Planning to go to France with a motorhome or campervan? Wish to keep in free or low cost in a single day stopovers as a substitute of pricey campsites? Then Aires is likely to be for you! When you’re questioning what’s a French Aire, right here’s all the things it’s essential to find out about discover low cost or free in a single day stopovers as you journey– with out reserving something prematurely.
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Discover France by motorhome utilizing French Aires
I really like touring France in our motorhome. It’s an attractive nation and having the ability to discover in your individual automobile means that you can discover as many chateaux, vineyards and seashores as you want!
I hardly ever have a route or itinerary deliberate out other than the tunnel or ferry, so having the ability to discover French aires as I am going is perfect- it offers me the pliability to cease in an space for some time or drive someplace completely different if it takes my fancy.
However HOW do I do that? How do I journey to a different nation with out reserving any in a single day motorhome parking stopovers prematurely? Reply- I exploit an exquisite system known as French Aires.
Confused already? No thought what I’m speaking about? Don’t worry- I didn’t know aires existed till I purchased my first camper, so that you’re not alone! On this publish, I’m going to share all about discover, use and revel in French aires together with your motorhome or campervan- and open up an entire new world of freedom for you.
NOTE: it is a massive, in-depth information. If you wish to obtain it for FREE, click on right here
What’s an aire in France?
There are literally a number of forms of ‘aire’ in France.
Aire de service which means
An ‘aire de service’ is an ‘space of service’ or a service space, usually discovered on French motorways and sometimes have waste services and authorised parking bays for motorhomes.
They’re the identical as a service station within the UK and supply gasoline, bogs, eating places, a store and so forth and so forth. You may typically purchase refillable gasoline from an aire de service too, though not at all times. There’ll typically be a merchandising machine for decent drinks and typically a microwave for public use too.
In an aire de service, you’ll typically discover motorhome disposal factors, the place you’ll be able to pay a few euro to empty your waste tank and bathroom, and refill with recent water. It’s not at all times clear if the water is appropriate for consuming or not; if doubtful, don’t put it in your recent water tank or use chemical substances like this to make it secure for consuming.
In a single day Tenting Automobile parking French motorway
Are you able to keep in a single day in an ‘aire de service’ on a French motorway? Sure, typically it’s allowed. They typically have particular motorhome parking areas and there will probably be an allowed time you’re allowed to remain for. This will probably be displayed clearly on an indication someplace close by. If doubtful, ask.
Simply bear in mind, it’s a motorway service station, so it’s not the nicest of locations to cease. Lorries will come and go in any respect hours too, so we solely use these once we’re determined.
To confuse you even additional, different forms of aire (that are those you’re in all probability in search of) are additionally also known as ‘aires de service’… so whenever you’re in search of good locations to cease, search for any which aren’t proper on a motorway- extra on this later!
Aire de repos
‘Aire de repos’ are additionally discovered on the sides of roads, and once more are authorised relaxation stops. You’ll typically discover campers and lorries parked up in these however there are hardly ever any services, aside from a few picnic tables.
Once more, you’ll be able to keep in these aires in a single day, typically as much as 24 hours if you want, however once more, lorries will make noise all evening and also you’re fairly uncovered. I’ve stayed in these a few instances when actually drained, nevertheless it’s positively not my most well-liked possibility.
There are additionally aires de jeu (playgrounds), aire de loisirs (rec space) and a number of other others. I do know, it will get complicated. I attempt to discover the aires BEFORE worrying concerning the signs- extra on how to try this under!
French aires- Tenting automobile park in France
These are the kind of aire in France you’re in all probability in search of. These are authorised motorhome (or tenting automobile) parking areas that are offered ALL OVER France, typically very near villages and cities.
They’re usually a carpark or massive gravel space, the place motorhomes are allowed to park in a single day, and even for a number of nights. Some are correctly marked out into bays, others are a free-for-all and you may park wherever and nonetheless you want!
Usually, these are run by the native council and are designed to encourage individuals to go to the realm. They’re almost at all times effectively stored and welcoming, with indicators in French and sometimes English. If the indicators aren’t in English, the information will probably be displayed in a manner that’s pretty simple to know.
