France is one of my favourite countries to explore. In fact, I'm heading back there in just a couple of weeks with two Wandering Motorhome Club group trips.

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I've been lucky enough to visit France many many times (I even lived there for a few years) and, while it's well set up for motorhoming, there are a few things that can make it even easier- once you know them!

Here are 7 little tips that make all the difference:

🅿️ 1. Aires — but only use the right kind

The word “aire” just means “area” in French
• Aire de service = motorway services; fine for dumping waste, not for staying overnight
• Aire de repos = rest stops; legal for overnight but loud and basic
• Aire du camping-car = proper motorhome stopovers, often with services

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These are usually in towns or villages and cost very little. Some are free, others might charge €5–15. Once you get the hang of using them and can accept they're first come, first served, they’re a brilliant way to travel.

💶 2. Keep some Euro coins

Not every place in France has fully embraced the 21st Century and its technology.

You’ll still need €1 coins for water and waste disposal at many service points, and also at some aires or even parking in certain towns.

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Card readers aren’t always reliable, especially in rural areas. I keep a stash of Euro coins in the motorhome- save them as you get them- it really will come in useful!

📅 3. Don’t over-plan — but don’t under-plan either

If you’re touring in peak season, and you need a pitch with electric, kids club, swimming pool or want to be near the coast, it’s worth booking up those sites in advance.

Similarly, France has a LOT of fêtes, festivals, holidays and events, especially over the summer- and the area around them can become very busy.

Whilst joining in local festivities is part of the fun of exploring, you will probably find aires or parkups full, so if you are heading to a larger town, do some research in advance to see if any events are on and if you should book a spot at a campsite.

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Otherwise, France has loads of flexible options for campsites, aires, wild spots so try not to overplan and see where the road takes you.

🚐 4. Driving on the right isn't so hard- promise

Yep, driving on the wrong side feels weird at first, especially on roundabouts. But French roads are generally wide and quiet (unless you're near a city).

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Within about 10 minutes, your brain adjusts and you barely even think about it (until the next morning!) Seriously, don't let the fear of it put you off going- it's really not that bad.

🧾 5. Make sure you’ve got the right stickers (if you need them)

There are three common stickers in France:
• Crit’Air — needed for driving into low-emission zones (like Paris, Lyon, etc). One sticker covers the whole of France, but you don't need one at all if you don't go into one of the zones.
• Angles Morts/ Blind spot stickers — if your motorhome's over 3.5 tonnes, these are now a legal requirement when driving into built up areas.

Speed stickers — if you're towing or your motorhome's over 3.5 tonnes, these are also a legal requirement when driving in France. I'm actually doing a whole video about these on YouTube- look out for that this Sunday.

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Both are easy to buy online — just leave plenty of time for the Crit Air to arrive. I did a video about how to get one here.​

📆 6. Public holidays (and strikes) are plentiful

France has a LOT of public holidays. 11 is the standard (compared to 8 in England and Wales), but there are many local ones, in regions like Lorraine or Alsace.

(Fun fact- Slovakia has the most number of bank holidays in Europe- 15!)

I don't know how the rest of Europe do it, but in France they'll often pont (bridge) the weekend, so shops can be shut from Thursday until the following Monday. Be aware!

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Strikes can affect travel too- especially when farmers or fishermen like to block roads and ports. It’s always worth checking the news before you set off. And keep a few days’ worth of supplies in the van, just in case!

🔌 7. Campsite hookups aren’t always what you expect

A lot of French sites still use 2-pin connections, not the blue 3-pin ones we use in the UK.
Bring a 2-pin adapter for your electric cable — and if you have a splitter, that can help too.

Hopefully those help make your trip smoother. France really is fantastic for motorhome travel — and with a bit of prep, it’s even better.

Bon route!

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P.S. If you’re heading to France and want help with route planning, stopovers, or just a clear way to keep everything in one place, grab my Secrets of France Road Trip Planner.

It's on sale at the moment and includes itineraries, places to visit & everything I wish I’d known before my first trip.
​Click here to grab your copy »​