The number of campervans and motorhomes in the UK has grown higher than ever - and France is their favorite destination according to comparison site Go Compare.
“Over the past five to 10 years, campervan travel has grown steadily in France,” says Jérôme Lévêque, of France Passion, a network of over 2,100 winemakers and artisans who welcome campervan travellers for free.
“We’ve seen strong interest from German, Dutch, Belgian, Swiss and British travellers, who consider France one of the best destinations in Europe thanks to its road network, the diversity of landscapes and the density of dedicated service areas,” he says.
The trend grew after the Covid-19 pandemic, as people sought “more autonomy, outdoor travel, flexibility and off-the-beaten-track experiences,” he adds.
France is a favourite destination of Jonathan Tomlinson, 52, from Salisbury, UK, who travels with his wife Claire and two teenage sons, documenting their adventures on the YouTube channel Campervan Journey along the way.
“Over the past few years, with three different campervans, we have visited France and Europe around 15 times,” he says.
“It is possible to see so much more of the country than if you were booked on a package holiday to a single resort hotel. It can be a very flexible way to travel.”
Château Moulin de PeyroninChâteau Moulin de Peyronin
The family usually spend 10 days in the Alps in February to ski, and around three weeks in July and August travelling around France.
They take the ferry or LeShuttle, depending on price and the time of year. Mr Tomlinson suggests registering with different providers to be notified of offers.
France’s autoroutes are less congested than most UK motorways, he explains.
“And if you get off the autoroutes the roads can be even quieter. At a slower pace you get to see even more of the beautiful towns and villages.”
France’s size means the geography and climate differ hugely as you travel, and it is a “fantastic place” to visit as a family.
With better weather than the UK, “long summer days, camping overnight in a forest near a lake, are hard to beat”.
Finding a stop
A particular draw of France is its range of places to stay, from campsites (municipal and commercial), to the thousands of aires – parking areas for campervans with facilities such as fresh water and waste disposal.
Many campervan owners download apps such as France Passion, Camping Car Parks or Search for Sites to find suitable stops.
“During the summer, we will spend time travelling between a mix of campsites, aires and farm/vineyard stopovers,” says Mr Tomlinson.
“We have found that the municipal campsites are exceptional value for money.”
An increasingly popular place to experience authentic rural French life is on a vineyard.
“Many motorhome owners enjoy rural tourism and local food and wine, so it felt natural to open our doors to them and share our work and lifestyle,” says Véronique Terral, owner of Château Moulin de Peyronin, a vineyard in Pujol (Lot-et-Garonne) that makes a range of organic Bordeaux wines.
The vineyard welcomes up to three campervans at a time and offers wine tastings to travellers staying the night.
“Over the past few years, the demand has grown steadily.
“Most of our visitors are couples or small groups travelling through France, often from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium. They tend to appreciate wine, local produce and peaceful surroundings.”
Advice for first-timers
For vanlife novices, Mr Lévêque of France Passion recommends taking your time.
“Don’t hesitate to leave the main routes. The most rewarding experiences typically happen on small country roads, in villages, and in rural areas. That’s where France truly reveals itself.”
Travellers should respect the places they visit, he adds.
“Arrive before nightfall, greet your hosts, and follow the local guidelines. It ensures a great experience for everyone.”
“Just do it! Don’t overthink it, just go,” says Mr Tomlinson.
“The trip is as much part of the adventure as the destination.”