Most aires in France could have a store/ bar/ cafe inside simple strolling distance. Strolling to get recent French bread within the morning is certainly one of our favorite issues about motorhoming round France.
What services do aires in France have?
They typically (however not at all times!) have services reminiscent of:
- emptying waste water (usually a drive-over grill)- can typically be used without cost
- Empty bathroom
- refill with recent water. Consuming water is ‘eau potable’ in French
Usually this comes at an extra cost and you have to change to make use of these facilities- I carry a pot within the motorhome and put all my spare Euros in there for moments similar to this!
Some aires have restrictions on what you’ll be able to empty into them, particularly in the event that they’re on the fosse system. This implies you need to watch out which chemical you utilize in your bathroom and gray waste. I exploit a product known as Solbio natural bathroom fluid, which is pure and doesn’t comprise dangerous chemical substances. It’s additionally secure to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, which means I’ve extra choices to get rid of my bathroom responsibly.
Water is generally 1€ for 50 litres or one thing comparable.
Do aires in France have bogs or bogs?
Often you’ll discover an aire in France with bogs, however not typically. Most aires anticipate you to be self-contained. After all, there will probably be bogs within the close by village or city, however hardly ever on the aire itself.
There may be not at all times a spot to enter the woods and ‘relieve your self’ either- many aires are like large automobile parks, so if you happen to want bogs, choose your aires fastidiously!
Electrical connectors
Some aires in France have electrical factors you’ll be able to hook up with, others don’t and it’s essential to be self-sufficient throughout your keep. Many of the aires I’ve utilized in France use the identical electrical connectors because the UK.
Some aires require tokens with a view to use the electrical. Usually, these have to be bought from an authorised location (just like the native bar!), which is ok… until you arrive when that location is closed.
There’s no manner round it- if it’s shut, you’re not getting electrical that evening. When you’re determined, search for an aire which doesn’t want tokens, however ideally you’ll need your motorhome to have the ability to survive an evening (or two!) with out the necessity for electrical.
Discover ways to arrange your motorhome for off-grid parking (wild tenting) right here.
How lengthy are you able to keep at a French Aire?
That depends upon the Aire and is set by the native council. Many are 24 hours max, however some can help you keep for 3/4 days if you want. All the information will probably be on the signal within the aire.
Tenting Automobile park France
You’ll often see an Aire known as a ‘tenting automobile park’. This doesn’t imply you will get out the pup tent- tenting automobile is the French phrase(s) for motorhome/ RV.
Tenting automobile park is a community of privately owned aires (most was council run) which have now been taken over. The very best factor about Tenting carparks is you’ll be able to typically e-book an area in advance- which makes utilizing aires a lot much less daunting!
Heading to France? You is likely to be excited about these associated posts:
How do you discover French Aires?
Ah- right here’s the magic of travelling with no plan. There are a few methods to search out aires in France, particularly as you’re travelling. I don’t have them deliberate in advance- I usually discover them en-route.
Are you able to e-book Aires prematurely?
No- or at the least very very hardly ever. (Often, it’s doable to e-book on-line, particularly within the mountains in winter if you happen to’re going motorhome snowboarding.) The entire level of aires is flexibility and freedom.
The excellent news is that its first come, first served. The dangerous information is that widespread locations turn into full VERY rapidly. So don’t wait too late to start out discovering someplace to cease, in case your first alternative is full and it’s essential to discover some other place to go.
NOTE: There’s a new France winter tyre law- learn extra right here
Watch the video explaining about French Aires
Want listening/ watching video? I share suggestions, plus some photographs/ movies of aires in France I’ve stayed in with our motorhome.
We hope you discovered the video helpful. When you did, why not observe us on Youtube. We share new movies with suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe weekly, plus street journey concepts and epic locations.
Aires tenting automobile France apps
I usually use the app park4night.com to search out aires or authorised in a single day motorhome locations. I determine whether or not I need to wild camp for the evening or whether or not I would like services/ need to cost motorhome batteries and so forth.
If I need to cost/ empty bogs or discover someplace to park for a number of days, I head for a French Aire.
