Aires in France

[Iain Crosbie]

Aires de service on the motorways are generally not a good place to stay over
Motorways are efficient ways to get about but suck in terms of view, boredom etc
Vivcarious books all the aires together with satnav loaded with the gps data from Archies Europe (google it) is everything you need to find a place to stop.

The real Aires (away from the motorways are in towns and villages that have been practically cut off by the construction of the french motorway network which is excellent though expensive and boring (well for me)

Stayed in about 12 of them last year over 3 trips and they vary in Quality. The book might say one thing and when you get there it's different but remember these facilities are free to motorhomers and there is a handshake thet we spend a few Euro in the town. Stayed in some stunning places like Sarlat and Cadilliac and some not so (like the Aire at Biarritz though this was probably due to the time of year)

always have a good look round though this is sometimes not possible depending on what time arrival is at.
Be sensible and if it looks good then stay and if it doesn't then move along.
If it looks good it probably is and if nott then probably move on

we only moved on once because we arrived in the Aire and there was a fair run by travellers which would have been OK except for the state of the place (festival day)

Motorhoming is a great way to see amazing places and you should all do it.

[clf86ha]

Originally Posted by bigwhitebox

Caravans are not permitted on the Aires and will probably be removed by
Police etc.

Having only bought our caravan 6 weeks ago, we are new to caravanning (bought it to holiday with our dogs) and fancy trying France once we get used to the caravan.

So this is good to know, thank you

[twooks]

CC is and always has been totally opposed to Aires, perhaps afraid of losing business if the idea crosses the channel, or perhaps simply opposed to anything which doesn't give unquestioned precedence to caravans

incidentally, have seen caravans on some Aires, the trick seems to be it's ok if you can stop without unhooking, otherwise I think the assumption is that you are travellers / gypsies / gens du voyage / roma - who have their own sites

France is a great place, and is still remarkably tolerant of the masses of great white vehicles trundling about her beautiful country year after year
but don't forget about Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. ..