motorhome tour west coast france

20-day Motorhome itinerary through South-West France

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We’re back.  Back in France and back in a motorhome .    In an instant, I feel as though we’ve never left, and at the same time, it feels like it’s been too long.  As the golden fields of corn pass us by and we navigate through the small villages built right on the edge of the road, it feels so familiar.  As the first boulangerie enters my line of sight, I feel right at home.  All that’s left now is to kick back and enjoy our next 20 days on the road.

Even though we have travelled substantially through France, the southwest has remained an area where we haven’t been. Wherever we go, whatever we do, travelling through France in a motorhome is akin to being in our happy place. If you haven’t already tried being in a motorhome in France, you should give it a go. We highly recommend it.

As is usually the case when we are in a motorhome, there are very few plans.  We have a start and end date, but not much more.  Apart from a tour booked in at the Remy Martin House of Cognac, and a desire to include both Bordeaux and Roquefort , the rest of the time was completely flexible. 

Itinerary by region

Highlights of 20 days travelling through south-west france, day 1 -véron to gron, day 2 – gron to châteauroux, day 3 – châteauroux to roullet saint-estephe, day 4 – roullet saint-estephe to virollet-font paillaud, day 5 – virollet-font paillaud to bordeaux, day 6 – bordeaux, day 7 – bordeaux to lège-cap-ferret, day 8 – lège-cap-ferret to arcachon, day 9 – arcachon to cocumont, day 10 to 12  – the lot river, day 13 –  lac parcaloup to saint-flour, day 14 –  saint-flour to saint-gérand-le-puy, day 15 – saint-gérand-le-puy to moulins, day 16 – moulins to saint-martin-sur-nohain, day 17 – saint-martin-sur-nohain to saint-père-sur-loire, day 18 – saint-père-sur-loire to paroy-sur-tholon, day 19 – paroy-sur-tholon to gron, day 20 – gron to véron, breakdown of cost, where to stay when travelling in a motorhome, camping-car parks, more motorhome planning resources, more motorhome itineraries.

The map below has been put together to understand the direction we drove and the locations we visited during our 20-day road trip.  It does not cover every single location – there’s not enough room on the map!  There are various ways of driving through this area but as a general rule, we avoid the large motorways.

We usually use them if we are in a hurry, but to give you a sense of how often we used them, on this trip, it was only twice and for a relatively short period.  To clarify further, these were A roads, but not toll roads.  When you are up on the big motorways you can miss out on so much.

Built to make road transport more efficient, they serve many purposes well, but assisting slow travel is not one of them.  If we spent all of our time on these roads, we would miss the beauty of the villages that you will see below.

Hidden amongst the red map markers below is a blue one. This is Véron, our starting and finishing location. We then traveled in an (almost) circular, anti-clockwise direction.

Day one is all about the pickup and so this is an overnight stop only.  Pickups for the motorhome are in the afternoon.  By the time we do the handover and go and get our supplies to stock up the vehicle, we always find it easier to stay somewhere close by.  The small village of Gron has a great overnight camping spot, becoming our go-to place on night one.

Region:Bourgogne-France-Comté

Bléneau.

Department: Yonne

There are plenty of small towns like this along the way and they usually have great markets.  Nothing spectacular, just every day fresh produce markets selling amazing food.  We stopped here and bought some supplies for our first tasty lunch on the road.  We were all stocked up with fresh beetroot, triple ‘Brie de Meaux’ cheese, and a baguette.  This man below was delighted with our French attempts.  His smile alone made all the difference to me.

Region: Centre Val de Loire

Don’t miss the  Chateau de La Verrerie   as you drive between Bléneau and Châteauroux.  We were driving through the forest roads and saw a sign indicating there was a chateau somewhere around.  It’s a great spot for lunch, by the lake, and on the right day, tours can be taken inside the chateau.

Vierzon and Châteauroux

Department: Indre-et-Loire

Although we didn’t spend much time here,  both are equally beautiful places to visit.  We stayed overnight in Châteauroux en route to a planned tour of the cognac distillery.

Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Department: Haute-Vienne

Limoges is famous for porcelain.  I’ll admit to having seen the label Royal Limoges on crockery before but had no inkling as to its origins.  Dating back to the late 1700s, Royal Limoges is now the oldest porcelain making company in the area.  The Old town is compact so very easy to walk around.  Parking is difficult in the city, so it’s easiest to park on the outskirts.  You’ll need a bit of fitness though as there is a reasonable climb up to the top.

Must see places include the wonderful Gare de Limoges-Bénédictins.  Built over the railway, the copper covered domes is an icon throughout the city, as is the 60m clock tower.  The Cathedral Saint-Etienne is an incredible architectural example and the adjacent Jardin Botanique de l’Evêché provide a chance to catch your breath amongst some impressive gardens.  Like any old French town, a walk around the cobblestoned old town is always worthwhile.

Department: Charente

This is one city I wouldn’t have missed for the world.  The city of Cognac, often I think, overshadowed by its alcoholic drink of the same name, must surely be recognised on its own merits.  With a glorious old town located on the Charente river, a river strategically important in days gone by for transportation for the cognac industry, there is history aplenty here.  Old houses dating back to the 1400s, not only still standing but looking every bit as though they’ll stand for another hundred or so years.

Quirky and quaint shops in the streets of the old town, many of them full of yummy food products which I always find hard to pass up.  There are beautiful parks, both alongside the river and mixed throughout the city.  then, of course, there’s the cognac.  Cognac, the city, is home to the big four cognac houses, plus many more.  It’s a place to soak up the history of this fascinating liquor and get yourself a taste test at the same time.

Read about our cognac tour of Remy Martin Cognac House .

Talmont-sur-Gironde

Department: Charente – Maritime

If you are travelling in France, you will get to know and recognise this branding.  Les Plus Beaux Villages de France .  Simply, the prettiest villages in France.  Villages gain entry into the association and therefore the ability to market itself as such through a rigorous application process.  Personally, I’ve always thought that most French villages are pretty, but have to admit that once you see the ones that make the grade, you’ll be overawed by their beauty.  On this trip, we tried to fit in as many as we could.

Talmont-sur-Gironde is an old fishing village, built high on the edge of the Bay of Gironde, with many of the ancient fishing huts still being used.  As we walked through the brightly coloured village, doors and shutters matching the bright flowers in their gardens, I felt as though I was a giant walking through a miniature town.

Read our full guide on Talmont-sur-Gironde here .

Montagne-sur-Gironde

Department: Gironde

Not far from Talmont-sur-Gironde is a town of a similar name.  This town was very motorhome friendly, with a municipal stopover area with services located right alongside the marina.

Department:Gironde

Bordeaux is quite easily a city where you could spend many days or even a week.  If you have a motorhome, it’s easiest to stay out of the city and catch a bus or train into the centre.

Bordeaux is a big city, so it takes some adjusting to when you’ve been driving on the country D roads.  More people, more traffic but of course, plenty to see and do.

We grabbed a 48-hour city pass which covered all of our public transport and entrance into heaps of great places.

Historical highlights include Porte Cailhau, Palace Saint-Michel, La Gross Cloche, Pore de Bourgogne, Place Pey-Berland.  Walk Rue St Catherine, the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe (do it on a Sunday and it’s much quieter), or take in the vibrant and noisy food markets at Marche Des Capuchins.

The Miroir d’eau, a flat area on the riverside covered with just enough water to make it look like a mirror, provides a great opportunity to people-watch and have a bit of fun.  As the mist is released over the ground, people run from all over to stand in it.  On Sunday mornings, a food market takes place on the water’s edge and many a large cruise ship can be seen pulling up here to dock for a few hours.

Read our guide on what to do in Bordeaux in 48 hours .

Lège-Cap-Ferret

Located on a peninsula on the western coast of France, one side fronting the Atlantic and exposed to its wild and woolly conditions, the other side a calm contrast on the Bassin d’Arcachon, this area is the French Riviera that no-one knows about.  Home to some of the best oysters in the world, according to my husband.  Not being an oyster eater, I’ll have to take his word for it.  Or perhaps I’ll take the word of all those who flock here to eat them straight from the ocean.  Or, the thousands of people who eat them all over France, given that this area supplies most of the country!

This area was one of my favourite places.  Sleepy, casual, beautiful and full of amazing food.  What more could you want?

Related article – Why you should visit Cap Ferret on the west coast of France .

Across from Lège-Cap-Ferret lies Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat.  Arcachon is a seaside town that looks fit for royalty.  Retro looking buildings line the foreshore of the Bassin d’Arcachon, reminding me of seaside resorts from the ’50s and ’60s that I would have seen in the movies. In the city part, it’s a little more modern, with the buildings having a unique feel about them.  It’s one I still can’t put a label on, but it’s definitely reminiscent of a wealthy location.  The food market in the centre of town is our go-to place once again to stock up.

Nearby, the Dune du Pilat stands 110m high and nearly three kilometres long.  Growing at 1.5 metres per year, it is Europe’s largest sand dune.  People flock here to climb the dune, either by the stairs or via the side of the dune.  Once up there, on a clear day, the views over the water are incredible.

More reading >> Arcachon France

Region: Occitanie

Department Lot-en-Garonne

There are way too many small villages and towns here to mention.  A trip along the Lot River means crisscrossing back and forth over it to take in as many of the small villages as you can.  There are plenty of places to stop and pull over to make the most of slow travel along this route.

Related reading : A three-day motorhome itinerary in the Lot Valley

Department: Lot

The towns and villages of the Lot River cross over two departments within the Occitanie region, but the same experience can be had irrespective of where you choose to include it as part of your itinerary.

The city of Cahors lies on the Lot River and as the capital of the Lot department, is a little larger than many surrounding cities.  Its Old Town is near the river and is home to several key attractions including the Cathedral Saint-Etienne.  On the other side of town, the Pont Valentré is the place to visit.  Straddling the Lot River, the bridge is one of the most iconic in all of France.  A medieval bridge with three towers it was built to defend the city in the 14th century.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Without a shadow of a doubt, this was my favourite city during this trip.  Another Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is built up the hill,  with sweeping 360 degrees over the surrounding valley.  With it’s small, winding cobblestone streets, old stone buildings and the remnants of a fortress at the top, we got lost in here for hours.

Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Roquefort-de-soulzan.

Department: Aveyron

The home of the best cheese in the world according to my husband.  For years during our French trips, he has diligently consumed as much Roquefort as has been humanly possible.  We had, to date, however never made it to the source of this blue, smelly cheese.  Being so close to it up in the Lot River area, it only took a diversion of a few hours before we were in the home of Roquefort.  A tour of the Société des Caves de Roquefort told us everything we needed to know about this cheese and apparently validated his “best cheese in the world” beliefs.  The tour was in French, but it’s definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.

Interested in touring the caves? Read our review here .

Saint-Flour

Department: Cantal

Another day, another beautiful city on the top of a hill.  Saint-Flour is a little unusual in so far as the buildings are built from the volcanic rock that surrounds the area.  As a result, many of the buildings are dark grey, instead of the more often seen sandstone coloured buildings.  The view from up here is great, and there’s plenty of wonderful artisanal food shops to wander through too.

Châteldon

Department: Puy-de-Dôme

This was the town where no-one was home!  Another “pretty village of France” with a medieval past.  It makes for a nice stop, just don’t expect to do too much whilst you are here.

Department: Allier

What an interesting past this city has had.  We first met Vichy on a rainy day, when it was packed with people visiting a bi-annual market day.  Food growers and producers from across the department had made their way here to tease us with their goodies.  Vichy, is a spa town, a town known for the healing properties of the thermal spring water that lies beneath the surface.

In the Parc des Sources is the Hall des Sources, a retro glass building where locals come to drink from the source.  Here, numerous taps sporting names like “Celestines”, “Grande Grille” and “l’Hôpital”, water containing various minerals and at different temperatures are the centre of attention.

Vichy has a history that it can’t shake where Nazi Germany is concerned.  During World War Two, France became divided into occupied and non-occupied areas.  With the north of the country occupied by the Germans, Vichy and its government became a puppet state to Germany carrying out the orders of the Nazi administration.

The wealth of a previous era is on display here with incredible buildings and architecture.

The best way to see Moulins in a motorhome is to park on the other side of the river in one of the best municipal service areas I’ve seen in France.  A quick ride over the bridge and you can be in the centre of town in a few minutes.  The usual suspects of cathedrals, old town precincts and museums are on offer as is a covered market in the centre of town.

Apremont-sur-Allier

Department: Cher

This town, another Les Plus Beaux Villages de France was a funny story.  We had become accustomed to not seeing a lot of people in small villages, but this one was closed.  Yes, closed.  Everything in this village where people would normally work was closed.  The Chateau d’Apremont, where one might visit, was closed.  Windows had messages taped to them stating that the town was closed for the year from a particular date and wouldn’t re-open until next year.

We read them several times, stopping to look at each other with a confused face.  “Does this say the town is closed”, I asked.  A quick search online confirmed this fact.  This town opens each year in late March/early April and closes at the end of September.  It’s a moment in time I’ll never forget!

Department:Nièvre

One of the best ways to see this city is to follow the thin blue line that takes you around the narrow, sometimes hilly, cobbled streets.  It will take in the Cathedral of Saint-Cyr and Sainte-Juliette and the Ducal Palace.  Nevers is another medieval town located on the banks of the Loire, a beautiful part of France.  Many of the buildings here date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Parking for motorhomes is easiest on the other side of the river.

Department: Loiret

In Briare, we were fascinated by the Briare Aqueduct, built over the Loire River.  Built in the late 1800s, the aqueduct facilitates the crossing of the Canal Latéral à la Loire over the Loire.  At 662 metres long, it is the largest steel canal in France.  With large yet intricate posts at each end, it’s a beautiful spot to watch the canal barges pass through.

Read about our canal cruise in France through the Loire Valley and along the Briare Canal.

A fairytale city built along the Loire (are you seeing the trend?), joined to the other side of the river by yet another stunning Loire River arched bridge.  With tree-lined roads along the river, matching rooflines and a picture postcard setting, it’s hard to imagine this city has been mostly rebuilt following its complete destruction in World War Two.

Sully-sur-Loire

The Loire is full of exquisite chateaux, but we remembered this one from a previous motorhome trip back in 2012.  The Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire is the main reason for stopping here.  It’s a magnificent chateau and if you are following the Loire River, as we have done previously, this will be one of many that you will have the pleasure of seeing.

We spent hours here getting lost on their walking trails that took in all of their old town and the major sites.  There’s plenty of maritime history to be found both down by the water and in some of the buildings close by.  As a major city in this region, it is also supported by a strong cruising tourist population.  In the shoulder season, the barge crowds drop off, making it a more peaceful time to visit.

Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

Our final city on this trip and what a fantastic one it was.  With our 20 day trip behind us, we took time on our final day to hang out in the coffee shops by the covered market and to wander the streets of yet another beautiful French location.   We sat by the river eating lunch, watching work being carried out on the barges, covered up and moored ahead of the winter season.

Having stayed overnight once more at the village of Gron, we were well placed to return the vehicle the next morning at the required time.

Covering nearly 2,500km gave us a great opportunity to spend some quality time in this area.  While 2,500km might sound like a lot to those who aren’t used to driving, over a 20-day period, this really isn’t much at all.  We had a couple of days where we drove a little more to get to a preferred location, but they weren’t huge distances.  The largest driving day we did was only 263km whilst the lowest (excluding the first and last days) was 31km.  Average driving per day was only 131km.

One of the great things about travelling in a motorhome is that most of the cost of the trip is sunk before you start.  With deposits and balances needing to be paid prior to pick up, meaning you can budget for this well in advance.  Once onboard the only additional costs (as a general rule) relate to diesel, gas and toilet chemicals.  All other costs are usually discretionary (eg food, wine, travel costs etc).

Note : We once had costs for fuel noted in here but it becomes irrelevant very quickly with the volatility of fuel prices.

Generally speaking, there are five choices of overnight accommodation spots when travelling in France in a motorhome.

Campgrounds

The first is the official campground.  These are great if there are no other options in a town or if you require services like electricity or showers/toilets.  Some people prefer to stay in campgrounds every night, liking the implied safety and security of such an area.  Depending on the time of year you travel, some campgrounds can require advance bookings (peak season) or may be closed (off season).  Staying in a campground is something we try to limit as much as possible due to personal choice.

Aires de Service

The other option is to stay in Aires de Service, an area set aside, usually by the municipal council that offers some basic services for motorhomes.  Whilst some will only offer the services, others may offer an overnight stay option.  Mostly, these locations are nothing special in terms of location but borne more out of a pure servicing option.  They are useful to know about, as sometimes they might be your only option.  We’ve stayed in some great Aires, so definitely worthwhile keeping in mind.

More reading >> Read our guide on aires des services in France .

