Why France tops the list for campervan & motorhome road trips...
If you’re travelling by campervan, motorhome or caravan, France is hands down one of the most welcoming countries in Europe—and that’s not just travel blog fluff, it’s the real deal!
With its brilliant network of aires, well-equipped campsites, smooth roads (mostly!), and a laid-back attitude towards vanlife, France really knows how to roll out the red carpet for road trippers. Whether you’re after mountain views, seaside stops, or quaint countryside villages, it’s all there—and easily accessible with four wheels and a bit of wanderlust.
In this blog, I’m diving into exactly why France is such a dream destination for van travellers. From hassle-free overnight spots to boulangeries within walking distance of your pitch (yes, really), France ticks all the boxes—and then some.
Aires in France
Firstly, the network of aires (many of which are completely free!) located right across France is a huge win.
“Aires” (or Aires de Camping Cars) are designated parking areas, primarily in France, where motorhomes and campervans can legally park overnight. They are often described as a more basic alternative to campsites, offering parking spaces that may include basic services like water, waste disposal, and sometimes even electricity.
Most aires are actually located in or near major towns, villages or POI’s making them super convenient. We’ve listed the best aires throughout our new ‘Road Trip France’ guidebook and you can also use apps such as Park4Night to find even more!
Campsites in France
Furthermore, the abundance of campsites across France makes road tripping here an absolute dream. From great-value municipal sites to 5-star luxury spots with pools and hot tubs, France really does have it all (and then some). For campervan and motorhome users, a trip to France offers a fantastic selection of well-maintained campsites.
On your own road trip to France, you’ll notice that some campsites are part of larger groups—such as Huttopia, Yelloh! Village, Les Castels, Flower Campings and Sandaya. These tend to offer a consistent level of quality, but can sometimes lack that authentic French charm you might be craving. (By the way, my new Road Trip France book has a great mix of campsites so you’re in safe hands).
And while we’re on the subject of authentic French experiences—keep your eyes peeled for fresh bread services at campsites. You can literally order a baguette (or a croissant or two…) every morning, sometimes delivered right to your pitch. Try getting that at a UK campsite!
Motorhome Service Points in France
Next up, we have the hundreds of well-placed service points. These are dotted all over the country and make life on the road super easy—allowing you to empty waste tanks, top up water, and generally keep things ticking over with minimal fuss.
While not all of them are free and some of them often don’t have water available, they can often provide a welcome lifeline on your French road trip.
The best way to find them is via apps such as Park4Night where you can specifically filter your search results.
The Road Network in France
The road network across France is genuinely one of the best in Europe, especially from a motorhome or campervan perspective. Motorways (autoroutes) are smooth, well-maintained and brilliantly signposted, making long drives a breeze. Even rural routes tend to be in great condition, with less traffic and plenty of scenic stops. There’s a real sense that the infrastructure supports road travel, with wide lanes, frequent service areas, and thoughtful layouts that make navigating in a larger vehicle far less stressful. It all adds up to a relaxed, enjoyable driving experience—exactly what you want on a road trip.
The French Attitude towards Motorhomes & Campervans...
There’s a refreshingly sensible and welcoming attitude towards motorhomers in France, and it genuinely feels like we’re seen as an asset rather than a nuisance. Local communities seem to understand and appreciate the value we bring when we travel through their villages and towns. It’s not just about filling up at a local aire for the night—although those are a brilliant resource—it’s about contributing to the local economy in a meaningful way. We’re the ones eating in their restaurants, popping into their cafés for a morning espresso, exploring their museums, and picking up gifts or essentials from their independent shops and charming little boutiques.
This positive attitude makes a huge difference to the overall travel experience. Instead of being met with restrictions or suspicion, we’re welcomed in with open arms and offered well-maintained places to stay, clear signage, and easy access to local amenities. It fosters a real sense of connection between travellers and the places they visit, which in turn encourages slow, respectful, and more immersive travel. It’s a win-win for everyone—and it’s one of the key reasons why so many campervan and motorhome users fall in love with touring France.
So now the question is, when are you going to France in your Motorhome or Campervan?
Stop endlessly scrolling through YouTube videos, travel blogs, and picture-perfect snaps on Instagram—get out there and experience just how magical a road trip through France can be!
If you’re in need of a little nudge, my Road Trip France guidebook has pretty much everything you’ll need to get started. From legal must-knows to unmissable destinations, I’ve packed it full of practical tips and insider advice. You’ll find everything from aires and campsites to ready-made itineraries and hidden gems dotted across the country.
Think of it as your trusty co-pilot for exploring France by campervan or motorhome. Head over to the product page now, grab your copy, and get ready to hit the road—France is waiting!
