France 2025, is booking usually neccessary?

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Hi Folks and greetings. Myself and the leader of the opposition (Mrs J, aka LOTO) are new to motorhoming and to this website. I retired last year and the LOTO now only works periodically as a carer - not mine (yet) I’m pleased to say. What I’ve read thus far clearly confirms you are a very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful bunch. So here goes with our question(s) and apologies in advance if this is 'basic stuff' and a bit verbose but, as I say, we're new to this lark and we're just trying to find our feet. Notwithstanding our lack of motorhome experience, we do have camping and caravanning experience back in our youth, so we’re not entirely as green as we’re cabbage looking.

We've done a couple of short trips in the UK and now, suitably emboldened, we're off to France, in May, for four weeks. Crossings are booked, and equipment-wise I think we're good to go. What we're unsure of is the need, or not, to book overnight stops in advance. I'm reasonably familiar with travel in Europe having spent many years on annual motorbike tours with my chums and my left hand drive motorbike has helped me acclimatise to riding/driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Thus, navigating around is not a major issue and I have a modest grasp of schoolboy Franglais to ensure suitable embarrassment with our friends across the Channel.

We're crossing via the Eurotunnel. I'm aware that avoiding Paris is essential and we'll probably travel via Rouen and then head vaguely south, initially intending to meander down to the Dordogne where we'll spend a few days before moving on further south to Caylus in the Tarn-et-Garonne (we know it well from staying there several years in a rented house) where we intend to spend a week or so with our feet up before meandering back to Blighty. We've heard and read lots about using Aires, and apps such as Search for Sites and French Passion. However, we don't have experience of using any of them and don't know whether there is a need to book any stops in advance (I appreciate Aires can't usually be pre-booked) or is it just usual protocol to 'rock-up' and anticipate plenty of availability and a warm welcome. We're happy to try wild camping too, and would probably like to include plenty of this for overnight stops.

Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if you have suggested routes/stop-overs, and must see locations, do please say. I’m aware there is a site in Caylus - Camping De Le Bonnette, and one nearby in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val - Camping Municipal Le Ponget, as I’ve driven past both when previously in the area. However, and predictably, as newbies we've no experience of either! Thanks in advance, Derek and Lorraine.
 
We predominantly use aires with a couple of sites every 10 days or so to do washing etc. Never book and always get in somewhere. Always have a plan B, we are in Spain now and it's peak season on the Costas but we've always found a park up.

In may it will be quiet outside of the half term so just go with it.

CCP are good as you can see availability on the app.
 
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We are leaving via Newhaven/Dieppe (discount route and good to head to Rouen) end of April and will spend May ambling down through France, but mainly on the Dordogne, Lot, Tarn, etc. river systems, before heading into Spain for a further six weeks wild swimming and cycling.

Did the French part for six weeks last year and had nothing booked before we left. If you have P4N, S4S, Camper Contact and Camping-Car Park apps on your phone you’ll not need anything else. France doesn’t get going for holidays until July, so no need for booking ahead, especially away from the coasts.
 
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:welco:

Been going to & through France for 45 years never booked anything, never had a problem, even when we went with the kids & a caravan in school holidays.

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Hi there.
Please be aware that Rouen is famous (infamous) for having a few very low tunnels that your satnav MAY try to direct you through. Many a traveller has had a few inches or more shaved off the top of their vans by these tunnels.
 
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Orion has mentioned Camping Car Park and definitely worth putting the app on your phone. Read up about it so you know what to do if you want to use one
 
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Hi Folks and greetings. Myself and the leader of the opposition (Mrs J, aka LOTO) are new to motorhoming and to this website. I retired last year and the LOTO now only works periodically as a carer - not mine (yet) I’m pleased to say. What I’ve read thus far clearly confirms you are a very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful bunch. So here goes with our question(s) and apologies in advance if this is 'basic stuff' and a bit verbose but, as I say, we're new to this lark and we're just trying to find our feet. Notwithstanding our lack of motorhome experience, we do have camping and caravanning experience back in our youth, so we’re not entirely as green as we’re cabbage looking.

