Campervanning in France: A Month in the Mediterranean

We recently swapped our trusted Bailey Adamo 74-DL for the more compact Endeavour B64. After a few solo outings where its size was ideal, it was time to see how it would fare by taking a family road trip, camping in France with a campervan. Instead of a brief overnight test, we set our sights on the French Riviera, determined to see how it supported us over an entire month by the Mediterranean. We kept things simple, staying at a small campervan-friendly campsite – France has many campsites along the coast, some simple and some more like a holiday park.

Our first step was to get there. We spent two days going from the Southwest of Britain, crossing at Dover, and then heading down through France. Here, the Endeavour’s smaller size immediately proved its worth. While it offers less internal space than the Adamo, it feels like driving a car, making it more manoeuvrable on winding French roads. On the highways, we comfortably maintained the speed limit, a pleasant difference from the slower pace of a larger vehicle, and reached our destination earlier than expected. For the night, we parked at a rest stop alongside some lorries, using the Endeavour B64’s self-sufficient setup to rest and set off early the next morning with the sunrise. Campervan and motorhome camping in France allows for stops like this overnight, making it easy for you to break up your journey if you are travelling across the country over a number of days.

Camping offers the chance to live a luxury lifestyle on a budget, and nowhere is this truer than the French Riviera. Known for its chic atmosphere and high-end lifestyle, it’s a place where you’ll see Ferraris along the waterfront and superyachts just offshore. But because we chose to stay at a small, basic campervan-friendly campsite, France and its amazing coastline could be enjoyed without the premium price tag. We didn’t need the large, entertainment-filled campsites common in France; instead, we had the beach and the warm, clear sea, which provided all the adventure our kids could want. Touring France in a campervan allowed us to access the best spots along the coast without breaking the bank.

The campsite’s facilities may have been basic, but they were well-maintained, with clean shower areas and handy outdoor showers to rinse off after a dip in the sea.

With temperatures in the high thirties, our routine became simple: spend a few hours at the beach, shower, refill water bottles, rest in the shade, and then head back out to the sea. While the Endeavour includes a shower and toilet, using the site facilities meant less time spent on tasks like emptying the toilet or refilling the water tank, a welcome break from the usual routine on the road. While campervan camping in France, the campsite and the facilities in the Endeavour allowed us to enjoy the simple pleasures for a whole month and the time flew by.

The Endeavour’s compact design made it easy to pop into town every few days for fresh supplies. We stocked up on produce and seafood from the local harbour and added a second fridge in our Vango awning (available from Prima Leisure) to store everything comfortably. Our base was Le Camping Tour Fondue on the Giens Peninsula, a scenic marine park stretching into Italy. This area has countless beaches, diving centres, boat rentals, and ferries to nearby islands. But for us, the sea itself was the main attraction – warm, clear, and brimming with life. We spent about five to six hours daily in the water, snorkelling and exploring the seagrass beds filled with shoals of fish and the occasional octopus.

Touring France in a campervan made it easy to access the beauty of this coastline, and with the campervan-friendly campsites France has in abundance, it’s easy for anyone to find something that will suit them and their family.

With the simple camping lifestyle – fresh food, sea swimming, and plenty of sunshine – we all felt completely relaxed. The days were hot and dry, perfect for an outdoor life where we cooked, ate, and played outside. My wardrobe for the month consisted of just three items: swimming trunks, a rash vest for extra sun protection, and a pair of shorts. Every few days, the shorts got a quick rinse and were ready to go again – camping simplicity at its best.

With the simple camping lifestyle – fresh food, sea swimming, and plenty of sunshine – we all felt completely relaxed. The days were hot and dry, perfect for an outdoor life where we cooked, ate, and played outside. My wardrobe for the month consisted of just three items: swimming trunks, a rash vest for extra sun protection, and a pair of shorts. Every few days, the shorts got a quick rinse and were ready to go again – camping simplicity at its best.

Because we packed light and have years of experience camping as a family, the Endeavour’s slightly smaller size was actually a perfect fit, proving to be both practical and enjoyable on this extended trip.

What did we learn?

After a month in extremely hot weather on the Mediterranean and driving for three days there and back, we learned some useful logistical points to make a trip like this easier, especially with young children.

• The Essential Fridge
• Flexible Awnings
• External Mats
• Top Floor Air Conditioning
• Designated Parking
• Electric BBQ
• Pack for Travel

The compressor fridge in our new Bailey of Bristol Endeavour B64 campervan is incredible. Working against the copious sun, it kept all the food we brought from the UK fresh on our drive down. In the 38-degree heat at our site, we kept most of our food here, which meant we only needed to drive off-site once a week for resupply.

