Touring France by Caravan or Motorhome: Essential Tips and Handy Apps
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- Dec 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
France is a dream destination for touring by caravan or motorhome. With its well-maintained roads, motorhome-friendly aires (stopover areas), diverse landscapes, and charming villages, it's no surprise that it's one of Europe's top choices for road-trippers. Whether you’re planning a coastal route, a wine region tour, or a journey through the French Alps, having the right tools and tips can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Why France is Perfect for Touring
Extensive Network of Aires: France has thousands of aires de service, which are dedicated parking and service areas for motorhomes, often free or very low cost.
Diverse Scenery: From the lavender fields of Provence to the rugged coastline of Brittany, the country offers endless variety.
Caravan and Motorhome-Friendly Culture: France has a long tradition of welcoming touring vehicles, with many rural towns providing special areas for overnight stays.
Handy Apps for Caravan and Motorhome Touring in France
Here are some of the most useful apps to make your journey easier:
1. Park4Night
One of the most popular apps for finding aires, wild camping spots, campsites, and service areas. It includes user reviews, photos, GPS directions, and service details.
A trusted database of camper stops across Europe. Great for filtering stops by facility (electricity, water, waste disposal, etc.) and user ratings.
A UK-based app with detailed listings across Europe. Includes photos, reviews, and filtering options. Also available offline.
4. ViaMichelin
Excellent for route planning in France, with toll cost estimates, fuel costs, and scenic route options.
5. Google Maps (with offline maps)
Still one of the best tools for general navigation. Make sure to download offline maps for the regions you’ll be visiting in case of poor signal.
If you're a member, this app lets you locate farms, vineyards, and rural spots where you can stay overnight for free (membership required).
Great for finding quality campsites, many with discounted rates if you have an ACSI card.
Tips for Touring France in a Caravan or Motorhome
Check Vehicle Restrictions: Some towns have height, weight, or emission restrictions. Apps like ViaMichelin or a proper GPS can help with this.
Carry Safety Equipment: French law requires a warning triangle, reflective jackets for all passengers, breathalysers (recommended), and spare bulbs.
Toll Roads: Motorhomes are often charged as class 2 or 3 vehicles. Consider toll-free scenic routes for a slower but more enjoyable journey.
Learn Basic French Phrases: While many people speak English, a few friendly phrases can go a long way, especially in rural areas. Try google translate which translates voice and text.
Fuel and LPG: LPG (GPL in France) is widely available, but not at every station. Use apps like myLPG.eu to plan refuelling.
Best Places for Cheap Fuel: In general, supermarket chains such as Leclerc, Intermarché, Super U, and Carrefour offer some of the cheapest fuel prices in France. These stations are often located on the outskirts of towns and cities. Use the app Essence&CO or Géoportail (Prix des Carburants) to compare real-time fuel prices in your area.
Cooking
If using Gas take enough for your trip, some sites dont accept charcoal BBQ due to fire risk consider a gas BBQ.
Electrics
Consider Taking a polarity Checker for your ehu to check the polarity, before you connect to your caravan or motorhome. the W4 mains tester and Vechline trainling socket are perfect for this.
Some sites use contintental hook ups which is two pin , adaptors are cheap
In some cases, you can turn the plug the other way up (if you are using a two-pin adaptor) and this will sometimes reverse the polarity back to normal
Reverse Polarity hook ups are available on Amazon or you could make one yourself
Final Thoughts
Touring France by caravan or motorhome is an unforgettable experience full of discovery, flexibility, and freedom. With the right apps and some planning, you can explore the best of what the country has to offer without hassle. Whether you're after mountain air, vineyard views, or seaside sunsets, France is ready to welcome you on the open road.
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