France by motorhome: Guide + 21 essential routes

Guide to France by motorhome or camper

Discover the ultimate campervan destination , the most motorhome-friendly country in Europe. And discover it with this motorhome travel guide to France , which we've created based on our own experience from numerous motorhome trips throughout France.

Here you'll find everything you need to know to travel to France by motorhome. Regulations on parking, overnight stays, and camping in motorhomes or campervans, recommended overnight spots, tips, and tricks.

In addition, this guide shows you 21 essential motorhome or campervan routes through France to help you plan your next trip. These are 21 routes we've personally driven and are sharing with you based on our own experiences.

The first tip before starting

Basic guide to France by motorhome

Welcome to the adventure of exploring France by motorhome!

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

From charming medieval villages to endless vineyards , France offers a unique experience for motorhome enthusiasts. Join us on this exciting journey as we uncover the secrets of life on wheels in the land of elegance, history, and fine dining.

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 1st and March 31st, in 48 departments of France, including those bordering Spain, it is mandatory to carry snow chains (at least for two-wheel drive vehicles) or winter tires.

If you want to see an article about which snow chains and/or winter tires are best for a motorhome, here's an article we wrote based on our experience with our motorhome.

Finally, here's an article with recommendations on what you should never do in the snow while traveling in a motorhome, and a video summary of the problems and solutions you might encounter when traveling in a motorhome in snowy areas.

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

To go to France, you must carry valid ID cards or passports for adults and children as identification documents.

On the other hand, for medical matters, you must have a valid European Health Insurance Card , although you should know that in France there is a co-payment for foreigners in most medical procedures. Therefore, and based on the experiences of several colleagues, we always decide to have travel insurance , which, given the cost, gives us peace of mind. We always use Iati Family or Escapadas insurance, which is designed for family trips in motorhomes or campervans. Besides medical insurance, it even includes accident insurance for pets and a small amount of theft coverage for the interior of the motorhome. For the price, it's truly worth it. We're including a 5% discount on the insurance we mentioned here, with no obligation, in case you'd like to request a quote to get the best price.

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

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 stipulate that you can park and spend the night anywhere a vehicle can, as long as you do not camp (leave the perimeter of your vehicle, i.e., put 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.

However, as a general rule , wild camping (setting up tables and chairs, opening windows, putting up awnings, etc.) is prohibited throughout France in these heavily monitored areas:

• By the sea
• 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, each case must be examined in relation to the region and place we are in, a regulatory maelstrom.

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

Traveling through France by motorhome is very easy, as it boasts the largest network of motorhome areas in Europe, with over 6000 sites . These areas offer full services, including waste disposal and water filling, and many also have 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 designated areas for campervans . You can easily find some of the best ones by searching on Google Maps.

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

Routes

In general, the roads in France are very good. National roads usually have shoulders and are generally in good condition, although depending on the area you'll find many changes in gradient, curves, and heavy two-way traffic.

The highways are excellent, but the prices are exorbitant. There are some dual carriageways along some sections, but they are very few.

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.

If you want to see an article about which snow chains and/or winter tires are best for a motorhome, here's an article we wrote based on our experience with our motorhome.

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. Explore the various regions and departments of this great campervan-friendly country, where traveling by motorhome will be easy and you'll enjoy stunning natural and cultural paradises.

1. The magical French Brittany

Enjoy one of the most magical places in France by motorhome. In French Brittany, you'll discover an incredible coastline and nature, full of mysteries, impressive lighthouses, standing stones, and amazing prehistoric sites like Carnac, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, if you go to French Brittany, make a note to visit Vannes, take a musical tour of the hobbit-house village of Meneham , and since you'll be nearby, visit the impressive Mont Saint Michel Abbey, a World Heritage Site , which you should book well in advance to avoid missing out on tickets or having to wait in long queues.

2. Tarn et Garonne by motorhome

The French department of Tarn et Garonne will delight you if you're looking for a quiet, uncrowded but charming place to visit in a motorhome.

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

A motorhome trip along the Costa Roja is the perfect complement to a route through Cap de Creus. A journey 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, bordering Andorra, we find a route through the Ariège region that you shouldn't miss, perfect for exploring by motorhome . Nature, tranquility, thermal springs, and ski resorts await you.

5. Normandy between cliffs and traces of war

A trip to Normandy by motorhome is one of those journeys that leaves no one indifferent. A journey filled with conflicting emotions, it's a trip every motorhome enthusiast should take.

6. From castle to castle along the Loire

Discover a route where fairy tales, princesses, and princes will accompany you every step of the way. Visiting the Loire Valley castles in a motorhome, accompanied by our bicycles, is one of the most dreamlike journeys.

7. Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 

On a motorhome trip through the Périgord and Dordogne regions , 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 Swiss border, we find this destination, nestled on the shores of one of Europe's largest lakes. Discover the French countryside along Lake Geneva by campervan , a region dotted with charming villages, where the majestic Alps rise just a few kilometers away. A region that will surprise you!

9. The French Alps

Whether for skiing in winter or enjoying its trails and landscapes in summer, the French Alps are always a great destination by motorhome . And on this route, don't forget the beautiful city of Annecy , the French Venice.

10. Disneyland in a motorhome a MUST with children

Whether you like it or not, there's one destination that's always included on a motorhome trip through France with children. Enjoy Disneyland in your motorhome or campervan and let yourself be swept away by the Disney world.

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

Discover a destination that may not be familiar to you, but has so much to offer. Traveling through Quercy by motorhome is a destination that won't disappoint.

12. Alsace at Christmas, a must with a motorhome

If we're talking about a Christmas trip, this is undoubtedly the ultimate motorhome adventure in France. Discover Alsace by motorhome this Christmas.

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

Discover a place brimming with thermal springs, ski slopes, castles, and nature trails in the heart of the French Pyrenees. Vallespir by motorhome , Capcir by motorhome , or the Eyne and Llo Valleys in the French Cerdanya by motorhome will charm you in summer or winter.

14. Skiing and snowshoeing in the French Pyrenees

Discover fantastic ski slopes like Font Romeu , Les Angles, or Portè Puymorens by motorhome . These are ideal places for families and also for learning to ski, as they all have some free beginner slopes.

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

In the south of France, you can discover the Cathar Trail, exploring its castles and magnificent natural landscapes. Enjoy a Cathar castle tour by motorhome and discover the authentic France.

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

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

17. The Camargue National Park, between marshes

Among marshes, birds and Roman archaeological sites of the surrounding towns we discovered the Camargue in a 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 road trip through Narbonne and Carcassonne to Toulouse in a motorhome, exploring the surrounding area, is a perfect 10, especially at Christmas when all these cities, along with Le Bacarès, transform into Christmas fairytales filled with Christmas markets and attractions. It's an essential Christmas route through the South of France 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.