France Passion Network

Our favourite place to stay when motorhoming in France is in locations that belong to the France Passion network.  Here we choose from over 2,000 winemakers, farmers and artisanal producers to spend a night on their property.

We have been so fortunate in staying at some incredible places such as working goat farms, working vineyards, chateaux, vegetable farmers and duck farms.  We’ve got to know countless farmers and their families, usually their dogs too!  We’ve supported local communities by buying their products direct from the farmer, and we’ve contributed hopefully, to keeping this amazing France Passion service alive.  It’s a free overnight stopover if you can believe that.

With no obligation to pay, it’s all about building community.  Of course, being the people we are, we tend to spend more than a few euro in each location, making our hosts very happy indeed.

More reading >> Checkout the types of places we stayed at in France Passion locations during the 20-day motorhome journey through south-west France.

Wild camping

You can, of course, do what we have also done in the past and wild camp.  Wild camping means just pulling up somewhere that you feel safe and it’s legal to do so.  We’ve stopped by the Loire River for example, in beautiful park areas (that aren’t official parks) and generally in spots where we are both out of the way, safe and not annoying anyone.

In recent years, the brand Camping-Car Parks has popped up around Europe. A mix between a campground and an aire, they are a low-cost alternative where you can still get all of the services like electrical hookups, water and dump stations.

You can read more in our detailed guide on Camping-Car Parks here .

Join our Facebook community “Planning for motorhome travel in France” Click HERE

Click on the links below for more guides and tips to make travelling in a motorhome easier.

• Must-ask questions before hiring a motorhome in France
• How to get a long term visa to travel in France
• Do I need to buy a crit air sticker for driving in France?
• Tips for planning a European motorhome itinerary
• What’s inside a campervan?
• Things to pack to make your motorhome life a breeze
• Tips for picking up a hired motorhome
• Tips for motorhome safety
• Comprehensive packing guide for motorhome road trips

You might like to check out these itineraries. Click on the links below for more information.

• Travelling through the Loire Valley along the canals
• Canal du Midi motorhome itinerary
• 10 days (or so) in Occitanie region of France
• 20 days in south-west France  +  France Passion stopovers in south-west France
• Lot River and Lot Valley itinerary
• Following the Tour de France in a motorhome
• 10-day itinerary Burgundy France
• Itinerary through Rhone-Alps and Provence
• Travelling through Europe in a campervan – a 42-day itinerary

About The Author

Kerri McConnel

A former corporate business executive, Kerri is the content creator for Beer and Croissants, a trusted source of detailed guides on motorhome travel, road trip itineraries, and destinations.

Together with Stirling, they are motorhome experts, having independently road-tripped their way across much of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand since 1995. Back home in Australia, they own their own motorhome and can always be found on a regional road trips, taking in towns that often no one has heard of.

They are responsible travellers; long, slow trips in motorhomes, spending time in small regional communities where the tourists usually don't wander, and spending money in their small economies. And where possible, they travel in shoulder and off seasons, so they don't add to the tourist rush.

As an Honorary Barge Lady for Barge Lady Cruises and a regular on European Waterways vessels, Kerri is also an expert on luxury barge travel in Europe, having completed five barge cruises in France and Scotland.

Kerri is a Digital Travel Publisher Member and former board member and treasurer of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (2020-2023).

Everything written and produced on this site is our own work. there's no AI and if we've written about it, you can trust we've been there, done that!

Read more about Kerri here

15 thoughts on “20-day Motorhome itinerary through South-West France”

thanks so much!

Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.

It’s the best way to do it in my opinion Meagan as there is so much to see that you would miss if you did it any other way.

This was a short trip for us…they are usually 4-6 weeks at least.

I can just imagine it in the 70’s!!

A great informative blog and wonderful photos. Excellent to see the breakdown of costs.

What a fabulous and comprehensive itinerary! And your photos that accompany the guide are beautiful. This is certainly a must-read guide for those interested in touring France in a motor home! Something like this would be an absolute dream with the family.

Wow – you really maximized your time there with so many sights to see in just 20 days. I would love to see more of France with your post – and that cheese – that must have been good!

So glad you got to experience the south west of France – it’s an incredible region isn’t it! That said I’ve not traveled in a motorhome before, we’ve always jumped on the train. Motorhome sounds like a great way to explore, would love to plan a trip at some stage. As you’ve said I think the biggest benefit of this type of travel is the freedom and flexibility to explore. Picking a start date, and then an end date, and figuring it all out in-between sound awesome – love the spontaneity! Thanks for the tip on France Motorhome hire!

Thanks for sharing your rough itinerary. Chateau de La Verrerie in particular looks so beautiful. I really loved Bordeaux as part of our trip too – the wineries were our highlight here, though would have to be mindful of drink driving in the motorhome lol!!

Looking forward to hearing more about your motorhome adventures!

This is like a dream come true. Travelling across France in a motorhome must indeed be one of the most thrilling and satisfying experience.What I also love about this epic trip is the fact that you have fixed only the start and end dates and left the itinerary flexible. This is definitely what real travel means. A great opportunity to have an immersive experience, to go where the heart wants and to enjoy every moment of the experience.

A 20 road trip around south-west France sounds wonderful! I like that you do limited planning for these types of road trips. It’s great to have flexibility and it’s also a good idea to take the smaller roads like you did. Makes it a lot easier to find cute spots to stop along your trip! The Dune du Pilat near Arcachon looks really neat to see and I’d love to check out the area near the Lot River—it all looks so pretty! The Roquefort cheese caves would definitely be stop on our itinerary too if we are able to do something similar someday! Thanks for the cost breakdown too–really helpful for planning something similar!

I am so utterly jealous (in a super supportive way, of course!) of this amazing, amazing trip. We saw a good deal of Paris last time we were there, but this looks so much better and more robust, from cheese to wine to beaches to chateaux. I never would’ve thought of motor homing through the countryside, but it’s completely brilliant. Definitely showing this to Luke tonight – maybe we’ll get to have an adventure like this in 2018 :)

Can’t believe how many places you were able to visit! I’m a huge architecture and landscape fan, so you’d probably find me in places like Bordeaux, The Lot River, Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Saint Flour, Bourgogne-France-Comte, and Villeneuve-sur-Yonee. These photos are so fantastic! I’ll definitely have to make a trip myself one day!

I love the idea of renting a motor home and exploring France but 20 days (although to gorgeous places) sounds like a lot doesn’t it ? Very inspiring and impressive that you did it :) Love all the places you visited and your pictures.

I love a great road trip. Thanks for all the suggestions from itinerary to booking a RV. I drove around the South of France in the mid-70’s and still remember how much fun it was.

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Motorhoming & Campervanning in France- Your Complete Guide

Planning to go touring in France with a motorhome or campervan? There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and what kit to bring with you. Here’s everything you need to know about motorhoming in France.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in France checklist below to help you stay organised

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JUMP AHEAD TO...

Motorhoming in France

If you enjoy motorhome life in the UK or elsewhere, you’re going to LOVE motorhome touring in France. There’s everything you could want from a road trip, including fantastic campsites by the beach, vineyards and local markets full of wine, cheese and other goodies, incredible history and plenty of places to explore.

Even better, the French LOVE motorhomers and campervanners. They are not only welcomed, they are provided for, with copious motorhome parking spots and approved overnight stopovers called Aires (more on that shortly!)

France is often the gateway to Europe for anyone in the UK with a Motorhome. All too often we rush through as quickly as possible, keen to drive to other locations, like Spain or Italy.

But I urge you to take some time to explore. France has some incredible destinations for camper holidays- see below for great itinerary ideas.

If you’re contemplating taking a motorhome to France, this post will help you plan your trip- and tell you what you need to bring and organise before you leave. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Motorhoming in France checklist to help you remember everything.

Motorhoming & Campervannin in France Checklist

Planning a trip to france with your motorhome or camper.

GUIDE – For a step-by-step guide, with video walkthroughs of aires, motorhome set up, checklists and more, grab our France Road Trip & Motorhome Travel Planner

CHECKLIST – Don’t forget to grab your FREE France motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Motorhome Touring in France- video

If you’d like to share our experiences of motorhoming in France, watch this video to see our experiences with French tolls, motorhome campsites and driving in France! We also show you around the Menton Lemon Festival and we cross the Millau viaduct in our motorhome.

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Motorhome route planner for France- where to go

The best thing about planning a motorhome or camper trip is that you can literally go ANYWHERE. But that freedom can also be a bit overwhelming- where do you even start?

Before we tell you about the essential things you need to do whilst motorhome touring in France, let’s chat about some of the places you can visit on your France road trip .

Northern France in a campervan routes

Again, many people drive through northern France as a way of getting somewhere else, but there a lot to discover here if you make time to explore.

Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include:

• The Normandy beaches. Everyone should do this at least one
• Mont St Michel – one of the most historical places in France.
• Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France
• The Loire Valley. If you like chateaux and history, this is for you!
• Ile de Re and La Rochelle
• Strasbourg- one of the best and biggest Christmas markets in Europe !

On a side note, I know Paris is in the north of France and we LOVE Paris… but not with a motorhome or camper. Park up in a campsite nearby and travel in by public transport or taxi. Driving in Paris is a law unto itself! (There are plenty of incredible places to see around the Paris area without going into the city itself and we would always suggest getting the train in, instead of driving!)

New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:

See all our Europe motorhoming posts here

NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it

Motorhome Route Planner Southern France

We’ve spent a lot of time motorhoming in southern France. Some of our favourite places include:

• The Gorges du Verdon . One of the most spectacular places we have EVER been with our motorhome
• The Pyrenees, especially the Cirque du Gavarnie . It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.
• French Alps. Exploring the Alps with a motorhome is one of our favourite trips. We also love Lake Annecy and you MUST add the cable car up Mont Blanc to your France motorhoming itinerary.
• Bordeaux and the Dune du Pilat- make sure you allow time to visit some of the incredible vineyards in the area!

READ MORE: 11 Unmissable France road trip itineraries and ideas

Campervan in France Advice- when to go

The best time to visit France with a motorhome, campervan, caravan or any other vehicle is whenever you have time to explore! Some people pop over on the Eurotunnel for a weekend break. Others take a month to explore one corner.

The beauty of France being so large is that usually there will be at least one area with decent weather. And the beauty of exploring with a home on wheels is that you can drive to wherever the weather is best for you!

Generally, the best weather in France is between April- October. You may still get decent temperatures into November on the French Riviera (that’s the coast on the Med, not the Atlantic coast.) If you’re planning to go motorhome skiing in France, then December- March are your best times, but be aware that a new French law was passed in November 2021 about winter tyres/ snow chains.

RELATED: If you are planning a winter motorhome trip, read this first.

It can get VERY hot in summer, especially down south. It can also be amazingly windy- you’ll find many cafes and restaurants near the Mediterranean or Atlantic bolt down their outdoor furniture.

Our favourite times are Spring and Autumn. It’s usually warm, especially in the south, but there aren’t huge crowds and it’s easy to get access to popular tourist places.

Driving from the UK to France camper routes

If you’re taking your motorhome from the UK to France, there are a couple of options on how to get over there- ferry or Eurotunnel.

Getting to France by Ferry from the UK

Ferry routes go from all along the south coast and occasionally up the East Coast too. The main operators are:

• Brittany Ferries
• Irish Ferries

We enjoy taking the ferry because it cuts down on driving time- we’re travelling whilst we’re sleeping. Also, we’re often driving from South-West England to the west coast of France- so ferry cuts off a lot of that journey.

We were reluctant to take the ferry with our dog, as we didn’t want to leave him in the vehicle, but there are now pet-friendly cabins available on the Portsmouth-Caen route with Brittany Ferries which we use all the time.

The downside of taking the ferry, especially with a motorhome or campervan, is that it’s MUCH more expensive and there are less frequent crossings. Also, in bad weather, it can be miserable.

Taking a Motorhome on the Channel Tunnel

The “Chunnel” is fast, effective and probably the cheapest way to get a motorhome or caravan to France, even in school holidays. There are very few downsides, but the biggest is the delays in summer. Sometimes the queues can be HOURS long- and that was before BREXIT.

The other big downside is how far you have to drive to get there if it’s out of your way- that’s the main reason we don’t use it as often as the ferry, although if we’re going straight through France to go motorhoming in Germany , the Netherlands or anywhere further east, it makes sense.

Also, if you use LPG in your camper for movement (ie, in place of diesel or unleaded) then you are NOT allowed to use the tunnel. (Having gas bottles for cooking/ heating is fine.)

Don’t forget, you can use your Tesco vouchers to reduce the cost even further and some motorhome clubs also offer discounts.

Read More: Driving in Europe after BREXIT? Find the changes HERE 

Best Motorhome Route to Italy Through France

If you’re planning a route through France for an Italy road trip , we’ve put together some of the best driving routes for motorhomes, campers, caravans and cars (complete with estimated toll charges)

Motorhome/ camper Hire in France

Of course, if you don’t own or have access to your own motorhome, camper, car or caravan, you’ll need to rent a vehicle.

There are some important questions you need to consider when renting a motorhome – including making sure you can get to the vehicle and exactly what gear will be on the vehicle when you collect it.

Don’t forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driver, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring.

Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws.

Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border into another country if that’s what you’re planning to do.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Motorhoming in France- what do you need?

In France, as with all countries in Europe, there are certain things you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan.

Don’t forget, if you are driving through France to get to another country, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country.

Grab your FREE France travel checklist so you remember it all!

Things you need to drive in France- safety gear

Unlike in the UK, there are some things you legally MUST carry in your vehicle when Motorhoming in France. These are:

• Hi-vis reflective jackets – one per person (These MUST be accessible without getting out of the vehicle- ie, don’t keep them in the garage unless you can reach them from inside!)
• Warning triangle
• Headlight beam converters – must be fitted before you drive in Europe.
•  UK sticker  attached to the back of vehicle or reg plates.
• First aid kit – compulsory in many countries, including France and Germany. Find out what we carry in our European first aid kit here

TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in France BEFORE you get to the border- prices at Eurotunnel or on the ferry can be two or three times as much. Here’s what you need from Amazon ., which is cheaper than Halfords or the high street.

Do I need a breathalyser to drive in France?

No. Repeat after me- you do NOT need a breathalyser to drive in France.

It was a law France passed a few years ago… and then quietly removed for whatever reason. Many posts ranking highly in Google still list a breathalyser in their essential Europe driving accessories list, but I promise you you don’t need one.

BLIND SPOT Warning STICKERS for vehicle over 3.5 tonnes in France

As of the 01 January 2021, France have decided all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have ‘blind-spot’ stickers, even visiting foreign vehicles.

Here’s everything you need to know about motorhome blind spot warning stickers and if you need them.

Clean Air Sticker

Some of the bigger French cities require you to have a sticker before you can drive in. Personally, I recommend NOT driving into any cities and staying outside the zone, but here’s what you need to know about Crit’Air.

Get a full list of the essential kit and paperwork needed for motorhome touring in France and Europe

Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when campervanning in France

The following kit are things you might need to carry in your car, motorhome, caravan or campervan, depending on when you are planning your road trip in France.

If you are travelling between 15 October and 15 April, you will need to have snow chains able to be fitted as conditions dictate on many roads in the mountains..

• Snow chains/ winter tyres – If you’re going to one of these regions in winter (Nov- March) you’ll need either snow chains or winter tyres fitted. Snow socks are allowed but not as good.
• Red/ white warning board sign – for bike racks or anything overhanging the end of the motorhome or campervan. These are not currently compulsory in France, but they ARE compulsory if you’re motorhoming in Spain and Italy. Get the more expensive aluminium one, the cheaper versions are not legal in Italy.
• Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle
• Fire extinguisher
• Water and snacks- just in case you run into traffic or breakdown somewhere remote.

What documents do you need to drive in France?

If you’re driving in France, you need to carry the following documents:

• 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
• Trailer certification
• Green card (get from your vehicle insurer)
• International Driving Permit if required
• Personal travel insurance

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in France?

Most UK citizens do not need an IDP to drive in France, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!)

You might need one if you have:

• a paper driving licence only
• a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

(If you do need an IDP, here’s an  in-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permit  and which one(s) you need from a UK post office.

Motorhome touring in France- Other useful things you might need

We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. We’ve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much.

Here is a list of things we highly recommend when motorhoming in France, but which are NOT essential:

• Motorhome WiFi – learn our favourite way to get internet on the road
• Toll pass (see below)
• TV- If you’d like TV in your motorhome or camper , here’s how to get it.
• Motorhome sat-nav – get one you can enter your motorhome dimensions into, like these
• Motorhome security camera – this thing is GOLD for allowing us to go exploring and leave the van for a short time.
• Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in France with your motorhome
• Inverter- a motorhome wild camping essential
• An awesome road trip playlist!

