges-Bénédictins.  Built over the railway, the copper covered domes is an icon throughout the city, as is the 60m clock tower.  The Cathedral Saint-Etienne is an incredible architectural example and the adjacent Jardin Botanique de l’Evêché provide a chance to catch your breath amongst some impressive gardens.  Like any old French town, a walk around the cobblestoned old town is always worthwhile.

Department: Charente

This is one city I wouldn’t have missed for the world.  The city of Cognac, often I think, overshadowed by its alcoholic drink of the same name, must surely be recognised on its own merits.  With a glorious old town located on the Charente river, a river strategically important in days gone by for transportation for the cognac industry, there is history aplenty here.  Old houses dating back to the 1400s, not only still standing but looking every bit as though they’ll stand for another hundred or so years.

Quirky and quaint shops in the streets of the old town, many of them full of yummy food products which I always find hard to pass up.  There are beautiful parks, both alongside the river and mixed throughout the city.  then, of course, there’s the cognac.  Cognac, the city, is home to the big four cognac houses, plus many more.  It’s a place to soak up the history of this fascinating liquor and get yourself a taste test at the same time.

Read about our cognac tour of Remy Martin Cognac House .

Talmont-sur-Gironde

Department: Charente – Maritime

If you are travelling in France, you will get to know and recognise this branding.  Les Plus Beaux Villages de France .  Simply, the prettiest villages in France.  Villages gain entry into the association and therefore the ability to market itself as such through a rigorous application process.  Personally, I’ve always thought that most French villages are pretty, but have to admit that once you see the ones that make the grade, you’ll be overawed by their beauty.  On this trip, we tried to fit in as many as we could.

Talmont-sur-Gironde is an old fishing village, built high on the edge of the Bay of Gironde, with many of the ancient fishing huts still being used.  As we walked through the brightly coloured village, doors and shutters matching the bright flowers in their gardens, I felt as though I was a giant walking through a miniature town.

Read our full guide on Talmont-sur-Gironde here .

Montagne-sur-Gironde

Department: Gironde

Not far from Talmont-sur-Gironde is a town of a similar name.  This town was very motorhome friendly, with a municipal stopover area with services located right alongside the marina.

Department:Gironde

Bordeaux is quite easily a city where you could spend many days or even a week.  If you have a motorhome, it’s easiest to stay out of the city and catch a bus or train into the centre.

Bordeaux is a big city, so it takes some adjusting to when you’ve been driving on the country D roads.  More people, more traffic but of course, plenty to see and do.

We grabbed a 48-hour city pass which covered all of our public transport and entrance into heaps of great places.

Historical highlights include Porte Cailhau, Palace Saint-Michel, La Gross Cloche, Pore de Bourgogne, Place Pey-Berland.  Walk Rue St Catherine, the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe (do it on a Sunday and it’s much quieter), or take in the vibrant and noisy food markets at Marche Des Capuchins.

The Miroir d’eau, a flat area on the riverside covered with just enough water to make it look like a mirror, provides a great opportunity to people-watch and have a bit of fun.  As the mist is released over the ground, people run from all over to stand in it.  On Sunday mornings, a food market takes place on the water’s edge and many a large cruise ship can be seen pulling up here to dock for a few hours.

Read our guide on what to do in Bordeaux in 48 hours .

Lège-Cap-Ferret

Located on a peninsula on the western coast of France, one side fronting the Atlantic and exposed to its wild and woolly conditions, the other side a calm contrast on the Bassin d’Arcachon, this area is the French Riviera that no-one knows about.  Home to some of the best oysters in the world, according to my husband.  Not being an oyster eater, I’ll have to take his word for it.  Or perhaps I’ll take the word of all those who flock here to eat them straight from the ocean.  Or, the thousands of people who eat them all over France, given that this area supplies most of the country!

This area was one of my favourite places.  Sleepy, casual, beautiful and full of amazing food.  What more could you want?

Related article – Why you should visit Cap Ferret on the west coast of France .

Across from Lège-Cap-Ferret lies Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat.  Arcachon is a seaside town that looks fit for royalty.  Retro looking buildings line the foreshore of the Bassin d’Arcachon, reminding me of seaside resorts from the ’50s and ’60s that I would have seen in the movies. In the city part, it’s a little more modern, with the buildings having a unique feel about them.  It’s one I still can’t put a label on, but it’s definitely reminiscent of a wealthy location.  The food market in the centre of town is our go-to place once again to stock up.

Nearby, the Dune du Pilat stands 110m high and nearly three kilometres long.  Growing at 1.5 metres per year, it is Europe’s largest sand dune.  People flock here to climb the dune, either by the stairs or via the side of the dune.  Once up there, on a clear day, the views over the water are incredible.

More reading >> Arcachon France

Region: Occitanie

Department Lot-en-Garonne

There are way too many small villages and towns here to mention.  A trip along the Lot River means crisscrossing back and forth over it to take in as many of the small villages as you can.  There are plenty of places to stop and pull over to make the most of slow travel along this route.

Related reading : A three-day motorhome itinerary in the Lot Valley

Department: Lot

The towns and villages of the Lot River cross over two departments within the Occitanie region, but the same experience can be had irrespective of where you choose to include it as part of your itinerary.

The city of Cahors lies on the Lot River and as the capital of the Lot department, is a little larger than many surrounding cities.  Its Old Town is near the river and is home to several key attractions including the Cathedral Saint-Etienne.  On the other side of town, the Pont Valentré is the place to visit.  Straddling the Lot River, the bridge is one of the most iconic in all of France.  A medieval bridge with three towers it was built to defend the city in the 14th century.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Without a shadow of a doubt, this was my favourite city during this trip.  Another Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is built up the hill,  with sweeping 360 degrees over the surrounding valley.  With it’s small, winding cobblestone streets, old stone buildings and the remnants of a fortress at the top, we got lost in here for hours.

Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Roquefort-de-soulzan.

Department: Aveyron

The home of the best cheese in the world according to my husband.  For years during our French trips, he has diligently consumed as much Roquefort as has been humanly possible.  We had, to date, however never made it to the source of this blue, smelly cheese.  Being so close to it up in the Lot River area, it only took a diversion of a few hours before we were in the home of Roquefort.  A tour of the Société des Caves de Roquefort told us everything we needed to know about this cheese and apparently validated his “best cheese in the world” beliefs.  The tour was in French, but it’s definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.

Interested in touring the caves? Read our review here .

Saint-Flour

Department: Cantal

Another day, another beautiful city on the top of a hill.  Saint-Flour is a little unusual in so far as the buildings are built from the volcanic rock that surrounds the area.  As a result, many of the buildings are dark grey, instead of the more often seen sandstone coloured buildings.  The view from up here is great, and there’s plenty of wonderful artisanal food shops to wander through too.

Châteldon

Department: Puy-de-Dôme

This was the town where no-one was home!  Another “pretty village of France” with a medieval past.  It makes for a nice stop, just don’t expect to do too much whilst you are here.

Department: Allier

What an interesting past this city has had.  We first met Vichy on a rainy day, when it was packed with people visiting a bi-annual market day.  Food growers and producers from across the department had made their way here to tease us with their goodies.  Vichy, is a spa town, a town known for the healing properties of the thermal spring water that lies beneath the surface.

In the Parc des Sources is the Hall des Sources, a retro glass building where locals come to drink from the source.  Here, numerous taps sporting names like “Celestines”, “Grande Grille” and “l’Hôpital”, water containing various minerals and at different temperatures are the centre of attention.

Vichy has a history that it can’t shake where Nazi Germany is concerned.  During World War Two, France became divided into occupied and non-occupied areas.  With the north of the country occupied by the Germans, Vichy and its government became a puppet state to Germany carrying out the orders of the Nazi administration.

The wealth of a previous era is on display here with incredible buildings and architecture.

The best way to see Moulins in a motorhome is to park on the other side of the river in one of the best municipal service areas I’ve seen in France.  A quick ride over the bridge and you can be in the centre of town in a few minutes.  The usual suspects of cathedrals, old town precincts and museums are on offer as is a covered market in the centre of town.

Apremont-sur-Allier

Department: Cher

This town, another Les Plus Beaux Villages de France was a funny story.  We had become accustomed to not seeing a lot of people in small villages, but this one was closed.  Yes, closed.  Everything in this village where people would normally work was closed.  The Chateau d’Apremont, where one might visit, was closed.  Windows had messages taped to them stating that the town was closed for the year from a particular date and wouldn’t re-open until next year.

We read them several times, stopping to look at each other with a confused face.  “Does this say the town is closed”, I asked.  A quick search online confirmed this fact.  This town opens each year in late March/early April and closes at the end of September.  It’s a moment in time I’ll never forget!

Department:Nièvre

One of the best ways to see this city is to follow the thin blue line that takes you around the narrow, sometimes hilly, cobbled streets.  It will take in the Cathedral of Saint-Cyr and Sainte-Juliette and the Ducal Palace.  Nevers is another medieval town located on the banks of the Loire, a beautiful part of France.  Many of the buildings here date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Parking for motorhomes is easiest on the other side of the river.

Department: Loiret

In Briare, we were fascinated by the Briare Aqueduct, built over the Loire River.  Built in the late 1800s, the aqueduct facilitates the crossing of the Canal Latéral à la Loire over the Loire.  At 662 metres long, it is the largest steel canal in France.  With large yet intricate posts at each end, it’s a beautiful spot to watch the canal barges pass through.

Read about our canal cruise in France through the Loire Valley and along the Briare Canal.

A fairytale city built along the Loire (are you seeing the trend?), joined to the other side of the river by yet another stunning Loire River arched bridge.  With tree-lined roads along the river, matching rooflines and a picture postcard setting, it’s hard to imagine this city has been mostly rebuilt following its complete destruction in World War Two.

Sully-sur-Loire

The Loire is full of exquisite chateaux, but we remembered this one from a previous motorhome trip back in 2012.  The Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire is the main reason for stopping here.  It’s a magnificent chateau and if you are following the Loire River, as we have done previously, this will be one of many that you will have the pleasure of seeing.

We spent hours here getting lost on their walking trails that took in all of their old town and the major sites.  There’s plenty of maritime history to be found both down by the water and in some of the buildings close by.  As a major city in this region, it is also supported by a strong cruising tourist population.  In the shoulder season, the barge crowds drop off, making it a more peaceful time to visit.

Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

Our final city on this trip and what a fantastic one it was.  With our 20 day trip behind us, we took time on our final day to hang out in the coffee shops by the covered market and to wander the streets of yet another beautiful French location.   We sat by the river eating lunch, watching work being carried out on the barges, covered up and moored ahead of the winter season.

Having stayed overnight once more at the village of Gron, we were well placed to return the vehicle the next morning at the required time.

Covering nearly 2,500km gave us a great opportunity to spend some quality time in this area.  While 2,500km might sound like a lot to those who aren’t used to driving, over a 20-day period, this really isn’t much at all.  We had a couple of days where we drove a little more to get to a preferred location, but they weren’t huge distances.  The largest driving day we did was only 263km whilst the lowest (excluding the first and last days) was 31km.  Average driving per day was only 131km.

One of the great things about travelling in a motorhome is that most of the cost of the trip is sunk before you start.  With deposits and balances needing to be paid prior to pick up, meaning you can budget for this well in advance.  Once onboard the only additional costs (as a general rule) relate to diesel, gas and toilet chemicals.  All other costs are usually discretionary (eg food, wine, travel costs etc).

Note : We once had costs for fuel noted in here but it becomes irrelevant very quickly with the volatility of fuel prices.

Generally speaking, there are five choices of overnight accommodation spots when travelling in France in a motorhome.

Campgrounds

The first is the official campground.  These are great if there are no other options in a town or if you require services like electricity or showers/toilets.  Some people prefer to stay in campgrounds every night, liking the implied safety and security of such an area.  Depending on the time of year you travel, some campgrounds can require advance bookings (peak season) or may be closed (off season).  Staying in a campground is something we try to limit as much as possible due to personal choice.

Aires de Service

The other option is to stay in Aires de Service, an area set aside, usually by the municipal council that offers some basic services for motorhomes.  Whilst some will only offer the services, others may offer an overnight stay option.  Mostly, these locations are nothing special in terms of location but borne more out of a pure servicing option.  They are useful to know about, as sometimes they might be your only option.  We’ve stayed in some great Aires, so definitely worthwhile keeping in mind.

More reading >> Read our guide on aires des services in France .

France Passion Network

Our favourite place to stay when motorhoming in France is in locations that belong to the France Passion network.  Here we choose from over 2,000 winemakers, farmers and artisanal producers to spend a night on their property.

We have been so fortunate in staying at some incredible places such as working goat farms, working vineyards, chateaux, vegetable farmers and duck farms.  We’ve got to know countless farmers and their families, usually their dogs too!  We’ve supported local communities by buying their products direct from the farmer, and we’ve contributed hopefully, to keeping this amazing France Passion service alive.  It’s a free overnight stopover if you can believe that.

With no obligation to pay, it’s all about building community.  Of course, being the people we are, we tend to spend more than a few euro in each location, making our hosts very happy indeed.

More reading >> Checkout the types of places we stayed at in France Passion locations during the 20-day motorhome journey through south-west France.

Wild camping

You can, of course, do what we have also done in the past and wild camp.  Wild camping means just pulling up somewhere that you feel safe and it’s legal to do so.  We’ve stopped by the Loire River for example, in beautiful park areas (that aren’t official parks) and generally in spots where we are both out of the way, safe and not annoying anyone.

