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Rent a motorhome in France for your dream trip

Rent a motorhome in France

France is one of the most motorhome-friendly countries in Europe. With a camper road tour of the country, you’ll discover endless pitches, gracing mountains, lakes and beaches. With nine national parks on the mainland and 40 regional parks, you can explore spectacular scenery from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Between these lyrical landscapes, France is brimming with history and culture, from the bustling capital of Paris to the fairy-tale village of Eguisheim. Choose the ideal campervan hire to explore the country with motorhomebookers.com.

Every corner of France is open for campervan hire, from historic Normandy and its wind-swept beaches to the towering peaks of the French Alps. While the terroir of France provides a charming backdrop, you can taste your way through the regional produce of the country. Hop on the Champagne, Bordeaux or Alsace wine routes, or indulge in Chaumes cheese and Périgord truffles in the Dordogne.

Here, you’ll discover why France is one of the greatest European destinations for an extended motorhome trip. Learn the routes and regions to visit with your campervan hire.

Top 5 facts about France

  1. Château de Chenonceau: If you choose to visit just one Loire Valley chateau, this historic 16th-century castle with its glorious waterfront setting is a must.
  2. Monet's Garden: Experience Monet’s impressionist masterpieces in the real world with his well-kept gardens in Giverny.
  3. French "aires de services" are camping car parks found all over France that are often free to park but offer charged services.
  4. The 720-kilometre Route des Grandes Alpes is Europe's highest road and one of its most scenic, connecting Nice with Thonon-les-Baines.
  5. Ensure you have a cycle rack with your campervan, as two wheels are a blessing for rural exploration.

These highlights await you when you visit France with a motorhome

Paris makes the perfect introduction to France. World-famous museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay provide star attractions alongside Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower. While it's best to delay your motorhome pick-up until after exploring the city, Paris makes a great base for exploring the north. In the east, Strasbourg and the Brothers Grimm-like Alsace region are home to charming medieval towns and a refreshing wine trail. For rugged coasts and wartime history, Brittany and Normandy offer spectacular camping grounds within view of Mont Saint-Michel.

For dramatic scenery, Annecy sits on the doorstep of the French Alps with the eye-catching Palais de l’Isle castle. Chamonix is the alpine winter sports centre with cable car ascents across Mont Blanc itself. To France’s south, beaches, gastronomy and culture flourish on the Cote d'Azur from Nice to Menton and beyond. The Provence hinterland boasts Roman influence and picture-postcard purple lavender fields swaying in the wind. You can even hike along volcanic cones in the Auvergne Regional Park.

These camper routes through France are a must

Provence and the Mediterranean Coast provide some of France's most scenic campervan hire routes. For a classic Côte d'Azur trip, begin in Cannes or Antibes, where luxury yachts dot the marinas. Head northeast on the Corniche coastal road to Saint-Paul de Vence, passing historic Grimaldi-held architecture for the medieval, hilltop town. You can take a detour loop through the lower Préalpes d'Azur for extended camping or continue east on the coastal M6098 for Menton with stops at Nice.

France has plenty of wine routes, but none is more famous than Champagne. Starting in Langres, home to a must-visit waterfront cathedral, you'll head northwest through the southern Côte des Bar region, staying at Bar-sur-Seine. From here, travel to Troyes, one of France's most romantic medieval towns. Next, you can meander through the region towards Épernay, the epicentre of Champagne's most popular wine houses like Moët & Chandon. Finish your trip in Reims or continue exploring the Marne Valley producers.

Camper van hire: Useful information for a trip through France

France is a varied country that rewards campervan itineraries of all sizes. When deciding on a motorhome to rent for a trip to France, first finalise your locations. For scenic countryside stays in one or two campsites, the comfort of a larger berth with luxury facilities is recommended. A compact motorhome is ideal for winding road tours along Alsace, the Alps or even the south coast. Late spring to early autumn is the best time for a campervan tour of France, but pre-booking is required in summer. The off-season can also be delightful, with prevalent pitches and quieter attractions. Roads in the Alps and other snowy regions can be disrupted through winter.

France does not technically permit wild camping, and there are plenty of pitches across the country. Many car parks allow overnight stays, and campervans follow the same rules as cars. "Aires de service" are especially-designated overnight spots. Try to choose one in a town or village for overnighting rather than a motorway area unless you are stopping for refreshments. A credit or debit card is required when renting a vehicle; the minimum age is 21.

Rent a motorhome now and discover France

France is one of Europe's best campervan destinations, offering a wealth of excellent regional itineraries and a plethora of well-maintained pitches and aires. Whether pitching up in a romantic vineyard or the mountain-view Pyrenees, you can enjoy France’s nature, culture and cuisine. Get off to a great start with our partner pick-up points in Paris, Lyon, Nantes and Naintre. Get in touch with motorhomebookers.com to book your dream campervan holiday in France.

France: Rental stations for campers and motorhomes

Destinations for your camper holiday: France