Motorhome Travel in France- where to stay

Once you’ve got a vehicle to tour around France in, the next thing to consider is what sort of motorhoming holiday you want to have and where are you going to camp/ park up overnight?

• Do you want to stay at a luxury campsite with pitches for motorhomes, campervans and caravans which has a pool, restaurants and activities for the kids to do?
• Do you want to use  aires/ free overnight parking spots in Europe  and stay 2/3 nights in a place before moving on?
• Would you prefer to wild camp in your motorhome and stay at a new place each night, far from crowds and cities? 

Deciding the type of holiday you want to have will make planning your motorhome trip a lot easier. Here’s a bit more information about the types of motorhome parking available in France to help you decide.

Motorhome campsites in France

Like in the UK, campsites in France vary in quality and price. Some campsites have great facilities, like swimming pools or a beach on a lake, watersports, play area, restaurants, fresh bread delivery, shop etc.

Others are more rustic and aren’t much more than an aire with an attendant. Expect the facilities at cheaper campsites to be much lower in hygiene standards than you might be used to!

There are some gorgeous motorhome campsites in France, right by beaches and lakes, with swimming pools, evening entertainment and kids clubs. If you want a relaxing holiday whilst staying in your own van and enjoying the sunshine, this might be the best option for you.

They work much like in the UK- you arrive, check in (and will usually need to show a passport), are given or can select a pitch with or without electric (depending on what you booked) and that’s it.

Expect some campsites to keep your passport for the duration of your stay with them. This is often at the places where you haven’t paid in advance- I always try to pay in advance and keep my passport where I know it’s safe!

Dogs are normally always welcome on campsites, but there isn’t always a dog walk/ run where they are allowed off lead.

The best motorhome campsites in France

We do occasionally use campsites in France. This is normally when we want to ride our motorbikes and don’t want to leave the van unattended all day in an aire or wild camping spot.

Because we rarely plan a route through France, and therefore we never know where we’re going to be, we book campsites at the last minute- or just turn up. This doesn’t always work, (especially in  August or between October-March when many campsites shut) but there always seems to be something around which works out.

If you’re more organised, you can find some of the best motorhome campsites in France here.

France motorhome travel in the school holidays- or not?

If you’re travelling in the school holidays, you’ll want to book up the campsite (if you’re using one) asap- the best ones get booked up months in advance.

If you’re NOT travelling during the school holidays, you might want to consider getting an  ACSI camping card – you’ll save a lot of money on campsite charges.

Overnight Motorhome stopovers in France – Aires

For us, we prefer to travel around France and explore different places during our motorhome trips instead of staying in one area. We generally stay only one night in a place (unless we’re planning to ride the motorbikes, in which case we find somewhere for a few nights.) 

There are two types of motorhome overnight parking options instead of campsites. The first are approved Motorhome parking places, which are called  Aires in France .

Aires are approved overnight motorhome parking places, often provided and maintained by the local commune. They are designed for motorhomes or campervans (not caravans sadly). You can’t book an aire in advance, and they all have different services available.

Some have electric hookup and waste disposal, others are literally an approved motorhome parking place for the evening. You can often stay in an aire for 2 or 3 days. Some are paid and will have a sign somewhere telling you what to do to pay; some are free.

How to find and use Motorhome Aires in France

You can find aires using a motorhome app like Park4Night or campercontact, or you can get a book before you go (see below).

READ MORE: Step by step instructions on how to find and use French Aires for motorhomes

To use an aire, you turn up in your motorhome or campervan and see if there’s an available space. It’s that simple! Most aires cater for motorhomes up to about 8m, so if you’re towing with your motorhome (like we often do), you need to be very careful which ones you choose.

Aires have no set arrival or departure times, so there’s a lot more freedom, but they often have a 24h or 48h max duration- and that is checked, so don’t overstay your welcome.

Bear in mind that there is often no security or personnel at these places (you often pay at a machine like a car park) so we try not to leave the motorhome unattended for long periods.

Books to help your find motorhome aires in France

We don’t use books to find campsites or aires on France (we prefer apps), but I know many people prefer having something which doesn’t rely on motorhome wifi or internet!

Here are some excellent France motorhome guides to help you plan your travels and overnight stopover. They also make excellent gift ideas for motorhome owners !

Motorhome Parking Tips for Aires in France

You cannot pre-book Aires- they operate on a first-come basis. We found people tended to move on about 10-11am and most were parked up by 4pm, so try and move within that window for the best chance of finding a space.

We like aires, as we feel happier leaving our motorhome if we want to go off an explore, and don’t want to deal with the noise or expense of a European campsite. We tow motorbikes behind our motorhome and love being able to use them without worrying if the van is ok.

RELATED: How to find and use aires and motorhome stopovers around Europe

Wild camping in France for Motorhomes

We love wild camping in a motorhome in France – and there are some INCREDIBLE places to stop for a night.

Motorhome wild camping offers a lot of freedom- you can turn up and leave as you like, although we only ever advise using a wild camping spot for one night; otherwise, the locals might think you’re moving in!

Want to stay off-grid with your motorhome?

Grab our FREE wild parking checklist and make it easy for yourself. Everything you need to do, bring or remember when you stay off-grid.

You need to be very respectful when wild camping- it’s not a right, it’s a privilege, so take away all of your waste, don’t play loud music and don’t park too close to someone’s house. If a sign says it’s private land, either ask the owner for permission or move on.

Don’t park anywhere with a sign saying no overnight parking. Don’t forget many farmers and landowners carry guns in France- you don’t want to get on the wrong side of that!

READ MORE: Step-by-step guide to motorhome wild camping in France

France Passion- approved overnight motorhome parking scheme in France

If you’d like to avoid campsites and sostas, but don’t want to risk staying off-grid, there is another option which offer places to stay with a motorhome or campervan- France Passion.

France Passion is a collection of businesses and locations across France which allow motorhomes and campervans to stay overnight on their land.

In return, you are expected to eat a meal at the restaurant, or buy some wine or produce from their shop. If you enjoy visiting vineyards, chateaux or local markets, this might be a good scheme for you.

Motorhome and campervan service points in France

In addition to the aires, France has a system of motorhome service places. We find these using the app Park4Night, and each place allows you to empty waste (both grey and black) into safe and hygienic locations. If you’re lucky, there will also be fresh water available.

TOP TIP: Use your own water hose when filling your fresh water tanks- many public hoses have been there for years and have all sorts of disgusting bacteria lurking inside!

Getting LPG in France

LPG (GPL) is fairly plentiful and can be found at selected petrol stations and at autogas stations. If buying from a petrol station, you may need to wait for an attendant to turn the system on for you. You can find places which sell LPG using MyLPG.eu

If you don’t have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome , you will need a different attachment in order to be able to connect to a French gas bottle.

READ MORE: Learn  how we find LPG in Europe for our motorhome without refillable bottles

Getting Fuel in France

Many people worry whether they should fill up in UK or France.

In our experience, France is often a little cheaper, BUT there are often has fuel strikes. We ALWAYS fill up in the UK before we go… just in case.

Driving tips for France motorhome travels

France is generally not too bad for drivers (at least, not compared to motorhoming in Italy !) The scariest thing about driver in France are the… ummm… older generation who don’t realise that priorite a droite is no longer a thing (more on that below!)

Some quick tips for driving in France:

• France drives on the right, like much of Europe
• You DON’T need a left-hand drive vehicle although it might help if you’re travelling on your own.
• The road system is set up for you driving on the right. Signs are on that side, roundabouts have helpful arrows and slip roads are pointed the right way. It’s not as hard as it sounds
• Avoid driving in Paris. At all times. In any vehicle.
• The maximum speed for private vehicles under 3.5t is 130kph (81mph) on motorways but speed limits are lower for cars towing caravans and for motorhomes over 3.5t in weight. You might need to display motorhome or caravan speed stickers
• If driving through towns and villages, only use the horn in an emergency.
• Helmets are compulsory if you are motorcycling in France
• Buses and trams have right of way.
• Seatbelts are compulsory
• In-car speed camera detectors and  motorhome sat-nav systems  warning of the presence of radars are illegal (whether they’re in use or not!)
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use a hands-free unit without earbuds.
• Minor traffic offences can result in on-the-spot fines.
• UK driving licences are perfectly acceptable to use and you probably won’t need an IDP (find out the changes made to  driving in Europe after BREXIT )
• You will need a green card to prove you  have motorhome insurance  cover when travelling in France.

Priorite a droite in France

France no longer has the stupid ‘prioritie a droite’ rule, (which meant you had to stop ON the roundabout for anyone coming onto it…!) HOWEVER, expect the occasional older French resident to merrily sail onto the roundabout and expect you to stop for them. It’s fun. Also, I believe it still exists in some places in France- like the Arc de Triomphe. Again- avoid Paris.

There is an excellent article explaining Priorite a droite, with all the corresponding road signs, right here

Speed limits in France

Speed Limits are as follows (unless otherwise signed!)

• 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways
• 110km/hr (68mph) on major roads
• 90 km/h (50 mph) on minor roads (out of town)
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
• In rain or snow conditions, the limit is lowered to 110 k/h on motorways and 90 k/h on trunk roads- this WILL NOT be signposted- you’re expected to know it

Motorhomes with trailers or caravans:

• motorways 80 km/h (50 mph)
• major out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
• minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
• built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)

Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes and under 12 tonnes:

• motorways 100 km/h (62 mph)
• major out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
• minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
• urban areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)

Beware of parked cars on the sides of fast roads

Entrapment is allowed in France and police will regularly park an old car at the side of the road with a hidden camera in it, and then they’ll pull you over further down and give you a speeding ticket.

Speed camera warnings in France

If you see a sign for a speed camera, there’s nearly always a camera within a mile for sure.

Tolls in France

France, like nearly all countries in Europe which don’t have a vignette system, has tolls on its major roads. You collect a ticket at the machine as you enter the road system and pay (either a person or machine) at the end in cash or on a card. Tolls in France are one of the most expensive in Europe (just be grateful you’re not motorhoming in Norway!)

Depending on your route and size (height!) of your motorhome, a trip from Northern France to southern will cost around 50€. If your motorhome is over 3m, you will be charged as a Class 4 vehicle, not class 2, so it could be as much as 90€.

Most motorhomes are calculated for class B, regardless of the number of axles. You can calculate the toll cost of your intended route  here

You can use a tollpass/ telepass (like e-Movis) or you can pay-as-you-go by cash or card (we always recommend carrying some cash- just in case!) Signs indicate the means of payment accepted on each lane.

Driving in France- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Campervanning in France- security

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your  motorhome security  when travelling in France. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecured area.

More useful things to know when motorhoming in France

Emergency Numbers:  112 will get you everything you need.

Language – French. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere.

Currency – Euro

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (not at tolls and often not at fuel stations)

Timezone – GMT+1 (or one hour ahead in BST) France is always one hour ahead of the UK, no matter what. Their clocks go forward and back whenever ours does.

Tipping – If you decide to treat yourself to a meal out, most restaurants will include a tip in the bill. Otherwise, 10-15% is standard. Coffee shops and lunchtime eateries often don’t include a tip, so check your bill before paying.

Shops – Many shops close on Sundays. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons.

Doing Laundry in France while motorhome touring

We struggled to get our motorhome anywhere near a proper laundrette (which are often in the centre of towns and cities). We ended up putting it on the back of our motorbikes, or specifically choosing a campsite with laundry facilities.

However, many bigger supermarkets in France have some washing machines outside and it’s very common to pull up, put on a load of laundry and then do your shopping.

Touring France with a dog

France is pretty dog-friendly and they are widely accepted on public transport. Take a muzzle and their pet paperwork, such as the AHC- although we’ve never been asked to show this.

Read more:  changes affecting travelling to Europe with a dog after BREXIT

We also found dogs were allowed on the beaches except in high season, which makes sense and they’re often allowed in restaurants if they’re well-behaved and on a short lead.

Other posts you might find useful:

• The best road trips in France
• Unmissable road trip ideas for Europe
• Essential motorhome checks to do before you travel

See all our Europe travel tips and ideas

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Hi Both, We have lived in the south of France for fifteen years. In general the French do not tip. They may leave the few coppers of loose change on the plate but will remove everything from a Euro up. I have never tipped in a restaurant in France and never had a waiter hover expecting one. Like the rest of Europe there is a compulsory minimum wage and people are not allowed to work for tips alone. If you get extraordinary service for something then that is up to you but don’t feel compelled to do it.

Having been a waitress (many moons ago) I know how nice it was to get a tip, so we always try and leave one. 🙂

Informative post….France is fab. I don’t think you mentioned Critair Stickers for travelling into some cities and areas during heavy pollution. Our moho is too old for one and we manage to get to the Med without encountering any issues but Paris has a permanent zone and many cities now have this in place for temporary polution. Ive read many people end up paying a fortune for one through dodgy websites when they areess than £5 …the AA have a link to the official website. Happy Travelling Michaela-moho PS never taken a breathalyser either ?

Hi Michaela. I’ve updated the guide to include Crit Air. 🙂 Thanks for the tips about the AA website. Safe travels.

Hi, thank you for providing such an informative blog! Planning on taking our first trip abroad in our motorhome and finding lots of very useful info here. I will have lots of questions that I’m sure I will find answers to here but one answer I haven’t found yet is regarding hills/mountains. We have a old J reg talbot and I’m a little concern about travelling anywhere near mountains. Would you say the roads near mountain ranges are generally ok to take a motorhome such as ours on or should we avoid them?

I will be back to pick your brains some more and will be sure to purchase necessary items from your page to help you in your work.

Pretty new to motorhome life but living it since November 2019 and loving it. Can’t wait to get into Europe as it seems so much more motorhome friendly than here in the UK. Oh, we are originally from the South West too, maybe we will cross paths one day!

Thanks again

Garry, Jess, Jasper (the dog), Kraken (the cat) & Batfink (the kitten)!

Hey guys. I think it depends on the vehicle- and you know that better than us. If you struggle getting up a steep-ish hill in the UK, you’ll really struggle in ‘proper’ mountains like the Alps or the Pyrenees. If you’re not sure, steer clear- there’s nowhere to turn around halfway up! Let me know how it goes!

My only comment would be. You need to be aware of heights, we have a 2007 Knaus su ti on a Renault master chassis if we go over 3500 meters, Andorra is a prime example, the engine is starved of oxygen and really struggles to move. I’ve written to MMM magazine and followed their advice but to no avail. Most vehicles have no problems but I have had two cars with the same problem

Hi, Really informative and helpful article. Lots of useful tips and advice. I’m planning on doing an road trip through France , then Spain this summer and followed then a ski season in France ( actually was looking at doing it last year but the virus stopped that ) . I may of missed it but had you got any recommendations for travelling in Spain. Regards Stephen

Thanks so much for your blog – it’s been so helpful! 🙂

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5 Best Routes for Exploring France with a Motorhome (+ Tips!)

Of all the European countries, exploring France with a motorhome is the obvious choice for us Brits. Just a hop over the channel and we’re there.

Some of us have fond memories of travelling France as a child, and even as an adult – usually to the big cities. The French countryside is stunning though, and one of the most interesting, efficient and different ways to experience it is by hiring a motorhome in France and following a tried and tested route, your way .

Bed, transport and kitchen all in one? Sounds like a cost effective way to travel to me.

Let’s take a look at some of the best France in a campervan routes, to inspire your next trip.

Best campervan routes in France

Let’s have a look at some of the most popular campervan routes France has to offer. Fancy travelling in a motorhome around France?

1. Corse in a campervan

– Travelling round Corsica is one of the most popular routes to do in France by campervan

Corsica is right up there on my places I want to visit list. Really need to make this happen. It also happens to be one of the most popular places to rent a Yescapa vehicle.

The little island looks incredible – surrounded by azure waters, beautiful churches, so many restaurants to try and some mind bending views easily visible from the seat of your new motorhome.

Exploring France with a motorhome is so popular in Corsica there are many campsites where you can pull up for the night. Diverse landscapes with moon shaped bays, Corsica is the perfect place for anyone with a motorhome who wants a relaxing trip. The island is only around 100 by 50 miles, meaning that you won’t be racking up a high daily mileage, but you can take it slow and steady, enjoying what you do see.

READ MORE 

The All-Time Best Campervan Routes in the UK 

2. The Wine Region (Bordeaux) by motorhome

– Bordeaux is another popular France in a campervan routes

Now’s the time to make friends with someone who doesn’t drink, if you’re planning on taking your motor home through the wine region. Failing that, or actually, even better, this is your big opportunity to make the most of the fact that your home and your wheels are now all one.

Park up at one of the wineries and you can sample their offerings to their full potential knowing that your bed is just a few steps away for an early night.

