Renting a campervan or motorhome in France: the guide
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Contents
In short: a campervan or motorhome is a great way to explore France at your own pace: Brittany, the Atlantic coast, Provence, the Alps, the Pyrenees. With a standard car licence you can drive most vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes). Compare peer-to-peer and professional rentals, look closely at insurance and excess, and plan where to sleep: campsites, service areas, hosting networks.
Campervan, van conversion or motorhome?
- Campervan (VW-style): compact, easy to drive and park, ideal for a couple. Simpler comfort (bed, small kitchen).
- Large van conversion: bigger, often with shower and toilet, a good compromise for 2 to 4 people.
- Motorhome (low-profile, over-cab, A-class): the most comfortable, suited to families, but wider, taller and harder to park in villages.
Also check the number of belted seats, which may differ from the number of berths.
Peer-to-peer or professional?
| Peer-to-peer | Professional company | |
|---|---|---|
| Choice | Very wide, varied vehicles | More uniform, often recent fleet |
| Price | Often flexible | Clear price list |
| Support | Depends on platform and owner | Branches and structured assistance |
| Check | Platform insurance, vehicle condition | Excess, options, extra fees |
Either way, compare: included insurance and excess, deposit, mileage (unlimited or not), equipment (kitchenware, bedding, chairs, bike rack), pets allowed, pick-up and return times.
Where to sleep in a van?
Overnight parking and wild camping are regulated: rules vary by town, and bivouacking is banned in many protected areas [TO CHECK locally]. The simplest options:
- campsites, with electricity, showers and waste disposal;
- motorhome service areas (aires de services), often cheap, to empty tanks, refill water and sometimes stay the night;
- hosting networks with farmers or private individuals offering a spot for a night [TO CHECK network conditions].
Respect the places you visit: no illegal waste dumping, no tables and chairs outside designated areas.
Driving a van in France
- Height: watch out for underground car parks, height barriers and low bridges.
- Cities: leave the vehicle outside historic centres; several big cities have low-emission zones (Crit’Air sticker) [TO CHECK].
- Mountain roads: drive slowly and use engine braking downhill.
- Tolls: the rate may depend on the vehicle’s height and weight [TO CHECK].
Itinerary ideas
- Brittany: Pink Granite Coast, Crozon peninsula, Gulf of Morbihan.
- Atlantic coast: from the Basque Country to Vendée, beaches and pine forests.
- Provence: Luberon, Verdon Gorge, Camargue (beware of summer heat and restrictions).
- Alps and Pyrenees: mountain passes and lakes, ideal in spring and late summer.
Prefer a car and hotels? Read our car rental comparison and our road-trip tips.
Before you go: checklist
- check the vehicle’s total weight and your licence;
- do a photo and video inspection at pick-up;
- ask for a demonstration: heating, gas, waste disposal, electricity;
- bring levelling blocks, an extension lead and an adapter if needed;
- download offline maps and a service-area app.
For the rest of your trip, read our complete guide to travelling in France and our travel packing checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Which driving licence do I need for a motorhome?
In France, a standard car licence (category B) lets you drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes, which covers most campervans and many motorhomes. Heavier vehicles require another licence category. Check the vehicle's weight in the listing before booking, and whether your licence is recognised in France.
Can I sleep anywhere in a van?
No. Overnight parking is regulated by each town, and wild camping is banned in many protected areas (coastline, nature parks…). Prefer campsites, motorhome service areas and hosting networks run by private individuals or farmers. [TO CHECK: local rules]
Peer-to-peer or professional rental?
Peer-to-peer platforms offer a very wide choice of characterful vehicles; professional companies have a more uniform fleet and more structured support. Either way, compare included insurance, excess, deposit, mileage and equipment.
When should I rent a van in France?
July and August are high season: book very early. Spring and early autumn offer more availability, often lower prices and quieter roads.