In recent years, the brand Camping-Car Parks has popped up around Europe. A mix between a campground and an aire, they are a low-cost alternative where you can still get all of the services like electrical hookups, water and dump stations.

You can read more in our detailed guide on Camping-Car Parks here .

Join our Facebook community “Planning for motorhome travel in France” Click HERE

Click on the links below for more guides and tips to make travelling in a motorhome easier.

• Must-ask questions before hiring a motorhome in France
• How to get a long term visa to travel in France
• Do I need to buy a crit air sticker for driving in France?
• 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

You might like to check out these itineraries. Click on the links below for more information.

• Travelling through the Loire Valley along the canals
• Canal du Midi motorhome itinerary
• 10 days (or so) in Occitanie region of 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
• Itinerary through Rhone-Alps and Provence
• Travelling through Europe in a campervan – a 42-day itinerary

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

15 thoughts on “20-day Motorhome itinerary through South-West France”

thanks so much!

Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.

It’s the best way to do it in my opinion Meagan as there is so much to see that you would miss if you did it any other way.

This was a short trip for us…they are usually 4-6 weeks at least.

I can just imagine it in the 70’s!!

A great informative blog and wonderful photos. Excellent to see the breakdown of costs.

What a fabulous and comprehensive itinerary! And your photos that accompany the guide are beautiful. This is certainly a must-read guide for those interested in touring France in a motor home! Something like this would be an absolute dream with the family.

Wow – you really maximized your time there with so many sights to see in just 20 days. I would love to see more of France with your post – and that cheese – that must have been good!

So glad you got to experience the south west of France – it’s an incredible region isn’t it! That said I’ve not traveled in a motorhome before, we’ve always jumped on the train. Motorhome sounds like a great way to explore, would love to plan a trip at some stage. As you’ve said I think the biggest benefit of this type of travel is the freedom and flexibility to explore. Picking a start date, and then an end date, and figuring it all out in-between sound awesome – love the spontaneity! Thanks for the tip on France Motorhome hire!

Thanks for sharing your rough itinerary. Chateau de La Verrerie in particular looks so beautiful. I really loved Bordeaux as part of our trip too – the wineries were our highlight here, though would have to be mindful of drink driving in the motorhome lol!!

Looking forward to hearing more about your motorhome adventures!

This is like a dream come true. Travelling across France in a motorhome must indeed be one of the most thrilling and satisfying experience.What I also love about this epic trip is the fact that you have fixed only the start and end dates and left the itinerary flexible. This is definitely what real travel means. A great opportunity to have an immersive experience, to go where the heart wants and to enjoy every moment of the experience.

A 20 road trip around south-west France sounds wonderful! I like that you do limited planning for these types of road trips. It’s great to have flexibility and it’s also a good idea to take the smaller roads like you did. Makes it a lot easier to find cute spots to stop along your trip! The Dune du Pilat near Arcachon looks really neat to see and I’d love to check out the area near the Lot River—it all looks so pretty! The Roquefort cheese caves would definitely be stop on our itinerary too if we are able to do something similar someday! Thanks for the cost breakdown too–really helpful for planning something similar!

I am so utterly jealous (in a super supportive way, of course!) of this amazing, amazing trip. We saw a good deal of Paris last time we were there, but this looks so much better and more robust, from cheese to wine to beaches to chateaux. I never would’ve thought of motor homing through the countryside, but it’s completely brilliant. Definitely showing this to Luke tonight – maybe we’ll get to have an adventure like this in 2018 :)

Can’t believe how many places you were able to visit! I’m a huge architecture and landscape fan, so you’d probably find me in places like Bordeaux, The Lot River, Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Saint Flour, Bourgogne-France-Comte, and Villeneuve-sur-Yonee. These photos are so fantastic! I’ll definitely have to make a trip myself one day!

I love the idea of renting a motor home and exploring France but 20 days (although to gorgeous places) sounds like a lot doesn’t it ? Very inspiring and impressive that you did it :) Love all the places you visited and your pictures.

I love a great road trip. Thanks for all the suggestions from itinerary to booking a RV. I drove around the South of France in the mid-70’s and still remember how much fun it was.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Love it pin it.

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for motorhoming & road trips

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

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

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 2024-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

France road trip ideas- 11 best areas to visit

5 best motorhome campsites in Northern italy

Car crash or road traffic accident in Europe- what to do

Motorhome Skiing & winterising your van- 10 ESSENTIAL tips you need to know

Everything you need to know to travel Germany on a Budget

Left hand drive vs Right hand drive – which is better for Europe road trips?

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! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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 .

More OurTour Motorhome Country Guides

Please Share the Love!

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

• Share on Facebook
• Share on WhatsApp
• Share on Pinterest
• Share by Mail

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

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Select your country preferences

☀️ SPRING DEAL: $80 off with code SPRING2024 (min. 5 nights) | Offer ends June 3rd ☀️

Camper Van & RV Rental in France

Book now to get the best deal!

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.

Camper Van Rental Bordeaux

Camper Van Rental Paris

Camper Van Rental Lyon

Camper Van Rental Lille

Camper Van Rental Geneva-Gex

Camper Van Rental Toulouse

Camper Van Rental Marseille - Aix-en-Provence

Camper Van Rental Nice

Camper Van Rental Nantes

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.

Your roadsurfer Benefits

Brand new, fully equipped camper vans & RVs

Unlimited mileage & free 2nd driver

Rebook or cancel with the Flex option up to 48 hours before departure

Camping equipment & kitchen utensils included

Roadside assistance

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.

More tips for your road trip in France

• New Article
• Camping for beginners
• Europe Road Trips

Campgrounds in Europe

7 Day Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

10 Day Road Trip From Vancouver

5-Day Southern California Road Trip

Camper Van & RV Road Trip

Things to do in California with Kids

Packing Guide for Camping

5-Day Road Trip in Scotland

7-Day Road Trip through Southern Portugal

7- Day Camper Van Road trip Around Barcelona

Road Trip and Camping Guide in France

Rent your camper van or rv in france, roadsurfer camper & rv rental.

• Popular RV Rental Destinations
• roadsurfer Camper & RV Fleet
• RV Rental California
• RV Rental Nevada
• RV Rental Canada
• RV Rental England
• RV Rental France
• RV Rental Germany
• RV Rental Ireland
• RV Rental Italy
• RV Rental Netherlands
• RV Rental Norway
• RV Rental Portugal
• RV Rental Scotland
• RV Rental Spain
• RV Rental Sweden
• RV Rental UK
• RV Rental USA
• RV Rental Europe
• Liberty Lodge Class B RV Rental
• Couple Condo Class B RV Rental
• Horizon Hopper 4x4 Class B RV Rental
• Family Freedom Class C RV Rental
• Surfer Suite VW Camper Van Rental
• Beach Hostel VW Camper Van Rental
• Travel Home Mercedes Camper Van Rental
• Camper Cabin Ford Camper Van Rental
• Road House Sprinter Van RV Rental
• Family Finca Sprinter Van RV Rental
• Couple Cottage Sprinter Van RV Rental
• Camper Castle RV Rental
• RV Rental FAQs
• Vehicle Instructions & Explanatory Videos
• RV Camping Equipment

Sign up now and get a special discount

Receive exclusive tips on routes, camping spots, and much more!

For information on how roadsurfer handles your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time free of charge.

Hello, how can we help you?

• I want to change my booking
• I need information about the vehicles and/or equipment
• I need help operating my camper van or RV

Help & Support

Kontaktformular

Mo-Fr von 9:00 bis 18:00 Uhr: +49 (0)89 2154 1673

Language & Currency

Change language

Change Currency

Springtime Adventures Ready to chase the sun and hit the open road for an unforgettable journey? Subscribe to our newsletter today and unlock a $80 spring discount (minimum 5 nights).

• Country of residence * Select United States of America Austria Canada Denmark France Germany Italy Ireland Netherlands Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Other

Make every day an adventure

• Itinerari in Camper

Francia in Camper: Tappe e Itinerario

• Tempo di lettura: 10 minuti
• Lascia un commento

Quest’anno abbiamo deciso di realizzare un sogno: raggiungere Le Mont Saint-Michel con Floki, il nostro Sprinter 4X4 che abbiamo camperizzato.

Il nostro amore per il camper nasce dal fatto che è in grado di darci un’indipendenza che non abbiamo mai avuto con altri mezzi… Ci piace dormire in libera, ma non per forza. Ci piace anche trovare bei campeggi dove conoscere persone e rilassarci, e anche perché in alcune località i parcheggi sono vietati ai camper durante la notte.

Le tappe che ci hanno portato a Mont Saint-Michel sono state abbastanza veloci, dal momento che Mont Saint-Michel sarebbe stato il nostro punto di partenza per poi visitare la Bretagna e la costa oceanica fino a raggiungere il Mediterraneo . Il nostro viaggio, quindi, si è concentrato sulla parte ovest della Francia.

Viste le numerose fermate, questo articolo sarà un po’ il mio diario di viaggio, un elenco di tutte le tappe: cosa abbiamo visitato, cosa ci ha colpito di più, dove abbiamo dormito, nonché informazioni utili per chi viaggia in camper e con cani al seguito.

In questo articolo

Trovandoci già in Germania, la prima città che raggiungiamo della Francia è Strasburgo : arriviamo di notte, abbastanza stanchi e vediamo la città solo dal camper, per quello che ci è possibile. Ci dirigiamo subito al campeggio (trovato su Google Maps ): Camping Du Strasbourg per dormire.

L’indomani partiamo presto alla volta di Reims . Una bellissima città che vale davvero la pena visitare. Sede della cattedrale di Notre Dame : uno dei più alti esempi di arte gotica, patrimonio dell’umanità UNESCO dal 1991 e luogo in cui vennero incoronati i re di Francia dal 987 al 1825. A Reims ci fermiamo per la notte in un’ area sosta camper a 15 minuti a piedi dal centro storico. L’area è un semplice parcheggio, gratuito e senza servizi, molto tranquilla e in una posizione ottima, adiacente un piccolo e grazioso parco dove poter passeggiare insieme al proprio cane.

Il giorno seguente raggiungiamo la capitale francese. Entrare con un camper in una città immensa e caotica come Parigi è fattibile, ma troppo stressante per me. Decidiamo di dormire in un campeggio fuori dalla città, a Versailles , al camping Huttopia Versailles , e raggiungere Parigi comodamente in treno. (In 30 minuti abbiamo raggiunto la capitale scendendo alla fermata Campo di Marte , proprio dove c’è la Tour Eiffel ).

Cani in treno in Francia – le regole: nella tratta Versailles – Parigi il cane può salire a bordo solo se al guinzaglio e con la museruola indossata. È richiesto, inoltre, il pagamento di un biglietto che varia in base ai chilometri percorsi.

Le Mont Saint-Michel

Sveglia presto e finalmente partenza per Mont Saint-Michel . Non sappiamo quanta gente aspettarci, né abbiamo idea di come sia organizzata la zona (regole e divieti per quanto riguarda i camper), quindi nel dubbio chiamiamo il Camping Du Mont Saint-Michel per riservare una piazzola. Il campeggio è in una posizione comodissima: si trova all’interno della sbarra che limita l’accesso alle auto, molto vicino al ponte che arriva all’isolotto. Questo posto merita un articolo tutto suo che prometto di farvi trovare a breve. Qui mi limito ad affermare che è un luogo davvero pieno di fascino. Nonostante la folla siamo riusciti a trovare una bella posizione per contemplare Mont Saint-Michel da soli in tutta tranquillità. Nei momenti di bassa marea, infatti, è molto facile allontanarsi dal caos dei turisti grazie alle immense spiagge che circondano l’isola.

Arrivati in Bretagna ci dirigiamo alla volta di Saint Malo , una destinazione meravigliosa con un centro storico che si erge a picco sul mare della Manica. Qui abbiamo dormito in un campeggio comunale ( Camping de la Citè d’Alet ) con una posizione davvero unica: situato su uno spettacoloare promontorio, da cui parte una passeggiata panoramica che costeggia il mare e che regala scorci incredibili.

Continuiamo a scoprire questa incantevole regione che è la Bretagna e decidiamo di andare a Cap Frehel : a mio avviso questo è uno dei luoghi più suggestivi della regione. Falesie altissime a picco sul mare, in cui è possibile camminare tra i cespugli di erica, attraverso dei sentieri tracciati; uno di questi collega Cap Frehel al Fort la Latte , uno dei più famosi castelli della Bretagna . Ci sono percorsi su tutta la costa che permettono di camminare per diversi chilometri su scogliere mozzafiato in un contesto davvero meraviglioso. Nessun divieto per i cani da segnalare.

Dopo l’escursione e un bel pranzo in camper con vista mare, ci rimettiamo in marcia. Una ventina di chilometri dopo facciamo una breve sosta a Ilot Saint-Michel , un isolotto disabitato sulla cui cima sorge una piccola chiesa. Un luogo che sembra una Mont Saint-Michel in miniatura, circondato da spiaggie immense ed acque cristalline. Qui purtroppo un divieto da segnalare c’è: da maggio a settembre è vietato l’accesso in spiaggia per i cani . Motivo per cui la sosta è stata molto breve.

Il viaggio continua e questa volta ci fermiamo a Locquirec , dove troviamo un campeggio con piazzole a ridosso della spiaggia: il Camping Municipal du Fond del la Baie . Il posto ci piace così tanto che decidiamo di rimanere due notti. Osservare il mare muoversi con la bassa e l’alta marea è ipnotizzante. Naima si diverte tantissimo a correre sulla spiaggia deserta quando il mare si ritira, solo dopo essere andati via scopriamo che anche qui è vietato l’accesso ai cani in spiaggia! Vedendo altre persone che passeggiavano col proprio cane sulla riva, non ci eravamo posti il problema. Certo è che la zona era abbastanza vuota, complice probabilmente anche il tempo incerto.