It’s not just drinking the wine that’s the main attraction here, seeing how it’s grown is also fascinating. You’ll pass alongside beautiful vineyards, see the wine production in action and traverse the hills and flats offering stunning views of one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

Motorhoming in France is even more fun when you’re in the wine region!

3. The Castles of the Loire Valley

– Motorhoming in France is the perfect opportunity to take in the incredible countryside

The Loire Valley, is one of the most popular places to go on a road trip in Central France. It’s here that you’ll find stunning chateaux to stay at and / or explore, underground villages, and of course, the Loire River – available for all water based activities.

Starting in Saint Nazarre you’ll drive across France with the likes of Nantes, Angers, Tours, Orleans and Briare to tempt you from your road trip. There’s a simple route to follow, but you can always divert if you see something or somewhere you fancy. There are ample restaurants and vineyards along this route to try too.

I mean, this is France.

Touring France in a motorhome is even more appealing when you factor in that you won’t have far to wander back to your campervan at the end of an evening of indulgence!

The Loire Valley is one of the best places to go camping in France.

Campervan around France

Check out this video of motorhoming in France to give you some serious inspiration for what you could do there! And have a read of my suggestions for the best accessories for campervans for some inspiration to what to pack, and these great campervan gadgets too .

4. Mountain Road by campervan

The Mountain Road is aka the route of the Grand Alps. Living up to its name, this is a drive that starts from Lake Geneva on the border with Switzerland and takes you all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, somewhere like Nice, by way of the French Alps.

That means there’s tonnes of beautiful scenery, peaks and passes to marvel at as well as a good few opportunities to pop on the hiking boots and get in a workout.

While it’s closed in winter, motorhomes can travel the 400 plus miles between May and October and there are plenty of campsites along the way. There’s also loads of stunning places complete with car parks that you can simply call home for the night and wake up to snowy peaks in the morning.

I’d suggest doing this trip as soon as the road opens, so that the roads are clear but the mountains are still covered in snow. This is one of the most beautiful places to go exploring France in a motorhome. Beaut. 

5. Biarritz in a campervan

– Travelling down the coast is one of the best France motorhome routes 

If you’ve got the staying power, then get yourself down to the south west of France where this cool coastal town, not too far from the Spanish border, can offer you a few days of sun, sea and surf.

Making your way from the northern crossing at Calais, you can stop off at places like Loire, La Rochelle and Bordeaux before finally vegging out on the sunny beaches of Biarritz on your trip through France in a motorhome.

Once a fave with Napoléon III, the town has held onto its popularity and has a load of campsites, making it the perfect place to pitch up for a week before making the journey back north.

READ MORE: Best Places to Camp in the South of France

Make sure to book your ETIAS for France ASAP, as it’ll be mandatory from 2025. The application is fully online and can be completed at any time of day, from anywhere with an internet connection.

Tips for parking your motorhome in France 

Once you pull up in one of these fab destinations, what about parking?

Well, most of these destinations have campsites you can drive straight on into without a reservation. Some require a small fee for the night and others are completely free. Alternatively, you can look up some safe spots away from the regular camping crowd using websites like park4night.com or campercontact.com .

That way you get to sleep in some cool locations, wake up where you want and immediately get on your way to the next destination without being held up by any bathroom or exit queues.

Wild camping in France for motorhomes 

“Le camping sauvage” as it’s known in France, or just wild camping to us is when you set up your motorhome wherever you please. There are of course, rules around this.

If you plan to wild camp in France, with your motorhome, you need to know the law. 

The principle rules are: 

• Wild camping is permitted anywhere in France subject to the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land, and subject to certain general limitations. The basic rules are set out in  Article  R111-33  of French town and country planning law.
• The main restrictions stipulate that wild camping is not permitted on the coast, in protected natural sites, and on the perimeter of classified historic monuments.
• Local authorities and the authorities in charge of designated natural sites, such as national or regional parks, may establish specific rules pertaining to their own area.

So basically, look for signs indicating local by-laws, don’t wild camp with your motorhome in France on private land, and be very careful when camping on or near the coast. 

Wild Camping in Scotland

Wild Camping in England

Top tips for exploring France in a motorhome

Before you hit the road, it’s good to remember and acknowledge that driving a campervan is a lot different to driving a car. And driving a campervan in France is definitely different to driving one in the UK — hello right side of the road.

Campervans are bigger for a start and that means they’re more difficult to park and there are restrictions on certain bridges, tunnels and roads to watch out for. Then there’s the difference in engine size, the weight of the vehicle itself and rules of the road you need to consider if you’re exploring France in a motorhome.

So whether it’s your first or fifth motorhome trek across France, here are a few words of advice on how to get safely from A to B in France in a motorhome. And if you want to hire a VW Campervan , here are some top tips for you.

1. Be headlight aware

Make sure your headlights work and flick them on whenever there’s poor light, even if it’s in the daytime. It’s a legal requirement.

2. Belt up at all times

Even though it can be tempting for your passengers to have a snooze on the bed or make a quick sandwich in the back while you’re doing the driving, make sure they keep the cooking for later and sit with a seatbelt on as you drive. Safety first!

3. Measure the motorhome 

Whip out the tape measure and size up the motorhome so you have a better idea of how much wider it is than your car at home. It’ll help with road positioning when you’re driving on those narrow roads and keep you from veering off.

If you’re exploring France in a motorhome, it’s a great idea to know what kind of girth you’re dealing with. 

4. Travel with a friend

Don’t drive one alone. More than anything, campervans are so damn difficult to park, you need a buddy to direct you as park up and reverse it. Consider coming up with your own set of hand signals (the polite kind) between you and your friends so you know what they’re trying to tell you as you slide it into reverse.

When I went on a campervan holiday around Somerset, in England , it sometimes took two of us to get me out of the cute, quirky, yet small streets of Cheddar Gorge. It’s just a whole new beast to get used to! 

5. Be security conscious

A big van means a big win for any pesky thieves about and so the best thing to do is to go all in on any alarm systems and deadlocks you’re offered. That way you’ll have a bit more peace of mind when you’re off exploring.

6. Pack the breathalyser

In France, anyone who owns a vehicle has to have one so make sure you’ve got one in your campervan when you’re motorhoming France.

7. Pack the red triangle

And while you’re at it, throw a red emergency triangle in the back. Should there be an accident, you’ve gotta have one of these to warn other drivers.

8. Speed detection camera kits are illegal

Keep any speed camera detection kits at home. It might make you feel all smart but they’re illegal in France and could mean a big fine.

Driving France by motorhome

– Exploring France in a motorhome means seeing some incredible views

These are just a few of the options for driving through France with a motorhome. Once you’re clutching the keys, you can go anywhere you like.

Hire a motorhome with Yescapa and they can also sort your insurance for you, from well-known companies Maif, AXA, Allianz and Atlantis Seguros. You can request whichever level insurance you like, from basic to all out fully comp, and they’ll sort it out for you.

If you’d like more information, check out Yescapa’s free eBook on ‘ How to Conquer Europe in a Campervan ‘

Campervan around France 

I hope this post has helped you to plan your campervan route through France, and given you a few France motorhoming tips to remember along the way. 

Let me know if you decided to get involved!

Pin these France in a campervan routes for later

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

13 Comments

Great read! Recently returned from doing the North Coast 500 in a campervan which we hired from clarkiescampers.com. Already planning our next adventure, however this time I time we will go some place warmer! 🙂

Oh wow, sounds fab. My boyfriend and I are getting a campervan to travel the Pembrokeshire Coast in August – can’t wait!

@VickyFlipFlop, Hi Vicky We are 1st timers and looking forward to travelling in a hired campervan to explore France, do you have any routes that 1st timers should go on?

Your ideas are really helpful and you always inspire me with your great ideas and techniques… I’m also living in my campervan and almost visit minimum 5 times on your site in a month… to be updated with your thoughts… Thanks again for this post….

Oh wow, that’s cool! I hope I do that one day too 🙂

Loire valley definitely our favourite. Hundreds of fabulous Chateau lining the river banks. One of our favourite has to be Chambord. Once the kings hunting residence the Chateau is beyond belief and well worth visiting.

Oh nice! I definitely have a lot of France to discover, one day!

Interesting read, thanks!

Glad you enjoyed it Robyn – fancy doing a trip round France in a motorhome then?

Great post and article! So stunning pics you shared. Thank you so much for sharing it.

No worries. Thanks for reading and commenting :).

So my Father-in-Law has said we can use his motor home this year as we can’t afford to fly anywhere. Reading through this post, I’m going to put France on the table! Thanks Vicky.

Yay, definitely! I loved seeing the sights of France when I cycled through and I think seeing it by motorhome would be even better. Have fun!

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France Motorhome Itinerary

Are you planning a motorhome trip to France, but don’t know where to start?

We’ve got the perfect France motorhome itinerary for you! Whether you’re in a motorhome, campervan or even a car with a tent, our two to three week French itinerary will take you on an incredible road trip around the country.

From dramatic mountains, fields full of lavender and sunflowers to the sparkling blue Mediterranean and rushing rivers of Occitanie, this journey will share breathtaking landscapes, exciting adventures and iconic sights as you tour this diverse country.

What you get with this itinerary;

• 34 pages of detailed daily suggestions covering 21 days including what to do and see, and where to go along the route + packing tips and France road trip tips .
• A 3000km route with daily mileage and drive times.
• Fifteen recommended campsites and aires suitable for motorhomes.
• 160+ attractions and points of interest along the route.
• Ready to use interactive Google Map with route, campsites and attractions detailed .
• Ten insider tips that you won’t find in guide books.
• Three wild camping spots to try, and access to all our France wild camping tips.

No time to research? Don’t worry, we’ve got that sorted!

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Where Are You Going?

This itinerary starts in medieval Dijon and heads south along the beautiful eastern side of France before looping across traditional Provence to visit some of the region’s most iconic sights.

You’ll meander across historic Languedoc covering Gard, Herault and the wild Cevennes, where you’ll find rushing rivers and gorges in which to swim, mountains to hike and beautiful gardens to visit.

Finally, you’ll enjoy the wonderful landscape of the Dordogne, where dramatic castles and historic villages nestle in picture-perfect valleys alongside the mighty river itself.

Throughout the itinerary, you’ll find suggestions for how to spend your day – whether you’re a history and culture vulture or an adventure seeker, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy with our itinerary.

You May Also Like…

Why Buy Our Itineraries?

• We have years of experience camping, caravanning and motorhoming in the UK and Europe. We’ve also lived in our motorhome full-time for three years…meaning we’ve visited LOTS of places and have gathered lots of information and insider knowledge.
• As well as visiting all the places we write about, our itineraries are extensively researched to ensure they are accurate and provide up to date information.
• Our itineraries come in PDF format that can be viewed on any device, just download and get reading.
• All the links in our itineraries are clickable, meaning you can check up on a particular campsite or view the map directly from your phone or tablet.
• We offer free lifetime updates. No catch, completely free, forever. Whenever we update an itinerary, you will be offered the chance to download the new version free of charge.
• Our site and payment gateway is 100% secure. You can pay safely and risk free with a debit or credit card or use Paypal.
• If you are not satisfied with your itinerary, we offer an uncomplicated, no questions asked refund within 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when i check out.

• You will be taken directly to our secure payment gateway, where you are asked to enter your email and payment details. 
• If you want to receive automatic updates, tick the box and you will receive an opt-in email.
• Once this information is entered and your payment is accepted, a download button will appear on your screen. 
• Click this if you are using the same device on which you will view and use the itinerary. If that’s not the case, don’t worry, you’ll also be receiving an email within a few moments of purchase with a download link.
• You have three attempts to download your itinerary. If you need more attempts, please  email us .

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What if I’m not happy with my purchase?

We want you to be 100% satisfied, but if you’re not, drop us an email and we’ll sort a refund for you.

A Surfer’s Guide to Motorhome Touring in France

A surf trip in a camper van is an incredible way to explore a new location and indulge in the sweet surf break that it offers. France, in particular, boasts incredible surfing opportunities for wave riders of all levels. Motorhome touring in France is an incredible way to enjoy the coastline with your surfboard.  

It’s not hard to come by a camper in France, and the biggest challenge that you’ll find is picking the best one for you. The Atlantic coastline is 4,668 kilometers long, and offers unbeatable surfing conditions, throughout the year.  

If you want to find out more about the best places to surf every month, read our month-by-month surf guide here.

While some surfers travel in an RV or motorhome, others prefer the versatility of a campervan. Here’s all that you need to prepare for an epic surf trip along France’s motorhome routes.  

* Just to let you know that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on them we might receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Options for   Motorhoming in France

Before you map out the route and wax up your board, you need to decide which vehicle is best to meet your needs.  

RV (Motorhome) in France

An RV offers space and comfort to kick it after a surf – whether you’re a beginner finding your feet, or a pro shredding tubes.  

Benefits of a touring France by motorhome

A motorhome is a fantastic option for traveling in slightly larger groups or families. With more space to sleep and work, a motorhome (or RV) is the perfect home away from home on the road in France.

Where to rent an RV motorhome in France

There is a choice of places to find RV rental. France may boast a few choices, but we recommend Auto Europe . The website has a choice of urban plus motorhomes, family plus motorhomes, and even premium options.  

Surfing Campervan in France

Campervans are another great option. Slightly smaller, but equally as effective.  

Benefits of campervanning in France

Campervans allow you to travel across France’s gorgeous landscapes with flexibility and maneuverability. A campervan is also a great option because it offers all that you need to live comfortably, without being clumsy.  

Where to find campervan rental in France

It’s as easy to find a camper in France as it is to rent an RV. One of the best sites is Van-It , with a selection of campervans available to rent without breaking the bank. There are all different sizes, perfect for an unforgettable surf trip.  

Seven Stops: France Motorhome Routes for Surfers

Once your bags are packed and your fuel tank is full, you can get going. There are so many amazing spots to stop and surf along the coast of France, and we encourage you to take your time. Even so, there are a few spots in particular that we’d like to point out for you to circle on your map.  

1. Yport, Normandy

Yport is one of the more popular spots to surf in Normandy. Nearby, Etretat is also a great option. The classic wave breaks as a left-hand point break over flat rocks and promises to be a lot of fun. There are very few crowds meaning that you can enjoy the waves without getting flustered. Keep in mind that swell consistency isn’t the best in Normandy, so it’s best to manage your expectations.  

If you’re looking for a place to park your vehicle overnight, then Le Rivage is a fantastic option. Located on the top of the cliff, the spot boasts an epic view and the opportunity to read the waves.  

When the swell isn’t working in your favor, then you can explore the little French village Fecamp. The combination of art, history, and the marina makes the spot a charming location for a holiday.  

Distance to next destination: 552 kilometers

2. Pors Peron, Bretagne

During the winter months, Pors Peron transforms into a clean, consistent wave. When the conditions are right, the exposed beach break is another surf spot that’s worth adding to your itinerary. Just like Yport, there are few crowds, meaning more waves to go around.

Pors Peron is largely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. Camping Pors Peron is a simple campsite that offers everything that you need, without the fuss. They offer great facilities, just a stone’s throw from another beach.  

If the waves aren’t working, then you can always drive to the nearby medieval town of Pont Croix. The little town is filled with gorgeous historical sites, delicious restaurants, and captivating culture.  

Distance to next destination: 325 kilometers

3. Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, Vendée

Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is home to a much-loved surf spot that isn’t as well known as others. It’s a gentle spot that suits surfers of all levels (and ages). Boasting a fairly consistent beach break, wave riders can shoot either left or right, as long as you don’t mind riding slightly smaller waves.

Camping Les Cypres is the camping ground of choice near Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. In many ways, the camping grounds cater to surfers and share access to both Saint Gilles Croix de Vie as well as La Sauzaie.  

While the beach is arguably the biggest attraction in the area, there are other fun things to do in the area. A lot of activities are centered around nature, such as the Le Grand Defi, but there are also many cultural sites to visit, such as the Vendee Miniature Museum.

Distance to next destination: 234 kilometers

4. Montalivet, Bordeaux

Montalivet is a standard surf spot that breaks over a sandy bottom, offering rides to surfers of all levels. There’s potential to get a really long ride, depending on whether you visit when the conditions are right.  

Although it’s located slightly further away from the beach, Camping Le Bonheur Est Dans Le Pré is the campsite of choice when stopping over at Montalivet. The extra drive is worth it, as the space is beautiful and serene.  

A lot of the attractions in the area pivot around natural beauty. For example, there’s the option to explore the nearby vineyards and empty beaches. The local village of Vendays-Montalivet is also a great spot to grab a cup of coffee or mingle with the friendly locals.  

