France is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do. Caravanning in France has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people taking to the open road in their motorhomes. So if you’re thinking of taking a caravan to France or wondering can you take a motorhome to France please read on.
Simple answer…. Yes, you can take a motorhome to France.
Motorhomes are welcome in most campsites, and there are many designated motorhome parking areas (Aire de camping-car) throughout the country.
You will need to purchase a camping card (carte de camping) which costs around €5-10 and allows you access to all campsites in France for a year. Alternatively, you can buy a one-week camping card for €15-20.
Compared to the UK, travelling by motorhome in France is much simpler. Because there are so many more RVs on the highways and the traffic is normally lighter, more people are accustomed to and welcoming.
The laws and guidelines are largely the same as when you are driving a car. However, many people don’t realise that you can take your motorhome there too.
You need to know a few things before you go, but it’s definitely possible to enjoy a motorhome holiday in France. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
– Make sure you have your V5 ownership paperwork, passport, driver’s license, and insurance documents with you. In case you break down, warning triangles and fluorescent tabards are necessary. If you’ve never driven in France before, check out the AA or RAC websites to see what you need.
– You may need ad air quality certificate, or Crit-Air sticker. These are obtained easily from https://certificat-air.gouv.fr/ Do be aware of non-official sites who will try to rip you off. The official site will literally only cost you a few euros.
– Make sure you have adequate insurance for your vehicle. This should cover you for third-party liability and any damage to your vehicle.
– Be aware of the local traffic laws.
– There are a few restrictions on where you can camp in a motorhome. You will need to find designated campsites or areas specifically for motorhomes. Wild camping is not allowed in France.
– Speed restrictions are crucial. Based on the type of road, it’s 80-90 km/h. Built-up areas have a speed limit of 30 km/h. Motorways are 130 km/h, whereas dual carriageways are 110 km/h. On the other hand, the speed limit is 100 km/h for dual carriageways and 110 km/h for motorways if you’ve had your license for less than three years, it’s raining, or visibility is poor.
With these things in mind, you can start planning your motorhome holiday in France. There are plenty of amazing places to visit, so start exploring and enjoy the ride!
There are a few things to remember when driving a motorhome in France. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but it is recommended that you stick to 0.02% to be on the safe side. The speed limit for motorhomes is 80 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in built-up areas unless signs indicate otherwise.
As with any foreign country, researching the specific laws and regulations regarding motorhomes before travelling is always a good idea.
What is Le camping sauvage?
Le camping Sauvage (wild camping) for a motorhome or campervan in France refers to parking and staying in your motorhome anywhere that is not a campsite or designated camping area. This could involve spending the night by the road, in a parking lot, on some unused wasteland, etc.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in France?
Yes, you can sleep anywhere in a campervan or motorhome in France, as long as you follow the basic camping rules. In France, wild motorhome camping is permissible with the landowner’s or tenant’s consent and is subject to specific restrictions.
You must camp at least 150 metres away from any dwellings, and you cannot camp on public lands such as parks or beaches. There are also a few areas where wild camping is not allowed, such as the National Parks of Vanoise and Mercantour.
Can you free camp in France?
While free camping, also known as wild camping, is not permitted in France, you can pitch a tent or park your motorhome provided the proprietor or tenant of the property where you desire to camp has permitted you.
Can I live in a caravan in France?
While mobile homes can be a terrific option for a vacation or a temporary dwelling, but you cannot permanently live in a mobile home. Mobile homes may only be occupied temporarily or for pleasure following French legislation.
A caravan may be used on the public roadway in the same ways as other vehicles, including for parking, and it may be left parked in an authorised campground or caravan park for as long as necessary.
However, its use as a place to live on private property is only permitted for three months per year.
