Aside from all of the castles, beautiful landscapes and cheese that it has to offer, France also has an amazing network of aires de service (service areas). These provide free or low-cost car camping to visitors. We stayed at these aires de service every night on our journey across France.
What is an aire de camping car?
An ‘aire de service’ is an ‘area of service’ or a service area, normally found on French motorways and often have waste facilities and approved parking bays for motorhomes.
How long can you stay on an Aire in France?
Aires differ in price (from free to €20 per night) and facilities vary too – from what is essentially just a car park, to more of an aire camping experience with showers, loos, electricity, boules pistes, swimming pools, bread vans and more. The general rule is that you can stay for a maximum of 48 hours.
Can you camp on the side of the road in France?
In France, the parking rules for campervans and other motor vehicles are the same as for cars, except when police have set restrictions. According to French traffic law, you may park your campervan or motorhome at the side of a road.
Can cars use aires in France? – Related Questions
Is free camping legal in France?
Whilst wild camping – also known as free camping – in France is not allowed, one exception is that you are allowed to pitch your tent or park your motorhome if you have the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land where you wish to camp.
Is wild camping OK in France?
Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you’re well away from tourist sites. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don’t light a fire.
Where can I Wild camp France?
The 7 Best Places To Go Wild Camping In France
- The Vercors Regional Natural Park.
- The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park.
- Mercantour National Park.
- The Armorique Regional Natural Park.
- The Pyrenees National Park.
- Ecrins National Park.
- The Cevennes National Park.
Can I camp on my own land in France?
In France, practicing isolated camping (Bivouac) is forbidden or very strictly limited, as camping on your own in some areas might damage the natural environment or trigger a fire hazard. So before setting up your tent, make sure that camping isn’t forbidden and that you have the agreement of the owner.
Can you sleep in your van in France?
You can sleep in your van in a public place or a parking, as long as there is no sign that forbids it. This goes for parking lots, places in nature, anywhere actually. And don’t worry, France is full of these signs! There are signs and height barriers telling you that campers are not welcome there.
Can you wild camp in a campervan in France?
There are plenty of wild camping spots in France for motorhomes, as long as you plan ahead and follow the general etiquette. Treat the land with respect, and you’ll be able to camp in peace.
Can I sleep in my campervan in France?
The Legal Stuff
For a motorhome or campervan in France, le camping sauvage (wild camping) means parking and sleeping in your motorhome anywhere that’s not a campsite or designated camping ground. This could be overnight stays by the road, in a car-park, on some unused waste land and so on.
What do I need to drive a motorhome in France?
What documents do you need to drive in France?
- Passport (or identity card)
- Driving licence (check it is in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance documents- check you are covered for driving in Europe.
- Breakdown cover.
- Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)
- Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d.
Can you camp anywhere in a campervan?
As far as most motorhome and campervan experts can say, there is currently no specific legislation or law to prevent you from sleeping in a vehicle at the roadside.
Where can you stop overnight in a campervan?
Many countries have designated overnight parking for motorhomes, known as camper spots. These range from car parks to beaches to town centres. Often they include free drinking water, facilities for chemical toilet and grey water disposal, and even electricity to hook up to.
Is it illegal to park a campervan on the road?
Yes – unless someone’s living in the motorhome, there’s no law saying motorhomes can’t be kept outside residences. However, you’ll need to consider factors such as access, driveway space, motorhome security and neighbourly relations.
Where can I park my camper for free near me?
How To Find Free Overnight RV Parking
- Truck Stops. Truck stops are one of the most common places where you can park your RV for the night and get some rest without having to pay.
- Walmart Parking Lots.
- National Parks.
- Big Box Stores.
- BLM Land.
- Backcountry Camping.
- Dry Camping.
How can I camp for cheap?
These tips will help reduce cost on all fronts, so you can plan a budget-friendly camping trip the whole family will enjoy.
- Rent or Borrow Equipment.
- Check Out Thrift Stores and the REI Garage Sale.
- Use What You Have at Home.
- Camp Close to Home.
- Fill Up On Cheap Gas.
- Cook Simple Meals Over the Campfire.
- Make a Meal Plan.
What is the meaning of Boondocking?
Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.
How much does full time RV living cost?
We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.
Is it financially smart to live in an RV?
It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.