Distance to next destination: 67 kilometers

5. Le Porge, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Le Porge is an hour’s drive from Bordeaux and the surf spot in Le Porge is the perfect place for beginners, with a choice of two schools ready to teach beginners as well. The wide-open beach boasts fun peaks and exposed beach breaks.  

La Grigne is a large campsite that can become quite busy in summer. The campsite is within walking distance of the beach and offers a beautiful, forested area to relax after fun in the water.  

Even if the swell isn’t working, it’s worth visiting the local beaches in Le Porge. Traveling a short distance in each direction will bring you to Lacanau, Andernos-Les-Bains, and Carcans.  

Distance to next destination: 187 kilometers

6. Hossegor

Hossegor is the pride and joy of surfing in France. The consistent wave breaks in four main spots, suited for various skill levels. The entire town is set up around surfing, and there are more than enough surf schools, rentals, and waves to go around.  

Want to return to Hossegor at a later stage? Read our blog on planning the ultimate Hossegor surf trip here.

There is a choice of several campsites to choose from in the area. Depending on what you hope to achieve from the trip, you can browse campsites around Soorts-Hossegor and take your pick!

If you’re traveling as a surfing nomad, then there are several places that are perfect to live, work, and surf in Hossegor. Read about them in our blog here.

When you’re not surfing, you can explore the rest of what Hossegor has to offer. Take a stroll in the forest, visit the farmers market, pop into a sunset bar, and grab an ice cream from Café de Paris.  

Distance to next destination: 38 kilometers

7. Bidart, Biarritz

There are several spots to surf in Biarritz, but Bidart’s surfing beaches are a great place to start. Choose between Ilbarritz for all levels, Pavillon Royal for experienced surfers, and Erretegia for surfers from beginner to experienced.  

There are several camping spots to choose from, some of which are right in front of the surf spots. One of the best campsites is Camping Erreka which offers a bit of luxury in an authentic and natural environment.  

The beautiful, coastal town in the Basque country is dripping with culture and offers the opportunity for traveling surfers to immerse themselves. Visit the local golf course, the lookout deck at Rocher de la Vierge, and the Cathedrale Saint-Marie de Bayonne.  

Tips For Traveling Through France In A Motorhome

Whether you’re taking a campervan to France from your home, or you’re renting one in the country, there are a few details to note.  

• A valid driving license is essential
• Make sure that you have the vehicle’s original registration document handy
• Be careful to stick to the speed limits in France
• Stock up on snacks and water for late nights
• Invest in a portable wifi device if you plan on doing any work on the road
• Keep an eye on the expected climate and temperature to make sure that you’re prepared

France is a fantastic digital nomad destination, especially for surfers. Read more about our top destinations to work and surf around the world.

Bags Packed and Surfboards Ready!

Are you ready for the ultimate surfing road trip through France? Hiring a campervan can save you money and give you everything that you need – as you need it.

Whether you need a larger motorhome for a bigger group or prefer the zippy size of a smaller campervan – France’s surfing coastline is your oyster!

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Candice Boyers

Candice Land, aka Candi Land, aka The Captain, is a freelance writer, digital nomad and full-time globe trotter.

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The best tips for your motorhome trip through France

Special historic caves.

The Grotte de Font de Gaume is a must-see for history buffs when visiting France by motor home. This cave contains original prehistoric wall paintings. Very special, because in many other cases, this kind of caves are not open to the public or the murals are copied. There are more than 200 paintings on the walls. They mainly depict animals such as horses, bison and mammoths. The cave was probably inhabited for thousands of years. Around the 19th century, the paintings were discovered. After extensive research, it turned out that the paintings were made around 17,000 BC. Please note that only a certain number of visitors are allowed in each day, so be sure to arrive on time with your motorhome. This way, the preservation of the murals can be guaranteed. You will spend the night near the caves at Parking de la Vézère in Les Eyzies .

The largest castle on the Loire

The Chateau de Chambord is the largest castle on the French Loire and perhaps the most beautiful castle you will encounter on your campervan tour of France. But that's not all: it was also partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. There are 426 rooms in the castle, 60 of which you can visit. In each room, you can admire the most beautiful works of art and furniture. The gardens of the castle connect the castle and the forest. You can take a nice walk in the gardens and then walk further in the forest, where you can spot deer, among others. You can also admire the castle from the water by renting a boat in the gardens or you can be driven around on the back of a horse-drawn carriage to feel like a real prince or princess during your motorhome trip through France! Just a stone's throw away from the castle, you can stay overnight with your camper at the motorhome park Château de Chambord .

- The Château de Chambord is perhaps the most beautiful castle you will encounter on your motorhome tour of France!

Visit the impressive French coastline with a motorhome

Etretat is located on the west coast of France and is known for its magnificent chalk cliffs. These are not just any chalk cliffs, because if you look closely, you can see an elephant in them! The 'elephant' is also called Falaise d'Aval and is, together with the 'needle' standing next to it (L'aiguille), the most famous part of the cliffs. It is best to discover the impressive coastline on foot or by bike. The famous artist Monet also noticed the beauty of the place: he painted several pictures of the area! Apart from the coastline, the village itself is also worth visiting by motor home. There is a covered market where you can buy local produce and souvenirs for the home. You will also find various half-timbered and fishermen's houses. Here you can taste the most delicious freshly caught fish and oysters. You will spend the night with your camper van just outside Étretat at Aire de stationnement Maupassant . Visit Étretat and more beautiful locations on a motorhome route through the French regions of Normandy and Brittany. With this free itinerary , you can be sure you won't miss a thing along the way. In Normandy, you will discover locations such as Pont-Audemer - the Venice of Normandy - and Giverny. You may know the latter from the artist Monet who lived here for a long time and eventually died there. And in Brittany, you can visit the pink Côte de Granit Rose and the medieval town of Dinan, among other places.

- Etretat is known for its extraordinary chalk cliffs. 

A beautiful medieval citadel

In Carcassonne, you will find the medieval citadel, also called the Cité of Carcassonne. The citadel is so special because it is, as it were, a city within a city (Carcassonne). Since 1997, the site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the Cité, you can admire, among other things, the Château Comtal. This castle was built in the 12th century. If you visit the castle during your campervan trip, you can admire the fortress and the accompanying castle walls and towers. Furthermore, the Théâtre de la Cité is highly recommended. This location used to be a monastery. Now, every summer the Festival de la Cité takes place here. During this event, there are numerous (free) performances in different genres, from dance to opera. A walk along the city walls of La Cité is also recommended. These walls are 3 kilometres long in total. During this route you will pass the most beautiful spots of the cité. In Carcassonne, stay at Camping de la Cité a stone's throw from the centre.

- The Cité of Carcassonne is a 'city within a city'! 

For the hikers

The French Cevennes is the nature reserve in France for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go for long walks through the green mountains and along the historical towns. Mont Aigoual is the second highest mountain of the Cevennes and is one of the most famous locations for hiking. You will reach the 1565 metres high mountain top via different hiking paths. Of course, you have a beautiful view of the surroundings from the top, but you can also visit a real observatory where you will learn more about the climate on and around the mountain. The various caves in the area are also worth a visit. The Grotte l'Aven Armand and the Grotte de Dargilan are among the most famous caves in the area. In both caves you can admire the most impressive stalactites. Furthermore, you will discover various cosy villages and cities during your campervan trip through the Cévennes, such as Alès, the 'capital' of the Cévennes. Here, you will find beautiful historical buildings. You can also visit the Witness Mine. The city is known for its mining history. Here, you get a glimpse of the present and the past of the mines. In the summer months, there is also a show with various actors who bring the former mining work to life. You will spend the night in Alès at Camping-Car Park Alès . Visit more beautiful nature during your campervan trip through France, for example the Mercantour National Park. These are the green pearls of the country.

- In the green surroundings of the French Cevennes, many outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy themselves for days! 

Visit a French gem with your motorhome

Aix-en-Provence is one of the many gems you will come across on your campervan tour of France. It may be a city, but it has the atmosphere of a village. And that is exactly what makes a visit so enjoyable! In the old town, you will find plenty of old buildings and fountains. An impressive sight just outside the centre is Camp les Milles. This is the only intact large-scale deportation camp from the Second World War in France. You will learn everything about this period of history here. Don't forget to taste the famous Calissons when you travel to Aix-en-Provence with your campervan. This local dessert - although also delicious as a snack - consists of almonds, melon and orange peel. Roy René is the most famous manufacturer and here you can see how the sweet is made at the accompanying Calisson museum. As well as having a look at the manufacturing process, you can also attend a workshop here to make the sweets yourself at home. Spend the night at a farm with your camper just a stone's throw from Aix-en-Provence .

Download the Camperstop-App to get access to more than 12,000 camper spaces. The first 7 days are free.  Read all about the app here.

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La dolce vita in northern Italy!

Staying overnight during the asparagus season!

Get out and about on the PACTO folding bikes!

Where to go with your motorhome in April?

Motorhome-trip through the blossom fields!

Traveling to the Spanish Costa Brava with your motorhome!

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• Travel guides
• Inspiration

The most beautiful motorhome routes in France

Discover france by motorhome.

France is the holiday destination of choice to discover by motorhome. The great variety of nature, small authentic villages and trendy cities with sights behind every corner, ensure that you can keep travelling without getting bored for a single moment.

France is a real "motorhome country" with excellent facilities that will make your motorhome trip a lot more pleasant. Throughout the country there is a wide range of campsites and motorhome sites. In principle, in France you can stay overnight in your motorhome wherever you are allowed to park. However, there are some rules and exceptions to this.

Below, we selected the most beautiful motorhome routes through France that you can use as inspiration for your next motorhome trip.

7 of the most beautiful motorhome routes in France

Normandy is a wonderful road trip destination. Nowhere else in France will you discover such a variety of landscapes and sights. Nomads mapped out a 957 km motorhome route that starts in the seaside resort of Dieppe and takes you past the white chalk cliffs of the Côte d'Albâtre to charming Honfleur and Deauville. The ride takes you past the D-Day invasion beaches and Mont Saint-Michel is not missing either. Returning inland, hilly Normandy has more to offer than just the coast. On this motorhome route, you won't lack campsites and motorhome sites.

Anyone who says 'Provence' immediately thinks of sunny, mountainous countryside interspersed with vineyards and purple lavender fields. A motorhome route through Provence undoubtedly provides breathtaking views. This route is a treat for the eyes. You trek from authentic village to cosy town in a beautiful backdrop of hills. The motorhome route counts 668 km and starts in the lesser-known Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and drives from there to sunny Vaucluse. Fruit farms, olive groves and truffles take you to the Camargue before exploring the Côtes-du-Rhône wine region and the Roman past of Avignon and Orange.

French Pyrenees

Stretching from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain. A motorhome route through the French Pyrenees offers sea, beaches, mountains, rivers, lakes, valleys, natural parks and numerous quaint towns. This motorhome route is ideal for a holiday of say 14 days and offers a variety of sights. Take full advantage of the beauty of the Pyrenees and be guided along the whimsical lanes from Biarritz to Barcarès on the Mediterranean.

At the foot of the Pyrenees, Aude lies in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. A region known for its beautiful nature, delicious wine and the history of the Cathars. The sunny region is therefore perfect for a motorhome tour! The motorhome route starts in Narbonne on the Mediterranean coast and heads inland through winding roads and beautiful vineyards. The route then heads into the Pyrenees and explores the impressive fortresses and castles of the Cathars. Built high on dizzying rocks, the ruins of Peyrepertuse and Quéribus recall the past.

Côte d’Azur

The Côte d'Azur is the holiday destination of many Belgians and Dutchmen, but perhaps not the obvious one to go there with a motorhome. It is super crowded in summer, the narrow streets cause stress in the motorhome ánd the campsites and motorhome sites are sparse. But... in spring or autumn it is quiet and you can drive the region perfectly by motorhome. Be enchanted by the azure coast, the small villages and, of course, the great seaside towns of the French Riviera.

Alsace and Vosges

Alsace is a diverse destination in the north-east of France that charms motorhome lovers with its culture and gastronomy. It is a rich, lively and generous region that stretches along the Rhine and takes you past wine hills and cosy villages, with in the background: the mountain peaks of the Vosges Mountains. On this motorhome tour, the many vineyards and excellent Alsatian wines are first on the agenda. Then we follow the Route des Crêtes, which takes us past mountain villages and picturesque towns to the highest peaks of the Vosges.

Champagne region

The Champagne-Ardenne region is the gateway to eastern France and is known for the prestigious elixir sipped by French kings, Champagne. The bubbles conquered restaurants all over the world and sparkle at many a party. However, the Champagne region is more than just this drink of the gods. This motorhome route takes you past vast forests and past beautiful waters such as the Meuse and Lac du Der. The mighty cities of Reims and Troyes cannot be missed on our motorhome tour either.

General terms & conditions

Everything you need to know when motorhoming in France

Going to France with your motorhome? Do it! France is an ideal holiday destination, with a beautifully diverse landscape, a pleasant climate, delicious cuisine and lots of perfect sites for motorhomes. And for motorhome owners.

After a day of exploring the area, you can enjoy one of the many acclaimed wines, with a piece of cheese and baguette in the French evening sun. With a French Chanson playing in the background. Read this country information before you leave, and you will have everything you need to know before you set off in your motorhome to France.

Overnight stops

Are you taking your motorhome to France and looking for a place to stay overnight? Then search for campsites and motorhome stopovers. For French motorhome locations , see Campercontact. You are allowed to stay overnight for free anywhere that a passenger car (or camper <3,500 kg) or bus (or camper> 3,500 kg) may park. So, officially you can spend the night at any place where you are allowed to park. However, you should not stay for longer than seven days in one place. You can stay for a maximum of 24 hours in parking areas along motorways. If you want more than just an overnight stop and prefer to try wild camping instead, then you can only do this with the permission of the owner of the land or the police.

Emergency telephone number

Emergency telephone number: 112 Ambulance: 15 Police: 17 Fire department: 18

Compulsory to bring

The French government requires motorhome owners to have a breathalyser in their motorhome, so that if in doubt drivers can test their own alcohol levels. If you get stopped and you don't have one with you, you won't get a fine. You are allowed to have a maximum of 0.5 promille in your blood. This is a maximum of 49 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. For a new driver (less than 3 years driving license) a promillage of 0,2 promillage applies. Furthermore, a warning triangle and an easily accessible reflective jacket for the driver and a set of spare lamps are mandatory. Not mandatory, but a good tip (if we say so ourselves) is to bring a plug adapter or blue Euro plug with you. Many French motorhome pitches still use earthed plugs.

Roads and traffic

Speed limit

In France the following speed limits apply:

• Within built-up areas ≤ 3,5 t: 50 km/h
• Within built-up area > 3,5 ton: 50 km/h
• Outside built-up area ≤ 3.5 tons: 80 km per hour
• Outside built-up area > 3.5 tons: 80 km per hour
• Motorway ≤ 3.5 tons: 130 km per hour
• Motorway> 3.5 tons: 110 km per hour. On 110 km per hour roads with 4 lanes and separate carriageways, a maximum speed of 100 km per hour applies.

Speed camera warning

In France it is forbidden to use speed camera warnings via the navigation system. However, the indication of danger zones in a navigation system is permitted.

In France, you have to pay tolls on many of the motorways. The five toll categories and their details can be found on autoroutes.fr . For each toll road, there is an alternative route where no toll charged. If there is no alternative route other than the motorway, then that motorway is toll free.

Driving in winter

As of 1 November 2021, it is compulsory to carry 2 snow chains or to drive with 4 Winter tyres in mountainous areas during the winter period (1 November to 31 March). Mountain areas where this obligation applies are the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, Jura and Corsica. In addition, snow chains are compulsory wherever indicated by signs. If, in the event of an accident, the motorhome has not been prepared for winter conditions, the driver may be held (partly) liable.

Other traffic rules

• A motorhome over 3,500 kg may not drive on the left lane on a French three-lane road.
• Vehicles> 3,500 kg or longer than 7 meters must keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from the vehicle in front.
• Vehicles in built-up areas must keep a distance of 1 metre from pedestrians and passing cyclists, even when they are walking or riding on the pavement. Outside built-up areas a distance of 1.5 meters applies. When passing, indicators must be switched off.
• Using a mobile phone is prohibited. You can also get a fine if the motorhome is stationary and you have a phone in your hand. Pressure is still being exerted on the French authorities from various sides to reverse this regulation. For the first three months of 2021 there is an tolerance period during which no fines will be given. The size of the sticker is 25x17 cm. The stickers are to mark the zone that the driver can hardly see. The measure is intended to prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians.The stickers must be placed on the right rear side (between 0.9 and 1.5 m from the ground) and on each front side (between 0.9 and 1.5 m from the ground) of the cabin. An instructional video can be found here.

Additional load

Is your motorhome carrying an additional load? Please read the following rules.

