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Compare Campervan Rentals In France

Begin your French journey with our user-friendly comparison platform. SEARCH, COMPARE, and SAVE on your ideal campervan rental, while we ensure a seamless booking experience.

Compare prices of campervan rentals in France with Camper Champ. Motorhomes are available in multiple locations including Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nice.

The cost of renting a campervan in Paris ranges from €70/day to €280 for the majority of vehicles. However prices can vary further with seasonality, length of rental and vehicle type. A wide range of motorhomes is available from several providers, including smaller campers such as the Avis Adventure and larger motorhomes like the Euromotorhome Rental Group H.

France is a spectacular country for a campervan road trip, with convenient camping laws allowing you to sleep for free in thousands of spots across France. Even those needing extra amenities can find many enchanting campsites that offer full hookup pitches for very low prices.

Every tiny road in France has the potential to lead you towards an unforgettable adventure, and the easiest way to see it all is by driving through the country in a comfortable motorhome.

Popular Campervans in France

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Discover France your way by choosing a class of camper that suits your travel needs.

Indie Campers Sporty

Sporty

Indie Campers

Manual
Anywhere Campers Matrix Plus

Matrix Plus

Anywhere Campers

Automatic
Indie Campers California

VW California Camper

Indie Campers

Manual
Indie Campers Nomad

Nomad

Indie Campers

Manual
McRent Compact Luxury Globebus I 1

Compact Luxury Globebus I 1

McRent

Manual
McRent Family Plus

Family Plus

McRent

Manual
McRent Family Standard

Family Standard

McRent

Manual
McRent Premium Plus A 7870-2

Premium Plus A 7870-2

McRent

Manual
McRent Family Luxury

Family Luxury

McRent

Manual
Avis Adventure Camper-Van

Adventure Camper-Van

Avis

Manual
Anywhere Campers Matrix Plus

Matrix Plus

Anywhere Campers

McRent Premium Plus A 7870-2

Premium Plus A 7870-2

McRent

McRent Family Luxury

Family Luxury

McRent

Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.

The Self-drive Holiday in France

France is an extremely campervan-friendly country, with very relaxed laws in place for overnight stays in public places. To make the most out of France’s campervan parking rules, you’ll want to pick a motorhome that weighs less than 3.5 tonnes. In Europe, most Intermediate or Budget-Friendly campervan rentals are within this range, and these are vehicles that can sleep up to 6 people and often come with a bathroom and kitchenette.

Smaller 4WD campers are also good weight-wise and easier to handle when driving on mountain roads, especially in winter. They have few amenities, but 4WD campers are usually the cheapest to rent. If you have the budget for it and want to travel with all the home comforts, then a Luxury Class motorhome is the best choice for you, just remember it might be trickier to park in town and city centres across France.

When you book a campervan with Camper Champ, you can compare vehicles from across the most trusted motorhome rental brands and quickly filter through all the options based on costs and amenities to find the best deal for your next holiday.

France is the perfect destination for a campervan road trip; here’s why:

  1. Free Accommodation: There are many different ways to sleep in a campervan for free in France, including roadside Aires, village squares, and idyllic farmlands.

  2. Breathtaking Panoramas: The French landscape is as beautiful as it is varied, with everything from coastal dunes to snowcapped mountains. The best way to see it all is by exploring the winding country roads in a rented campervan.

  3. Hidden Treasures: The country’s most authentic experiences can be found in its tiny rural villages. From ancient ruins and historic chateaus to artisan wines and incredible meals, the best of France can only be accessed by road.

  4. Convenient Travel: When you drive around France in a campervan, you’re travelling with all your holiday gear. Skis, surfboards, and a case of Bordeaux reds will all fit in the back of a motorhome!

Travel Tips for France

How can you save money on a campervan holiday in France?

The most budget-friendly way to see France is to rent a campervan and start driving. Not only are your transport and accommodation costs greatly reduced, but you can use these handy tips to save extra money on your French campervan holiday:

  1. Sleep for Free Wherever Possible: France is full of places where you can sleep in your campervan for up to a week for free. If your campervan isn’t self-sufficient, don’t spend more than €25 per night at a campsite during the low seasons or €35 in the summer and winter.

  2. Get Early Booking Discounts: Most campervan rental companies offer Early Bird discounts when you book your motorhome a few weeks before you travel, so reserve a vehicle as early as possible.