Si riparte! Raggiungiamo una destinazione che ci hanno consigliato i nostri vicini di piazzola al campeggio di Locquirec: Meneham , un posto a dir poco stupendo! Un villaggio di pescatori cosparso di rocce giganti che sembrano quasi adornare le caratteristiche case con il tetto di paglia e che si affaccia su spiagge paradisiache. Il mare cristallino di questa località è davvero invitante, ma pur essendo agosto il vento qui è forte e freddo, per non parlare della temperatura dell’acqua: gelida! Vi consiglio una bella muta se avete intenzione di fare il bagno.

Ci prepariamo a lasciare la Bretagna con la nostra ultima mèta di questa regione: Quiberon , una penisola sulla costa occidentale. Decidiamo di passare la notte approfittando della bellissima posizione del Camping Municipal des Sables Blancs dove riusciamo a parcheggiare, anche qui, il camper in riva al mare. Il campeggio si trova un po’ prima della penisola di Quiberon , più precisamente a Plouharnel . Nessun divieto di accesso alla spiaggia per i cani e anche Naima continua a godersi il mare.

Salutiamo la Bretagna ed entriamo in un’altra regione: la Loira . Ci dirigiamo verso Nantes , una graziosa città che si estende sulle rive della Loira. Ci fermiamo qui per fare una passeggiata nel centro storico e per mangiare qualcosa. Nantes è una città super comoda da visitare anche in camper: ha un enorme parcheggio, senza limiti di altezza, a due passi dal centro. Su Google Maps lo trovate come Parking Gloriette – Petit Hollande . È un parcheggio a pagamento aperto ai camper solo in orari diurni. Qui sotto trovate la posizione esatta.

In Francia non è raro trovare aree sosta vicino ad un campeggio. Come quella che abbiamo trovato nel verde di Chauchè , sempre nei paesi della Loira . Accanto al Camping Domaine de l’Oiselière è stata allestita un’area sosta camper con possibilità di elettricità e acqua. Decidiamo di passare una notte qui, immersi nel verde e nella tranquillità della campagna.

Le Marais Poitevin

Oggi raggiungiamo una destinazione verdissima: il parco naturale regionale del Marais Poitevin , un posto magnifico, che non può assolutamente mancare nel vostro viaggio in Francia . Caratteristica del parco è la presenza dei suoi canali, tanto che l’area è conosciuta anche come la Venice verte , ovvero la Venezia verde. I canali si possono navigare affittando in loco canoe , kayak o barche a remi . Quando ci dicono che sulla barca può salire anche il cane non ce lo facciamo ripetere due volte… in men che non si dica ci ritroviamo a pagaiare sulla barca con Naima che si gode il panorama! Visitare il parco attraverso i suoi canali è il modo più bello, ma non l’unico. Ci sono, infatti, numerosi sentieri escursionistici e ciclabili . Un luogo ideale per gli sportivi, ma anche per chi ama rilassarsi e godersi la natura. All’interno del parco non è permessa la sosta libera e i parcheggi sono vietati ai camper nelle ore notturne, quindi scegliamo di fermarci al camping Ilot du Chail , immerso nel verde e tra i canali del parco, piccolo ma provvisto di tutti i servizi necessari

La Dune du Pilat

Il parco del Marais ci ha regalato la giusta carica per affrontare il nuovo viaggio verso l’unica mèta programmata (esclusa Mont Saint-Michel) dell’itinerario: La Dune du Pilat . Quando, nelle mie ricerche, ho scoperto che in Francia esiste una duna gigantesca , sapevo che quella sarebbe stata una tappa obbligata, vista l’astinenza da deserto a cui siamo costretti da due anni! Prima di arrivare alla duna, però, facciamo una sosta a Bordeaux per il pranzo, e ne approfittiamo per girare questa meravigliosa città a piedi. Bordeaux , come Nantes , dispone di un comodo parcheggio , a due passi dal centro e tutto all’ombra, in cui è consentito parcheggiare il camper durante il giorno. Su Google Maps lo trovate come Parkeerplaats Bordeaux .

Arriviamo alla Dune du Pilat nel pomeriggio. Vederla dal vivo è un’esperienza che toglie il fiato. La duna è alta tra i 100 e i 120 metri e si è formata con l’azione del vento in tempi abbastanza recenti. La vista dalla cima è magica: da un lato l’oceano, dall’altro il verde di un’immensa pineta. Anche qui, purtroppo, ci sono divieti per camper ovunque. A meno che non vogliate rischiare una sanzione, l’unico modo per passare la notte sotto la duna è scegliere uno dei tanti campeggi della zona. Noi siamo capitati nel camping de la Dune les Flots Bleus – dico “capitati” perché il luogo era pieno di turisti e i campeggi incontrati prima erano tutti al completo. Ad ogni modo non potevamo trovare luogo migliore, guardate che panorama si scorgeva dal camper:

Tutto questo mare mi ha fatto venire voglia di montagna ! Quindi decidiamo di raggiungere la catena montuosa più vicina: i Pirenei . Durante il viaggio cerchiamo dei percorsi escursionistici da fare e, alla fine, optiamo per il percorso che conduce al lac du Suyen , un lago a 1536 metri di altitudine. L’escursione è bellissima e non troppo impegnativa, peccato però che ad un certo punto il percorso diventi proibito ai cani. “Niente cani, anche se tenuti al guinzaglio, per la tranquillità degli animali selvatici e domestici” , così recita il cartello poco prima di arrivare al Lac du Suyen . Proseguo quindi da sola, mentre Naima e Daniele tornano indietro. Il posto è davvero bello e merita di essere visitato nonostante l’assurdo divieto.

Quando ci rimettiamo in marcia è quasi sera. La nostra prossima mèta è Andorra: per non percorrere troppi chilometri tutti insieme, decidiamo di metterci in viaggio in modo da fare almeno metà strada. Ci fermiamo per la notte a Saint Julien Sur Garonne e ci posizioniamo in un semplice parcheggio non asfaltato sulla riva del fiume.

Raggiungiamo Andorra , percorrendo delle strade di montagna bellissime. Arrivati alla frontiera (Andorra non è comunità europea) non ci hanno sottoposto ad alcun tipo di controllo. Il primo obiettivo una volta entrati è fare gasolio : il prezzo del diesel non super l’euro al litro! Rifornito Floki siamo pronti per affrontare i tornanti del Pas de la Casa per raggiungere Port d’Envalira , che si trova a un’altitudine di 2408 metri. Qui ci fermiamo un po’ per camminare tra i sentieri che si trovano intorno e pranziamo in camper con una vista spettacolare.

Dedichiamo tutta la giornata a visitare il principato di Andorra , tra paesini di pietra e legno, e montagna ovunque cada lo sguardo. Giunti nella capitale La Vella , seguiamo le indicazioni per Pont de la Margineda , un ponte medievale risalente al XIV secolo, che attraversa il fiume Valira ,. Passeggiamo per un po’ lungo il fiume e poi visitiamo la capitale. Verso sera arriva il momento di scegliere il campeggio dove passare la notte: il camping Casal a Canillo . Andorra è una mèta perfetta per chi ama la montagna , con un’offerta incredibile di sport outdoor e un paese super bike-friendly . Univo neo che abbiamo riscontrato: tanti divieti di accesso ai cani un po’ ovunque tra bar, ristoranti, negozi…

Partiamo alla scoperta del sud della Francia , dirigendoci verso il mare e percorrendo le strade che costeggiano il mediterraneo . Lungo il viaggio cerchiamo dei luoghi da visitare e alla fine scegliamo la Camargue , una riserva naturale che si estende per oltre 820 km quadrati. Un parco dalla bellezza incontaminata, dove sabbia e paludi si incontrano per creare scenari mozzafiato. Patria di oltre 400 specie di uccelli. Non è raro poter ammirare cavalli al pascolo allo stato brado o fenicotteri rosa che riposano tra gli stagni. Un luogo davvero incredibile dove il tempo sembra essersi fermato. Nell’attraversare la riserva, incontriamo una cantina di prodotti locali e artigianali. Ci fermiamo, entriamo nel “Caveau” e ne usciamo con diverse bottiglie del famoso vino di sabbia , miele e riso della Camargue . Quando poi scopriamo che, adiacente la cantina, c’è un’area parcheggio gratuita destinata ai camper, non ce lo facciamo ripetere due volte e decidiamo di passare la notte qui. L’area è un semplice parcheggio (senza alcun servizio) sull’erba, all’ombra di pini e accanto a un canale. Gli animali sono benvenuti e la posizione su Google Maps è questa:

Costa Azzurra

Raggiungiamo la multietnica Marsiglia a ora di pranzo e optiamo per fare un’escursione al parco nazionale delle Calanques , insenature di rocce che si affacciano su un mare cristallino. Le indicazioni sul navigatore ci conducono a un parcheggio vietato ai camper , quindi lasciamo Floki prima del divieto e proseguiamo a piedi fino al parcheggio, da dove partono numerosi sentieri per scoprire le Calanques . Ci vuole un po’ di tempo in salita, ma poi arriviamo ad affacciarci sul mare per ammirare la meraviglia di queste insenature, che creano delle calette a dir poco spettacolari! Le Calanques si estendono sulla costa per 20 km, noi abbiamo visitato Sormiou , la più grande. Se avete più giorni per visitare questa zona e amate il mare, vi consiglio un giro in barca a vela per contemplare al meglio queste insenature e godere delle meravigliose calette!

Ci rimettiamo in viaggio nel tardo pomeriggio e raggiungiamo la Costa Azzurra . Man mano che ci avviciniamo al mare capiamo che è praticamente impossibile fare sosta libera , ci sono infatti divieti praticamente ovunque.

Il solo modo per passare l’ultima notte del nostro viaggio sul mare come desideriamo è trovare un campeggio con un’ottima posizione. Scegliamo allora il camping le Dramont che ci offre una piazzola con una vista superlativa. Il campeggio è un po’ troppo grande e caotico per i miei gusti, ma dispone di un accesso privato su una piccola spiaggia davanti all’isolotto di Cap Dramont : il panorama dal camper è magico, e Naima può entrare in spiaggia e fare il bagno senza problemi. Non potevo desiderare un ultimo giorno più bello!

Corniche de l’Esterel

Prima di lasciare la Francia e rientrare in Italia percorriamo le Corniche de l’Esterel , una strada costiera lunga circa 30 km che attraversa il mare da un lato e il massiccio montuoso dell’Esterel dall’altro. Insieme alla Via del Sale , una delle più belle strade panoramiche mai fatte!

Wanderluster, dog hiker, archeo lover, Vivere Outdoor addicted.

Articoli correlati

Cosa vedere in Tunisia: Luoghi da non perdere nel 2024

Museo Swarovski di Innsbruck: Cristalli e Arte Contemporanea

Carezza: Il lago leggendario delle Dolomiti

Derinkuyu: La misteriosa città sotterranea della Cappadocia

Lascia un commento annulla risposta.

Il tuo indirizzo email non sarà pubblicato. I campi obbligatori sono contrassegnati *

Salva il mio nome, email e sito web in questo browser per la prossima volta che commento.

• [email protected]
• +39 0143 1970285

• Amboise: torniamo di nuovo a Francesco I e a Leonardo Da Vinci, che fu sepolto proprio nella Cappella del maniero. Qui vicino anche Clos Luce , la dimora del genio toscano, interamente visitabile e che ospita oggi un museo a cielo aperto con le ricostruzioni delle macchine più famose di Leonardo. Potrai sostare presso il campeggio comunale situato proprio di fronte al castello.

Di castelli ce ne sono però tanti, tanti altri…ecco perché ti consigliamo di approfondire leggendo cos’hanno scritto in merito i nostri amici Allemandich sul loro sito.

Una delle regioni francesi più belle e selvagge, con altissime scogliere a picco sull’oceano.

Tra i luoghi più iconici della Bretagna troviamo:

• Mont Saint Michel : al confine con la Normandia, l’isola è uno dei punti focali della linea che collega i santuari micaelici nel mondo. A seconda della marea potrai vederla circondata dall’acqua proprio come una vera isola o collegata alla terraferma da una striscia di terra: occhio quindi agli orari e al calendario ! Di aree sosta e campeggi in zona ne troverai tanti quanti ne desideri.

• Saint Malo : città fortificata che si affaccia sul mare, Saint Malo è ricca di monumenti. E’ stata la città dei corsari ed è attualmente la capitale della vela. Oltre al castello e al forte potrai visitare la cattedrale, le varie torri e la tomba di Chateaubriand. Col camper potrai sostare sia presso numerose aree di sosta che presso il campeggio comunale (qui un elenco delle possibili soste ).
• Cancale : famosa per i suoi allevamenti di ostriche, è anche nota come la “ perla della Costa di Smeraldo “. Oltre ad assaggiare i frutti di mare qui non potrai perderti la suggestiva cappella di Notre-Dame-du-Verger che conserva al suo interno gli ex-voto delle spose dei marinai. In camper ti consigliamo l’area con vista sul mare che potrai trovare in D201.

• Dinan : città medievale circondata da 3 km di bastioni, si trova sull’estuario di un fiume ed ammalia i turisti col suo suggestivo porticciolo e le sue case a graticcio. Tra i souvenir tipici oggettini artistici in vetro soffiato e in legno dorato. Col camper puoi sostare presso l’area gratuita in Rue du Port.