• The load must not extend more than 3 metres backwards and must not protrude at the front.
•  If the load sticks out more than 1 meter, it is mandatory to attach a reflective sign to the furthest point.
• In the dark or in poor visibility, the load must also be fitted with a red light.
•  The maximum load of a vehicle with trailer is 2.55 metres wide and 12 metres long.
• From 1 January 2021, it will be compulsory for vehicles > 3500 kg to have blind spot stickers installed.

Pressure is still being exerted on the French authorities from various sides to reverse this regulation. For the first

Environment

French environmental zones

In France you have a low emission zone (ZFE), permanent environmental zones (ZCR) and temporary environmental zones (ZPA). The latter are air pollution protection zones where access rules are temporarily imposed when there is a pollution peak. These zones can be active for a few days and are then only accessible with a valid environmental sticker, the 'Crit'Air'. For permanent zones, the access rules always apply. 

Advice: purchase an environmental badge when travelling to France (more information under the heading: French environmental badges). Admission to an environmental zone depends on the colour and number of the environmental badge. 

Website with information about the French environmental zones. 

French environmental stickers

In France there are six different environmental stickers (called 'Crit'Air' there). Motorhomes built after 1997 qualify for a sticker. And your vehicle's emissions determine which sticker you get.   

On this website you will find a simulator which shows you which Crit'Air Vignette you need to buy for your motorhome. You can order your French environment sticker here.  Stick it on the bottom right (as seen from the inside) on the inside of the windscreen.

Report a change?

The information on this page is checked regularly. However, it is possible that the regulations have changed in the meantime. All information on this page is therefore subject to change. Have you discovered an error? Please let us know via our contact form and we will, if necessary, amend it as soon as possible.

• European campsites and crossings
• Overseas tours
• European tours

France caravan and motorhome tours

France has so much to offer on a touring holiday. With plenty of french tours to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choose! Enjoy touring the areas of south western France with guided excursions of historic towns and cities. See delightful areas of the Atlantic coastline of France through sailing and guided train tours. Indulge your taste buds with some wine and cognac tasting sessions. What’s more, France is only a short ferry ride away. Enjoy your home-away-from-home whilst touring the beautiful country and make memories of a lifetime during your trip to France.

Top driving tip:  Don't cross a solid white line - you'll be hit with an 'on-the-spot' fine.

Wines of the Loire from £3,199*

16 night tour departs 7 September 2024

Come and join us on another oenological adventure, this time to the Loire! 

Wines of Alsace from £2,795*

14 night tour departs 17 June 2024

Come and discover a surprising selection of Alsace wines on this 14 night tour. 

France Grand Tour from £3,999*

26 night tour departs 8 June 2024

Explore some of the best and most iconic parts of rural France. From rugged coastlines to lush countryside, taking in prehistoric caves to breathtaking mountains. 

Flavours of The Basque Country from £3,449*

Tour departs on 24 May 2023 - please register your interest

New for this year, come and join us on a truly ‘foodie’ experience in the heart of the Basque Country!

First Time Normandy from £2,999*

11 night tour departs 9 September 2024

Explore the natural beauty and picturesque villages of Normandy, an ideal destination for your first overseas touring experience. 

First Time Brittany from £2,765*

10 night tour departs 20 June 2024

Discover the picturesque towns, long stretches of sandy beaches alongside the unique cultre and history of Brittany. 

Aveyron Discovery from £2,099*

17 night tour departs 6 June 2024

Enjoy stunning landscapes, rich history and the local cuisines in this charming tour of Aveyron, Southern France.

Cycling in the Loire from £1,339*

10 night tours depart 8 June 2024

What better way to take in the châteaux and iconic sights of the Loire than by bicycle!

You may also be interested in

Driving abroad

Learn when and where tolls are, be aware of speed limits and rules of the road.

First time abroad

Read our advice for your first time touring abroad to feel safe and confident.

Driving regulations

Find helpful information on traffic and driving regulations in each country.

Book a site

Campsites in France

Hop across the Channel and explore the many regions of France at your own pace.

Top questions

This is my first visit abroad with my caravan/motorhome. how can the club help.

The Club's first time abroad section explains everything you need to know about going on your first overseas touring holiday.

Are the road laws and driving regulations in Europe the same as the UK?

No. Legal requirements will vary from country to country so it's important that you read our  overseas driving regulations advice before you travel. This information is also printed in the Overseas Touring Guides .

Brittany Road Trip by Campervan and Motorhome

The pink cliffs of the Côtes d'Armor, the turquoise waters of the Finistère beaches and the beautiful bays of the Côte d'Émeraude (Emerald Coast) are just some of the reasons why it is worth discovering the region of galettes and sailor shirts.  Lovers of seafood, a fresh sea breeze and charming coastal villages will quickly see why Brittany is one of the most popular regions for caravanning.

Our route starts on the south coast of Brittany and heads to the north coast, where we treat ourselves to a final detour into Normandy to the famous Mont Saint-Michel, the crème de la crème.

Depending on which direction you arrive from by motorhome, or if you arrive by plane and rent a camper, you can of course do the tour the other way round and explore the capital of Brittany, Rennes, with its medieval half-timbered houses and magnificent cathedral, beforehand.

In the following, we will introduce you to the best camper van sites in Brittany and places of interest, and give you some travel tips for this enchanting stretch of land.

• Pink granite coast near Ploumanach, ©Rico Ködder - stock.adobe.com

Brittany is located in the north-west of France and consists of the 4 departments of Ille-et-Vilaine with the capital Rennes, Morbihan, Finistère and Côtes-d'Armor. The most beautiful stretches of coastline include the Gulf of Morbihan , the Crozon Peninsula with the Armorique Regional Park, the Pink Granite Coast , and the Emerald Coast with Cap Fréhel and Saint-Malo. Mont Saint-Michel is just a few kilometres east of Brittany in Normandy and is also a must on this motorhome tour.

• ALPS ALPINE Europe GmbH

A Brittany Road Trip makes it possible to experience:

• ... picturesque villages with half-timbered houses and historic castles while strolling along the beach promenade;
• ... numerous sporting activities such as paragliding, kayaking, canoeing, boat trips, windsurfing and kitesurfing;
• ... the varied Breton landscapes, customs and culinary specialities such as galettes, kouign amann and bar de ligne.

Type of route: Holiday route Theme: Landscape, beaches, culinary, culture Start / Finish: Pointe de Penvins / Mont Saint-Michel Length: 916 km / 569 miles Province: Brittany, Normandy Departments: Morbihan, Finistère, Côtes-d-Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine Holiday regions: Gulf of Morbihan, Armorique Nature Park & Crozon Peninsula, La Côte de Granit Rose, Côte d'Émeraude

• La Maison du Gouffre -House between the rocks, © von Schorle_CC BY-SA 3.0_curid=2814233

Highlights of Brittany

The gulf of morbihan.

Explore one of the most beautiful bays in the world, wander through half-timbered villages, medieval walls and castles.

What is there to visit?

We start our route in Penvins , a small Breton town where you can enjoy the beach, walk along the Pointe de Penvins peninsula and end the day with a delicious crêpe at the Les Salines crêperie. Nearby is also the Manoir de Ker an Poul campsite with swimming pools, water slides and all the amenities for a fun family day out.

7 km from Penvins is Suscinio Castle near Sarzeau , built in the 13th century and formerly the residence of the Dukes of Brittany. The castle is in a unique location where you can go bird watching and 10 minutes walk away you can spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach. (Sarzeau camper van site) .

Our next stop is Vannes , a small medieval town that looks like something out of a fairytale with its picturesque half-timbered houses and medieval city walls. Here it is worth visiting La Cohue, which houses the Vannes Fine Arts Museum with numerous contemporary works, and the Gothic Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

About 60 km north of Vannes is the famous Brocéliande Forest (Paimpont Forest), where there are countless places to discover, such as the Fountain of Youth, Merlin's Tomb and the Golden Tree.

Once in Auray , take the opportunity to visit the port of St Goustan, the Place de la Republique and the church of Sainte-Anne d'Auray , a 10-minute drive away, which is visited by millions of pilgrims every year.

On the way to the pink granite coast, be sure to stop at Carnac , where there are numerous dolmens and megaliths, and another at Pont l'Abbé , a small town of great historical value, described by Maupassant as the most Breton of all Breton towns. Nearby, at Saint-Jean-Trolimon, is also the Plage de Tronoën , one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany and, at over 10 km, also one of the longest.

You might also be interested in:

•     Rochefort-en-Terre
•     The Stone Age Cairn on the island of Gavrinis
•     Parc Botanique de Cornouaille

• Chapel on the Île de Boëdic - Gulf of Morbihan - ©chromoprisme - stock.adobe.com

• Port of Île-aux-Moines, ©Pascale Gueret - stock.adobe.com

Menhirs and Dolmens

Megalithic culture is present everywhere on a motorhome tour in Brittany. Many of the Neolithic monuments have survived the millennia and can still be admired today. These include long graves, allées couvertes, dolmens, menhirs, cairns and stone enclosures.

The stone fields of Carnac are the largest of their kind in the world. The menhir of Champ-Dolent , together with the menhir of Kerloas of about the same height, is the largest upright megalithic stone monument in France dating from the Neolithic period.

• Menhir du Champ Dolant, Foto: LianeM - stock.adobe.com

Disconnect completely in one of these wonderful enclaves on the south coast of Finistère. The port of Doëlan is a little gem with pretty white houses and colourful fishing boats that will make you feel like you're in a picture postcard. The coves of Beg-Meil and the Mousterlin point are two other ideal places for those looking for beach paths between the sea and the rocks.

Crozon Peninsula and Brest

Our next stop on our Brittany road trip is Crozon , a peninsula known for its incredible cliffs and bays with turquoise waters. Hiking enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to walk along the Cap de la Chèvre , because hidden all along the coast are small beaches that require a bit of an adventurous spirit and long walks - do you dare to discover them?

From Crozon, we take a detour to Brest , a charming town that is considered the gateway to the beautiful Armorique Regional Natural Park . In principle, this is an ideal place to relax, spend an afternoon on the beach and sample the local fish specialities. Note, however, that parking in the area can be difficult, so it's best to arrive early.

•     Océanopolis Brest
•     Armorique Regional Nature Park
•     Plage de l'île Vierge

• Cap de la chèvre - Crozon ©thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Pink Granite Coast

From Brest, we continue to Tonquédec to visit the fantastic castle. Be impressed by the imposing medieval remains and take advantage of the coolness of the forest for a short walk in the midst of nature.

Just a few kilometres away is Lannion , whose houses are a little reminiscent of Harry Potter's Angular Alley and is another place worth visiting if you want to take a break from the beach and spend an afternoon with something different.

We continue towards Trégastel and reach the pink granite coast, which owes its name to the characteristic colour of its rocks. The contrast between the rocks and the blue of the sea is a natural spectacle. Take your time to explore all that this area has to offer: the pink sandy beach of Saint-Guirec, the pink lighthouse of Men Ruz, the Château de Costaérès Stephen Abragan and the various signposted hiking trails between Trégastel and Trébeurden.

•     Camping du port Landrellec
•     Jardin Georges Delaselle
•     Le Jardin Exotique de Roscoff

• Pink Granite Coast, Brittany ©Vincent - stock.adobe.com

With an Alpine navigation system and park4night's pitch database, you'll always have the most beautiful pitches in Brittany on board.

Côtes d'Armor

We continue our journey along the Côtes d'Armor and stop in the small village of Plougrescant : an impressive place where the surf has strangely shaped the cliffs over the years. Here, a small house is hidden between two huge rocks, an unusual and at the same time magical place. The house between the rocks is also known as the Gorge House or "La Maison du Gouffre".

We take the road to Plouézec , the home of moules-frites and also a place with a magnificent panoramic view. In this area, we recommend a visit to the Pointe de Plouézec, the abbey of Beauport and the Cap de Bréhat campsite, located in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees and overlooking the sea.

In this area, you will always come across a signposted path, the GR34 long-distance hiking trail, "Sentier des douaniers", or customs officers' path , which runs for a total of almost 2000 km along the coast to Mont Saint-Michel. You may not feel like hiking the whole way, but it's an incredible route that you can do at your own pace, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views that the French Emerald Coast has to offer.

We continue to Plevenon to visit Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte , an extraordinary cliff-top fortress where scenes from films such as Richard Fleischer's 'The Vikings' have been filmed.

There is plenty to see in the area: Make a quick stop in Dinan to see the cobbled streets and half-timbered facades, or head to the beaches of Saint-Briac and Saint-Sieuc.

You might also be interested in...

•         Fort la Latte
•         Saint-Brieuc
•         Pontrieux
•         The Valley of the Saints
•         Parc botanique de Haute-Bretagne - Château de la Foltière

• Brehat Island ©aquaphoto - stock.adobe.com

The fortified town of Saint-Malo is located on the Côte d'Émeraude (Emerald Coast) at the mouth of the River Rance opposite the seaside resort of Dinard. With over 1 million visitors a year, the town is one of the most important sights in Brittany and France. The historic town centre within the imposing city walls accounts for about 20 % of the total area of the town and is washed by water on three sides. The Plage du Sillon is the largest beach in Saint-Malo and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. The town beach, which is over 3 km long, is not only ideal for swimming, but also for kite flying or beach sailing.

The highlight among Saint-Malo's sights, apart from Saint Vicent Cathedral, is for many the "cheminde ronde", the battlements on the fortifications . On the walls, guards once kept watch for enemies or awaited their own ships at high tide.

In the bay of Saint-Malo there is one of the largest tidal differences in Europe, up to twelve metres difference between low tide and high tide. Three of the offshore islands Grand Bé and Petit Bé as well as Fort National are therefore accessible on foot at low tide. The Usine marémotrice de la Rance, the world's first and until 2011 largest tidal power station, has been located in the mouth of the Rance since 1966.

• Saint-Malo, Grand Maree, ©Foto: SMBMSM

Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Whether with the family, in a group, as a couple or alone, Mont Saint-Michel offers a wide range of tourist activities to suit all tastes.

Campers can park at the P8 caravan park, a good option for those who want to make a short stop on their camper van tour of Brittany to get to know the village. From the car park, you can take the shuttle "le Passeur" to Mont Saint-Michel.

Upon arrival, we suggest you visit the village, the ramparts, the abbey, the museums and take a walk around the bay.

• Mont Saint-Michel - Francia ©135pixels - stock.adobe.com

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is an ancient Benedictine abbey that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and receives around three million visitors a year. Inside the abbey, you can visit the refectory , the cloister and the scriptorium , where you can learn more about the art behind the manuscripts and the work of the copyist monks. You can also visit the chapels, the crypts and the places where pilgrims were received. Admission is free for anyone under 26 and in summer the abbey is open from 9am to 7pm. Concerts and various cultural events are held regularly at the abbey during the summer.

Discover the history of this unique site, considered one of the most important historical monuments in France, on a guided tour that will teach you about its historical and symbolic importance for thousands of pilgrims.

Around Mont Saint-Michel, you can visit the Chausey Islands by boat and the numerous islets that form at low tide. Other sights in the area include the Porte du Ro y and the old mill of Moidrey.

Legend has it that...

... in 708, the archangel Saint Michael appeared in an ascetic's dream and showed him the place where he should build his place of worship, which is why he began to build on this site.

Travel tips

What is the best time to travel to Brittany by motorhome?

The best time to visit Brittany by motorhome is from June to early September.  The climate in Brittany is characterised by mild winters and cool summers. The climate is quite pleasant, especially on the coast. A north-westerly wind blows in the north of Brittany, but rainfall is in line with the national average.

Typical dishes in Brittany

Brittany is a great place to eat, and if you take advantage of the daily menus on offer, you can save a lot of money. Some of the typical dishes of the region are:

•         Salted butter
•         Coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallops au gratin)
•         Crêpes/Galettes
•         Sarrasin
•         Lobster
•         Strawberries
•         Seaweed
•         Prawns
•         Kouign-amann
•         Bouchot mussels
•         Cider and apple juice
•         A fish called "le bar de ligne".

• Pontusval Lighthouse ©Joachim - stock.adobe.com

Traffic rules for motorhomes in France

• for motorhomes up to 3.5t the following speed limits apply: in towns: 50 km/h, outside towns 80 km/h (some departments 90 km/h), on motorways 110 km/h and on motorways 130 km/h
• for motorhomes over 3.5t the following speed limits apply: in towns: 50 km/h, outside towns 80 km/h, on motorways 100 km/h and on motorways 110 km/h
• the blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. Exceeding this limit can result in heavy fines and sometimes prison sentences.
• Since the beginning of 2021, motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes must have blind spot warnings (French: "angles morts") visibly displayed on both sides at the very front and at the rear. You can find these stickers on the internet or at petrol stations near the border.
• In more and more French cities there are environmental zones which may only be entered with a corresponding sticker (Crit'Air-Vignette). The sticker can only be ordered online and can also be obtained for vehicles not registered in France on the official website of the French Ministry of the Environment.