  3. Avoid the Motorways: You have to pay a decent amount to drive on France’s tolled motorways. Stay on smaller roads to save money and see more of the captivating countryside.

  4. Travel with Friends: You can comfortably split the cost of your motorhome rental and overnight stays when you travel with friends.

When is the best time to go campervanning in France?

Summer is the best time of year of a campervan holiday in France. Between May and August, the country comes alive under the welcome heat of the summer sun, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Prices can rise slightly over the season as the country fills with visitors hoping to catch some Mediterranean rays, but it’s worth it to experience France’s favourite season.

Anyone visiting the country to test themselves on the famous Alpine slopes should travel to France in the winter. Skiing, snowboarding, and picturesque ski towns are best enjoyed between December and March when there’s fresh snow on the mountains and the temperature doesn’t rise far above 0°C. The winter climate is warmer in France’s cities, with temperatures between 5°C and 10°C.

Visiting France in the spring or autumn means that you’ll have a more peaceful trip as there are fewer tourists in the country (which also causes prices to go down), and you’ll still experience comfortable temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.

How long do you need in France for a campervan holiday?

If you’re sticking to one area, maybe for a ski trip or beach getaway, you need at least one week to immerse yourself in your trip. You can get much more sightseeing done in two weeks while still having plenty of time to relax. Travelling across France takes time, so you’ll need a whole month if you want to really see it all.

Are there toll roads in France?

France’s biggest cities are connected by autoroutes, or French motorways, which are all toll roads. To drive on these motorways, you will need to pay money at a péage, either at the beginning or end of your chosen route. You will often be asked to pay multiple times to drive on different long stretches of the same motorway. There are also a handful of tunnels and bridges in France, mostly near the Alps, that require you to pay a fee to use.

Driving on the autoroutes in France means your journeys will be much faster, but you’ll have to factor the toll costs into your budget. The price for travelling on the motorways varies depending on your vehicle class, which is determined by the height of your vehicle (over or under 2 meters) and if your campervan weighs more or less than 3.5 tonnes. You’ll also have to pay more if you’re going to be spending a lot of time on an autoroute. You can calculate your péage costs before you start your campervan trip.

If you enjoy scenic drives and prefer to save money for sightseeing, you can easily traverse France using the free National or Departmental roads. While these roads may have lower speed limits, they are also lined with beautiful rural villages and memorable roadside brasseries where you can enjoy many cheap and delicious home-cooked meals during your trip.

Top 10 Attractions in France

If need a hand in planning your trip, then check out the 10 best things to do in France:

Follow in the Footsteps of Famous Artists

The friendly region of Provence was home to some of the greatest classical painters in Europe, including Van Gogh, who lived in Arles, Matisse, who settled in Nice, and Cézanne and Picasso, who were based around Aix-en-Provence.

Go Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest vintages, with hundreds of vineyards scattered around the sunny countryside. Stop by Chateau Petrus, Saint Emillion, or Monbazillac to sample everything from deep reds to sweet dessert wines.

Walk along the Avenue du Champagne

The small town of Épernay is the birthplace of champagne, with brands like Moët & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Pierre Mignon all originating in this area. Take a stroll along Champagne Avenue and join in on the many tasting sessions that are offered to visitors.

Tour the Historic Chateaus

From the ill-fated splendour of the Palace of Versailles to the stone fortresses that defended medieval towns during the Hundred Years War, France is packed with Chateaus that offer tours and even wine tastings for guests to enjoy.

Share the Magic of Disneyland, Paris

Visit the world’s most fantastic adventure park on an unforgettable family holiday. Chessy, near Paris, is home to Europe’s only Disneyland and is sure to be a day of family fun.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

While it’s true that France is beautiful from the road, you have to be soaring through the clouds to appreciate the true splendour of the nation. You can find hot air balloon rides in most of the country, from trips over the Loire and Dordogne rivers to overhead explorations of the Pyrenees mountains.

Try the Local Cuisine

While in France, taste some of its regional delicacies. Savoury dishes you should try include the iconic escargots in garlic sauce, the healthy soupe à l’oignon, the rich boeuf bourguignon, or the simple croque monsieur. There’s also a wide array of French desserts to sample, including eclairs, crème brûlées, profiteroles, and macarons.

Drive Along the Mediterranean Coast

The famous Côte d'Azur features pristine sandy beaches, stunning clifftop hikes, and the best bouillabaisse in France. The stunning coastal roads sprawl across the landscape, with vibrant lavender fields on one side and cyan waters on the other.