Tristemente famosa per lo sbarco che il 6 giugno del 1944 ha dato inizia alla disfatta dei tedeschi durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, la Normandia è ricca di siti storici, come ad esempio:

• Omaha Beach : una delle spiagge che hanno visto lo sbarco degli alleati, in particolare degli americani, e forse la più tristemente famosa. I morti qui furono tantissimi, e ancora oggi troviamo uno dei memoriali più iconici nonché un museo storico a cielo aperto. Anche qui i campeggi pullulano, perché nonostante gli eventi storici nefasti Omaha è anche un importante luogo di villeggiatura.
• Cimitero americano : situato a Colleville Sur Mer, è un grande appezzamento su suolo americano in terra francese. Qui sono sepolti centinaia di valorosi combattenti, le cui tombe sono indicate dalle classiche croci bianche che spesso si vedono nei film ma anche dalle stelle a sei punte tipiche dell’ebraismo. Qui è conservata una capsula del tempo che sarà aperta il 6 giugno 2044, e col tuo camper puoi sostare presso il parcheggio del sito.

• Etretat : allontaniamoci dai luoghi di guerra e andiamo ad ammirare le meravigliose falesie bianche di Etretat. Questi complessi rocciosi sono così affascinanti che hanno ispirato anche artisti del calibro di Monet, quindi non puoi davvero perderle. Con il camper ti consigliamo di sostare presso l’area sosta di Rue Guy de Maupassant 69.

Celebre per i suoi vini, la Borgogna ha anche molte altre sorprese in serbo per te.

• Beaune : è la capitale dei vini della Borgogna, quindi non potevamo non citarla. Nel suo centro storico spicca l’ Hotel Dieu , un ospizio per i poveri in puro stile fiammingo che conserva al suo interno il Polittico del Giudizio Universale di van der Weyden. Col camper fermati presso il campeggio municipale, comodo ed economico.

• Auxerre : bellissima e suggestiva cittadina medievale, famosa per la sua cattedrale con torre in stile “fiammeggiante” e per la cripta interamente affrescata all’interno dell’Abbazia Saint Germain. Anche stavolta per la tua sosta in camper potrai rivolgerti senza remore al grazioso campeggio comunale e poca distanza dal centro.
• Digione : con i suoi tetti dalle tegole multicolori, Digione attira l’attenzione con le sue tante chiese e soprattutto col Palazzo dei Duchi di Borgogna, in stile sia gotico che barocco. Se hai un desiderio da esprimere accarezza con la mano sinistra la civetta scolpita a Notre Dame: secondo la tradizione si avvererà! In camper fermati presso il Camping du Lac Kir .

Molto più vicina all’Italia, anche la Camargue è una terra selvaggia dove i cavalli bianchi galoppano nei prati, i fenicotteri vivono sereni e i vigneti crescono sulla sabbia per dare un delizioso vino rosato.

• Parco Ornitologico di Pont de Gau : una riserva naturale dove osservare da vicino i fenicotteri rosa e altre specie di uccelli, da percorrere a piedi con calma per godersi tutta la natura della Camargue. Potrai sostare col camper presso i parcheggi del Parco.

• Aigues Mortes : il nome non sarà dei più invitanti, ma questa cittadina affacciata sulle saline è davvero molto pittoresca. Cinta da mura medievali, dovrai pagare un biglietto per accedervi ma ti assicuriamo che ne varrà la pena. Al di fuori troverai un grande parcheggio: qui potrai fermarti anche col camper per la durata della tua visita.
• Saintes Maries de la Mer : cittadina sul mare estremamente amata dai turisti e dai pellegrini, dedica il suo nome a tre Marie ( Maria Salome, Maria Jacobé e Maria Maddalena). Il luogo più iconico è la chiesa la cui struttura ricorda più quella di una fortezza che di un edificio religioso: serviva infatti anche come torre di avvistamento per difendersi dai saraceni. Col camper potrai sfruttare per una sosta l’area comunale in Avenue d’Arles 36.

Francia in Camper: Itinerari per Tutti i Gusti

Questo non è che un piccolo, minuscolo assaggio di quello che potrai vedere in Francia col camper: di itinerari ce ne sono a bizzeffe e questi non sono che alcuni dei posti più apprezzati dagli amanti del plein air.

Approfondiremo ancora il turismo in camper in Francia, e non solo quello…

Ma intanto ricordati che per ogni consiglio o necessità noi siamo qui per te!

Viale Regione Piemonte 17 – Novi Ligure (AL)

Telefono: 0143 1970285

Cellulare: 366 1039290

Noleggio: 331 3342355

Mail: [email protected]

Concessionaria

Lunedì – Venerdì :   

09:30 – 13:00  / 15:00 – 18:30

10:00 – 13:00 / Pomeriggio su appuntamento

Domenica: Chiuso 

Seguici Su:

Privacy overview.

Francia in camper

L'accoglienza per chi viaggia in camper in Francia, si sa, è ben al di sopra della media degli altri Paesi. Se poi aggiungiamo l'infinità di posti belli da visitare (ma su questo in Italia non abbiamo nulla da invidiare), il connubio è perfetto.

Sin dalle prime esperienze, di passaggio verso Spagna e Portogallo, viaggiare in Francia ci ha subito affascinato. Ogni nuovo viaggio ha alimentato il nostro amore per le vacanze itineranti in Francia e la voglia di tornarci più spesso, per scoprire altri luoghi o per ritrovarne di cari. Da questa passione è nato il primo sito " Francia in camper ", con l'intento di condividere le nostre esperienze, gli itinerari, le tappe, le aree sosta ed alcune delle (tante) fotografie scattate in questa terra meravigliosa.

Col passare del tempo, abbiamo dato spazio anche agli itinerari da noi effettuati fuori dalla Francia, dando così vita all'attuale " Itinerari Camper ", che (ad oggi) racconta più di 40 viaggi in camper in Italia, Francia ed Europa .

In questa sezione, tra tutte le fantastiche avventure in camper che abbiamo avuto la fortuna di vivere, vi presentiamo quelle con le quali tutto ebbe inizio: gli itinerari camper in Francia .

Per scoprire la Corsica a piccoli passi, un itinerario breve dedicato alla zona di Cap Corse.

Corsica tour completo

Tour quasi completo della Corsica, per conoscerla da nord a sud.

Corsica costa ovest

La costa occidentale della Corsica, la più temuta dai camperisti.

Normandia & Bretagna

Il nostro primo viaggio a lungo raggio in terra francese: Normandie, Bretagne & Loire.

Alpi e Costa Azzurra

Giù dalle Alpi lungo la Route Napoléon fino alla costa.

Costa Azzurra e Camargue

Tappa all'Isola di Porquerolles.

Port Grimaud

La città lagunare della Costa Azzurra.

Alla ricerca dei campi di lavanda in Provenza.

Costa Azzurra e Marsiglia

Tutta la Costa fino a Marsiglia.

Mare e natura incontaminata battuta dal Maestrale.

Provenza Ovest

Viaggio nel selvaggio ovest della Provenza: Luberon, Alpilles, Camargue.

Fioritura lavanda

Viaggio alla scoperta della fioritura della lavanda in Provenza.

Castelli della Loira

Valle della Loira, oceano Atlantico, Dordogna, Ardèche.

Dove rocce e brughiera incontrano l'Oceano selvaggio.

Andata e ritorno per un capodanno speciale.

Le capitali europee del surf sulla costa atlantica francese.

L'Auvergne è la terra dei vulcani francesi.

Gole del Verdon

Pasqua e Pasquetta nel più grande canyon di tutta Europa.

Gole dell'Ardèche

Attività sportive immersi in una Natura meravigliosa.

Hautes-Alpes è uno dei dipartimenti francesi confinanti con l'Italia.

Le Corbusier

Speciale architettura: Le Corbusier in Francia

Canal du Midi

Speciale houseboat: vacanza fluviale.

Europei 2016

Speciale EURO 2016 Francia

Se siete interessati ad altre destinazioni, consultate la sezione con TUTTI i nostri itinerari e viaggi in camper .

Proponete un itinerario

Libri di viaggio

Elenco di libri utilizzati e consultati durante il viaggio:

Atlas routier et touristique France (edition 2005)

AA.VV. Michelin, 2005

Atlas Rout/Tour

Elenco di siti per ulteriori informazioni ed approfondimenti riguardanti i temi ed i luoghi incontrati:

• Viaggi di Milena & Marco

Proponete un link

Cookie Warning

Questo sito utilizza cookie tecnici, analytics e di terze parti. Proseguendo nella navigazione accetti l'utilizzo dei cookie.

• Veicoli e Accessori
• Vivi pleinair
• Abbonamento PLEINAIR – Digitale
• PLEINAIR CLUB
• Abbonamenti
• Accedi/Registrati
• Francia , Viaggi

Francia in camper: viaggio di 10 giorni tra Provenza e Camargue

Indice dell'itinerario

Per trascorrere gli ultimi giorni dell’anno Fabio ha scelto la  Francia del sud, già visitata in altre occasioni ma non ancora alla guida di un camper. Dieci giorni a disposizione per due regioni da esplorare e un ricco bottino di esperienze da riportare a casa.

Per scoprire sconti e vantaggi sulle soste camper in Francia,  visita la pagina del PLEINAIRCLUB!

Road Map della Francia in camper

• 1° GIORNO: Partenza nel tardo pomeriggio dalla provincia di Reggio Emilia. Pernottamento nell’area di sosta di Celle Ligure, vicino all’uscita autostradale. Km 250
• 2° GIORNO: In viaggio verso la Provenza con deviazione dall’autostrada all’altezza di Cannes lungo la panoramica Corniche d’Or. Tappa a Frejus e arrivo in serata a Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Km 425
• 3° GIORNO: Visita alla fonte de La Sorgue. Partenza per Pont du Gard, in Linguadoca, e Avignone, di nuovo in Provenza. Km 70
• 4° GIORNO: Dopo la visita di Avignone e dintorni, arrivo in serata a Tarascona e pernottamento nella vicina Beaucaire. Km 31
• 5° GIORNO: Visita di Tarascona e Beaucaire. Quindi viaggio verso Paradou e arrivo a Fontvieille, con area di sosta a pochi chilometri da Arles. Km 34
• 6° GIORNO: Visita ai resti dell’acquedotto romano di Barbegal. Poi il viaggio prosegue costeggiando il Rodano in direzione del mare e superando la foce in traghetto a traghetto a Bac de Barcarin. Visita alle saline di Domaine de la Palissade e percorso lungo l’Etange de Vaccares fino a Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Km 110
• 7° E 8° GIORNO: In sosta a Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer tra relax, passeggiate sulla spiaggia, visite al centro e spettacoli equestri.
• 9° E 10° GIORNO: Inizia il viaggio di rientro passando velocemente per Arles per alcuni acquisti dell’ultim’ora e arrivando in serata a Sanremo. Il giorno successivo, ultimo strappo per coprire la distanza fino a casa. Km 700

Francia in camper: comincia il viaggio

Fabio in Provenza e Camargue ci era già stato varie volte; ma non ancora a bordo del suo camper, un Mc Louis Glen 560 W “con qualche anno sulle spalle ma che fa ancora egregiamente il suo lavoro”, come ci scrive lui stesso. “Siamo entrati nel mondo del plein air da poco ma ci siamo subito appassionati a questo stile di vita: abbiamo sempre preferito la vacanza itinerante ed il camper è per noi la soluzione ideale”, aggiunge.

Come ha potuto verificare di persona, in queste due regioni del sud – come del resto in tutta la Francia – l’accoglienza verso i viaggiatori en plein air è eccezionale, le aree di sosta attrezzate sono numerosissime, in quasi tutti i paesi è presente almeno un parcheggio o un’area di sosta. E soprattutto “i camperisti sono visti come una risorsa e non come un peso”.

Forse anche per questo nel giro di poco tempo Fabio si è recato più volte nell’Esagono con il suo mansardato visitando Normandia , Bretagna , Lot e Dordogna . Di seguito il diario dell’esperienza compiuta un anno fa: protagonista un equipaggio composto da tre adulti e due ragazzi.

Leggi anche: “Francia, Canal du Midi in camper e in bicicletta”

La partenza in camper per la francia, 23 dicembre: celle ligure.

Terminato il lavoro, il tempo degli ultimi preparativi e si parte dalla provincia di Reggio Emilia in direzione Francia per le vacanze natalizie. La tabella di marcia è stabilita: toccheremo solo alcuni luoghi, poiché siamo già stati altre volte da queste parti. Il punto di arrivo e giro di boa sarà Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer , dove per l’intero periodo natalizio è in programma un calendario di spettacoli equestri.

A chi volesse visitare la Camargue e la Provenza, tuttavia, posso dire che si tratta di due regioni assai ricche di punti di interesse. Ce n’è per tutti i gusti: dalle città d’arte ai luoghi naturalistici, dai piccoli borghi alle località più blasonate e alla moda.

Percorriamo circa tre ore di autostrada fino a raggiungere la costa ligure; decidiamo di sostare presso l’area camper di Celle Ligure , comoda perché appena fuori dall’uscita autostradale.

24 dicembre: Cannes

Dopo colazione ripartiamo alla volta della Provenza; per spezzare un po’ il viaggio lasciamo l’autostrada nei pressi di Cannes e percorriamo la stupenda Corniche d’Or , una strada panoramica che scorre fra alte scogliere rosse a picco sul mare. Non incontriamo molto traffico: in estate sicuramente la visita deve essere più complicata, soprattutto per un mezzo di considerevoli dimensioni.