Itinerary with campsite information

For more information on points of interest please see also our "EXPLORER MAP"

Selected for you

Alpine Cross Cabin - Work Anywhere - Stay Anywhere

The new Alpine Cross Cabin seamlessly integrates comfortable travel, mobile productivity, and exceptional leisure quality within a groundbreaking vehicular concept. It represents the ultimate solution for a workation at an inspiring destination.

France Passion

While in all parts of Europe, sustainable camping and connections with farmers are evolving more and more, this style of camping has a long tradition in France. In 2022, France Passion celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Blind spot: France requires warning notices to be on the motorhomes

Since the beginning of the year, motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes in France have had to have blind spot warning signs visibly displayed on both sides at the front and rear of the vehicle.

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20 Holiday Destinations for Motorhome Owners in France

Competition among the ferry companies and the Channel Tunnel has made it easier and better value than ever to take your motorhome across to France . France is twice as big as the UK so there is plenty to see, and whatever part of the country you choose for your holiday having a motorhome at your disposal gives you the freedom to have a bespoke holiday, moving to the next town or village at will. Here’s our recommendations for the best 20 places for your French holiday destinations for a motorhome adventure.

1. Fréjus & Saint Raphaël

4. Loire Valley

6. Val D’Isere

Although it’s more associated with winter sports and skiing, Val D’Isere in summer makes the perfect place for a mountain escape. You can go walking on a glacier even at the height of summer, go mountain biking, paragliding or just sit in a café while you watch the world go by.

7. Dordogne

8. Brittany

9. Alsace Lorraine

The region of Alsace-Lorraine has changed hands between France and Germany many times over the years, and there’s still a German feel to this French region. It’s a region of vineyards and is perfect for walkers and mountain bikers. Venturing further afield, it’s an easy drive into Germany and the interesting towns of Freiburg and Baden Baden.

10. Ile de Re

11. Carcassonne

12. Mont St Michel

14. Burgundy

15. Lourdes

18. Versailles

19. Grenoble

20. Biarritz

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Historic Southwest: France & Spain

France | spain | switzerland, 35 days - 3,910 miles, this exciting overseas rv tour will show you the incredible variety of sights in france and spain, and some highlights of switzerland..

Before you go 

If you’re travelling in the summer months, be sure to book your pitch well in advance. French residents and global travellers all come to soak up the warm weather, and it’s no wonder, because there’s such diversity in what the French landscape has to offer. So be warned, campsites do fill up. Also, don’t be surprised if there’s added tourist tax on the pitch price. Luckily, it’s always under one euro. If you’re bringing your motorhome to France, driving with a Criticar sticker is mandator in certain areas, so order one online and slap it on your vehicle before you leave.

Northwest France: Brittany and Normandy

Welcome to France! If you’ve just arrived in your camper, you may find yourself at the northwestern ferry ports of Roscoff, Cherbourg, or Caen. We recently highlighted our favourite motorhome sites in Normandy , but France has, even more, to offer on its channel coastline. Brittany is a fairy tale-esque, lush green land of Celtic history, rich with local tradition and culture. Its beaches, cliffs and bays that are equally dramatic, and you’ll find surfable waves, clifftop hikes or secluded coves along its 1000 miles. The inexplicable magic of Brittany is captured at Camping Milin Kerhé , which become its own little community of like-minded campers every summer. People come from all across western Europe, and further afield, to enjoy the forested location and mellow, rustic atmosphere. There’s a policy of only planting native trees, shrubs and wildflower meadows in between pitches, and reduced lighting so that the night sky can be enjoyed. 

This small campsite offers 60 grass pitches. There’s a big weekly BBQ, which is a good opportunity to meet the other campers. Other evenings, a food truck serves fish and chips, or galettes and crêpes (which are local delicacies). The toilet block has hot showers (which, refreshingly, you don’t need tokens for), men’s and women’s wash areas with sockets, washing up sinks and a washing machine. There’s an accessible toilet and shower, which families can also use. Bring your own toilet paper, but soap is provided. The reception has lots of useful tourist information, flyers, and maps, and sells an assortment of basic food items, chilled drinks and local ice-creams. There’s also a table tennis table, volley-ball court and boules pitch, so you can get into the French tradition of Pétanque!

A pitch in the high season for two adults with electricity costs €23,40 including tourist tax. 

Camping de Milin Kerhé Rue du Moulin 22200 Pabu, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France

Dinan, Brittany

Hauts-de-France

Next, we head east to the northernmost region of France. Whilst this region isn’t France’s most popular for tourists, that might not be a bad thing – peaceful campsites and uncrowded tourist sites - and it isn’t for lack of charm. Regional nature parks include Avesnois, Les Caps et Marais d’Opale, Scape-Escaut and Oise-Pays de France. There are immense beaches on the Opal and Picard coasts, including the protected Mers-Les-Bains conservation area and the Somme Bay wildlife haven, which is home to an array of bird species and an impressive colony of harbour seals. The region also has many cultural and architectural treasures that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the wonderful castles of Chantilly and  Pierrefonds , and the famous Gothic cathedral in the gorgeous riverine town of  Amiens . Depending on when you go, there are also festive local events such as the  Dunkirk carnival  and  Lille street market . 

Our camping pick for the region is Campsite le Brochet . An hour from Amiens and close to the centre of Péronne village, it’s tucked away in a natural setting on its own recreational lake. Choose from a shaded or sunny spot, hardstanding or grass pitch, and enjoy easy access to various cycle routes. The camp supplies its own fresh bread, WiFi, and has all the bases covered; hot water wash basins, standard toilets, hot water showers, chemical disposal, laundry facilities including dryers and an iron, freezers and a microwave. 

Hardstanding campervan pitches with electricity are €16 per night. 

Camping Le Brochet, 88 Rue Georges Clémenceau, 80200 Péronne, France. 

Île-de-France

Travellers may be drawn to Île-de-France for the famed capital, Paris, and Versailles, an elegant city famed for Louis XIV's incomparable château . But, despite its famous metropolitan areas, Île-de-France also encompasses quiet rural communes throughout the gently rolling limestone hills of the Paris Basin, and beautiful scenery along the river Seine and its tributaries. The Huttopia Rambouillet is where you should stay to experience the best of motorhome campsites whilst visiting France’s most famous tourist destination. Surprisingly, the site is evocative of the national parks of North America, with its century-old forests and lakeside camping. The site is natural, simple, and nonetheless exciting, with all the essential facilities for family camping despite being less than an hour from the city’s hustle and bustle. You get the very best of both worlds, and can make the most of the wild setting after a day in the city by hiring bikes to explore the oak forest, go fishing on the Etang d’Or, or dive into the gorgeous natural swimming pool on site. 

The site has a Living Centre, where you’ll find the pool, reception, grocery shops, and a Pizza-Grill restaurant as well as lounge or wooden terrace where you can hang out. You can pre-order bread, pastries from the village bakery, delivered to the site each morning. Or, order a whole breakfast ‘formula’ including tea, coffee, juice, and jam too, so that there’s no fuss in the morning. There’s also an internet point at the reception, barbeques and fridges for hire, and a laundry area with washing machine and dryer. As per Huttopia standards, the sanitary facilities are modern, clean, but also blend into the woody environment. They’re also accessible and include family rooms.  

Pick from natural, comfort or comfort-plus pitches, with prices ranging from €18,50 to €28,80

Rue du Chateau d’Eau, 78120 Rambouillet, France

Next, we go east to the departments bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland, a cultural melting pot clearly seen in its architecture and tasted in its gastronomy. Travelling by camper, you’ll be able to explore quaint villages like Kaysersberg or Eguisheim , and taste some great wines and champagnes, without forgetting the region’s beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes. This region is equally stunning in the winter and summer. Whilst here, stay at the Clariere Verbamont . It’s a quirky, convivial and eco-friendly campsite in the heart of the Vosges forest, 25km south of Vittel. Pitches are spread out on the forest edges, and still serviced by electricity. There’s a permaculture garden plus grain library for seed swapping (so you can plant your souvenirs upon returning home!), several campfire spaces, and hybridized dry toilets as well as a heated toilet block. You can pay for a ‘kitchen pack,’ which costs 3.50eur per pitch and enables use the common kitchen area, gas, oven, microwave, crockery, fridge, and freezer space.

Campervan pitches are €14 and its €4 for an adult per night. Electricity costs an extra €3 a day. 

Clariere Verbamont, 1 Canton de Verbamont, 88410 Claudon

Centre-Val-de-Loire

Next, we head to the historic Loire Valley, the heart of castle country. This area will appeal especially to history buffs, architecture fans, foodies, wine-lovers, and those who have been cultivating their own gardens in the time they’ve spent at home recently. The allure of its gardens is magnetic, from those of the châteaux, like Chenonceau , to villages famed for their floral displays. We’d pitch up in Touraine, at the Camping le Bois Fleuri . In this dreamy, wooded area, you can choose from semi-shaded, or sunny pitches. You can hire bikes and classic Citroen 2CVs to explore the area. On-site, there’s an outdoor pool, fishing pond, and activities like ping-pong, badminton and table football. There’s also a snack bar, shop with local goods, and communal barbecues. The other facilities include electric hookups, drinking water stations, free hot showers, baby bathing and changing areas, and laundry areas. 

The base rate for a pitch is €3,60 per night, adults pay €4,20 each per night, and electricity costs €3,50. 

Lieu-dit Le Bois Fleuri, 37800 Saint Epain

Ch â teau Chenonceau

Pays-de-la-Loire

On the upper west coast, the longest river in France flows out to the Atlantic through wine country. With two coastal departments and three inland, the Pays-de-La-Loire’s landscapes are diverse. There are seaside resorts of  Loire-Atlantique with big, sandy beaches, the rural Ligerian countryside, numerous castles, and miles upon miles of vineyards. The region was the cradle of the renaissance, and its cities are historical marvels whilst the smaller villages are often more evocative of Tuscany, with their mingled Italian history. The best way to experience the place is in your campervan or by bike, just be sure to visit one of the vineyards, such as in Saumur . 

Whilst here, stay at the Slow Village . We love everything that this site stands for, and it certainly stands out from the rest of the campervan sites in France . It sits on an island in the majestic Loire, in the heart of a natural park where and astride a botanical garden , and just a few minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angers. For watersports enthusiasts, walkers, or cyclists, there’s a huge range of choice for walks, velo routes , a nautical base that offers paddleboard, canoe and kayak hire, and Anjou Wake Park a little further away. Better yet, for experiencing the Ligurian terroir, the site has a restaurant, the Guingette ‘La Gabare.’ You can eat, drink and dance to an eclectic weekly music program on a terrace shaded by oak trees, overlooking the water. The menu is developed by their own Chef, who specialises in vegetarian cooking. Of course, the restaurants of Angers are nearby, too. If you’re cooking for yourselves, you can access the site’s vegetable garden for extra fresh ingredients.

The site also as a mini shop, laundry room with machines, tumble dryer and iron, WiFi if you need it, heated toilets and showers, disability accessible toilets and showers, ice and freezers, and barbecue equipment. 

Pitches range from €17 per night (‘natural’) to €22 per night (premium). 

Avenue de la Boire Salee, 49120, Les Ponts de Ce

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Being the largest region, choosing from the best motorhome sites in southwest France is tough. However, this recommendation comes straight from the heart. Having worked and lived in Nouvelle-Aquitaine on and off since 2016, the place that keeps drawing be back is Les Cigales . The time I have spent at this campsite would total several months, and I can confidently say that this is one of the most magical campervan friendly sites in France. Though it gets pretty busy in the height of the summer, the pitches all remain spacious and it only adds to the exciting atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of other van-lifers, here to enjoy the surf and the setting, as well as the parties in town. If the social element isn’t your vibe, you’ll find endless opportunities for solitary enchantment in the maritime pine forests, and the most incredible views through the trees as the sun sets directly in front of the river mouth, where the trees meet ecologically protected dunes. The site is well looked after by managers and security guards who regularly do laps on their golf-buggies, but always give a friendly wave. You can go for a simple pitch or one with 5amp electric hook up if needed. The toilet blocks are simple and well-distributed, as are communal barbecue areas. Some pitches are more private and shaded than others, some closer to the village and others to the beach, so make sure you explain your preferences when booking. 

Nearby, you’ve got other surf (and skate) havens like Hossegor, Capbreton, and Bayonne. It’s not far to drive to Biarritz, which always reminds me of Sydney, with its sandstone cliffs, swimming coves visible from trendy restaurants and shops, and surf beaches (but très, très chic). You can see the Pyrenees mountains as the coastline curves towards Spain, Nouvelle-Aquitaine encompasses all of this, offering endless adventures. So, trust me, it’s easy to spend a long time in this part of the world!

All pitches are for up to 6 people as standard, and cost €46,60 in the high season and €14,74 in the low season. Electricity is €4 a day. 

2290 Avenue de l’Ocean, 40660 Moliets-Plage, Landes 

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

This region, famed for its prestigious wines and vineyards, gastronomic pleasures, destinations listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, all within a preserved and natural setting, a perfect balance between man, nature, and its produce. Chateaux, historic and cultural towns, monumental edifices, or simple village architecture retrace the regions past. However, there’s also much to offer the thrill seeking traveller, especially if you stay at the Camping Merry-sur-Yonne . This site is nestled at the foot of the famous Roches du Saussois, a mecca for climbers and boulderers and there’s something to scramble to matter what your skill level. Chablis and other famous wine villages are less than 20 minutes’ drive away, most with vineyards available to tour. In the village of Merry-sur-Yonne, the beautiful  Canal du Nivernais  and the River Yonne can both be explored by boat with hire easily available. You can fish in the river or visit one of the fishing lakes nearby, while walking, cycling, trekking and horse-riding are all available with full information available in reception. It’s a family campsite with excellent modern facilities, and provides the perfect base to explore the Burgundy region. Best of all is the camp atmosphere, which their website captures perfectly: ‘ the scent of our daily, freshly baked, bread and pastries ambles through the camping each morning as the Muntjac deer nibble the grass, and birdsong dreamily drifts through the nearby forest and riverside. ’ Oui, s’il vous plaît!

There’s a luxury toilet block with individual cubicles, each with a toilet, shower and sink, plus disabled facilities and baby changing rooms. The laundry has a washer, dryer and ironing board. There’s also a fully equipped communal kitchen, kid’s outdoor playground, tennis courts, plus more outdoor and indoor games. Not to mention dog wash station, caravan service point, free WiFi, and bike rental.

Standard pitches are €18 a night, deluxe are €21 and hardstanding are €23. 

5 Impasse des Sables, Merry-sur-Yonne, 89660, Yonne, Bourgogne, France

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

Like the other regions, there’s too much to see in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes to begin to even list here, from the Alpine resorts to the Swiss border and Jura mountains, the unmissable lakeside city of Annecy and Drôme’s lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards. But, one of the most outstanding landscapes is the Ardèche, which is why Les Rives de L’ Ard è che  is our favourite for motorhome sites in southeast France. Between Vallon Pont d’Arc and Saint Martin d’Ardèche, you’ll find France’s ‘Grand Canyon.’ This protected nature reserve is famous for its wild, impressive limestone gorges, which were formed up to 110 million years ago. It’s a must for kayakers and canoers, if you’re into wild swimming, cliff jumping or breath-taking views in general. 

This site is perfectly located within the natural park, on the riverbank with its own secluded, safe beach and swimming spot. It has 60 pitches on perfectly flat terrain, under the shade of mature trees which is welcome in the summer months. The reception block has there’s free Wi-Fi, an ice-pack freezer, a small shop and tourist information, and, as usual, you don’t have to walk far to collect freshly baked croissants in the morning. En plus , there are toilets, showers, a dish-washing area, laundry area, disabled access shower-room, indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, and a small shop. 

Campervan pitches for 2 adults are €18 in low season and €20,40 in high season. 

Les Rives de L’ Ardèche, Les Devès, Aleyrac, 07330 Mayres, Ardèche

Occitanie is the southernmost administrative region of France (excluding Corsica), formed from the merging of the Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées. Towards the west, the gorgeous Gers is a land of lush countryside, Armagnac and musketeers. Further east you’ll find the world famous Rocamadour and other stunning medieval villages in the Tarn Gorge. In the south you have the Pyrènees mountain range, and the Spanish border. It’s here we find the next of our motorhome sites, in France’s Catalan country. Camping Les Cerisiers is a campsite like no other, in a cherry orchard at the foothills of mountains, just waiting to be hiked (or you can hire a bike from the team). It is only half an hour from the Med, near the ever-popular Perpignan. You can take to the trees at the local forest adventure park, or take it nice and easy indeed with an hour or three in the onsite spa, or at the spas of Amélie-Les-Bains, 20 minutes away. A horse-riding centre is also kilometre and a half away. Facilities on site include a playground, a TV room, table tennis, a library and summer entertainment. There’s also a well-stocked shop, a bakery and a barbecue area.

