Campervanning in Europe takes some beating. Imagine this: the sun setting over a vineyard in Bordeaux, the scent of lavender drifting through your open windows in Provence, or an early morning coffee beside a quiet alpine lake. France is made for slow, scenic discovery and there’s no better way to explore it than by your VW campervan.
In this guide to campervan trips in France, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your continental adventure smooth, safe, and unforgettable. From essential French driving regulations and campervan packing tips to must-see destinations and what to do if your VW camper breaks down, you’ll find it all here.
Planning a campervan holiday in Europe
What you need to know when driving a campervan in France
What to do if you break down on the continent
Essential packing list for your campervan trip to France
Our top 5 places to explore by campervan in France
Make the most of your campervan trip to France with CamperKing
Whether it’s your first time touring Europe by campervan or you’re already hooked on life on four wheels, smart planning helps you get the most from every mile. Here’s a few things you can do before you leave to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a smooth, successful campervan trip to France.
Sketch out your main route before you go. Highlight the must-see places, overnight stops, and potential detours. A rough itinerary helps with campsite bookings and fuel budgeting.
Don’t overplan. Some of the best moments on a campervan trip around Europe happen when you take that unexpected turn or follow a local recommendation. Think of your route as a framework, not a fixed schedule.
If you're travelling by campervan between June and September, book popular campsites well in advance – especially in tourist hotspots like the Loire Valley, French Riviera, or lakeside regions. While France is campervan-friendly, some sites can fill up fast in summer.
It’s also important to note that certain places will not allow you to book ahead for a small number of nights, and wild camping is not allowed. For spontaneous breaks or stays in quieter areas, you’re still likely to find plenty of options on designated campervan sites as long as you arrive at your destination by early afternoon.
Tech is your best travel companion. These campervan-specific apps can help you find parking, water refill points, and even vineyard stopovers:
These tools are essential for anyone using a trip planner or seeking a truly off-grid campervan experience.
You don’t need to be fluent, but even a few words in French go a long way. Politeness counts, especially in rural villages and family-run campsites. Simple phrases like “Bonjour,” and “Merci,” go a long way, and so do:
GPS and apps are brilliant…until you lose signal. Keep a physical map or road atlas in the glovebox of your VW campervan. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it’s a great way to discover scenic campervan routes or lesser-known spots that don’t always show up online.
France is very campervan-friendly, but understanding the local driving laws will help to keep your journey stress-free.
If you’re driving from the UK, you’ll need a UK sticker on the rear of your campervan unless your number plate already includes a UK identifier. This is required by law and helps avoid unnecessary stops or fines.
When driving in France, you need to ensure you’re carrying certain documentation. Failure to present these documents upon request can result in fines. You can read our top tips for travelling Europe in a campervan here for more information.
Your campervan’s headlights need to be fitted with beam converters to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers when driving on the right-hand side of the road – a small adjustment with a big impact.
French law requires all vehicles to carry certain safety items, such as:
Failure to carry these items in your camper can result in on-the-spot fines.
You may also want to carry a breathalyser kit in your campervan, as while it's no longer compulsory to carry one, it's still recommended. Spare bulb kits and fire extinguishers are also recommended for added safety.
French road signs may differ from UK ones, so you may need to familiarise yourself with them before you leave. For instance:
Speed limits in France vary based on road type and conditions, vehicle weight, and how long you’ve held your licence for.
For vehicles over 3,500 kg, lower speed limits apply, and specific speed stickers must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Outside of built-up areas, the speed limit for vehicles over 3,500 kg is 80 km/h, dual carriageways are 100 km/h and motorways are 110 km/h.
Be aware of "Black Saturday" (Samedi Noir), typically occurring in late July and early August, when French roads experience extreme congestion due to holiday traffic. Planning your campervan trip to France to avoid these dates can lead to a more pleasant journey.