Raggiunto il paese di Frejus facciamo una sosta presso Plage du Débarquement , la spiaggia che nel 1944 vide l’arrivo degli Alleati: location assai meno famosa e valorizzata rispetto ai luoghi dello sbarco in Normandia, ma a nostro avviso altrettanto suggestiva.

È sera quando raggiungiamo la prima meta, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse : per la sosta notturna raggiungiamo un ampio parcheggio alberato sulle rive della Sorgue , senza servizi e situato a poca distanza dal centro; non lontano è disponibile anche un’area di sosta a pagamento.

Leggi anche: “Costa Azzurra in camper, da Menton a Port Grimaud”

Avignone, la città dei papi, 25 dicembre: avignone.

Dopo una notte tranquilla cullati dallo scorrere del fiume ci avventuriamo a visitare la f amosa Fontaine de Vaucluse , la fonte delle “chiare, fresche, dolci acque” cantata dal Petrarca. La sorgente è raggiungibile attraverso un facile sentiero che dista poche centinaia di metri a piedi dal centro del paese. In un precedente viaggio avevamo visitato la vecchia cartiera, che purtroppo troviamo chiusa nel periodo natalizio.

Nel primo pomeriggio si riprende la marcia alla volta di due destinazioni entrambe famose. La prima ci porta a sconfinare in Linguadoca per visitare il magnifico Pont du Gard , nella località omonima, uno degli acquedotti romani meglio conservati e più spettacolari; ci fermiamo temporaneamente nel parcheggio della riva sinistra (privo di servizi).

Vista la giornata di festa l’ingresso al sito del Pont du Gard è gratuito, mentre i due piccoli musei che sorgono sulle due rive sono chiusi. Vale ugualmente la pena fare una bella passeggiata: si può decidere di rimanere nella parte bassa con un ampio e comodo camminamento; per godere di qualche scorcio più interessante si può salire sulla collina e ammirare l’imponenza dell’antica costruzione che ancora oggi attraversa la valle.

Nel pomeriggio rientriamo in Provenza diretti ad Avignone, la città dei papi. Dopo aver scartato l’area sosta sull’ île de Piot , chiusa nella stagione invernale, decidiamo di sostare presso il vicino Camping Bagatelle . Si tratta di un piccolo campeggio su una lingua di terra nel mezzo del Rodano con vista mozzafiato verso il Pont Saint-Bénezet e il Palazzo dei Papi . Espletate le formalità di registrazione percorriamo il ponte che ci separa dalla città vecchia per una prima visita, apprezzando la zona commerciale splendidamente addobbata per le festività Natalizie.

Leggi anche: “12 cose da vedere e da fare ad Avignone”

26 dicembre: la visita del centro.

Favoriti da uno splendido sole e da temperature per nulla invernali, ritorniamo in centro e impegniamo la mattinata per la visita del Palazzo dei Papi; all’ingresso ci viene fornito un tablet interattivo molto gradito dai più piccoli.

Visitiamo anche il Pont Saint-Bénezet , il famoso ponte interrotto (solo una parte della struttura originaria è ancora in piedi) e le vie della città vecchia; molto bella strada via dei tintori dove sono ancora visibili alcuni mulini ad acqua.

Nel pomeriggio ci spostiamo per visitare gli immediati dintorni. Prima tappa l’imponente Tour Philippe-le-Bel , purtroppo chiusa il lunedì, sulla riva destra del fiume. A Villeneuve-lès-Avignon meritano una tappa la certosa di Notre-Dame-du-Val-de-Bénédiction , classificata Monumento storico di Francia, e il Fort Saint-André, eretto tra la fine del XIII e il XIV secolo. Entrambi sono chiusi al nostro arrivo, ma in compenso dalla sommità della collina dove sorge il forte si gode una bella vista sulla città di Avignone e sul Rodano.

Di nuovo alla guida, pochi chilometri ci separano dalle due città gemelle di Tarascona e Beaucaire , divise dalle acque del Rodano. Troviamo una sistemazione a Beaucaire presso l’area di sosta gratuita in Quai de la Paix, tranquilla e vicino al porto canale.

Le gemelle sul Rodano

27 dicembre: tarascona.

Iniziamo la giornata con una breve passeggiata che ci porta ad attraversare il ponte sul Rodano fino a raggiungere Tarascona. Ci dirigiamo subito alla collegiale di Santa Marta , costruita tra l’XI e il XII secolo, per poi spostarci al castello quattrocentesco, uno dei più suggestivi di Francia: un’imponente fortezza squadrata su uno sperone roccioso a strapiombo sul fiume che merita sicuramente una visita.

Tornati sui nostri passi attraversiamo nuovamente il Rodano e ci dirigiamo verso il castello di Beaucaire , anch’esso eretto in posizione elevata, sede di un museo archeologico e utilizzato per spettacoli, soprattutto nei mesi estivi. Purtroppo lo troviamo chiuso, ma la nostra impressione dal di fuori è che sia piccolo e meno ben conservato rispetto a quello di Tarascona.

Leggi anche: “12 cose da vedere e fare ad Aix-en-Provence”

L’itinerario riprende verso sud con destinazione Paradou . La particolarità di questo minuscolo villaggio è il museo dei santon, le tipiche statuette in terracotta di varie dimensioni usate per realizzare i presepi.

A poca distanza c’è il famoso borgo di Les Baux-de-Provence , considerato uno dei più caratteristici della Provenza. Ma non riusciamo a fermarci per il troppo affollamento e ci spostiamo a Fontvieille, dove troviamo un’ottima area sosta a sud del paese lungo la D32. Da qui parte una bella passeggiata nel bosco che porta a scoprire alcuni mulini a vento; nel centro del villaggio si trova un’antica villa nobiliare. L’area di Fontvieille è la base ideale per raggiungere Arles , a soli 5 chilometri, con i mezzi pubblici o con lo scooter.

Paesaggi e archeologia

28 dicembre: arles.

Poco distante da Fontvieille meritano una visita i resti dell’acquedotto romano e dei mulini di Barbegal . Per raggiungere il sito si percorre una stretta strada in mezzo a coltivazioni di olivi fino a raggiungere una piccola pineta dove si parcheggia il camper. Da lì con una breve passeggiata si raggiungono prima le rovine di un acquedotto e quindi, seguendone il percorso verso valle, si avvista una serie di mulini costruiti sul fianco di una collina che poi discende al fiume sottostante. 

Tutta la zona è costellata di resti romani e siti archeologici: i più importanti sono a Saint-Rémy-de-Provence , dove si trova il sito di Glanum , e ad Arles, dove si possono visitare il teatro, l’anfiteatro e il sito archeologico che però preferiamo lasciare a un altro viaggio, insieme alla Fondation Vincent van Gogh dedicata all’artista olandese che qui dimorò a lungo.

Leggi anche: “ViaRhôna, una superstrada slow: dalla Francia alla Svizzera in bici”

Lungo il rodano.

Ci aspetta ora un’immersione tra gli scenari di terra e d’acqua della Camargue : discendiamo seguendo la riva sinistra del Rodano fino a raggiungere l’ imbarcadero di Bac de Barcarin , dove un traghetto consente di attraversare la foce del fiume: scegliamo questa simpatica soluzione – il camper sulla barca – anche per far vedere qualcosa di diverso ai bimbi; ma visto che la tratta dura solo un paio di minuti e il costo per un camper è di 10 euro si può anche optare per scendere direttamente dalla riva opposta.

Raggiunta la riva destra proseguiamo verso le saline di Domaine de la Palissade , fermandoci in un ampio parcheggio con belvedere. Lungo la strada si costeggiano i grandi bacini utilizzati per l’estrazione del sale, che in alcuni punti assumono una colorazione rosa: un fenomeno dovuto alla presenza di piccole alghe che fioriscono in certi periodi dell’anno; incontriamo anche qualche fenicottero rosa . Pranzare con vista sulle saline è un privilegio che solo il camper può dare.

Proseguiamo il nostro viaggio su una piccola strada secondaria che costeggia l’ Etang de Vaccares , una zona paludosa dove si possono incontrare allevamenti di tori e di cavalli bianchi; non mancano capanni e aree attrezzate per la pratica del birdwatching .

La capitale della Camargue: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Raggiungiamo infine  Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer , famosa per il grande pellegrinaggio dei gitani in onore di Santa Sara che si svolge ogni anno tra il 24 e il 25 maggio . Noi siamo qui per i suggestivi spettacoli equestri che durante le feste natalizie animano la località, cuore e simbolo della Camargue. L’area di sosta da prescelta è la più distante dal centro, raggiungibile in un paio di chilometri con una comoda pista ciclabile illuminata: visto che in centro ci sono alcune giostre è sicuramente la più tranquilla.

Sistemati in una piazzola vista mare, ci dirigiamo lungo la spiaggia fino a raggiungere il centro città per una prima visita e per reperire il programma degli spettacoli.

29 dicembre: verso il centro

Di buon’ora un incaricato viene a bussare alla porta del camper per riscuotere il pagamento fino alla mattina successiva. La mattinata passa tra una passeggiata sulla spiaggia e qualche gioco. All’ora di pranzo decidiamo di recarci in centro per una visita e per sederci in uno dei tanti ristoranti; non tutti sono aperti in questa stagione, ma quelli disponibili vengono presi d’assalto.

Siamo nel sud della Francia e l’influenza della cultura spagnola è riconoscibile anche nella cucina. Troviamo posto al ristorante l’Esperado che propone un’ottima paella con sangria, e vista la bella giornata riusciamo addirittura a mangiare all’aperto. Nel pomeriggio ci perdiamo per le viuzze del centro piene di negozietti per poi rientrare verso sera e rilassarci nell’area sosta con una bella partita di pétanque.

30 dicembre: lo spettacolo di cavalli e luci

La mattinata trascorre, come la precedente, sulla spiaggia: aspettiamo con impazienza il pomeriggio per tornare in centro e assistere ai vari spettacoli, tutti ad accesso gratuito. Dopo il calar del sole ecco che sulla via principale, tra due ali di folla, quattro mandriani al galoppo su cavalli bianchi a lume di fiaccole accompagnano una coppia di tori nell’aren a.

A differenza della corrida, questa tradizione non prevede l’uccisione dell’animale: il toro una volta arrivato all’arena termina il suo compito e viene portato in un recinto al sicuro. Dopo aver dato il tempo al pubblico di entrare nell’arena, inizia uno spettacolo con cavalli, giocolieri e fuoco che tiene impegnato il pubblico per più di un’ora .

Sulla via del ritorno

31 dicembre: sanremo.

Inizia il viaggio di ritorno. Ci fermiamo ad Arles per alcuni acquisti dell’ultim’ora: quando veniamo in Francia ci riportiamo sempre a casa le nostre specialità preferite tra cui vino, formaggi, sidro (è vero, sono soprattutto prodotti di Normandia e Bretagna ma qualcosa si trova anche nei supermercati del sud). 

Imbocchiamo l’autostrada e, con qualche sosta per spezzare il viaggio, in serata raggiungiamo Sanremo dove cerchiamo posto all’area di sosta Pian di Poma , vicimo al campo sportivo. Si tratta al momento di un parcheggio libero senza servizi, che troviamo strapieno di camper: sono probabilmente lì per la festa in piazza e per i fuochi artificiali di mezzanotte; noi non abbiamo in programma un cenone, quindi troviamo un angolino tranquillo dove sostare e goderci lo spettacolo pirotecnico.

1° gennaio: casa

Terminiamo l’ultimo tratto di strada che ci separa da casa, raggiungiamo la nostra destinazione nel primo pomeriggio: l’indomani è già tempo di riprendere il lavoro.

Fabio Bertani

Dove sostare in camper in Francia

Di seguito riportiamo le aree di sosta e i camping utilizzati dall’autore e dal suo equipaggio.

• Celle Ligure Parcheggio camper in Via Natta, dotato di camper service ma privo di corrente, poco fuori dall’uscita autostradale. Sosta limitata a 48 ore.
• Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Ampio parcheggio alberato sulle rive della Sorgue, senza servizi e situato a poca distanza dal centro. A poca distanza è disponibile un’area di sosta a pagamento dotata di camper service e corrente, inserita nel circuito Camping Car Park.
• Avignone Camping Bagatelle, www.campingbagatelle.com. Un piccolo campeggio su un’isola nel mezzo del Rodano con vista mozzafiato sul ponte Saint-Bénezet e sul Palazzo dei Papi.
• Beaucaire Piccola e tranquilla area di sosta ai margini dell’area nautica. Scarico gratuito, corrente e acqua a pagamento con gettone che può essere acquistato presso l’ufficio del turismo.
• Fontvieille Bella area di sosta a sud del paese lungo la D33, in posizione tranquilla,  costo 10 euro per 24 ore, dotata di camper service, priva di corrente. Ideale per raggiunger Arles (a soli 5 km) con i mezzi pubblici o in scooter.
• Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Area di sosta a due chilometri dal centro, raggiungibile con una comoda pista ciclabile illuminata. Costo 13 euro per 24 ore, camper service, nessuna presa per la corrente, vietato l’uso del generatore.
• Sanremo Area di sosta Pian di Poma, parcheggio libero senza servizi vicino al campo sportivo senza servizi.

————————-

Tutti gli itinerari di PleinAir sulla Francia e i viaggi in camper li puoi leggere sulla rivista digitale sul pc, sul tablet o sullo smartphone. Con un anno di  abbonamento  a PLEINAIR (11 numeri cartacei) hai a disposizione gli inserti speciali, la rivista digitale e l’archivio digitale dal 2015 (con gli allegati).