Then, I look on the app for aires with photographs (so I can see the size of the areas and see if the motorhome will match!) and I take a look at the opinions. If there are many detrimental opinions, I maintain in search of one other place.
Finally, I discover somewhereIe just like the look/ really feel of. I usually attempt to have a backup possibility too, in case our first alternative is full once I arrive.
Then, I pop the co-ordinates into the GPS and head in direction of my chosen spot!
Different apps/ web sites I exploit to search out aires in France are:
- Campercontact (web site only- it’s essential to pay for the app, though the app does work offline, so it’s helpful!)
- France Ardour
- Searchforsites
- Park4Night
All of the Aires guidebook
There are execs and cons of the ‘All of the aires’ guidebook. The most important professional is that you just don’t want entry to the web with a view to discover someplace to remain. That is VERY helpful whenever you’re within the Alps and might’t get a sign.
The con is that the information goes outdated and it’s doable to show up at an aire which has been shut. Having stated that, it’s doable for this to occur utilizing Park4night too.
When you’re planning on doing a variety of motor homing in France, the All of the Aires guidebook positively definitely worth the funding/ house within the camper.
Don’t fear if a e-book is a yr or two outdated. Many of the aires don’t change fairly often. Having stated that, I at all times want to search out French Aires on-line in order that I can learn current opinions and study any updates (reminiscent of closing for upkeep or shutting down.)
Are aires in France open all yr?
Some are. Some aren’t. You have to test fastidiously whenever you’re in search of an aire to remain at. Many aires within the Alps solely open April-November ish because of the snow closing roads.
What to do on arrival at an aire in France
Typically discovering the aire could be a problem. You have to search for an indication of a motorhome over a waste disposal point- typically in black or blue.
- While you arrive, drive slowly and get your bearings. Some aires have signed entrances/ exits, others don’t.
- Earlier than you flip in, see if you happen to can see an area on your camper. These locations are sometimes very tough to show round in. If doubtful and also you’re travelling with another person, allow them to out to go take a look earlier than you commit.
- Anticipate everybody to cease and watch. Motorhomers are nosy/ individuals. Don’t be intimidated.
- Choose your spot and park up.
- The very first thing to do, earlier than you set the kettle on, is to go learn the indicators and pay something due. Learn how lengthy you’ll be able to keep and what the principles are. Examine this towards the information from park4night or a book- guidelines change and the principles on the signal are probably the most up-to-date.
When is one of the best time to reach at an aire?
If you wish to go to a particular location, reminiscent of a city/ metropolis (take a look at these prime 10 cities to go to in France), then I like to recommend arriving by lunchtime, earlier than everybody else turns up- particularly if you’re travelling throughout July/ August (peak summer season months in France). Many widespread aires get loopy busy and by 2pm they are often utterly full.
Free in a single day parking for motorhomes? What do Aires price?
Some are completely free, until you make use of the services. Some price a few Euros and others price as a lot as 15€, which I believe is the utmost I’ve paid thus far. I are inclined to keep away from cities, however I imagine aires near widespread places price extra and are way more crowded.
How you can use French Aires- what are the principles?
- Aires are first come, first served. They can’t be booked or reserved prematurely.
- There will probably be a time restrict you’re allowed to remain for, significantly if the aire is free. This will probably be clearly signposted on the aire and other people DO check- don’t overstay your welcome.
- Some aires have areas subsequent to them to can help you put out an awning and out of doors chairs. If the signal says it’s allowed and if different persons are doing it, then go forward. Nevertheless, if there isn’t an area, assume that exterior seating/ awnings are prohibited. Aires aren’t campsites- they’re in a single day stopovers.
- Don’t take up one other motorhome parking place together with your gear- that’s not allowed.
- If in case you have a trailer, be very cautious which aires you choose. We glance fastidiously at photographs and opinions to search out areas both lengthy sufficient for our motorhome, or the place there’s house for us to take our trailer off and have it subsequent to the van. Many aires are for campers as much as max 7m lengthy and a few areas are VERY tight- particularly in well-known or constructed up areas.
