France is one of the best places for a road trip.
With its beautiful landscapes, amazing food, and rich history, traveling through France in a campervan feels like stepping into a real-life adventure
Every region has something special to offer. You can drive through vineyards, explore medieval towns, or relax by the Mediterranean—there’s no shortage of incredible places to discover.
But with so many options, where should you go? We’ve mapped out some of the best campervan routes to make your journey easier.
So save these itineraries, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure—France is waiting!
Good to Know Before You Go
- Wild Camping: While wild camping is technically illegal, many rural areas allow overnight parking in designated campervan spots or “Aires de Camping-Car.” Apps like Park4Night are invaluable for finding legal stopovers.
- Tolls: Most highways (autoroutes) require toll payments. Consider getting a toll tag (“Télépéage”) for faster access.
- Environmental Zones: Some cities require an environmental sticker (Crit’Air) for entry. Make sure to check in advance if your vehicle needs one.
- Power Adapter: French campgrounds use the European Type E plug.
- Camping Card: Some campsites offer discounts with a CampingCard ACSI.
- Water Hose & Converter: Many campervan service stations require a universal adapter for refilling water tanks.
- France Passion Membership: This program allows you to park overnight for free at vineyards and farms across the country.
Now, let’s dive into the best campervan road trips across France!
1. Grand Tour of France: The Ultimate Camper Adventure
Best for: First-time visitors who want a comprehensive road trip.
If you want to experience all that France has to offer, this route takes you through a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and scenic drives.
This road trip is perfect for first-time visitors who want a little bit of everything—history, nature, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes.
Normandy
Start your journey along the dramatic coastline of northern France.
Visit the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, an island abbey that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
Pay tribute to history at the D-Day landing beaches in Omaha and Utah Beach, then take in the beauty of the white chalk cliffs at Étretat.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Port’land (D-Day Beaches) – Spacious and ideal for visiting the historical sites.
- Camping Sous Les Etoiles Normandie: Known for its friendly staff and clean facilities, ideal for visiting D-Day beaches
Loire Valley
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Carnet d’Histoire 
(@carnet_dhistoire)Travel south to the land of châteaux. Explore Château de Chambord, one of the most extravagant castles in France, and the elegant Château de Chenonceau, which stretches across the Cher River.
Don’t forget to sample the region’s famous wines!
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping L’Isle Verte – Great for exploring châteaux and located along the Loire River.
- Camping Parc de Fierbois – A well-equipped nature-friendly option.
Dordogne
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hello_france (@hello_france)This region is known for its medieval villages, dramatic cliffs, and prehistoric caves.
Walk through the charming streets of Sarlat, canoe down the Dordogne River, and visit the famous Lascaux Caves to see prehistoric cave paintings.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Le Capeyrou – Offers stunning views of Beynac Castle.
- Camping La Palombière – Family-friendly and close to Sarlat.
- Le Moulin de Paulhiac Campsite: Great for exploring the Dordogne region with kids
Provence
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Head toward the south and soak in the lavender-scented air of Provence.
Drive through rolling fields of purple in Valensole (best seen in June-July), visit the stunning Verdon Gorge, and explore the charming hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Les Fontaines – A peaceful spot near the famous Luberon villages.
- Camping Verdon Parc – Ideal for those exploring Verdon Gorge.
French Alps
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The mountain landscapes here are breathtaking.
Drive through Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” and take in the stunning views of Mont Blanc in Chamonix. During summer, you can go hiking, and in winter, skiing is an option!
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping L’Idéal – A great base for exploring Lake Annecy.
- Camping Les Deux Glaciers – Close to Chamonix with great mountain views.
Alsace
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(@pepoypepona)Finish your trip in the charming region of Alsace, known for its colorful half-timbered houses, world-class wine, and rich Franco-German culture.