Con l’abbonamento a PleinAir  ricevi i prossimi numeri comodamente a casa e risparmi!

________________________________________________________

Tutti gli itinerari, i weekend, i diari di viaggio li puoi leggere sulla rivista digitale da smartphone, tablet o PC. Per gli iscritti al PLEINAIRCLUB l’accesso alla rivista digitale è inclusa.

Con l’ abbonamento  a PleinAir (11 numeri cartacei) ricevi la rivista e gli inserti speciali comodamente a casa e risparmi!

photo gallery

dove sostare

Maremma toscana, a spasso per le meraviglie della Feniglia

Camping saint michel, le beau village, de la plage de trez rouz, la berquerie, le château de poinsouze.

tag itinerario

• Arles , Avignone , Beaucaire , Camargue , Diari di viaggio , Fontvieille , Francia , inverno , mare , Natale&Capodanno , Paradou , Provenza , Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer , Tarascona

cerca altri itinerari

altri risultati...

condividi l'articolo

Nuove idee di viaggio, viaggio in camper a lodi e dintorni.

Il percorso che vi proponiamo parte dal centro storico di Lodi e vi guida nei principali luoghi d’interessa della città,

Lombardia, Bassa Bresciana in camper tra arte, vigneti e castelli

Cetara in camper, un angolo gourmet e presidio slow food, 5 itinerari in camper al mare seguendo il portolano, portogallo in minivan: trekking e kayak in algarve, un weekend a varese e sul lago maggiore in camper, attività outdoor al lago del moncenisio in valle susa, viaggi wow in camper: 5 mete da sogno, inghilterra e galles in camper: itinerario completo in 20 giorni, weekend a cuneo e nelle langhe, cosa vedere in camper, viaggi gli itinerari in zona, irlanda in camper: viaggio di 16 giorni nell'isola smeralda, umbria in camper: viaggio di 6 giorni intorno al lago trasimeno, puglia in camper: viaggio di 22 giorni tra i sapori d'estate, tunisia in camper: viaggio di 15 giorni con il richiamo del deserto, news dal mondo viaggi, enna in camper: soste e sconti geopark rocca di cerere, camper friendly, le località amiche dei camperisti: cortona, orroli, serri, ussassai: vincono i borghi sardi nel sondaggio speciale, aree di sosta in italia: a maggio torna il portolano, terme čatež, a tu per tu con il benessere, che camperista sei partecipa all'indagine, veicoli e accessori schede tecniche, weinsberg caraone 400 lk, cta: comfort e sicurezza con easybed e smart kit, carado t338 edition24, larcos: come nasce un oscurante, giottiline giottivan 60 ft premiere edition, 5 accessori top per il tendalino del camper, club news dalla community, elisabetta e michelangelo su rai1 a camper in viaggio, camper in viaggio su rai 1: il cilento in famiglia con luca e danila, con rosanna e luca su rai 1 in toscana per camper in viaggio, camper in viaggio su rai 1: in calabria con angela e giuseppe, adriana torna su rai 1 a camper in viaggio in sardegna, marco e giovanni su rai1 per camper in viaggio.

More results...

Sistema Plein Air s.r.l. Partita IVA 15525461008 Sede operativa: via di Tor Fiorenza 30, 00199 Roma.

[email protected]

06 85305377

Motorhome & Campervan rentals

Departure Select a location AIX/MARSEILLE AJACCIO BORDEAUX LYON MONTPELLIER NANTES - REZÉ NICE PARIS STRASBOURG TOULOUSE

Opening times and details

You have a promo code?

4 good reasons to rent with us

A team of passionate people.

Experts in adventure since 1979, our multilingual team is at your disposal to offer you the most suitable solution to your travel dreams.

New vehicles, accessible with a car license

We apply strict technical and sanitary controls before each departure to ensure the safety of our customers and employees.

Branches everywhere in France

You are bound to find an agency for your vacation. Don't hesitate to call our hotline to find the best rental deal in France.

Great prices all year long

Throughout the year, AVIS explore is committed to bringing you the best prices on www.avisexplore.com. Also follow our promotions on Facebook and Instagram .

Included services

Whatever your rental plan, you benefit from included services to make your trip more enjoyable

• Complimentary second driver
• Complimentary crockery and utensils
• Customized mileage
• Consumables and equipment

Our locations in France

With 13 possible departure locations in France, there will always be one close to you.

More options

Add more options to better enjoy your trip.

Taking along domestic animal

Domestic animals are welcomed at Avis Car-Away

Destinations

Our operators are qualified to find the appropriate deal for your needs

Discover the Bardenas Desert

Halfway between Nevada and Arizona, a strange desert for lovers of nature, landscapes and wide open spaces.

Best travel books

Holidays are an opportunity to take some time for yourself, and therefore to read, whether to prepare for your trip or to relax during it: here is our reading list.

AVIS explore : the specialist in motorhome, campervan and van rental in France since 1979

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.

A quality service for your motorhome and van rental in France

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.

When you are on the road, we offer a 24/7 assistance for your peace of mind as well as a range of optional equipment and services: unlimited mileage, airport transfer, long term rental for a long term road trip, bike carrier, snow equipment, baby seat...

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!

Your promo code

What can we do to help you?

Our branches by regions

Our branches by cities

Hire a Campervan for the Tour de France

Hiring a campervan for the Tour de France is the simplest and easiest way to follow the action. We have many years under our belt helping cycling fans keep up with the famous road race every year. We have a range of five campervans and motorhomes for hire.

From nimble two-passenger vans for those not wanting to miss a minute or more comfortable six-person motorhomes for larger parties.

Every year we have offer a promotion specifically for the Tour de France. Visit our current special offers page for the latest discounts and rates.

Below you will find our Tour de France related blogs. You might also want to try our cycling holidays page for even more info on.

Related Blogs

What might you see on the Tour de France 2020? Well, we thought we would pick a stage, and using our local knowledge, come up with a Tour de France 2020 Campervan Itinerary example. These are three stages that are in close proximity to each other and only a short drive from our Paris based […]

The 105th edition of the world’s biggest cycle race – #TDF2018, #LeTour – has been announced and we are ready for it, though somewhat surprised by the route! Though it’s the shortest Tour de France this century – at around a total distance of 3,300 kilometres – it is going to mean covering some big […]

One of the world’s most exciting cycle artists is going to follow the world’s biggest cycle race in one of OUR motorhomes! If you are a fan of cycling art, the chances are you will be familiar with the stellar work of artist Michael Valenti. This year Michael is planning a bonkers art/bike race fusion […]

Clients who are new to following Le Tour live often ask how much they should try and fit in, so here are our 12 top tips for planning your 2020 Tour de France trip: 1. Plan your Route Following the Tour de France is a really fun thing to do, but when you follow the […]

The current 2016 Tour de France is packed full of interesting new developments – and it’s still got 11 days to go! But we’ve been working hard already to get our ‘Tour 2017 Special Package’ ready. Read on to find out more… There have been surprises galore so far in this year’s Tour de France […]

Linger longer over the 2016 Tour de France or go flat out?   Since it was announced last month, we have been closely studying the 2016 Tour de France route and have to say it is going to create a bit of dilemma for those following it in a motorhome or campervan. Do you follow […]

Camperviaggiare Insieme

Per una vacanza indimenticabile…, che percorso fare verso il sud della francia in camper.

Sono tre i possibili percorsi da fare verso il sud della Francia in camper.     Ovviamente la scelta dipende da dove si parte e dal tempo che si ha a disposizione.

PRIMO PERCORSO  :  ATTRAVERSO IL MONGINEVRO

TORINO – SUSA – OULX – MONGINEVRO – BRIANCON – SAVINES LE LAC – SISTERON  (km 245) a scendere

Altrimenti  stesso percorso entrando però dopo la tangenziale a Collegno in autostrada E70 sino ad OULX (70 Km) per proseguire per 30 km sempre sulla SS24 sino a Briancon (Totale Km 100 ore 1,30)

 Si supera il paese di Chorges   sino a giungere,  dopo circa 40 Km, poco prima di La Saulce dove ci sono due possibilità. o si prende l’ autostrada A51 a pagamento oppure si  continua sulla D1085 che la fiancheggia, per altri 35 km sino a SISTERON , proseguendo poi verso la propria meta.

Le soste possibili in questo tratto:

SECONDO PERCORSO : IL COLLE DELLA MADDALENA

BORGO SAN DALMAZZO – VINADIO – PIETRAPORZIO – BARCELONNETTE – SAINT VINCENT LES FORTS – DIGNE LES BAINS – VALENSOLE (O VERSO SISTERON)

Questo è un percorso che ci porta nel cuore della Provenza , nei campi di lavanda e al parco naturale del Verdon.               Partiamo da Cuneo e Borgo San Dalmazzo lungo la strada SS21 che ci porta alle fonti di Vinadio , per proseguire sino a Pietraporzio, continuando su questa bella strada (come potete ammirare nelle foto sottostanti), ricca di bellissimi paesaggi naturali, sino a giungere alla serie di tornanti, ma molti dolci, che poco dopo ci portano al confine con la Francia.

Seguendo poi la D900 arriviamo a Barcellonette; se amate la montagna la valle dell’Ubaye è un mondo intero da esplorare.     Si può camminare sulle sponde di grandi laghi artificiali e di piccoli specchi d’acqua alpini, pescare o nuotare nelle sue acque tranquille o fare rafting nelle acque più impetuose.   Bello scoprire uno dopo l’altro i 14 paesi dell’Ubaye , sciare sulle piste innevate delle sue tre stazioni sciistiche oppure visitare i forti di Roche la Croix e di Tournoux , definita “la Versailles militare del XIX secolo”.

Da qui i percorsi possono essere due:

1) si prosegue intorno al lago sino a La Breole, la Saulce e giù verso Sisteron  per circa 75 km.(vedi percorso precedente).   Da  La Saulce o Sisteron verso la Camargue potete o continuare sulle statali o prendere l’ autostrada A51.

2) oppure se tra giugno e luglio volete ammirare i campi di lavanda allora si va verso Digne les Bains e Valensole per circa 100 km.   Da qui poi si può ancora proseguire sulla D952 verso il paese di Moustiers Sainte Marie  (noto per le sue maioliche) fino a giungere alle GOLE DEL VERDON, le gole più alte d’ Europa con il fiume Verdon colore smeraldo che sfocia nel Lago di SAINT CROIX . Bello risalire le gole partendo dal lago con le canoe o i pedalò.

TERZO PERCORSO : DALLA LIGURIA verso LA CAMARGUE 

Per raggiungere la Francia del sud un ulteriore percorso è dalla Costa Ligure e la Costa Azzurra.    Se non si ama fare la montagna si può certamente viaggiare lungo la costa e trovare altrettanti posti meravigliosi da vedere.       Se si vuole arrivare in Camargue solitamente io preferisco fare un primo ed unico tratto di autostrada per superare il confine e le Alpi, entrando ad esempio ad Arma di Taggia fino a Frejus- Saint Raphael. Sono 130 km per un costo di circa 18 euro (nel 2016) per poi continuare sulle comode statali.

Se arrivate in Liguria da lontano vi indico alcune soste comode.

La Costa Azzurra non è rinomata per avere molte aree sosta, e neppure per essere molto ospitale verso i camperisti.      Se avete proprio bisogno di una sosta vi consiglio la seguente

Oppure ecco un’ altra buona area sosta a circa 20 km  dopo a Saint Raphael

Ma proseguendo quindi da Frejus-Saint Raphael verso la Camargue si può continuare tutto il percorso tramite autostrada , alquanto costosa, mentre, se avete abbastanza tempo, comodo è anche proseguire sulla statale DN7, sulla quale si viaggia bene, in mezzo la campagna francese, a tratti a due corsie ma a tratti anche a quattro corsie.       Facendola di domenica poi il traffico è ridotto senza neppure i mezzi pesanti.                

  Oppure dopo AIX prendere la D9 e proseguire verso la  costa incrociando la A55.            Questo secondo tragitto consente di fare una  deviazione e scendere sempre lungo la D9 fino a  CARRO , un bel paesino di pescatori con una area  sosta fronte mare, mercatino del pesce tutte le  mattine.      Tornando indietro si riprende la superstrada A55, poi la N568 a salire fino ad ARLES…..ed eccoci in Camargue!

Ulteriori dettagli su cosa visitare in queste zone o le soste possibili le trovate nella sezione : I Nostri Viaggi – Francia – Provenza  e  Costa Azzurra.