We've done a couple of short trips in the UK and now, suitably emboldened, we're off to France, in May, for four weeks. Crossings are booked, and equipment-wise I think we're good to go. What we're unsure of is the need, or not, to book overnight stops in advance. I'm reasonably familiar with travel in Europe having spent many years on annual motorbike tours with my chums and my left hand drive motorbike has helped me acclimatise to riding/driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Thus, navigating around is not a major issue and I have a modest grasp of schoolboy Franglais to ensure suitable embarrassment with our friends across the Channel.

We're crossing via the Eurotunnel. I'm aware that avoiding Paris is essential and we'll probably travel via Rouen and then head vaguely south, initially intending to meander down to the Dordogne where we'll spend a few days before moving on further south to Caylus in the Tarn-et-Garonne (we know it well from staying there several years in a rented house) where we intend to spend a week or so with our feet up before meandering back to Blighty. We've heard and read lots about using Aires, and apps such as Search for Sites and French Passion. However, we don't have experience of using any of them and don't know whether there is a need to book any stops in advance (I appreciate Aires can't usually be pre-booked) or is it just usual protocol to 'rock-up' and anticipate plenty of availability and a warm welcome. We're happy to try wild camping too, and would probably like to include plenty of this for overnight stops.

Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if you have suggested routes/stop-overs, and must see locations, do please say. I’m aware there is a site in Caylus - Camping De Le Bonnette, and one nearby in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val - Camping Municipal Le Ponget, as I’ve driven past both when previously in the area. However, and predictably, as newbies we've no experience of either! Thanks in advance, Derek and Lorraine.


I am VERY envious of you taking your first trip overseas in your motorhome, although i still do find it exciting when we go over....

It might be worth getting All The Aires books. They're not cheap but are really helpful for planning and will show you lots of free parking ups aswell.

My advice will be to choose where you want to go and always plan a back up location
 
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Hi Folks and greetings. Myself and the leader of the opposition (Mrs J, aka LOTO) are new to motorhoming and to this website. I retired last year and the LOTO now only works periodically as a carer - not mine (yet) I’m pleased to say. What I’ve read thus far clearly confirms you are a very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful bunch. So here goes with our question(s) and apologies in advance if this is 'basic stuff' and a bit verbose but, as I say, we're new to this lark and we're just trying to find our feet. Notwithstanding our lack of motorhome experience, we do have camping and caravanning experience back in our youth, so we’re not entirely as green as we’re cabbage looking.

We've done a couple of short trips in the UK and now, suitably emboldened, we're off to France, in May, for four weeks. Crossings are booked, and equipment-wise I think we're good to go. What we're unsure of is the need, or not, to book overnight stops in advance. I'm reasonably familiar with travel in Europe having spent many years on annual motorbike tours with my chums and my left hand drive motorbike has helped me acclimatise to riding/driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Thus, navigating around is not a major issue and I have a modest grasp of schoolboy Franglais to ensure suitable embarrassment with our friends across the Channel.

We're crossing via the Eurotunnel. I'm aware that avoiding Paris is essential and we'll probably travel via Rouen and then head vaguely south, initially intending to meander down to the Dordogne where we'll spend a few days before moving on further south to Caylus in the Tarn-et-Garonne (we know it well from staying there several years in a rented house) where we intend to spend a week or so with our feet up before meandering back to Blighty. We've heard and read lots about using Aires, and apps such as Search for Sites and French Passion. However, we don't have experience of using any of them and don't know whether there is a need to book any stops in advance (I appreciate Aires can't usually be pre-booked) or is it just usual protocol to 'rock-up' and anticipate plenty of availability and a warm welcome. We're happy to try wild camping too, and would probably like to include plenty of this for overnight stops.

Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if you have suggested routes/stop-overs, and must see locations, do please say. I’m aware there is a site in Caylus - Camping De Le Bonnette, and one nearby in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val - Camping Municipal Le Ponget, as I’ve driven past both when previously in the area. However, and predictably, as newbies we've no experience of either! Thanks in advance, Derek and Lorraine.
If there is somewhere specific you want to stay, it may be worth booking. We have been to the site in St Malo a few times and they have always been full. Last year (May) we tried extending our stay for a few days, but were unable to. The sites in Bergerac & Saumur have also been full a few times we have tried getting in.
There are also a few BH in May, so sites may be booked around those weekends.

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The only time we were 'caught out' was when we found ourselves looking for overnight stops last year over the Whit Sunday holidays in The Netherlands.. had to phone around to find places.
 
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Sorry to jump in but would not being booked in work in August?
 
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You may also want to look at ACSI card/app
It gives disconnects on sites if you use the sites it’s well worth it but if you avoid site don’t bother
At look and learn what it is and decide

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You may also want to look at ACSI card/app
It gives disconnects on sites if you use the sites it’s well worth it but if you avoid site don’t bother
At look and learn what it is and decide
Discounts on sites
 
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We never book but if we want to visit a particular place we may phone the day before to check availability, it has meant delaying a day to get a spot only once in too many years to count. Even in August generally no problem away from the Mediterranean coast and major cities.
 
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Hi Folks and greetings. Myself and the leader of the opposition (Mrs J, aka LOTO) are new to motorhoming and to this website. I retired last year and the LOTO now only works periodically as a carer - not mine (yet) I’m pleased to say. What I’ve read thus far clearly confirms you are a very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful bunch. So here goes with our question(s) and apologies in advance if this is 'basic stuff' and a bit verbose but, as I say, we're new to this lark and we're just trying to find our feet. Notwithstanding our lack of motorhome experience, we do have camping and caravanning experience back in our youth, so we’re not entirely as green as we’re cabbage looking.

We've done a couple of short trips in the UK and now, suitably emboldened, we're off to France, in May, for four weeks. Crossings are booked, and equipment-wise I think we're good to go. What we're unsure of is the need, or not, to book overnight stops in advance. I'm reasonably familiar with travel in Europe having spent many years on annual motorbike tours with my chums and my left hand drive motorbike has helped me acclimatise to riding/driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Thus, navigating around is not a major issue and I have a modest grasp of schoolboy Franglais to ensure suitable embarrassment with our friends across the Channel.

We're crossing via the Eurotunnel. I'm aware that avoiding Paris is essential and we'll probably travel via Rouen and then head vaguely south, initially intending to meander down to the Dordogne where we'll spend a few days before moving on further south to Caylus in the Tarn-et-Garonne (we know it well from staying there several years in a rented house) where we intend to spend a week or so with our feet up before meandering back to Blighty. We've heard and read lots about using Aires, and apps such as Search for Sites and French Passion. However, we don't have experience of using any of them and don't know whether there is a need to book any stops in advance (I appreciate Aires can't usually be pre-booked) or is it just usual protocol to 'rock-up' and anticipate plenty of availability and a warm welcome. We're happy to try wild camping too, and would probably like to include plenty of this for overnight stops.

Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if you have suggested routes/stop-overs, and must see locations, do please say. I’m aware there is a site in Caylus - Camping De Le Bonnette, and one nearby in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val - Camping Municipal Le Ponget, as I’ve driven past both when previously in the area. However, and predictably, as newbies we've no experience of either! Thanks in advance, Derek and Lorraine.
We tour France every year end of May for six or so weeks. Never had a problem finding space to stop we only use the designated Aires. I recommend getting "All the Aires France" ( on line from Vicarious Books) it gives you all the information you need. We often stay in Aires that provide free electricity and water for, sometimes 72 hours. Most places worth a visit will have an Aire nearby. There is nothing to be apprehensive about. As others have said it is quite straightforward. P.M me when over there if you want any advice, just as anyone on here would help.
John and Margaret
 
