Motorhome camping in France: A journey with freedom and adventure

If you are looking for a place to find rich history, charming villages, stunning landscapes and good food, France is the perfect destination for you! Motorhome camping in France brings you a great way to explore all the best France has to offer. It is just lovely to discover the country while still enjoying the comfort of your own place!

In this article, we will delve into the essentials of camping with a motorhome in France. We will go into key destinations, practical tips, and the overall experience of traveling through France.

Why choose motorhome camping in France?

Motorhome camping in France is becoming more and more of a popular choice for both locals and tourists. The allure lies in the ability to travel at your own pace. The convenience of having all amenities on board is such a great advantage. When camping in France you will often find yourself staying in picturesque locations.

The flexibility and freedom that motorhome travel offers is incredible. With a motorhome, you can create your own itinerary. You can stay longer in places you love, and change your plans any time. Because you have your home with you, you don’t have to worry about booking an accommodation in advance or adhere to a strict schedule.

Another great benefit is the comfort and convenience that a motorhome provides. Modern motorhomes are equipped with all the necessities. This means having your own bed, kitchen and bathroom always with you. This ensures a stress- free trip where you can cook your own meals and enjoy a good night’s sleep wherever you are. The ability to cook your own meals, means you can reduce dining expenses as well.

France offers a diverse range of landscapes. From the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean sea to the scenic vineyards of Bordeaux. The breathtaking beauty of the Alps, and the ancient forests of the Ardennes. A motorhome allows you to experience all of these environments in one trip.

Motorhome travel allows you to immerse into the local culture. Many free campsites are located in small and beautiful villages in the countryside. These overnight stays will allow you to enjoy the local culture of the country, complete with weekend markets and local food specialties. 

Essential preparations for motorhome camping in France

Before you start your motorhome trip, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here are some important considerations:

1 Choosing the Right Motorhome

Not every motorhome will suit your needs, but don’t worry, there is a wide selection of RV’s. When selecting a motorhome, always consider the size, amenities, and ease of driving and of course your budget. Rental companies usually offer multiple different types of RV so make sure to compare. 

2 Documentation and Insurance

Make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you. This includes your driver’s license, insurance papers and vehicle registration papers / rental agreement. For visitors outside of the EU (European Union) you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you come with your own motorhome make sure you get a Crit’Air! Crit’Air is the mandatory environmental sticker for vehicles in France. 

3 Understanding French Road Rules

It is always advised to look up the road rules of a country before you start driving there. In France most of the road rules are similar to the rest of the EU. For travelers from outside of the EU there might be some different traffic laws then those that you are used to. Here you can check these rules. Also keep in mind that some roads are quite narrow and low bridges are not uncommon in France. Not all motorhomes can fit on all roads!

4 Campsite Reservations

During peak camping season (during the school summer holidays) the campings in France can fill up quickly. To make sure you have a spot to spend the night you can make a reservation. If you go to touristic places this is definitely advised! Outside peak season the campings are not fully booked and you could easily drive around and find a spot to spend the night without making reservations. 

5 Packing Essentials

The weather can be unpredictable, no matter the season. It is a smart thing to pack clothing for different weather conditions. Even in the summer you can have a cold or rainy day. Cooking supplies are always necessary during your motorhome getaway. A reliable navigation or your phone makes driving a lot less stressful! At last and hopefully you won’t need it, a first-aid kit. 

Top destinations for motorhome camping in France

France is full of beautiful destinations that are perfect for motorhome camping. Some of our favorite regions are;

Normandy: In this region the D-Day landing happened in WW2. The area is still full of historical sites, museums and memorials. Mont-Saint-Michel is worth a visited if you want to see the most iconic abby of France

The French Alps: If you like to be outdoors this area is the place to be! From hiking to skiing and from mountain biking to canoeing here you can have it all. This stunning part of France is beautiful in every season.

The French Riviera: In the southeast of France along the coast with the Mediterranean sea you will find stunning beaches, beautiful cities like Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes. If you want you can even make a quick trip to Monaco. 

The Dordogne: This region in the southwest of France is known for its historic caves and many castles. In this area as well as in many other French areas you can find a lot of picturesque villages and beautiful rivers.

Practical tips for a smooth journey

1. Plan out your route: While taking your motorhome camping in France without a strict route schedule can definitely be a lot of fun, you might miss out! You could lookup some highlights in France you want to visit and create a flexible route plan. You can use apps or maps designed for motorhome travelers to find campsites and interesting stops along your route.
2. Wild camping: In France it is not allowed to go camping in the wild. You can however get permission from landowners to camp on their ground in rural areas. It is not permitted in national parks, near historic sites and coastal areas. Always check local regulations.
3. Safety: In numerous different ways you can get your motorhome secured. But to start it is advised to always close doors and windows when you are away. When you park overnight try to avoid isolated areas.
4. Local food: While driving around in France try to enjoy the local cuisines. Almost every region has its own speciality in food (cheese) and wine. You can try to visit the local market and try some for yourself. 
5. Internet: In a lot of campsites WIFI is available but there is not always a good and stable connection. If you get yourself an e-sim or local sim card you have better consistent internet access. Not in all areas in France your sim will have an internet connection. If you explore the remote areas of France it might happen that you will disconnect from the network.
6. Language: Although a lot of young French can speak English, certainly not everybody in the country understands it. Especially in small villages it comes in handy if you know a few phrases in French.
7. Respect: If you camp in remote places respect nature and clean up after yourself. This way the next adventurer can enjoy France just like you. Every campsite has its own rules and regulations. Mostly these are about; quiet hours, waste disposing and fellow campers.

Conclusion

Motorhome camping in France is an amazing way to explore this diverse and breathtaking country. From forest, mountains and beaches to castles, villages and cities in the French regions you can see it all. By taking your motorhome you can be sure to make an enjoyable and memorable journey through one of Europe’s most loved countries.

So, pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the magic of motorhome camping in France. Bon voyage!

Author Bio

Veerle and Koen are two content creators from the Netherlands and the owners of RVTravelUps. They share a passion for travel, good food and nature. Together with their RV ‘Gary’ they are trying to see the most beautiful areas in Europe. They both like to write about their adventures and hope you will like it too 🙂