• ← Viaggiare con cani e gatti in Francia
• Gole del Verdon e dintorni in camper →

32 pensieri su “ Che percorso fare verso il sud della Francia in camper ”

Io seguo sempre il primo itinerario ma da valensole devo in direzione di Fontaine de vaucluse percorrendo l’alta provenza visitando tantissimi paesini caratteristici e i campi di lavanda

assolutamente poi intorno si possono prendere diversi itinerari saranno nei miei prossimi articoli grazie

Mamma mia che lavorone! Splendido.

grazie 1000

Gran bel lavoro e utilissimo. 👍😅

grazie molto gentile – c’ è molta passione in questo sito – abbiate solo pazienza poco per giorno verrà riempito sempre con nuovi articoli interessanti – continuate a seguirci grazie

Ottimo lavoro si aprono nuove vie per la Spagna grazie

grazie a voi che mi seguite

Ottimo lavoro bravissima.

grazie Luisa scriverò poi anche i percorsi verso il nord della Francia

Grande Manuela… ottimo lavoro. .. cmq noi ci siamo trovati bene anche all’area sosta di s.te Maxime a 500 mt dal centro. .. vicino al mc Donald (comodo x connessione) sulla ss x l’autostrada. .. se nn ricordo male 5 eu… con carico e scarico all’esterno dell’area… quindi sempre utilizzabile

si certo la conosco come area sarà inserita nel diario specifico della Costa Azzurra – questo è un percorso di massima verso il sud della Francia – poi cosa c’ è da visitare e le soste dettagliate saranno in altri articoli

Che meraviglia di sito internet, estremamente utile e ben dettagliato

grazie veramente – ci metto molta passione e mi fa piacere condividere con gli altri le informazioni che conosco – continua a seguirmi il sito non è ancora completo ma poco alla volta ci saranno altri articoli interessanti

Non e vero che in costa azzurra I camperisti non sono bene accetti…e pieno di cartelli dove indicano zone adatte x I camper…aree sosta ecc.. a basso prezzo .mentre in liguria siamo sfrattati e considerati zingari…

io parlo per mia esperienza personale e la costa azzurra la paragono proprio alla liguria direi che non cambia molto……mentre il resto della francia è tutta un’ altra storia, aree sosta a 4 euro fronte mare, campeggi a 12 euro, possibilità spesso anche di sosta libera come facciamo noi, ……purtroppo la costa azzurra al di fuori di poche aree di cui alcune ho trovato piene di zingari e i campeggi costosi non offre molto altro……se poi uno è abituato ad andare in campeggio posti ce ne sono diversi infatti nel miei due articoli della Costa azzurra li ho riportati così come le aree presenti…..lo scorso anno ho voluto visitarla almeno una volta ma poi se posso scegliere preferisco appunto altre zone come la bretagna o la normandia

Bellissimo articolo e bravissima l’autrice! io ho seguito un paio di volte il primo percorso e mi fermo all’area di sosta sul lago di Embrun, a fianco c’è anche un campeggio comunale. Andando poi verso il confine spagnolo, cosa consigli? Grazie

ciao se vai a vedere gli altri articoli nel blog c’ è tutto il sud della francia con le aree sosta ed anche un articolo sulla spagna …..altri poi devo ancora scriverli ma seguimi e presto li leggerai…….Trovi anche consigli sulla viabilità, i pedaggi, le soste, il rifornimento bombole ecc sia in francia che spagna e portogallo la prossima settimana partiamo per la germania-olanda-belgio e francia per 4 mesi e scriveremo tutta la nostra vacanza

grande! proprio quello che mi serve, grazie. in programma avevo Spagna e Portogallo, spero di poterlo fare

mi fa piacere…non ho ancora terminato di caricare tutti i miei articoli ma spero di esserti già utile….ogni tanto visiona il blog

Grazie infinite per il lavoro che fate, vi seguo sempre, le vostre informazioni sono non utulissime….INDISPENSABILI

bene allora abbiamo raggiunto il nostro scopo dare buone informazioni che siano veramente utili anche ad altri camperisti….continua a seguirci nel blog grazie

Grazie per gli ottimi e fondamentali consigli. Lavoro fantastico.

grazie a voi che mi seguite….il blog non è ancora completo di articoli ma piano piano lo riempirò

Molto molto interessante!!grazie..mi piacerebbe sapere se c’ė autostrada o strada statale dicono che in francia l’autostrada costa cara..vero?

I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I used WORDPRESS there are several costs … then I did help to install it is not easy

ottime informazioni. Nel percorso da Barcellonette consiglio area sosta gratuita di fronte a un laghetto nel paese di Le Lauzet Ubaye, pochi posti quasi sulla sponda del lago, paesino piccolissimo. Passeggiando abbiamo trovato un antico ponte romano.

grazie per il tuo suggerimento e per il tuo apprezzamento ….prendo nota per il prossimo giro

Salve a tutti, io vorrei fare il primo percorso il prossimo weekend, qualcuno mi può dire se lo sa in questo periodo (fine gennaio) le condizioni stradali causa neve, ghiaccio ecc? Si può percorrere tranquillamente o no? Grazie a chi risponderà

Quindi attraverso il Monginevro…..visto che in questo periodo non ha più nevicato credo che sia tranquillamente percorribile perchè comunque sono strade che vengono tenute ben pulite – ovviamente siamo in inverno e ci sono diverse curve pertanto occorre guidare con prudenza

Si esatto parto da Torino e vorrei fare la E70, SS24 ed N94. In realtà mi fermo poi nella zona della località Gap, non arrivo fino alla costa, dove si terrà la prova del WRC mondiale rally. Grazie per la risposta

Lascia un commento Annulla risposta

Il tuo indirizzo email non sarà pubblicato. I campi obbligatori sono contrassegnati *

Questo sito usa Akismet per ridurre lo spam. Scopri come i tuoi dati vengono elaborati .

• Inscriviti/Accedi

Viaggio in Francia in camper

Francia in camper.

La Francia è la destinazione di viaggio preferita di molti camperisti. Non sorprende che la Francia abbia molto da offrire a tutti. Che siate alla ricerca di vigneti ondulati durante il vostro viaggio in camper, che vogliate esplorare attivamente la natura varia o che non vediate l'ora di scoprire una delle tante città storiche, la Francia ha tutto. Con più di 3.200 parchi RV in tutto il paese, trovare una piazzola vicino ai luoghi e alle attrazioni più belle è facile! Bon voyage !

Capitale                            Parigi Popolazione                    67,75 milion (2021) Lingua ufficiale              Francese Superficie                        551.695 km 2 Valuta                               Euro Totale camper              +560.000

Più ispirazione

5x brave autumn with the motorhome

6x sights on your motorhome journey in Germany

Camperstops in francia.

Viaggio in camper atraverso Francia

In Francia, troverete numerosi campeggi a breve distanza dalle città, dai luoghi d'interesse e dalla costa francese. Ecco perché il paese è considerato uno dei paesi più amichevoli per i camper in Europa! Un tour in camper in Francia è sempre una buona idea e offre davvero qualcosa per tutti. Culturalmente, ci sono molte città e luoghi da vedere. Per esempio, città come Nantes o Orléans sono ottimi posti da visitare con un camper! Volete qualcosa di completamente diverso, un'esperienza unica durante il vostro viaggio in camper attraverso la Francia? Allora France Passion è una preziosa aggiunta al tuo viaggio in Francia. Offre alloggio gratuito in più di 2000 agricoltori in tutta la Francia.

Ci sono sempre più zone ambientali in Francia. Per entrare nelle città, avrete sempre più bisogno di un adesivo ambientale. L'adesivo può essere ordinato tramite il sito ufficiale del governo francese.

Aree di sosta per camper in Francia

Si possono trovare siti di camper letteralmente in tutta la Francia. In Francia, come proprietario di un camper, puoi davvero decidere in quale regione vuoi andare. Vai pazzo per la natura? Allora non puoi sbagliare con un viaggio in camper in Francia, lo puoi trovare in quasi tutte le parti del paese! Nei Pirenei, per esempio, troverete molti siti di roulotte che vanno bene come base per una camminata decisa, ma anche intorno alla bella natura della Dordogna potete trovare numerosi siti di roulotte. Preferisci il sole e le sue famose località balneari? Tutta la costa della Francia è il posto giusto per te! I parcheggi per camper si trovano dal nord della Normandia al sud della Costa Azzurra.

Guarda l'intera aree di sosta per camper a Finlandia qui.

Itinerari per camper attraverso il Francia

La Francia è il luogo perfetto per pianificare un itinerario in camper, per esempio lungo la costa meridionale del paese. Qui si può facilmente alternare una tranquilla giornata di spiaggia con una gita in città, per esempio con la città portuale di Marsiglia. O fare un percorso in camper attraverso la famosa regione della Normandia e della Bretagna! Un itinerario in camper attraverso queste regioni è raccomandato per la storia, la cultura e la natura. Inoltre, la Route Napoléon è altamente raccomandata. Questo percorso ti porta sulle orme di Napoleone Bonaparte nel sud della Francia. L'itinerario porta da Cannes a Grenoble. Oltre a vari monumenti a Napoleone, si incontrano anche belle foreste e formazioni rocciose. Naturalmente, è anche possibile pianificare il proprio tour in camper, per esempio attraverso regioni famose come la Borgogna e l'Alsazia o sulla verde isola della Corsica.

  Scopri di più dell'Europa

  destinazioni popolari,  più ispirazione.

Per utilizzare tutte le funzioni di Camperstop è necessario iscriversi

• Città e Borghi
• Arte Cultura e Tradizioni
• Dove Andare
• Dove con i bambini
• News Turismo
• Aree di sosta
• Agricampeggi
• Tecnica e Accessori
• Concessionari & Officine
• Primi Passi
• News dal mercato
• Pronta Consegna
• Abbonamenti
• I nostri Gadget
• I tuoi Annunci
• Veicoli in pronta consegna

Tour in Francia per chi è alle prime esperienze in camper

La Francia è un paese sufficientemente vicino per poterlo scoprire un po’ alla volta, regione dopo regione. L’ospitalità verso i turisti itineranti è risaputa, la varietà di paesaggi in certe aree non fa rimpiangere le vacanze in Italia e per quanto riguarda la cucina e i vini, la sfida è sempre aperta ed è quanto mai delizioso fare parte della giuria di questa eterna rivalità.

La gran parte dei camperisti italiani seguono itinerari classici, come i Castelli della Loira , in Normandia e Bretagna e in Costa Azzurra , trascurando di conoscere a fondo aree bellissime ma fuori dai circuiti turistici più conosciuti e frequentati. Il nostro itinerario si svilupperà tra Languedoc, Roussillon e Midi Pyrénées e lo dedichiamo a chi non vuole percorrere troppi chilometri ma gustare mare montagna e città storiche in tutto relax.

Si tratta di un percorso perfetto per chi è alle prime esperienze in camper. La prima tappa è il Pont du Gard , l’acquedotto romano meglio conservato del mondo e costruito verso il 17 a.C. Si trova nel sud della Francia a Vers-Pont-du-Gard, vicino Remoulins. Fa parte di una canalizzazione lunga 50 chilometri voluta da Agrippa sotto l’imperatore Augusto e la consistenza dei depositi in calcare suggerisce che l’acquedotto abbia svolto il suo dovere per non meno di 400-500 anni. La località è diventata un vero e proprio centro di attrazione. Costituito da tre livelli di arcate, dal 1985 è stato inserito nell’elenco dei Patrimoni dell’umanità dell’UNESCO.

La sosta successiva sarà Nimes,  capoluogo del dipartimento del Gard nella regione dell’Occitania. La presenza di prestigiosi monumenti e resti architettonici romani come l’Anfiteatro, la Maison Carrée, la Tour Magne, la Porta d’Arles, i resti del Tempio di Diana, e, nelle sue vicinanze, del Ponte del Gard, hanno fatto sì che la città di guadagnasse il titolo di “ Roma francese “. Nîmes è anche conosciuta per la vivace vita culturale e sociale e per le tradizioni ed atmosfere che derivano dalla sua doppia eredità regionale, della Provenza e della Linguadoca. Tra i monumenti più suggestivi c’è  L’Arena , un anfiteatro romano il cui nome deriva dal latino ărēna, che indica la sabbia che ricopriva le platee degli anfiteatri romani. E’ uno dei maggiori anfiteatri nel suo genere, e anche di uno tra i meglio conservati, tanto che in Francia è considerato e protetto come monumento storico di Francia dal 1840. Viene ancora utilizzato regolarmente per spettacoli ed eventi culturali.

Prima di rilassarci sulle rive della laguna a Sète, la Venezia della Languedoc, è d’obbligo una tappa a Montpellier, capitale del distretto che cominceremo a visitare da Place de la Comédie . Da Sète percorriamo il litorale e risaliamo il canale du Midi sino a Bézieres sul cui promontorio, che domina la valle dell’ Orb, sorge la spettacolare cattedrale di Saint Nazaire . Quindi torniamo verso il mare fermandoci a Narbonne città visigota con un interessante centro medioevale. Gli amanti della tintarella potranno gustarsi qualche giorno esplorando il suo litorale sabbioso.

Lustratevi gli occhi prima di entrare a Carcassonne , non crederete a quello che vedete: una stupenda città murata! Suggestivo anche il prossimo centro, Foix, in particolare il suo castello e il centro storico. Siamo ai piedi dei Pirenei e vale la pena spingersi fino alla repubblica di Andorra.

Nel cuore dei Pirenei scoprirete il piacere di una simpatica passeggiata in quota e anche di fare il pieno di carburante a prezzi stracciati. Tornati in Francia costeggiamo i Pirenei lungo la dorsale tra luoghi di interesse naturalistico. Si possono fare digressioni in quota, visitare le grotte nei pressi di Tarascon, ma una sosta la consigliamo a St. Lizier un delizioso borgo adagiato sui monti di Couserans , con il suo castello-museo e tante piccole sorprese da scoprire. Chi lo desiderasse può fare una deviazione verso Lourdes, meta di pellegrinaggio, altrimenti si può tirare dritti verso Tolosa . È una città interessante dove vale la pena trascorrere almeno un paio di giorni. Le serate passeranno piacevolmente nei suoi caffè all’aperto e le giornate saranno riempite dalle visite ai suoi importanti siti. A proposito, i vostri figli vi toglieranno il saluto se non li portate alla Città dello Spazio , un parco a tema scientifico, orientato verso lo spazio, l’astronomia e la conquista spaziale dove poter salire sui veicoli spaziali a grandezza naturale e mettervi al comando del Soyouz di prima generazione e della copia esatta della base spaziale Mir.

