Campervan Hire in France

For EU citizens, an ID card or passport is sufficient. Non-EU citizens from Schengen third countries require a valid passport and, depending on their nationality, a Schengen visa. Important: The EU plans to introduce the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for visa-exempt third-country nationals; the exact launch date had not been definitively confirmed at press time, so check before departure.

Required Documents at a Glance:

• Passport or ID card (EU citizens)
• Driving license class B (up to 3.5 t) or BE/C1 (over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)
• Vehicle registration certificate (vehicle title)
• Valid third-party liability insurance with Green Card
• Crit'Air environmental sticker (for travel in environmental zones)

Since 2021, a new driving license regulation has been in effect in France: motorhomes up to 4.25 t gross vehicle weight may be driven with a class B license, provided the driver has completed additional training or obtained the license before a specified date. Those traveling with heavier vehicles need a class C1 license.

A valid third-party liability insurance policy is the minimum requirement. While the Green Card (international insurance certificate) is no longer technically mandatory, it is recommended during police checks.

Additional safety requirements apply to motorhomes over 3.5 t:

• "Blind Spot" stickers must be visibly affixed to the vehicle
• Warning triangle and high-visibility vest are mandatory and must be readily accessible in the vehicle
• An alcohol breath-testing device is recommended but has not been subject to fines since 2013

The Crit'Air sticker is mandatory for travel in French environmental zones (ZFE, Zones à Faibles Emissions), including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. In France, motorhomes are classified as VASP (Véhicule Automoteur Spécialisé), which slightly affects the sticker classification compared to regular cars.

Current ZFE rules for 2026 at a glance:

The sticker costs around €3.62 and is ordered through the official French government website. Fine waivers for certain classes were handled differently across regions in 2025/2026, so check the latest ZFE maps before you leave.

Most French rural and departmental roads can easily accommodate vehicles up to 2.55 m wide and 4 m high. Bottlenecks mainly occur in medieval town centers, narrow coastal roads, and mountain passes.

General guidelines for route planning:

• Vehicles up to 7.5 m long can be used almost anywhere without restrictions
• Over 8 m long: Check town passages in advance, use a navigation system with a motorhome profile
• Height over 3.5 m: Research tunnels and parking garages beforehand
• Width over 2.55 m: Exercise caution when meeting oncoming traffic on departmental roads

Those traveling with a large vehicle should use a specialized motorhome navigation system or an app like CamperContact or Park4Night that accounts for height and weight restrictions.

France has one of the densest toll road networks in Europe. Motorhomes up to 3.5 t generally pay the same rate as cars (Class 1), while heavier vehicles are assigned to higher toll classes.

Example toll costs (estimates, no guarantee):

• Paris to Marseille (A6/A7, approx. 770 km): €65–€90 depending on vehicle class
• Paris to Bordeaux (A10, approx. 580 km): €40–€55
• Mont Blanc Tunnel (Chamonix): over €50 for car class, more for heavier vehicles

Tip: The Télépéage card (e.g., Liber-t) saves time at toll booths and works for motorhomes as well. Alternatively, all toll stations accept credit cards.

France offers three main options for overnight stays: traditional campsites, municipal parking areas (aires), and permitted wild camping.

Campsites: France has over 8,000 classified campsites. Prices range from €10 to €45 per night for two people with a vehicle, depending on the category. Peak season (July/August) is more expensive and requires reservations.

Motorhome areas: These municipal parking spots are a French specialty. Many municipalities offer affordable or free parking with supply and disposal stations. Prices usually range from 0 to 15 euros. Apps like Campercontact or ACSI show current locations.

Wild camping: Free overnight stays outside designated areas are legally a gray area in France. On private land, it is prohibited without permission. On public land (e.g., forest roads), it is often tolerated if there are no local prohibition signs and no protected nature reserves are affected. National parks and coastal areas often have explicit bans.

The best regions for a motorhome trip in France depend on your travel style. Here’s an overview by type of traveler:

• Nature lovers: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (volcanoes, Gorges du Verdon), Brittany (coastline, lighthouses)
• Wine enthusiasts: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace
• History buffs: Normandy (D-Day beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel), Loire Valley (castles)
• Sun seekers: Provence, French Riviera, Languedoc-Roussillon
• Mountain fans: Pyrenees, Alps (off-season for peace and quiet)

Brittany and Normandy are considered particularly motorhome-friendly due to the high density of motorhome areas and less crowded roads compared to the French Riviera.

Spring (April to June) is the better choice for most regions: lower occupancy at parking spots, milder temperatures, and no reservation requirement at most campsites. Summer (July/August) guarantees sunshine in southern France, but also full sites, higher prices, and traffic jams on highways heading toward the Mediterranean.

Decision rule: Those who prefer flexibility and lower costs should travel in May or September. If you prioritize beach and warmth and book early, you can also travel in July.

Diesel and gasoline prices in France are comparable to those in Germany, sometimes slightly cheaper at supermarket gas stations (e.g., Leclerc, Intermarché). A motorhome with a consumption of 12–15 liters of diesel per 100 km will incur fuel costs of about 30–50 euros for a daily distance of 200 km, depending on the current diesel price. Highway gas stations are significantly more expensive than supermarket stations.

Saving tip: Gas stations at large supermarkets are often located on the outskirts of towns and can be found using apps like GasPriceWatch or the TotalEnergies map.

If you know these points, you’ll avoid the most frequent problems:

• Forgetting the Crit’Air sticker: Without the sticker, fines await in low-emission zones. Order it at least three weeks before departure.
• Misjudging the toll class: Vehicles just over 3.5 tons pay considerably more. Check the weight beforehand.
• Wild camping in protected areas: National parks and coastal sections have clear prohibitions. Pay attention to signage.
• High season without a reservation: In August, popular motorhome spots in France are often booked weeks in advance.
• Using a standard navigation system without a motorhome profile: Standard GPS devices may lead you through underpasses and narrow streets.
• Ignoring speed limits: Motorhomes over 3.5 tons are limited to 110 km/h on highways instead of 130 km/h.

Anyone planning a reliable motorhome vacation in France should complete these tasks before leaving:

• Order the Crit’Air sticker at least three weeks in advance via the official French government website.
• Check the ETIAS status and entry requirements for non-EU citizens (regulations are still evolving).
• Compare the vehicle weight with your driver’s license category and determine the toll class.
• Plan your route using a motorhome-specific GPS or app, taking height and width restrictions into account.
• Reserve accommodations early during peak season and include motorhome areas as backup options.
• Keep the Green Card and all vehicle documents readily accessible in the vehicle.
• Double-check current low-emission zone maps and toll rates shortly before departure.