Campervan hire France
Dreamlike flair throughout the country.
France features an extraordinary variety of terrain, beautifully showcased every year by the legendary Tour de France. Travelling by motorhome allows you to watch the scenery transform from wild northern coastlines to the terracotta villages of the south, where the air smells of warm pine and crickets hum in the heat.
Why France is best explored by campervan
Choosing a campervan hire France is ideal, as the country is exceptionally well set up for motorhome travel, featuring well over 8,000 registered campsites. This vast selection of overnight spots scattered across the country enables you to park beside pristine alpine lakes or just outside major cities.
Exploring with a campervan gives you the freedom to chase favourable weather and move entirely at your own pace:
- Complete itinerary freedom
- Immersion in nature
- Comfort on long distances
Through CU | Camper, you can effortlessly compare premium vehicles and secure your ideal campervan hire France.
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Driving in France
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- A standard, valid car driving licence (Category B) is accepted for vehicles up to 7,716 pounds (3,500 kg). If your licence was issued outside of Europe and is not in English or French, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a legal translation is highly recommended for your France campervan hire.
- France is heavily dotted with roundabouts. Take your time getting used to your motorhome’s turning diameter and mirrors when leaving the rental depot, and remember that traffic already established inside the circle has the right of way.
- Many multi-lane motorways charge tolls, which are best if you need to reach a destination quickly. To save between €200 and €400, stick to the Routes Nationales (N-roads) and Routes Départementales (D-roads), where you will see far more authentic France, even if it takes longer.
- Historic French villages feature incredibly narrow, stone-walled lanes. Always check for height and width restriction signs before entering, and consider writing your vehicle’s exact dimensions on a piece of paper and sticking it to your dashboard as a quick reminder.
- Most larger French cities operate low emission zones, known as ZFEs. Because campervans are predominantly diesel vehicles, you will need a Crit’Air sticker displayed on your windscreen to enter.
Discover France by campervan
Hiring a campervan in France is the ultimate way to experience this diverse territory entirely on your own terms, moving smoothly from the stunning capital of Paris down to the vibrant southern coastlines of Marseille.
Brittany & Normandy
Pickup locations for campervan hire France: Évreux, Rouen
This northern maritime territory is heavily influenced by Atlantic waters, with Brittany bordering the open sea and Normandy positioned along the English Channel. Beyond the dramatic chalk cliffs and sweeping beaches, Normandy features lush, green pastures home to roughly three million Normande cattle. And where there are no cows, you will find endless orchards of various apples.
Crossing into Brittany reveals a deep Celtic character reminiscent of Ireland or Wales, underscored by bilingual road signs written in both French and Brezhoneg.
Key sights include:
- The wild coastline and moorlands of Armorique Regional Natural Park.
- The pink granite coastline of the Côte de Granit Rose.
Provence & the French Riviera
Pickup location for campervan hire France: Poitiers
Southern France is a landscape of fragrant lavender fields, rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The pace of life slows noticeably here, inviting long lunches beneath shady trees, enjoying a glass of crisp local rosé.
The French Riviera adds a glamorous edge to the journey. Palm-lined promenades stretch along the coastline, luxury yachts bob in glittering marinas, and elegant resorts such as Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez sit between golden beaches and secluded coves.
Key sights include:
- Verdon Gorge Regional Natural Park—where turquoise waters slice through sheer limestone cliffs.
- The vineyards, lavender fields, and stone villages of Luberon Regional Natural Park.
The French Alps
Pickup locations for campervan hire France: Évreux, Rouen
Heading east, the landscape rises dramatically as you enter the French Alps, a spectacular mountain region of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and deep alpine valleys stretching along the borders of Italy and Switzerland. Dominated by the legendary Mont Blanc, which rises to 15,774 feet (4,808 m) above sea level as the highest mountain in the Alps.
Beyond the high mountains, the region offers a quieter side of alpine life. Relax beside the shores of Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural lake, explore charming lakeside villages, or follow scenic routes through valleys surrounded by some of Europe’s most impressive mountain scenery.
Key sights include:
- The glaciers and alpine meadows of Vanoise National Park.
- The wild mountain scenery of Écrins National Park.
Campsites in France
France is world-renowned for its exceptional camping infrastructure, boasting thousands of well-maintained sites.
Public & Municipal Camping Options
Almost every French village or town operates a budget-friendly municipal campsite or Aire de Camping-Car (motorhome stopover), making a campervan trip convenient and affordable. Designed specifically for self-contained campervans, these dedicated areas typically provide essential facilities such as fresh water, waste disposal points, and, in some locations, electric hook-ups.
Private Holiday Parks & Farm Stays
For full amenities, private holiday parks offer swimming pools, electric hook-ups, playgrounds, and on-site bakeries. Alternatively, apps like France Passion allow campervans to stay for free on vineyards, cheese farms, and rural château estates.
When is the best time to travel to France?
- Summer (June – August): Mark peak French holiday months, leading to heavy traffic, crowded beaches, and higher campsite rates.
- Shoulder Season (April – May & September – October): Offer the ideal balance for road tripping through France. Expect pleasant, warm temperatures, beautiful spring blooms or autumn grape harvests, quieter roads, and far greater spontaneous campsite availability. It is also the best time to make a stop in Paris.
- Winter (November – March): Transforms the Alps and Pyrenees into snowy winter sports hubs, while southern coastlines remain mild. Many coastal and rural campsites close for the season, requiring careful route planning around winter-open sites.
Spring & Autumn
Best time to travel
Most frequently asked questions about campervan travel in France
CU | Camper makes securing a campervan hire effortless with pickup locations in Rouen, Évreux, and Poitiers.
Yes. Many major urban areas require a Crit’Air sticker on your windscreen. Check with your rental provider to ensure your vehicle displays the correct environmental badge if you plan to enter designated low emission zones.
The easiest way to avoid motorway tolls is to travel on the Routes Nationales (N-roads) and Routes Départementales (D-roads) instead. Although these routes take longer, they can save hundreds of euros on longer journeys while passing through picturesque villages and countryside.
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are generally the best times to hire a campervan in France. During these months, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, quieter roads, greater campsite availability, and beautiful seasonal scenery.