Flexible Awnings

Initially, we used our Vango awning from Prima Leisure to extend the available living space. However, when the daytime temperature climbed, we swapped it for the wind-out awning that comes as standard with the Endeavour. This provided shade while allowing the breeze to flow through. Then we noticed that some French campers attached a special sheet to whichever side of the awning faced the sun, creating additional shade. We pegged up a duvet cover, which did the same job. It might not have been as glamorous as the French version, but we earned points for ‘Campsite Bushcraft’.

External Mats

Due to the heat and lack of rain—both positives—the pitches could be quite dusty. We bought a large mat to cover the space beneath the wind-out awning, making the area more welcoming, providing a clean space to change, and keeping the campervan much cleaner.

Top Floor Air Conditioning

We used the top bunk for the boys as it could be cooled more effectively. Although heat rises, the fabric sides of the upper bed in the Endeavour have flaps that can be unzipped to expose a mesh, allowing light and air in while keeping insects out. At night, once the sun had gone down, we opened the flaps to let the breeze flow through, helping them sleep better. It may mean they wake at sunrise, but eye masks can counteract this.

Designated Parking

With the generous fridge and grocers a few minutes’ walk away, we only left the campsite occasionally. However, I placed tent pegs beside each of the Endeavour’s wheels where it contacted the ground. This ensured that when using the large, free-standing Prima Leisure awning, we could return to the exact same spot, with everything aligning perfectly, avoiding the need for awkward readjustments of the van or awning.

Electric BBQ

We usually take a gas Cadac BBQ from Prima Leisure, but this time we brought an electric one. Due to the hot, dry weather, the campsite did not allow gas BBQs. This had the added benefit of preserving our gas supply during this longer trip, relying instead on the continuous supply of electricity from the campsite. It’s also worth noting that gas is not easily replaced in Europe, as they use a different regulator (the mechanism at the end of the hose you attach to the gas bottle). If you plan to buy a gas bottle in France, you’ll need to bring a European regulator for your BBQ.

Pack for Travel

Finally, we packed for the journey, not just the destination. This wasn’t so much about what we packed as how we packed it. If you arrive at the campsite and the items you need first are at the bottom, it’s not ideal but manageable. However, during the journey, it’s much more frustrating. Pulling out all your possessions at a service station is difficult. So, we prioritised what we’d need for the journey and the off-grid overnights in service stations (Aires in France), packing those items on top. We also ensured a clear route between the seats and the toilet, keeping it accessible in case of emergencies.

Our month on the Mediterranean was a fantastic experience for all of us—a longer trip to a high-end location at a fraction of the price. It also taught us a great deal about how best to use our new Endeavour as a family, a couple, and for myself on future adventures.

Campervanning in France: Some FAQs

Bailey of Bristol have put together some FAQs to help you plan a campervan trip to France. Click on the links below to go straight to the question you’d like an answer to:

• Can I park my campervan anywhere in France?
• Is France campervan friendly?
• What is the cheapest way to get to France with a campervan?
• Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in France?
• French campervan laws and regulations
• How easy is it to find fuel stations for campervans in France?
• What facilities do French campsites offer for campervans?
• Best campervan routes in France

Can I park my campervan anywhere in France?

Parking for campervans follows the same rules as for cars, meaning you can stop anywhere alongside the road where there is a designated parking space or approved parking area. If you’re planning a campervan road trip, France does have some rules about where you can and cannot park.

For overnight stays, you should park in an official camping location, aires, or other designated campervan-friendly campsites France has to offer. Sleeping by the side of the road in France counts as wild camping, which is not legal. Wild camping may be tolerated in some areas, but it’s always best to find an official site to sleep.

There are several types of aires in France, and most allow at least a 24-hour stay (sometimes longer).

The options are:

• Aire de service – A service area found on French motorways. These often have waste facilities and designated parking. A sign will usually tell you how long you can stay.
• Aire de repos – Often found at the side of the road with no facilities. They can be used for around 24 hours but are also used by lorries, so they could be quite noisy at night.
• French Aires or Camping Car Parks – These aires are usually found close to villages and towns and are often well-maintained by the council to encourage visitors to stay in the local area for a night or two. There will usually be facilities and shops within walking distance, making them a much better option than the previous two stops.

You can also use France Passion, which is the French version of Britstops. This website allows you to stay overnight for free on farms or vineyards for up to 24 hours, with the opportunity to purchase local produce.

Is France campervan friendly?