Walk the fairytale streets of Colmar, follow the Alsace Wine Route, and enjoy a traditional tarte flambée in Strasbourg.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping de l’Ill – Colmar – Close to Colmar’s historic center.
- Camping Huttopia Wattwiller – Great for nature lovers near the Vosges mountains.
2. The Wine & Gastronomy Road Trip
Best for: Foodies and wine enthusiasts.
For food and wine lovers, this route takes you through the finest culinary regions of France, where you can sample world-class wines, indulge in gourmet delights, and explore charming villages filled with culinary history.
Champagne
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Start your journey in the legendary Champagne region.
Visit Reims and Epernay, where you can tour iconic champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.
Enjoy tastings in historic cellars and stroll through the beautiful vineyards.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Au Bord de l’Aisne – A well-rated campsite with great amenities, close to Reims.
- Camping Municipal d’Epernay: Located right on the river, offering a warm welcome and basic amenities
Burgundy
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Drive south into Burgundy, known for its world-famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
Visit Dijon and Beaune, where you can explore historic wine cellars, enjoy traditional mustard tastings, and admire medieval architecture.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping de Santenay – A scenic riverside campsite near Burgundy’s vineyards.
- Camping La Grappe d’Or – A cozy stay in Meursault, close to the Route des Grands Crus.
Bordeaux
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One of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Bordeaux offers stunning vineyard landscapes, beautiful châteaux, and renowned wine estates in Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pessac-Léognan.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Le Village du Lac – A well-equipped site with easy access to Bordeaux city.
- Camping Beausoleil – A relaxing stay in the heart of the Médoc vineyards.
Dordogne
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This region is a haven for food lovers. Explore Sarlat, a town known for its foie gras, truffles, and rustic French cuisine.
Visit bustling markets, canoe along the Dordogne River, and admire the region’s fairytale-like castles.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Le Capeyrou – Offers stunning views of Beynac Castle.
- Camping La Palombière – Family-friendly and close to Sarlat.
Lyon
Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a must-visit for food lovers.
Sample traditional bouchon cuisine, including coq au vin, quenelles, and tarte lyonnaise, while strolling through the old town’s historic streets.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Indigo Lyon – A great base to explore Lyon with easy public transport access.
- Camping de Lyon – Spacious pitches and excellent amenities near the city center.
Alsace
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Conclude your culinary journey in Alsace, where French and German influences blend perfectly.
Explore the Alsace Wine Route, visit picturesque villages like Riquewihr and Eguisheim, and taste delicious Rieslings and Gewürztraminers.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping de l’Ill – Colmar – Close to Colmar’s historic center.
- Camping Huttopia Wattwiller – A nature-friendly option near the Vosges mountains.
3. The Wild & Rugged Coastline Road Trip
Best for: Beach lovers, coastal explorers, and seafood enthusiasts.
This scenic drive follows France’s stunning coastline, stretching from the dramatic cliffs of Brittany to the surf beaches of the Basque Country.
This route is perfect for those who love the sea, offering everything from breathtaking viewpoints and charming coastal towns to golden sandy beaches and world-class seafood.
Brittany
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Start your coastal adventure in Brittany, a region famous for its rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and delicious crêpes.
Walk along the ramparts of Saint-Malo, a fortified seaside town with rich maritime history.
Visit the dramatic cliffs of Cap Fréhel, where you can take in sweeping ocean views.
Continue to the Pink Granite Coast, known for its striking rock formations and scenic coastal trails.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Emeraude – A 5-star campsite near Saint-Malo with excellent facilities.
- Camping Le Cap Fréhel – A peaceful site with direct access to the coastline.
- Camping Les Plages de Beg Leguer – Located on the Pink Granite Coast with ocean views.
Loire-Atlantique
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Head south to La Baule, one of the longest beaches in Europe, with soft white sand stretching for miles.
This glamorous seaside town is known for its elegant villas, lively markets, and water sports.
Take a scenic drive along the Côte d’Amour and explore the salt marshes of Guérande, famous for its fleur de sel.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping L’Océan – A high-rated site with beach access in La Baule.
- Camping Les Paludiers – Located near the salt marshes of Guérande.
Bordeaux & the Dune du Pilat
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The journey continues to Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Arcachon Bay.
Climb to the top for an unforgettable sunset. Nearby Bordeaux is home to world-class wineries, historic streets, and fantastic cuisine.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Panorama du Pyla – A prime spot near the dune with ocean views.
- Camping Le Petit Nice – A scenic campsite nestled in the pine forests along the coast.
- Camping Bordeaux Lac – A great base for exploring Bordeaux’s wine country.
The Basque Country
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End your road trip in the Basque Country, where France meets Spain. The region is known for its lively coastal cities, rich culture, and fantastic surf spots.
Biarritz is a surf capital with golden beaches, while Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a more relaxed Basque fishing village charm.
Don’t leave without trying pintxos, the Basque version of tapas.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Le Ruisseau – A top-rated site near Biarritz with pools and spa facilities.
- Camping Itsas Mendi – A fantastic beachside site near Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Camping Oyam – A family-friendly site with easy access to the surf spots.
4. The Alpine Adventure: From the Jura to the Mediterranean
Best for: Adventurers, outdoor lovers, and those seeking a mix of alpine and Mediterranean experiences.
A stunning drive through France’s most breathtaking mountain ranges, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure, scenic views, and crisp alpine air.
From the Jura’s tranquil lakes to the rugged peaks of the French Alps and the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, this road trip showcases France’s incredible natural beauty.
Jura
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(@magaliso_)Start your journey in the Jura region, famous for its pristine lakes, rolling green hills, and rich cheese-making tradition.
Take a scenic drive through the Lakes Route, visit the stunning Cascades du Hérisson waterfalls, and enjoy fresh Comté cheese straight from the source.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Domaine de Chalain – A beautiful lakefront campsite with water activities and hiking trails.
Chamonix & Mont Blanc
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Head into the heart of the French Alps to Chamonix, home to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.
Take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi for jaw-dropping panoramic views, hike stunning trails, or explore the Mer de Glace glacier.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Les Deux Glaciers – A peaceful campsite with fantastic views of Mont Blanc.
- Camping de la Mer de Glace – Perfect for those who love alpine adventure and proximity to hiking routes.
Route des Grandes Alpes
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Drive the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, a spectacular 700-km mountain road stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.
Wind through breathtaking high-altitude passes, picturesque alpine villages, and stunning valleys along the way.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Le Fontarache – A well-rated site along the route with mountain views and hiking access.
- Camping Le Montana – A scenic stop with great facilities in the heart of the Alps.
Mercantour National Park
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Explore the hidden gem of Mercantour National Park, where dramatic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife make for an unforgettable experience.
Hike through the Valley of Wonders, famous for its prehistoric rock carvings, or spot ibex and marmots in the wild.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping Le Cians – A tranquil campsite surrounded by stunning nature.
- Camping Tende – A great base for exploring the park’s hiking trails and valleys.
Côte d’Azur
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End your journey by descending from the mountains to the French Riviera, where vibrant cities, clear blue waters, and Mediterranean sunshine await.
Explore the charming streets of Nice, relax on the beaches of Menton, or take a scenic coastal drive along the Corniche roads.
Recommended Campsites:
- Camping La Vieille Ferme – A fantastic coastal site near Nice with easy beach access.
- Camping Saint Michel – A peaceful retreat in Menton with stunning sea views.
Conclusion
France is a dream destination for campervan travelers, offering scenic drives, rich history, delicious food, and plenty of camper-friendly facilities.
Whether you’re drawn to vineyards, coastlines, mountains, or historic towns, there’s a perfect route waiting for you.
Plan your itinerary, book your campsites in advance, and get ready to explore France at your own pace.
Bon voyage!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