Many French motorways are toll roads. Tolls can be paid using cash or card at toll booths. For frequent travelers, obtaining a Télépéage tag allows for automatic toll payments and can expedite your journey.
Several French cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Lille, have established Low Emission Zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions, or ZFE). To drive your campervan in these areas of France, vehicles must display a Crit’Air sticker, which categorises vehicles based on their emissions. These stickers must be ordered in advance from the official French government website and can take up to six weeks to arrive. Driving your campervan without a valid Crit’Air sticker in a restricted zone can result in fines.
France's rural roads can be narrow and winding, often with limited visibility. Be cautious of single-lane roads and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic when necessary. Additionally, roundabouts are common; vehicles already on the roundabout have the right of way.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your campervan road trip in Europe smooth and stress-free.
First and foremost, make sure your campervan is properly serviced before departure. A professional check-up ensures your vehicle is ready for long drives, changing weather, and unfamiliar terrain.
If, despite this, the unexpected should happen, you should:
If you’re on a French motorway, there will be orange emergency telephones available for use every 2km stretch. You can also call 112 to reach the emergency services.
We strongly recommend taking out campervan breakdown cover for Europe before your journey. Most UK insurers offer EU-wide packages, or you can opt for a dedicated service with rapid roadside assistance and onward travel support across France and beyond.
Need to gear up before you go? The CamperKing Shop offers curated camping necessities and campervan accessories built for comfort, convenience, and the spirit of the open road. Pack smarter and travel better.
Luckily, our AA Euro Travel Kit has everything you need for campervanning safely in France.
The Loire Valley is like stepping into a storybook. Known as the “Garden of France,” it’s dotted with fairytale châteaux, rolling vineyards, and riverside trails perfect for cycling. Base yourself at one of the many peaceful campsites near Amboise or Chinon, and spend your days wine tasting, castle hopping, or gliding along the river on a paddleboard. It’s a gentle, elegant way to begin your campervan trip through France.
Provence is a sensory feast: the scent of lavender, the clink of pétanque in the town square, and the golden glow of hilltop towns at sunset. Explore charming markets in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, stroll through the lavender fields of Valensole, or sip rosé beneath the ruins of Gordes. Camp in olive groves or beside vineyards; this region invites you to slow down and savour every moment.
For those craving altitude and adventure, the Alps deliver. Park up beside crystal-clear lakes like Annecy or Serre-Ponçon, hike alpine meadows, or take on the famed Route des Grandes Alpes. In summer, campsites are less crowded, and the scenery is beyond breathtaking. Ideal for hiking, paragliding, or simply enjoying mountain tranquillity, it’s a dream for campervan travellers seeking fresh air and open space.
Rich in history and rugged charm, Normandy offers something unique. Wander the cobbled streets of Honfleur, visit the D-Day beaches or Bayeux and see the Tapestry, or explore Mont-Saint-Michel at low tide. This northern stretch is cooler in summer, ideal for families or those looking to escape the heat. Many campsites hug the coast, offering incredible views and beachside peace.
France’s glamorous south coast is more accessible than you might think, even by campervan. Cruise from Saint-Tropez to Menton, pausing at turquoise coves, hilltop towns, and sun-drenched beaches. Campsites here are surprisingly well-equipped, and many offer shuttle buses into nearby towns. Enjoy a morning market in Antibes, a swim in Cassis, and a sunset aperitif overlooking the Med. It’s pure campervan-luxury meets adventure.
Your campervan trip to France starts with more than a map. It starts with the right converted VW campervan from our range, the right gear from our Shop, and the confidence to chase every moment. Whether you’re planning a short escape, a 10-day road trip, or a full summer adventure campervanning across Europe, we’re here to help you get on the road in style.
From expert servicing to travel-ready accessories and advice in our very own Club CamperKing, we’ve got everything you need to explore with peace of mind.
Book an appointment at our HQ, browse our latest campervans, or get in touch today to find out more.