Are you planning a trip to France in your campervan or motorhome? If so, then you might have heard fellow campers talk about the wonders of French Aires.
This post will tell you everything you need to know about French Aires, alongside some other tips to help you prepare for your campervan or motorhome holiday in France.
At Anthony Jones, we can help you ensure you’re fully covered for breakdowns and other setbacks when vanning on the continent. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
What is a French Aire?
Aires are overnight campsites for motorhomes and campervans. They’re popular for a number of reasons:
- They’re everywhere, and you can usually find a place to stop without needing to book.
- It doesn’t cost much to stop overnight at an aire. In fact, many aires don’t charge at all!
- Some aires include essential amenities, including petrol stations, toilets, shops, and restaurants.
Some aires have electric connectors, and others do not. Often, you’ll have to buy a token to activate this electricity from a nearby shop or bar.
Some aires will have points for disposing wastewater, and others will allow you to top up your fresh water (eau potable).
Look for signs to indicate the rules and facilities. Often, these signs will be written in both French and English.
The Different Types of French Aires
Aire de Service
This sort of aire is similar to a UK service station. Usually, they will have dedicated parking areas and waste facilities for campervans and motorhomes, along with shops, refueling stations, restaurants, toilets, and other amenities.
They’re found along the French motorways, and they will usually list the hours you’re allowed to stay. Just be aware that staying overnight so close to a French motorway might not be very pleasant!
Aire de Repos
These are similar to an aire de service, in that they are roadside areas where it is legal to stop overnight. However, they are unlikely to have anything in the way of amenities, beyond a few picnic tables.
As they’re located near major roads, they’re likely to be noisy. But you can often stay for up to 24 hours, for free, if you want.
Aire de Jeu
Another type of approved roadside stopping area. An aire de jeu is so-called because it features a playground for children.
Aire de Loisirs
An approved stopping place by a “leisure area”. This could be a playing field, a body water, or a park.
Camping Car Parks
Finally, most towns and villages will have designated car parks where campervans and motorhomes can stay overnight – sometimes for free, and sometimes for a small price.
They will not have as many facilities as an aire de service, but they will usually be within walking distance of a number of shops, bars, and cafes. And hopefully there’ll be a bakery nearby, for that fresh morning baguette!
Some camping car parks are run by local councils. Others are privately run. Some will allow you to book in advance, if you want total peace of mind that you’ll have a place to stay.
Where Are French Aires Located?
French aires are everywhere. Almost every town and village you could possibly visit will have an aire nearby, and you’ll also find multiple approved stopping places on most major roads.
If you’re planning a campervan or motorhome trip across France, find an interactive map of French aires.
Other Tips for Vanning in France
We have a couple of guides on our site that will help you prepare for your French campervan or motorhome trip:
- How to travel Europe in a motorhome. This guide lists all of the documents you’ll need, along with steps you’ll need to take to prepare your campervan or motorhome for the trip.
- How much does it cost to travel Europe in a motorhome? This guide will help you budget for your trip, with a number of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual estimates for how much you might expect to pay for all expenses.
What to Pack For Your French Campervan or Motorhome Holiday
There are certain rules around the sort of food you’re allowed to take into France – and out again.
Read our full guide to the sort of food and drink you can take into France.
Are You Covered For Breakdowns in Europe?
If you have an accident or breakdown while vanning in France, getting the help you need can be difficult, especially if your French is a bit rusty.
We’re here to give you total peace of mind that you’ll get the support you need, no matter what happens during your trip.
At Anthony Jones, we can help you ensure you’re fully covered for breakdowns and other setbacks when vanning on the continent. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
