Home › Motorhome Pitches in France by the Sea: Rules and Tips
Motorhome Pitches in France by the Sea: Rules and Tips
Motorhome pitches in France by the sea are in demand: according to travel portals, France has more motorhome pitches than any other European country. On the coast in particular, though, it is worth checking the local rules, as stricter requirements often apply there than inland.
Here you can read how an aire differs from a campsite, what applies to free camping and what to look out for regarding Crit'Air, tolls and height restrictions. Below, you will find the campsites in France with motorhome pitches or a motorhome stopover area and a seaside or beach location.
Aire de camping-car or campsite?
An aire de camping-car is a pitch designed specifically for motorhomes, often with water and waste disposal, but much more basic than a campsite. According to travel portals, costs range from free to about 12 or 15 euros a day, and electricity is sometimes charged extra. Access is by barrier, card payment or collection by the municipality, depending on the site.
A campsite offers more: sanitary facilities, electricity, often a pool, restaurant and entertainment, but it is in greater demand in high season. There are also municipal campsites and farm-based options.
For a short stopover an aire is often enough; if you want to stay by the sea for several days, a campsite is often the better choice. Some campsites have their own motorhome pitches or a motorhome stopover area.
Free camping and wild camping by the sea
Wild camping is banned in France, but according to travel portals it is sometimes tolerated away from tourist areas. A distinction must be made between parking and camping: according to travel portals, motorhomes are treated like cars when parked; whether sleeping in the vehicle is allowed is decided by municipalities and protected areas, so check locally. Chairs, an extended awning, levelling legs, a washing line and a barbecue count as camping behaviour and are not permitted.
The coast is stricter. According to one portal, prohibited zones include coastal areas, nature reserves and protected forests. Between mid-June and early September, the police can move motorhomes on from beaches and car parks, and signs reading Camping-Car interdit must be observed. On the Côte d'Azur, motorhomes are particularly unwelcome. In Paris, overnight stays on public streets are banned.
Also observe local municipal bylaws, as they can go further than the general rules.
Crit'Air, tolls and traffic rules
For low-emission zones in French cities you need a Crit'Air sticker. It applies in many cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux. The German sticker does not help; the French one can only be ordered online via the Environment Ministry's website and is not available at the border. Without a sticker, fines are possible; the price and the amount of the fines are given on the Environment Ministry's website.
Tolls are charged on motorways depending on the distance. You pay at the toll booth or with a toll tag, in some cases also via number plate recognition. Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes need angles morts (blind spot) stickers. Speed limits apply to motorhomes, and fines in France are comparatively high.
Height barriers, filling and emptying
Many sites, mainly on the coast, have been fitted with barriers: a crossbar over the entrance prevents access above a certain height, usually between 1.80 and 2.10 metres. Some sites remove the bar between October and May. Know the exact height of your vehicle including roof fittings, and check the entrances in advance.
The coasts are equipped differently. There are more pitches on the Atlantic coast than on the Mediterranean; in Brittany in particular, almost every second village offers pitches.
Water filling and waste disposal are available at many aires. Important: grey water does not belong in nature. For gas bottles you need a suitable adapter in France, and apps such as Park4Night help with searching.
Campsites that match
796 matching campsites in our database, here the 48 best rated (by stars), grouped by location.
A pitch for motorhomes, usually with water and waste disposal, but more basic than a campsite. According to travel portals, costs range from free to about 12 or 15 euros a day.
Is wild camping allowed by the sea in France?
No, wild camping is banned. Parking and sleeping in the vehicle is possible where it is not prohibited, but without chairs, an awning or a barbecue. On coasts and in nature reserves, bans mostly apply, especially in summer.
Do I need Crit'Air for the coast?
Only for driving through the low-emission zones of individual cities, such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille or Bordeaux. The sticker can only be ordered online and is not available at the border. Order it in good time before departure.
How tall can motorhomes be at pitches?
Many barrier-controlled sites on the coast have height barriers, usually between 1.80 and 2.10 metres. Some are removed in the winter half of the year. Measure your vehicle precisely and check the entrances in advance.
How do tolls work for motorhomes in France?
Tolls are charged by distance, and you pay at the toll booth or with a toll tag. The class depends on height and weight. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to additional requirements such as angles morts stickers.