Yes! There is a great network of services and amenities throughout France, from service stations to aires and private camping sites. If you’re planning on campervan or motorhome camping in France, you’ll find plenty of well-equipped spots to stop. With significantly more motorhomes and campervans on the road than in the UK, there is also the opportunity to meet others who share a passion for this type of holiday.

What’s the cheapest way to get to France with a campervan?

The ferry is often cheaper than the Channel Tunnel, but the tunnel is faster—35 minutes compared to around 90 minutes for the ferry. The price varies depending on the season and available discounts. It’s best to shop around before booking to find the best deal in terms of cost and convenience.

If you are a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club, you can get discounts on ferry crossings and campsites throughout the continent.

Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in France?

Your UK licence is valid for driving a campervan in France, but you must carry it along with your passport (as proof of ID), motor insurance certificate, and V5 registration document.

French Campervan Laws and Regulations

When starting on a campervan journey through France, it’s essential to be aware of the country’s specific laws and regulations to ensure a safe trip.

Essential Equipment

French law requires all vehicles, including campervans, to carry:

• Reflective High-Visibility Jackets: These should be worn in the case of a breakdown.
• Warning Triangle: To be placed on the road to alert other drivers during emergencies.

Failure to have these items can result in fines.

Documentation

Make sure you have the following items with you at all times:

• Passport: As proof of identity.
• Driving Licence: A full, valid UK licence is acceptable.
• V5 Registration Document: To confirm vehicle ownership.
• Motor Insurance Certificate: Valid for travel in France.

These documents are essential and may be requested by authorities.

It’s also recommended to have your breakdown documents with you in case you need to show these to a rescue truck in the event of a breakdown.

Speed Limits

Adhere to the following speed limits for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes:

• Motorways: 80mph
• Dual Carriageways: 70mph
• Single Carriageways: 50mph
• Urban Areas: 30mph unless otherwise indicated

Environmental Zones

Certain French cities have established low-emission zones requiring vehicles to display a Crit’Air sticker, indicating their emission category. You can buy a sticker ahead of your trip but only use the official Crit’Air website to avoid being overcharged.

Additional Considerations

• Headlamp Converters: Necessary to adjust headlights for right-hand driving, preventing glare for oncoming traffic.
• Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is lower than in the UK, so it’s best to avoid alcohol before driving.

By following these regulations, you can enjoy a safe and compliant campervan adventure across France.

How easy is it to find fuel stations for campervans in France?

Fuel stations in France operate similarly to those in the UK. You can fill up with petrol and diesel at supermarkets and service stations and pay at the pump or with the cashier. Diesel is called ‘Gazole’ or ‘Gasoil’ in France, and the pumps are yellow. Unleaded petrol is ‘Sans Plomb,’ and the pumps are green.

If your campervan uses gas bottles for heating, cooking, and running the fridge, note that you cannot exchange UK Calor Gas bottles in France, as they use a different system. You will need to bring enough gas from the UK or consider installing a refillable gas bottle system or LPG tank. Be sure to research this in advance, as some exchangeable gas bottles require paperwork, possibly needing a French address.

In summer, a 6kg gas bottle might last 10 days to 2 weeks for cooking, showers, hot water, and the fridge, but in winter, with the heating on, it could last less than a week. Know your usage and plan accordingly.

What facilities do French campsites offer for campervans?

When looking for campervan-friendly campsites, France has a wide variety of options, but most sites offer showers, toilets, water, waste disposal, and electric hookups. Many sites also have laundry facilities, swimming pools, water parks, playgrounds, restaurants, shops, WiFi, and even mountain bike hire. The variety ensures you can find something that suits your needs, whether you’re after a basic stopover or a luxury stay.

Best campervan routes in France

If you’re looking for the best campervan routes France has to offer, consider these scenic drives:

• Route des Grandes Alpes – A breathtaking mountain route from Lake Geneva to the French Riviera.
• Alsace Wine Route – Perfect for wine lovers, winding through charming vineyard villages.
• Normandy and D-Day Beaches – A historic coastal drive with stunning views.
• Atlantic Coast Route – From Bordeaux to Biarritz, offering sandy beaches and ocean views.
• Loire Valley Châteaux Route – Ideal for history lovers, passing through grand castles and picturesque villages.

These scenic campervan destinations in France offer a mix of history, nature, and culture, making them perfect for a memorable road trip.

Whether you’re planning a long-term adventure or a weekend getaway, France campervan travel offers something for everyone. With well-maintained roads, scenic routes, and a strong campervan culture, it’s one of the best destinations in Europe for a road trip!