You're ready for an epic road trip... but is France motorhome friendly?
Exploring France in a motorhome…
If you’re planning a road trip to France in a motorhome, you might be wondering what to expect. The logistics, the practicalities, there’s so much to consider. Perhaps the biggest question of all, however, is this: Is France motorhome friendly? Well, the answer is a resounding yes!
France is hands down one of the most welcoming countries in Europe if you’re travelling in a motorhome (or ‘camping-car’, as the French call them!). A brilliant network of aires (many of which are free!), campsites, handy service points, and well-maintained roads make exploring this beautiful country a piece of cake, no matter the size of your vehicle!
Whether you’re after stunning mountain views, beautiful beaches, scenic waterfalls or storybook villages, France is the perfect choice for an epic motorhome adventure.
In what way is France motorhome friendly?
In all honesty, France puts the UK to shame when it comes to road tripping. There’s a refreshingly sensible attitude towards motorhomers here, and a real understanding of the value we bring to local villages and towns. It’s not just the fact we’re using their aires – it’s so much more than that. We’re also dining at their restaurants, snacking in their cafés, visiting their museums, and shopping in their charming boutiques. We’re helping the local economy – and they really appreciate that!
Okay, so the idea of a French road trip might feel a bit daunting at first. For example, you might feel apprehensive about driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road in your motorhome, but it’s really not as scary as it sounds. You will get used to it! Check out my previous blog here for the ultimate guide to driving in France! It should put your mind at ease and has all the legal stuff you need to know as well. You may also find my video below helpful!
Aires – what to expect
There’s a huge network of aires in France, and many of these are completely free. So, what exactly are aires, I hear you ask? Well, aires (known in full as Aires de Camping Cars) are designated overnight parking areas for motorhomes and campervans. They’re generally seen as an alternative to campsites, so as well as offering a parking space for your moho, there may be additional services such as fresh water, and black/grey waste disposal. Some sites also offer electricity! Please note that caravans are generally not permitted at aires.
You’ll find that most aires are situated near major towns, villages or tourist attractions, which is super convenient. The general rule, however, is to avoid staying overnight at aires located on motorways and toll roads where possible. Unfortunately, these are more prone to break-ins and thefts. Trust your instincts and don’t stay anywhere that doesn’t feel right– there are plenty of alternatives! There are loads of aires listed in my Road Trip France guidebook here if you need help finding somewhere! Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to close all curtains and blinds in your vehicle, don’t leave any valuables on show, and double lock with retrofitted locks if applicable.
One thing to note is that many aires – and some car parks – feature a barrier entry system that requires you to take a ticket on entry. The ticket machine is always on the left-hand side of your vehicle, not the UK driver’s side. If you don’t have a passenger on board who can grab the ticket for you, simply leave your vehicle and walk around to the ticket machine The barrier will stay open until you pass through it!
Campsites in France
France has a brilliant selection of campsites to make your road trip adventure hassle-free. These usually accept all forms of camping vehicles – including motorhomes – and tents. Most campsites generally offer a full range of services, including electricity, showers and toilets. Campsites in France have a star rating system to give you an idea of what to expect. Many of those with four- or five-star ratings will have heated pools, saunas and restaurants – talk about luxury! Some campsites offer fresh bread services and will deliver baguettes or croissants straight to your pitch! There’s also a selection of municipal campsites, which are run by local authorities. The facilities at these will be a little more basic, and electricity isn’t always guaranteed, but they offer good value for money.
Off-grid park-ups
If you’re in a self-contained motorhome, you can sometimes find a park-up off the beaten track. There are usually no facilities at off-grid park-ups, but they can be useful in remote areas. France Passion is a network of farms, wineries and other producers who allow self-contained motorhomes and campervans to park overnight on their property for free. In total, France Passion offers around 10,000 spaces across France!
Other useful resources
As well as France Passion, check out Camping-Car Park, a network of rest areas and service areas for motorhomes and campervans, covering France. Other helpful resources include Park4Night, Searchforsites and Pitchup.com – so make sure you’ve got easy access to the internet!
Toll roads explained
France has about four times as many toll roads as we have here in the UK. In fact, most of the motorway network in France is comprised of toll roads. Sure, you have to pay, but these roads are fast, direct, and well-maintained, with plenty of aires and service stations along the way. If you’re using them regularly on your trip, it’s well worth getting a télépéage tag. It lets you skip the queues at toll booths by using dedicated tag lanes, where the system scans your tag and charges your bank directly. You can order one easily from the UK by clicking the link here.
You might be wondering whether French toll roads are worth it. They’re fast, more direct, well maintained, and ideal if you’re short on time. But they can be pricey, less scenic, and occasionally have toll booth queues. It’s worth mixing your route up a bit – don’t just stick to toll roads. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds – you’ll have the convenience factor when needed, but you won’t miss out on that wonderful scenery.
Is France motorhome friendly? YES!
Now that your mind has been put at rest, it’s time to start planning your motorhome trip to France! Don’t forget, the Road Trip France guidebook has pretty much everything you’ll need to get started. It features must-see attractions and hidden gems, as well as details of aires, campsites and off-grid park-ups. Furthermore, you’ll find QR codes and what3words locations so you can pinpoint destinations with the greatest of ease! This book is a must-have if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to road tripping in France! Now, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy everything that France has to offer! Happy travelling!