SOSTA CAMPER Sosta libera La Francia è uno dei paesi più clementi verso la sosta libera dei camperisti, fatta eccezione delle zone costiere più rinomate. Oltre a una fitta rete di camper service, moltissimi campeggi hanno la buona abitudine di organizzare all’ingresso l’area attrezzata per i camper. Alla Città dello spazio di Tolosa c’è un parcheggio riservato ai camperisti e ombreggiato. Informazioni interessanti sul sito www.airecampingcar.com Sosta in campeggio I campeggi sono mediamente meno cari rispetto a quelli italiani, soprattutto nell’interno.

Leggi anche:  QUEYRAS, UNA REGIONE DOVE I CAMPER SONO I BENVENUTI

• In evidenza

Articoli Correlati

Ora in vendita il nuovo carthago c-tourer i/t 145 rb le, carthago c-tourer t 145 rb le mercedes: video test, nuovo volkswagen california ora anche ibrido.

In Francia bellissimi itinerari e paradiso per i camperisti.

Verissimo poi all ‘interno stupenda e camperisti sempre bene accettati

Verissimo, la Francia è veramente il paradiso dei camperisti : ovunque campeggi o aree di sosta, molto spesso in bei posti, ovunque accolgono i nostri amici pelosi,buon cibo ed ottimi vini!

Come sono i prezzi dei campeggi ?

La metà di quelli italiani. Ovviamente se non vai sul lusso.

Comments are closed.

LANGUEDOC – ROUSSILLON

La regione della Languedoc-Roussillon segue la lunga linea costiera sud-occidentale della Francia, dalla Provenza ai Pirenei. Sono ormai diversi anni che transitiamo da queste parti per raggiungere la Spagna in inverno. In questa pagina abbiamo raccolto gli articoli pubblicati fin’ora relativi a questa regione. Per vostra comodità li abbiamo suddivisi per dipartimento, come potete vedere dalla cartina pubblicata qui sotto. La maggior parte delle soste in camper suggerite nei nostri “post” sono effettuate presso aree gratuite o in sosta libera. Il nostro stile di vita non prevede l’utilizzo di campeggi o strutture a pagamento, che più si adattano ad un turismo estivo e vacanziero.

• Alla scoperta del ponte romano più alto del mondo. Vi segnaliamo le soste gratuite con il vostro camper
• Lussan, il vascello medievale e le Gorges d’Aiguillon. I nostri consigli per la sosta in camper
• L’incredibile Cirque du Navacelle: ecco come raggiungerlo in camper
• Strade da brivido: in camper da Florac a Le Rozier lungo le gole del Tarn
• Le migliori soste in camper lungo la favolosa ciclabile Passa Païs
• Il Parco Naturale della Narbonnaise: dove sostare in camper tra Narbonne e il mare

Pirenei Orientali

• Sosta in camper lungo la spettacolare Côte Vermeille
• Cosa fare a Le Boulou in attesa di riparare il nostro Webasto !

AVVERTENZE !

Le cose cambiano nel tempo:  le soste gratuite diventano a pagamento, i prezzi aumentano, le aree di sosta cambiano gestione o chiudono, la qualità dei servizi migliora o diventa più scadente. I parcheggi in cui fermarsi con il camper ( le cosiddette soste “tollerate” ) vengono banditi dai comuni. Ci sono periodi dell’anno ( normalmente in alta stagione ) in cui non è possibile fermarsi in sosta libera in alcune delle località descritte ( verifica sempre la data in cui abbiamo visitato la sosta )

COSA NE PENSI ?

Tienici aggiornato e segnalaci eventuali errori di compilazione, imprecisioni o variazioni nelle caratteristiche della sosta descritta. Il tuo aiuto è fondamentale per tutti gli amici camperisti e in generale per la comunità che vive e viaggia “on the road” !

INFORMATIVA

Privacy overview.

Live from Paris: Taylor Swift adds 'Tortured Poets' songs to Eras Tour in France

PARIS, France — The Chairman jump-started her tour after a two-month hiatus, and anticipation was high over whether Taylor Swift would incorporate her 11th era album into the Eras Tour set at La Défense Arena on Thursday.

She did and then some.

Swift extended the set list by one track to land at 46 songs. But many changes were made along the way. She added a new era for "The Tortured Poets Department," cut a handful of songs and rearranged most of the eras including combining the sets for "Folklore" and "Evermore."

She also debuted a number of new outfits along the way.

Delivering all the updates were Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's full-time Taylor Swift reporter, from inside La Défense Arena in Paris, with Swiftie and trending reporter Anthony Robledo assisting from his desk.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

We hereby present the minutes from the first Eras Tour meeting in Paris, France.

More: Taylor Swift unveils new Eras Tour set list in Paris

'Midnights' set follows secret songs

Swift stuck to her original set list for the "Midnights" era by singing "Lavender Haze," "Anti-Hero" and "Midnight Rain." She ended the night with a triumphant rendition of "Karma" as usual.

'loml' is second secret song

Fans got one more taste of "The Tortured Poets Department" when Swift played the heartbreaking song "loml" on the piano during her secret set.

'Paris' is a secret song, of course

Swift started her secret set with "Paris," a bonus song from her "Midnights" album.

'Tortured Poets' set list

Swift played these songs from her newest album:

• "But Daddy I Love Him"
• "So High School"
• "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me"
• "Fortnight"
• "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived"
• "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart"

New 'Tortured Poets' set is here

Toward the end of her show, Swift officially launched the long-awaited “The Tortured Poets Department” section of the tour after the 1989 era.

Swift performed the track “But Daddy I Love Him” off the April 19 album for her ecstatic fans while wearing a new beige dress with cursive letters.  

A road spiraled down the catwalk in an animation to initiate the era. The background animation showed a deserted road while large cages animated and fell on the road.

“Oh my god you should see your faces,” she sang.

She quickly segued into a brief moment of “So High School,” the beloved track speculated to be about her romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She quickly performed the powerhouse anthem “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me.”

Swift switched to “Down Bad” before seamlessly transitioning into the lead single “Fortnight.” Stage production recreated an asylum that resembled the music video for the song with Post Malone, recorded harmony played concluding the song. 

Dancers entered the stage in a marching band style format playing drums as she performed the wrath-fueled song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.” Jan Ravnik and Kameron Saunders then revived Swift in a jazzy skit to set up “I Can Do With A Broken Heart,” where she debuted another new outfit. 

“The End” text displayed wrapping up the era that’s likely here to stay. Other beloved tracks like “Guilty As Sin” and “Florida!” did not make the cut.

New '1989' outfit

Swift never goes out of Style. During her “1989” set, she debuted a new, sequined outfit of blue and pink. Her sparkly shoes matched with a different colored heel on each. For the bridge of “Blank Space,” the crowd started chanting in Sydney, Australia, “Syd-ney” as a nod to the 1989 World Tour concert movie where Swift would chant the name of the city she was in after hitting a pole with a club two times. Singapore followed the chant and Taylor Nation tweeted they want every city to incorporate the fan-fueled chant.In Paris, thousands chanted “Par-ee,” the French way to say the capital city.

Swift made no cuts to the "1989" set.

Four songs cut from 'Folklore' and 'Evermore'

The new set list cut four tracks from the "Folklore" and "Evermore" eras:

• "'Tis the Damn Season"
• "Tolerate It"
• "The Last Great American Dynasty"

The combined set included eight songs altogether and wrapped up with "Willow."

'Folkmore' set debuts

Swift revealed she merged the 2020 pandemic albums “Folklore” and “Evermore” into one section. She told fans she wrote “Folklore” to represent spring and summer with “Evermore” representing fall and winter in what she always considered sister albums.

“On the Eras Tour we have now reunited the sisters, combined them into one chapter,” she said. “You can call it whatever you want as long as you promise to sing ‘Champagne Problems’ with me.”

'Folklore' set: 'Cardigan' makes the cut

Many fans had speculated "Cardigan" would be cut from the set list. But Swift actually moved it to the top of the "Folklore" set.

Up next: 'Reputation'

Swift kicked off her fifth set with "Ready for It?"

Another surprise: 'Speak Now' era comes fourth

Swift updated her "Speak Now" set with an intro dance featuring Raphael Thomas and eight other dancers wearing flowy purple dresses. She then sang "Enchanted."

Fan favorite track "Long Live" was cut from the set list.

Order of eras changed

After a fairly routine "Fearless" set, Swift altered her concert by including the “Red” era third instead of the expected “Evermore” set. Previously, "Red" came fifth.

With a new shirt that read “This Is Not Taylor’s Version,” the singer performed "22" and showed her audience that they needed to leave any expectations at home. 

The relocated "Red" set included the same four songs: "22," "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," "I Knew You Were Trouble" and "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)."

Beflore playing “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” Swift talked about bringing all of her favorite memories to France.She did her 2019 “Lover” live show here but hadn’t brought a tour to the country since the Speak Now World Tour 13 years ago.“I cannot thank you enough. I’m so moved," she said.

Follow along with set list changes here .

First set list change

Swift cut "The Archer" from her "Lover" set before beginning her "Fearless" set in a silver and black minidress as opposed to her classic gold one. A graphic showed her "Lover" house with a new addition in the attic for "The Tortured Poets Department." Her "Fearless" set remained the same with "Fearless," "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story."

More: Taylor Swift's 'Love Story' castle will soon host weddings

'Je m'appelle Taylor'

In her monologue before playing the song "Lover," Swift said the night would span 18 years of music. Previously, the concert covered 16 years. Get ready for a "The Tortured Poets Department" addition some time tonight.

She confirmed the tour would still go era by era, and also spoke about how Paramore is a band she idolized since she was a teenager. She ended with some French: "Je m'appelle Taylor."

First new outfit

Swift debuted a new, orange bodysuit and jacket for the "Lover" set.

Snippet of 'Tortured Poets' in intro

A snippet of the song "The Tortured Poets Department" was included in the intro music Swift kicks the concert off with. Is she foreshadowing other changes ahead? It seems likely.

Taylor Swift takes the stage

Swift took the stage about 8 p.m. in Paris (2 p.m. ET) to relaunch her Eras Tour in Europe. She kicked it off with a countdown clock and the Lesley Gore song "You Don't Own Me" as usual. Then she began her "Lover" set with "Miss Americana."

Paramore covers Blondie, Talking Heads in Paris set list

At the Paris show Thursday, Paramore energized fans with eight tracks including their cover off the upcoming “Stop Making Sense” tribute album out May 17 featuring artists like Miley Cyrus and Lorde.

Debuting a blond mullet, lead singer Hayley Williams encouraged fans to dance without fear of judgment ahead of Swift’s performance.

“Enjoy your time with Miss Taylor, we will see you next time,” Williams said. 

Paramore's set list included:

• "Hard Times"
• "Burning Down the House" (Talking Heads cover) 
• "Caught in the Middle"
• “Brick by Boring Brick”
• “The Only Exception”
• “That’s What You Get”
• “Ain't It Fun”
• “This Is Why”

Paramore begins their set

At about 6:45 p.m. in Paris (12:45 p.m. ET), Paramore began their set, officially restarting the second year of the historic Eras Tour. Lead singer Hayley Williams sported a new, blond mullet hairdo.

Paramore opens European leg of Eras Tour

The American rock band is joining Swift on her European leg of 51 shows. Paramore also opened the show for two nights in Glendale, Arizona, in 2023. Their setlist then included nine songs:

• "This Is Why"
• "That’s What You Get"
• "The Only Exception"
• "Still Into You"
• "Rose-Colored Boy"
• "Misery Business"
• "Ain’t It Fun"

Where to watch the Eras Tour livestreams

The Eras Tour is one of the first tours that has been followed, globally, by thousands of fans on digital platforms. Fans dedicate part of their concert experience to livestreaming as Swift performs. Livestream Queen Tess Bohne has spearheaded the "Great War" to find fans going live on social media and broadcasting a custom show to tens of thousands of fans almost every night on her account @tessdear .

On YouTube, user @TaylorSwiftHockeyBro also livestreams the 3-hour show, and on Twitch, @folkleric is a host fans follow.

There is also an app, Swift Alert , that notifies fans who only want to watch certain eras like the acoustic, surprise set. The app also sends out push alerts if there are any major announcements.

What secret songs are left?

For the past 83 shows, Swift has had an acoustic set she customizes every stop with a guitar and piano performance. In 2024, the Eras Tour star added mash-ups of her songs for each stop. Here are the songs she has yet to perform:

• "Taylor Swift" (debut album): "Mary's Song" and "A Perfectly Good Heart"
• "Fearless": "The Way I Loved You," "Change," "Superstar," "We Were Happy," "That's When," "Don't You" and "Bye Bye Baby"
• "Red": "Girl At Home," "Ronan," "Forever Winter" and "Run"
• "1989": "Sweeter Than Fiction"
• "Reputation": "I Did Something Bad"
• "Lover": "London Boy," "Soon You'll Get Better" and "It's Nice to Have a Friend"
• "Folklore": "Hoax"
• "Evermore": "Happiness" and "Closure"
• "Midnights": "Paris" and "Glitch"
• "The Tortured Poets Department": all 31 tracks

Bienvenue dans le 'Eras Tour'

Welcome to the Eras Tour (France's Version). Swift is kicking off her 3-plus-hour concert from La Défense Arena in the Jardins de l’Arche district. The venue is Europe’s largest indoor arena and houses the Racing 92 rugby club. More than 40,000 fans will watch the concert, according to the stadium's website.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.

Catch Taylor Swift live with tickets at  Vivid Seats , shop  merchandise , and stream her latest on  Disney+ . Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .