Wild camping generally is not permitted in France, except when the landowner permits to do so. Pitching up in protected natural sites or near historic monuments is never allowed. Local authorities or other authorities in charge of these designated areas can establish specific rules regarding the area they govern.
In tourist centers and national parks, wild camping is regularly checked and, in the worst case, can be punished with fines of up to 1.500 €. In rural areas, away from the tourist centers, people are more tolerant of wild campers. You can also find private landowners who allow overnight stays on their land.
Whilst wild camping – also known as free camping – in France is not allowed, one exception is that you are allowed to pitch your tent or park your motorhome if you have the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land where you wish to camp.
Overnight stops
Then search for campsites and motorhome stopovers. For French motorhome locations, see Campercontact. You are allowed to stay overnight for free anywhere that a passenger car (or camper <3,500 kg) or bus (or camper> 3,500 kg) may park.
Wild camping is permitted anywhere in France subject to the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land, and subject to some general limitations. The wild camping rules in the French Alps are different to the UK. In Scotland, because of the Land Reform Act of 2003 you are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land.
The basic rules are set out in Article R111-33 of French town and country planning law. The main restrictions stipulate that wild camping is not permitted on the coast, in protected natural sites, and on the perimeter of classified historic monuments.
You can sleep in your van in a public place or a parking, as long as there is no sign that forbids it. This goes for parking lots, places in nature, anywhere actually. And don't worry, France is full of these signs!
We found by far the best app for finding free campsites in France was Park4Night. You can download the app on your phone and search all kinds of parking lots (day/night), campsites, free motorhome areas and motorhome service areas and paid parking.
Vehicles exceeding 3,500kg in France
All motorhomes and caravans (not combined with towing vehicle) with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes must have a sticker showing the position of the blind spots, visible on the sides and at the rear of the vehicle. These regulations are in force since 1 January 2021.
Sleeping is actually fine, since you are allowed to sleep in your car, so also in your camping-car.
Criminalisation. No national legislation makes “homelessness” or begging a criminal offence in France. However, in France the exploitation of beggars, aggressive begging and endangering minors through begging are considered to be criminal offences.
The French love to camp and many spend their weekends at campsites less than 30 miles from home for the conviviality and local exploration. Out of 8,311 campsites with almost 900,000 pitches, two-thirds of France's 22 million campers are French and only five per cent are visitors from Britain.
Prices can be around 32€ or 40€ per night for four people. Four-star campsites: private washing cubicles with hot water, dish-washing and clothes-washing sinks with hot water, pitches over 80m², tarred roads within the site, food stores on campsite or close by. Prices can go from 20€ to 50€ per night for four people.
Not only does this disturb animals but it can also be very be dangerous. Especially in dry months as there is a danger of forest fires in Germany and the penalties exceed the fine charged for illegal wild camping by far.
England & Wales
It's only classed as a civil offence (non arrestable), as opposed to a criminal offence (arrestable), so the police would most likely just ask you to move along if they caught you doing it. If you then refuse to move, you'll risk escalating it into the criminal offence of aggravated trespass.
Under the Land Reform Act of 2003, it is permitted almost anywhere with very few restrictions. Wild camping is also legal in Lithuania, Turkey and Finland. In some countries, like Norway and Sweden, the practice is actively encouraged. In many countries, however, it is illegal and the law is strictly enforced.
Wild camping generally is not permitted in France, except when the landowner permits to do so. Pitching up in protected natural sites or near historic monuments is never allowed. Local authorities or other authorities in charge of these designated areas can establish specific rules regarding the area they govern.
The “Chunnel” is fast, effective and probably the cheapest way to get a motorhome or caravan to France, even in school holidays.
Rules and regulations when driving a motorhome in France
The rules and regulations are broadly the same as when you're driving a car. Make sure you've got your passport, driving licence, V5 ownership papers and insurance documents. Fluorescent tabards and warning triangles are a must in case you break down.
The aires de service I am mainly referring to, are found either within or just outside settlements of all sizes. They are intended as a place for car campers to stop for the night. I say 'car campers' as the French refer to RVs/motorhomes as 'camping cars' and it also helps to define who can use the aires.
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy with fines ranging from 100-500€. However, there are certain exceptions. You can get a permit from the local authorities then you're allowed to stand there freely.
You'll need to apply for a permis d'aménagement which, if successful, will set out the number of tent, caravan and mobile home pitches you can have, the site layout and the facilities you must provide. The permit is valid for three years.
Can you stay overnight in an 'aire de service' on a French motorway? Yes, often it is allowed. They often have specific motorhome parking areas and there will be an allowed time you are allowed to stay for. This will be displayed clearly on a sign somewhere nearby.
Most aires, though not all, provide facilities for emptying cassette toilets, waste water, rubbish disposal and filling up with fresh water. Occasionally, electric points are also available. Again, these facilities are often provided free of charge, while others request a small fee, usually 50 cents or one Euro.
Speed limits vary in France depending on the type of road and size of vehicle. As a general rule the drivers of courier vans under 3.5t are subject to limits of 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on open roads (80km/h in wet conditions), 110 km/h on dual carriageways (100km/h when wet) and 130km/h on motorways (110km/h when wet).