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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 findr 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 doctor just one click away in your app, 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 & GoSo 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:
- 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, 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:
Carreteras
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.
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.
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 from 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.
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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!
The route through the Landes is not listed, is it correct? Justament es cap on estem pensant anar!
Bones família, correct, I have not been able to write about Les Landes cap post 🙂 No m'ha donat la vida encara 🙂