For many motorhome travellers, France is the quintessential European destination, and it's no coincidence: it's the country with the most motorhome sites in Europe (the famous "aires"), spread across almost every village. Add its variety of landscapes and its gastronomy, and you get a comfortable, delicious trip. Here are some ideas and tips for enjoying it.
The "aires": France's great luxury
France has an impressive network of designated areas, many of them free or very cheap, with water and waste disposal facilities. Finding somewhere to sleep is extremely easy with the apps. This motorhome culture makes travelling through France one of the most relaxed experiences in Europe.
Route ideas
- The Atlantic coast: from Les Landes (surf) to Brittany, with vast beaches and fishing villages.
- Provence and the south: lavender fields, postcard villages, the Camargue and the Côte d'Azur.
- The Loire castles and the Dordogne: history, gastronomy and green landscapes.
- The French Alps for the mountains, or Alsace with its fairy-tale villages.
What you need to know before crossing
- Crit'Air: to enter many cities you need the French environmental sticker (Crit'Air), which you apply for in advance. Without it, you risk fines in low-emission zones. [Note: requirements and zones according to current French regulations.]
- Tolls: French motorways are tolled and not cheap; consider national roads to see more and pay less.
- Up-to-date documentation and insurance, and your European health insurance card.
Practical tips
- Don't rush: France is big; pick one region and enjoy it properly.
- Make the most of the local markets to eat wonderfully well and cheaply.
- Use the area-finder apps; we cover them in the best apps.
In summary
France is Europe's paradise of designated areas, with landscapes and gastronomy worth returning for; you just need the Crit'Air sticker for the cities and to bear the tolls in mind. The step you can take today: if you're planning France, sort out your Crit'Air sticker before you leave and choose a single region for your first trip. Link it with the routes through Europe.