Pitches start at €8.10, whilst adults pay €4.50 each and electricity is an extra €4. 

Rocamadour, Dordogne Valley

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

Whilst Provence’s charm rests on the hilltops with its ‘ villages-per chés ,’ dramatically located, historical villages with stunning views, and the Cote d’Azur sparkles with the allure of seaside cities and cliff-lined harbours , a road trip in France would be incomplete without a pit-stop in the Alps. When it comes to mountain access, Camping La Source is unrivalled amongst high altitude campervan sites in France. On the northern border of Provence its setting is a world away from the mellow lavender fields to the south. In a wooded area, majestic giant sequoia, cherry, pines and walnut trees provide shade, which is welcome as this part of France gets 300 days of sunshine a year! It’s a peacefully wild place to unwind, which also opens to door to a vast, outdoor playground.  

They keep the front field-free as a space to be enjoyed by all, with picnic benches, room for games, special events or the occasional paraglide landing. The terrace has a restaurant, where cold drinks, homemade cakes and teas and coffees are served, as well as breakfast and homemade dinner meals. There’s WiFi, hot showers, toilets, fridge and freezer, washing machines (costing €5), various water points and waste disposal. 

A pitch for two adults costs either €15 or  €19.50 depending on whether it’s a simple, grass pitch or serviced and hardstanding. Both are much cheaper in the low season.

Camping La Source, 05140 Saint Pierre D’Argençon, Hautes-Alpes, France 

Cassis, Marseille

If you’ve enjoyed this brief visit to the best motorhome sites in France, hopefully, you’ll soon be sipping a glass of Saumur from a seat outside your campervan, aside a rippling river, with your dinner cooking on an open fire and the clink of Pétanque balls carrying on a warm breeze. Santé (cheers) to that!

You could use these campsites whilst you embark on the  Napoleon road trip through France  or as camping stops for the Tour de France . No campervan? No problem! Consider  motorhome hire in France .

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RV Itinerary West Coast – 26 Epic Places To Stop

The west coast is a gorgeous place that is perfect for exploring by RV in the United States. The only problem? Knowing where to go and what to see. That’s where our RV Itinerary West Coast comes into play.

This post is brought to you by  Good Sam parks.

Below, we’ve compiled all of our favorite west coast stops into one easy-to-read road trip itinerary plan. This outline is sure to help you start planning your own west coast adventure. Whether you change things up to meet your own needs and wants or stick to the plan exactly, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring this incredible part of the country. 

Table of Contents

Stop 1: San Diego, CA

San Diego is a must-see location in SoCal. There are tons of amazing things to see and do in the city, and the culture of the place is unique and interesting. 

We recommend spending at least three to four days in San Diego, but you could easily fill two weeks in the area. Some of our favorite things to do in the city include the San Diego Trolley Tour, San Diego Seal Tour, USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Botanical Garden. 

For even more recommendations of things to do in San Diego, check out our post:  15 Fun and Exciting Things to Do in San Diego With Kids .

Where to Eat

Where to stay.

• Campland on the Bay

Stop 2: Los Angeles, CA

As you move north, the next must-visit spot is Los Angeles. We recommend stopping for at least 4-5 days here, but a whole week (or even two) wouldn’t be uncalled for. 

Los Angeles may not be the prettiest city in the world, but it certainly is exciting, and it’s jam-packed with excellent attractions. These include the famous Hollywood sign, Malibu, the Santa Monica Pier, the Walk of Fame, California Science Center, and Venice Beach. Of course, you’ll also want to take a day to visit Disneyland while in the area. 

Want more ideas for things to do in Los Angeles? Check out our post:  The 36 Most Epic Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids .

• Orangeland RV Park

Stop 3: Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs is next on our list. This beautiful area has plenty to see, and we think it’s best to spend at least three to four days exploring. Some might even find they need more time. 

Some of the best things to do in and around Palm Springs include the amazing Joshua Tree National Park, Coachella Valley Preserve, the Canyon Ladder Hike, and Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

• Palm Springs RV Resort

Stop 4: Death Valley National Park

Despite its name, Death Valley National Park is actually a beautiful place that everyone should visit at least once. We recommend spending two or three days in the park if possible. 

Not sure what to do during your visit? You’ll want to check out Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, and Devil’s Golf Course. More ideas can be found in our post:  14 Awesome Things to Do in Death Valley National Park. 

• Stovepipe Wells

Stop 5: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are sister parks that often get overlooked. We get it; Yosemite is the one that everyone talks about—but trust us when we say these parks are worth seeing and can even fill two or three entire days. 

In Sequoia, we recommend seeing the General Sherman Tree, visiting the Giant Forest Museum, and hitting some hiking trails. During your time in Kings Canyon, be sure to see the General Grant Tree, drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, and check out Grizzly Falls. 

More info on both parks can be found in our post:  19+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Sequoia National Park .

• Lemon Cove Village RV Park

Stop 6: Morro Bay

Need some beach time? Morro Bay is the perfect place for you. This small town is located right on the beach and is the perfect place to enjoy the salty air and explore tide pools. 

In our opinion, it’s best to spend two days in this adorable town in order to have time to walk the beach, try your hand at surfing, and explore the awesome aquarium. You could fill more time in the area by driving over to San Luis Obispo. 

• Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort

Stop 7: Big Sur

One of the prettiest places in the state of California, you absolutely must make a stop to see Big Sur. The beautiful rolling hills and amazing coastline are unlike anything else we’ve ever seen in this country. 

In order to check out the great hiking trails and incredible beaches in this area, we think you should spend a couple of days here at the very least. 

See what there is to do in Big Sur in our post:  18 Fun Things to Do in Big Sur California . 

• Marina Dunes RV Resort

Stop 8: Pinnacles National Park

Hike through caves and incredible rock formations at Pinnacles National Park. This one is a smaller park but is still worth visiting, and we could easily fill a couple of days exploring the park.

While in Pinnacles, make sure to hike the Juniper Canyon Trail for some amazing views. You might also want to see the Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop for more awesome views and a hike through a cave (watch for bats!). 

If you want more info on Southern California, check out our post:  11 Awe-Inspiring Things to Do in Southern California . 

• San Benito RV and Camping Resort

Stop 9: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is another one of those must-see locations that should be included in all west coast road trips. The views here are awe-inspiring, the hikes are incredible, and there is so much to see and do that you will definitely want to spend five, six, or even more days there. 

One of our favorite things to do in Yosemite National Park is the Mist Trail. In fact, this might even be one of the best hikes we’ve ever done anywhere. More amazing Yosemite experiences can be found in our post:  21 Epic Things to Do in Yosemite National Park with Kids . 

• Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

Stop 10: San Francisco, CA

Historic sites, awesome museums, and lovely historic homes make San Francisco an interesting place to visit. We spent several days in the San Francisco area, and we feel one would need at least four to five days to really get a feel for the place. 

Some of the best things to do in this city include checking out Chinatown, seeing the most crooked street in America, strolling Pier 39, and touring museums. We also highly recommend driving over to Muir Woods and Point Reyes Seashore. 

Want more ideas? Check out our post:  17 Unforgettable Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids . 

• Marin RV Park

Stop 11: Lake Tahoe

When you finish checking out San Francisco, escape the hustle and bustle of the big city by heading to the gorgeous Lake Tahoe. We could spend many days relaxing in this area, but if you’re on a tight schedule, you could probably stay for just a few days and still have a blast. 

We highly recommend doing some paddle boarding or kayaking out on the lake. Hiking and biking around the lake are also great options. Of course, you might want to try your hand at skiing in the winter. 

Those who need more suggestions should check out our post:  32 Spectacular Things to Do in Lake Tahoe . 

• Tahoe Valley Campground

Stop 12: Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley is another fantastic escape into nature, Russian River Valley is the perfect place to go for some fun in the water. You see, the main attraction here is the beautiful Russian River, which offers opportunities for tubing and swimming that the whole family can enjoy together. 

We recommend spending at least two or three days in the area, but you’ll want more if you plan to drive into Santa Rosa or any nearby town. 

• Russian River Brewing Company
• River Bend Resort

Stop 13: Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg may not be the biggest city in California, but it is still one that is worth stopping for. Here you can check out the amazing Glass Beach, where bits of colorful sea glass litter the sand. You can also visit Russian Gulch State Park from this location. 

To do these things, you will need at least two or three days in the Fort Bragg area. Of course, it’s always possible to find more fun, so staying longer is not a bad choice. 

• Pomo RV Park and Campground

Stop 14: Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Redwood trees are some of those things you really need to see for yourself to understand just how spectacular they are. This state park features a lovely forest made up of plant giants, and we recommend giving yourself a few days to really explore the place. 

While in the area, make sure to drive to the town square and herb shop in Arcata. Other spots that are worth day trips include the Loleta Cheese Factory in Loleta and Humboldt Cider Company in Eureka. 

• Loleta Cheese Factory
• Humboldt Cider Company
• Ancient Redwoods RV Park

Stop 15: Redwoods National Park

For more redwoods fun, be sure to take the time to visit Redwoods National Park to view the redwood forest. It should be noted that this park is not like most other national parks in that it is spread out with multiple sections along the coast. If you want to see the entire park, you will need several days to do so, but even just seeing one section is worthwhile. 

Really, any section you choose to visit will be fantastic. We especially enjoyed the Fern Canyon trail because this is where scenes from one of the  Jurassic Park  movies were filmed. 

• Kamp Klamath RV Park Campground

Stop 16: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Another wonderful national park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, is an awesome place to explore. Give yourself at least one full day in the park, and plan to stay longer in order to see “the most beautiful waterfall in California” at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.

During your time in the national park, make sure to watch the video in the visitor center to learn about the different volcanoes found in the park. After that, drive the length of the park to admire the many volcanoes. Making time for a hike is also a good idea!

More awesome ideas for a Northern California road trip can be found in our post:  12 Epic Things to Do in Northern California . 

• Hat Creek Resort & RV Park

Stop 17: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is a stunning place that you will definitely want to visit. Take a day to drive around the lake and take in all the amazing views. Add an extra day to do some hiking.

While parked near Crater Lake, make sure to head a bit south to see Lava Beds National Monument. This awesome park offers guests the opportunity to explore 20+ caves. Make sure you bring your own headlamp, as they are pricey at the visitor center!

• Waterwheel RV Park and Campground

Stop 18: Southern Oregon Coast

The Oregon coast is 100% magical, and we highly recommend exploring as much of it as you possibly can. That’s why this itinerary includes three stops along the coast. 

You will want to plan at least three to four days for your southern Oregon coast stop. During this time, you should visit and hike the beautiful Humbug Mountain State Park, take in the views at Coquille Point, explore the small town of Bandon (and get some food and ice cream there), and hop on a boat with Jerry’s Rogue Jets. 

• Tony’s Crab Shack
• Cranberry Sweets and More
• Face Rock Creamery
• Cypress Hills RV Campground

Stop 19: McKenzie River National Recreation Area

Once you get a taste of the Oregon coast, it might be tempting to stay on the coast, but trust us when we say you won’t want to miss the McKenzie River National Recreation Area. 

The scenery here is breathtaking, and the city of McKenzie Bridge has some fun stuff to check out. We especially love the Dee Wright Observatory, the Blue Pool, and the Waterfall Loop. One could easily fill two or three days exploring this gorgeous place. 

Want to learn more about this magical place? Check out our post:  How To Spend 3 Amazing Days In Mckenzie River Oregon .

• McKenzie General Store
• Eugene Premier RV Resort

Stop 20: Mid Oregon Coast

After your visit to the recreation area, you will head back west and check out the middle of the Oregon coast. We think it’s best to plan to spend three to five days here, depending on what you plan to see. 

First, you definitely want to see the town of Florence and try your hand at sandboarding. The sand dunes in the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area are also great for riding ATVs and even sledding.

You will definitely want to take the time to see Thor’s Well and make sure to do some tidepooling while you’re there. Newport and Yacht are both cool beach towns that are fun to explore as well. 

• Yachats Brewery
• SeaPerch RV Resort

Stop 21: Portland, OR

We love visiting Portland, Oregon. It has such a great vibe and so many great things to do and places to eat. Some of the best things to see while in the city include Powell’s Books, the International Rose Garden, and Forest Park. That said, we have a lot more ideas listed in our post:  32 Epic Things to Do in Portland with Kids . 

We also really enjoyed exploring outside of town and highly recommend driving the Hood River Fruit Loop. If you aren’t sure where to stop along the loop, check out our post:  The 10 Best Stops on the Hood River Fruit Loop . 

• Voodoo Doughnut
• Blue Star Donuts
• Pip’s Original Donuts and Chai
• Afuri Ramen and Dumpling
• Slappy Cakes
• Salt and Straw
• Bollywood Theatre
• Sandy Riverfront RV Resort

Stop 22: Northern Oregon Coast

After Portland, you’ll return once again to the coast. This time you’ll be exploring the northern part of the coast, and you should plan a stay of three or four days at least. 

While you’re on the northern coast, we highly recommend seeing the town of Tillamook and trying the ice cream and cheese at Tillamook Cheese Factory. Visits to the adorable towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach are also in order. The tide pools at Indian Beach are fantastic, and Ecola State Park offers lovely views of the pacific ocean and sea stacks. Finally, make sure to visit the  Goonies  house in Astoria. 

More great Oregon coast info can be found in our post:  26 Oregon Coast Road Trip Stops You Don’t Want to Miss . 

• Buoy Brewery
• Astoria Brewing Company
• Pelican Brewing
• Public Coast Brewing
• Cannon Beach RV Resort

Stop 23: Mount Rainier National Park

A beautiful place, Mount Rainier National Park is a must-see for anyone taking a west coast road trip. Unfortunately, because of snow in the winter and fog on certain days throughout the year, it can be difficult to see the mountain. Still, it is worth a try, as the mountain and the park are magnificent. 

In addition to seeing Mount Rainier, we also recommend taking a day trip to see Mount St. Helens and learning all about the relatively recent eruption of this volcano. We especially enjoyed exploring the lava tubes in this park. 

If you choose to do both parks, we recommend allowing two to three days for this stop. 

• Rainier Wings / Packwood RV Park

Stop 24: Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an interesting stop because it is such a diverse park. Here, you can explore a rainforest, gorgeous beaches, mountains, and waterfalls. Make sure you give yourself at least three days so you can see all of the different environments, as each one has its own special kind of magic to offer. 

Not sure what to do in the park? We recommend the Hall of Mosses Trail, Ruby Beach, and Sol Duc Falls area. More suggestions can be found in our post:  12 Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Olympic National Park .

• Hoquiam River RV Park

Stop 25: Seattle, WA

Seattle is an awesome city with a unique history that is worth learning about located in Washington State. Spend at least a couple of days here in order to give yourself time to explore the many great attractions the city offers.

To learn about that aforementioned history, we recommend a stop at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Of course, you will want to get a photo in front of the Space Needle and visit Pike Place Market, Don’t forget to play on the playground located outside of the Museum of Pop Culture, and if you can swing it, a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture is also worth putting on your to-do list. 

• Issaquah Village RV Park

Stop 26: North Cascades National Park

Last but definitely not least, we must add North Cascades National Park to our RV travel lineup. This is an incredibly beautiful park that offers amazing views, bright blue waters, fun hikes, and lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing. 

Some of our favorite things we did in this park were Diablo Lake Overlook, Blue Lake Trail (where the kids could get in the water), and the challenging Sahale Glacier Trail. 

You can learn more about our visit to North Cascades in our post:  17 Amazing Things to Do in North Cascades National Park . 

• Grandy Creek RV Campground

There you have it, an itinerary that will help you know where to go as you explore the beauty of the west coast. Happy trails, and we’ll see you down the road!

More Info Check Out:

Benefits Of Good Sam RV Roadside Assistance – It Is Worth It!

Everything You Need to Know About Good Sam Rentals

Benefits of Having Good Sam TravelAssist

12 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In Olympic National Park

17 Amazing Things To Do In North Cascades National Park

Free Camping In The US

18 Fun Things To Do In Big Sur California [Maps Included]

26 Oregon Coast Road Trip Stops You Don’t Want To Miss

32 Epic Things To Do In Portland With Kids [Itinerary Included]

9 Awesome Things To Do In West Yellowstone

The Best RV Camping in Northern California

East Coast RV Trip Itinerary – 16 Awesome Stops To Make

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