Visit the Museums of Paris

The historic city of Paris is packed full of ancient artefacts, renaissance art, and unique exhibitions. Don’t miss out on a trip to the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Grand Palais, the Cité de la Musique, and countless more fascinating hidden treasures dedicated to the arts and culture.

Hit the Slopes

Test your luck in the heart of the French Alps on a memorable Winter ski trip. The best resorts for snow sports include Chamonix, which is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Val Thorens, and Val d’Isère.

Parking a Campervan in France

Where are some of the best places to park a campervan in France?

You can park your campervan weighing less than 3.5 tonnes in public parking spaces during the day if you pay at the parking meter, as you would with a car. According to French law, campervans are even permitted to park in spaces along the side of a road. Still, you can’t set up your lawn chairs or open your awning if you park in public areas, and you can only stay in one parking spot for a maximum of 7 consecutive days.

Some underground car parks may have height-restricting barriers if they can not accommodate tall vehicles, so be sure to know the height of your campervan before you set off. If you see a road sign with a motorhome inside a red circle, you can not park or sometimes even drive on that road.

It is against the law to park a campervan anywhere in Paris. When visiting the capital, please park in one of the surrounding campsites or suburban areas and take public transport into the city centre.

Where can you park a campervan overnight in France?

France is filled with rest stops called Aires, which are found along motorways and near towns and villages, that allow motorists to stop and camp for free on their trip. Most Aires will only offer public toilets, picnic tables, and waste disposal, but larger Aires may provide amenities like water and electricity for a small fee. Some tiny rural villages will have free designated campsites, but you might have to check in at the town hall to access them. Wild Camping is illegal in France if you don’t have the landowner’s permission.

In thousands of spots up and down the country, you can sleep in your vehicle in most public parking spaces for up to 7 consecutive days, meaning you can stay overnight for free or a small parking fee. The only catch is that you can’t bring anything out of your campervan or set up an awning, or spend too much time chatting around the outside of it. You have to treat your camper like a regular car. If you’re seeking an adventurous overnight stay, the country has you covered with France Passion. This amazing platform connects campers with farm and vineyard owners across France who allow you to sleep for free on their property.

National Parks in France

Which are the best national parks to visit in France?

Although Wild Camping is not allowed in any of France’s National Parks, each one has many nearby rustic campsites and Aires that offer useful services and unforgettable views for very low prices (or even for free).

The Calanques National Park covers a coastal area near Marseille in sunny Provence, featuring dramatic coastal cliffs that drop away to sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Cassis is a small seaside town in the Calanques where you find Camping Les Cigales, a campground with an on-site restaurant with electric hook-up pitches, warm showers, and great views for €10 plus €11 per person. Or sleep in Cassis for free in the large vehicle section of a panoramic Aire with a public bathroom on the Chemin du Passage d'Oullier.

Port-Cros is another Provencal National Park, located on a stunning Mediterranean island east of Toulon. No cars are allowed in Port-Cros; you must take a passenger ferry from Hyères to get there, which costs €29 or €25 for anyone 25 or under. The best nearby overnight stop is the Olbia Campsite on the adjacent Giens Peninsula is the best nearby overnight stop. This beautiful beachside camp offers shaded electric hookup pitches for between €21 to €36 from April until mid-October. The Olbia Campsite also has a bar and restaurant and an on-site laundrette. Self-sufficient campers can stay in Parking Arromanches, a free car park in Hyères with a shuttle service to the marina.

If you visit France for winter skiing, you’ll be near the country’s three Alpine parks. The biggest is Écrins National Park which is split between the Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments and features frost-capped mountains and wildflower meadows. Stay near the slopes in the quaint valley campsite Ferme Noemie, complete with free WiFi and a laundrette. A standard pitch costs €28 during peak season, with a small additional charge for water and electricity.

The Mercantour National Park is an Alpine range in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The most budget-friendly Mercantour campsite is the Isola Aire, where you can get a large full hookup pitch for just €15 a night. The campsite contains a communal bathroom with hot showers and is close to both ski slopes and lakeside cafés.

The smallest park in the French Alps is the Vanoise National Park, located in the department of Savoie. The best campsite for skiing and hiking in Vanoise is Camping-Caravaneige La Buidonnière. Overnight stays here cost around €30, which includes the price of water and electric hookups. The campsite has hot showers and laundry facilities alongside an indoor lounge, and a free shuttle bus runs between the camp and the nearest ski lift.

