Also known as mobile homes, RVs, or van campers, motorhomes serve as a favored means of vacationing in France. The nation offers an enticing mix of landscapes, culinary delights, and rich cultural experiences, and there are plenty of places where you can station your motorhome to take it all in.
Click here to find a spot at any of the campgrounds that accommodate motorhomes (or other types, like tents).
However, there are certain regulations, rules, and local customs you must be aware of to make the most of your well-earned vacation:
Parking versus Camping?
These two terms have distinct legal connotations in France. You're allowed to park your motorhome in any authorized location in France where car parking is permitted (i.e., in designated parking spaces). However, camping is strictly limited to officially sanctioned areas.
You might be wondering about the difference. Parking your mobile home involves stopping at a location, exiting your vehicle, and engaging in any activity you wish (like sightseeing, shopping, dining out, etc). But the moment you set up your chairs & table outside or roll out your awnings, you've transitioned from parking to camping!
Sometimes you will find signs that forbid camping cars from parking:
The sign is frequently seen in smaller towns and villages, and it has stirred considerable debate. Legally, a motorhome is regarded the same as a regular car, meaning it can park anywhere a typical car is permitted to park (like standard cars, this is capped at 7 consecutive days in the same spot). However, certain municipalities may object to them disrupting the landscape, leading to the placement of these signs in hopes of deterring motorhomes.
Aside from specific laws affecting visibility (refer to the Laws section below), if you park your motorhome, carry out your errands, and then return to drive off, it shouldn't be grounds for a fine (and if you were fined, you have the right to contest it). Yet, if you arrange your chairs and tables outside and start eating, you risk a fine, and challenging it will likely be futile. Interestingly, sleeping is generally accepted, as you're permitted to sleep in your car, which by extension includes your motorhome.
Driving License
To operate a motorhome weighing under 3.5 tonnes, a standard car license (B-License) is adequate.
HOWEVER, if you're also towing a trailer, the situation becomes more complicated:
If the trailer's weight is 750 kilograms and your motorhome is under 3.5 tonnes, your B-License is sufficient.
If the trailer weighs more than 750 kilograms, but the combined weight of the trailer and motorhome is 3.5 tonnes or less, the B-License is still applicable.
If the trailer exceeds 750 kilograms and the total weight of the trailer and motorhome falls between 3501 and 4250 kilograms, you'll need your B-License along with a B96 endorsement, which can be earned following a 7-hour course at a driving school.
You'll require a BE-License if your trailer weighs over 750 kilograms and the combined weight of the trailer and motorhome surpasses 4250 kilograms.
The C1E-License becomes necessary if your trailer weighs over 3.5 tonnes.
A truck license (C1) is needed if your motorhome's weight surpasses 3.5 tonnes and the trailer is less than 750 kilograms.
The C1E-License is applicable if your trailer weighs more than 750 kilograms, and the combined weight of the trailer and motorhome does NOT go beyond 12 tonnes.
Laws
All regulations and rules applicable to cars also apply to motorhomes, including penalties
NOTE: Click here for detailed information in our Driving a car in France articles.All passengers MUST fasten their seat belts, and it is illegal to unbuckle and move around the motorhome while it's being driven.
Do review your motorhome's registration documents to determine the maximum number of passengers allowed.
Despite being categorized as a car, certain villages and towns may enforce restrictions based on size. Local authorities may limit larger vehicles, but they can't single out motorhomes; the restriction has to be uniform for all vehicles of a certain size or weight.
The same regulations regarding the anti-pollution sticker (Crit'Air) apply to motorhomes driving in France (refer to the link above). If you plan to travel through any of the cities (which are continuously expanding) regulated by these stickers, it's wise to get one! Here are the sticker categories:
As previously mentioned, you can park your motorhome virtually anywhere a standard car is permitted, except near traffic lights and signs where your motorhome could obstruct their visibility.
You're prohibited from emptying your motorhome's grey or black water tanks unless you're in a designated location, i.e., a campground or an area equipped with proper drainage facilities.
Motorways
On French motorways (autoroutes in French), specific tariffs might be applicable. The fees are calculated based on the vehicle's height (typically under 2 or 3 meters), the official weight of the motorhome, and the number of axles (vehicles with dual rear axles are usually the priciest):
If all the automated gates (for coins, credit cards, or badges) have a height limit, you won't be able to pass through them with your motorhome. If there's no height restriction, you're free to use any gate.
City Camping
While certain cities and towns may impose restrictions making it challenging to "camp" within city boundaries, others are more accommodating. In many cities, and even along highways, you'll frequently encounter this sign:
This implies that the location not only permits motorhomes but also often provides amenities to enhance your stay. Many of these spots are free, although sometimes a nominal fee may be charged, usually contingent on the services provided, like grey water and black water disposal, toilets, showers, electricity, water, and even Wi-Fi.
NOTE: Some of these "aires" (French for rest areas) may have a time restriction, i.e., they might specify a limit like 3 days maximum.
Do's and Don'ts
Here are some recommended practices (and ones to avoid):
Do park your motorhome in standard parking spaces allocated for cars when in cities/towns (or even in special motorhome parking areas), but avoid occupying two slots! This is a common mistake, and offenders are often fined. Indeed, you will be fined.
When parked, ensure you don't obstruct visibility to storefronts. Many shop owners retaliate if their shop's view is blocked for extended periods.
Do dispose of waste from your motorhome in designated areas. If you do it in the "wild," you run the risk of incurring hefty anti-pollution fines.
When driving in hilly or mountainous areas, you might find a line of impatient car drivers building up behind you. Whenever possible, do pull over and allow the cars to pass. Your considerate action will be appreciated.