- Don’t play loud music or be too rowdy- these are quiet locations for individuals to take pleasure in their travels.
- No tents. Ever.
- Don’t park within the servicing space any longer than you need to. Undoubtedly don’t go away your camper unattended right here and block the providers for different individuals while you go to the bar!
- Don’t go away any garbage or litter. If there aren’t any bins, take it with you!
Can campervans use aires in France
Completely. Campervans and even transformed vehicles are welcome at aires, so long as it’s a campervan and never a piece automobile. Vans with signage on or ‘stealth campers’ are sometimes not allowed and now we have seen them being requested to maneuver on.
Can caravans use aires in France?
No. Most aires don’t enable caravans. The one locations I do know for caravans to park in a single day are both wild tenting or precise campsites. You would possibly be capable to use aires de repos- I doubt anybody would test. This is among the greatest execs when deciding between motorhomes or caravans for us.
Sleeping in French Aires
I’ve slept in some nice French Aires. They’re typically quiet, and motorhome homeowners are inclined to look out for one another. I’ve by no means had a disturbed nights sleep in an aire… aside from with the pet wanting to sit down on my head! 🙁
Are aires in France secure?
As at all times, there are not any absolutes with security. I’ve by no means had an incident at a French aire (contact wooden!) however that’s to not say nothing can occur.
Put it this manner, some aires I’ve an awesome feeling about and fortunately go away my motorhome for a number of hours whereas I am going sightseeing. These are the aires the place I spend a day or two to unwind and loosen up between driving (if it’s allowed).
Others, I don’t go away the van unattended in any respect and transfer on the following morning till I discover someplace higher. You HAVE to belief your gut- if you happen to’re undecided, transfer on.
Tenting automobile information in English at French Aires
Most aires in France have information for tenting vehicles (Motorhomes) in French and English. If not, there will probably be indicators making it simple to know what it’s essential to know.
How do you pay for aires in France?
The toughest half is usually determining pay on your keep at a French Aire. Some have parking meters (which regularly solely settle for change- one more reason for the change tub!) however some require you to go to the native bar/ cafe/ store with a view to pay.
This could be a bit daunting- particularly if it’s filled with locals who all cease to stare as you stroll in. Don’t let that put you off- I’ve had some nice nights at French bars with no clue what’s being happening round me.
Try to converse a bit of French whenever you enter- it can heat the locals to you. Say one thing like “J’ai un tenting automobile dans l’aire. Est-ce que je paie ici?”
Anticipate the proprietor to ask questions like how many individuals (combien des personnes) and what number of nights you need to keep for (combien des nuits?)
Are canine allowed on French Aires?
After all! France loves canine and also you’ll see them in every single place. There are not any restrictions in having them on an aire, however they have to be stored on a lead always.
Travelling to France with a Canine? You would possibly discover these posts helpful:
Different Motorhome websites France
There are many locations for motorhomes throughout France. When you don’t want to use an aire, there are campsites in all places, with services reminiscent of swimming swimming pools (bliss in the summertime!), retailers, bars or seashores.
There’s additionally a scheme known as France Ardour, which is a set of vineyards, farms and different locations the place they provide free or low cost in a single day motorhome parking. It’s a bit like BritStops within the UK.
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Motorhome wild tenting in France – is it authorized?
Completely- so long as you observe the principles. Discover out extra about wild tenting with a motorhome in France (and discover locations to cease.)
Finest aires in France
There are too many aires to make that choice- and I haven’t stayed at all of them! Nevertheless, my favorite aires are those with unbelievable views- like this one within the French Alps or those close to well-known historic locations in France– makes sightseeing even simpler!
Critically- you’d pay a fortune for a lodge room with a view like that!
I additionally just like the aires the place you’ll be able to keep for a few nights- it’s good to have a break from driving and perhaps get the motorbikes out to discover the realm higher. This e-book has some lovely aires to encourage your subsequent journey:
So, I hope you are actually enthusiastic about attempting out some French aires in your motorhome tour of France! Let me know the place you finish up- I’d like to see footage. Be happy so as to add them onto my Fb web page or be part of our Motorhome Fb group right here.
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