The Cévennes National Park is formed of mountains and river valleys in the Occitania region. The campsite Le Vale des Cévennes is a gorgeous locale in the foothills of the Cévennes mountains, close to a historic village. From April to September, this riverside camp offers full hookup pitches for €20 to €25 a night with an option to rent a fridge for €8 per day. The camp also has bathrooms and a snack bar, and it offers a unique experience for an additional €8: donkey rides around the Cévennes foothills!

The Forêts National Park covers a densely wooded area between the Haute-Marne and Côte-d'Or departments. In the heart of the park is the Camping de mon Village d'Auberive, a rustic Aire near a small village where you can get water, electric hookups, and free WiFi for €13.50 a night. The Pyrénées National Park is home to the Pyrenees mountain range that stretches along the border between France and Spain. The best budget stop is a Campervan Aire on the edge of Génos Lake, near Loudenvielle and the Val Louron Ski Resort. For €14.20 a night, you can access WiFi, water and electric hookups, waste disposal, communal bathrooms, and spectacular views.

How much is campervan entry to a National Park in France? Are any permits required?

All of France’s eight National Parks are free to enter and explore. While some parks contain additional activities and historical sites that might cost you extra, the breathtaking parklands are open for everyone to enjoy.

Top 10 Campervan-friendly Campsites in France

French aires are great for layovers, but if you desire your holiday destination to have full hookups, hot showers, and WiFi, here are the 10 best campsites around France:

Amis de la Plage

on Île de Ré: Sleep in style at this beachside location on a picturesque Atlantic island from €27 to €37 a day.

Camping Barolles

near Lyon: This rustic camp with an onsite bar offers pitches for €25 per day.

Camping Beau Soleil

near Bordeaux: Enjoy the sprawling vineyards of Bordeaux when you stay in this family-friendly campsite with prices as low as €18.

Camping Chadotel

near Perpignan: Tucked next to the Mediterranean coast near the Spanish border, this campsite, with a pool and activities, is open from April to September with prices starting at €35.

Le Jardin de Sully

near Orléans: Explore the enchanting Loire Valley when you stay at this riverside camp, complete with a pool and a mini golf course, for €20 per night.

Camping de l’Ocean

near Carcans: Play atop the tallest sand dunes in Europe, then settle down under the shady pines in this oceanside camp for €20 to €35.

Camping des Moulins

near Bergerac: With river kayaking, duck confit, and regional wines, Bergerac is a great summer spot. Stay in this campsite, complete with a pool, for around €25 a night.

Au Paradis de Campeurs

near Saint Tropez: Sleep in a beachside paradise surrounded by coastal trails and Mediterranean fun from €30.

Le Parc de Paris

near Paris: Stay close to the capital in this friendly campsite with mini golf, a jacuzzi, and a restaurant, from €25 a night.

Camping de Poulquer

near Quimper: Relax on the beautiful Brittany coastline at this child-friendly camp with an indoor pool, starting at €22 a night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in France?

You need a valid standard Class B Driving Licence to rent a motorhome weighing up to 3.5 tonnes in France. Anyone from a non-European country with a non-Latin alphabet must bring an official French translation of their licence.

If you rent a Luxury Class motorhome that weighs over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need to obtain an additional Class C1 ‘heavy vehicles’ licence.

The minimum age for renting a campervan in France is 21 years old, although many companies require you to be at least 23 to rent from them. Most campervan rentals also prefer drivers to have three years of experience before getting behind the wheel of a motorhome.

Is wild camping in a motorhome allowed in France?

Free/wild camping is allowed in France only on private land with the express permission of the landowner. Local laws may apply in certain areas, so check online or at an information centre for regional guidelines.

France has over 10,000 campgrounds. They are quite affordable, starting at around €10 per night.

Is a one-way campervan rental possible?

Yes, a large number of RV rental companies allow for one-way rentals and also between countries in Europe.

A one-way road trip is often more convenient and can allow you to explore more of the country. For example, a popular one-way holiday route in France is Paris to Rome via Provence and the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) – travelling through Southern France along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea through Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monaco.

One-way rentals may not be available between all routes, and additional fees apply, depending on the pickup and drop-off locations. Our comparison tool will automatically factor in any additional fees and show you which vehicles are available on your preferred route.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.

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