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We have been going to France May/June and late Aug/Sept for more years than I care to remember. We use campsites. Up until last year the only time we booked was to secure a particular pitch. However, last year seemed to be particularly busy so I just booked the day before. We do tend to alter our itinerary at the last moment and booking any further in advance would not be worth it for us. We tend to stick to the smaller less commercial sites like the St-Antonin-Noble-Val municipal one. We haven't been for a few years, but if it has not changed it is basic but just as we like it. Unless we are en-route we do like to stay for at least 2 nights. That gives us at least a full day to explore without being rushed.
The only other thing is to remember France is a big country so give yourself time to enjoy the trip rather than rushing from place to place - after all there is always next time.
Enjoy your trip - may see you there!
Sue
 
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We have never booked in France, it takes fun out of it. We have only ever been turned away twice, once in Strasbourg and once on the Ile de Re. Neither was an issue we just went to another site nearby. These days we use aires a lot more and I can only think of one occasion when we didn’t get in.

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Going in May it will be well worth getting an ASCI Discount Card. Just get the App and don’t bother with the Paper (Book) version. We go away March to May inclusive and wouldn’t be without it. You can book sites at discount rates if you like but at that time of the year most sites will have space! Also worth getting the Park4Night and Searchforsites apps in addition to the Camping car Park app.
 
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As others have said, no need to book.

The biggest problem with booking is if you don’t like somewhere, if you decide it’s not for you, there will be no refund for the booking.

In over 20yrs of motorhoming in Europe, many of those years travelling during school holidays we have only ever been turned away once because the site was full. We then drove half a mile to the next site where we pitched no problem.

If you decide to use sites, turn up and book in for one night only. If you like it, go back to reception the next day and book for another night and so on.

There are sites and Aires absolutely everywhere, it’s nothing like the uk.
Friends of ours bought a motorhome last year and after going around Scotland did 3 months in France and didn’t book anywhere.
 
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juniperd I guess by now reading the above the only thing you should book are your crossings to get off our little island and then back home. There is the advantage if you can use Le Shuttle it's easy to change your crossing date or time.

Just get over there and enjoy, I can assure you that you will be going again!
 
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We did a week in August last year. Only a tootle in Normandy. It was relatively busy but we only actually prebooked Mont St Michel in advance because it showed as being booked up on the CCP website. We only moved on from one busy aire to another one once. We used CCP’s for single nights mainly and twice we extended to 2 nights.
 
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I am VERY envious of you taking your first trip overseas in your motorhome, although i still do find it exciting when we go over....

It might be worth getting All The Aires books. They're not cheap but are really helpful for planning and will show you lots of free parking ups aswell.

My advice will be to choose where you want to go and always plan a back up location
Like you I envy that first rush of excitement but, despite having lived here for nearly 20 years, we still get a buzz as we set off. Also agree that the Vicarious publications are worth the money. I find it easier to plan on a book than purely on-screen. Generational perhaps but still still true for me. Also concur with always having a Plan B; and maybe C too!

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We never book, just rock up n take the chance, not had a problem up to press. you can always get the "camping car" card which tells you how many available pitches there are at there aires and you can pre-book if its a busy aire or to ease your mind. I think it's £5 for the card which you just top up as and when necessary.
 
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Hi Folks and greetings. Myself and the leader of the opposition (Mrs J, aka LOTO) are new to motorhoming and to this website. I retired last year and the LOTO now only works periodically as a carer - not mine (yet) I’m pleased to say. What I’ve read thus far clearly confirms you are a very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful bunch. So here goes with our question(s) and apologies in advance if this is 'basic stuff' and a bit verbose but, as I say, we're new to this lark and we're just trying to find our feet. Notwithstanding our lack of motorhome experience, we do have camping and caravanning experience back in our youth, so we’re not entirely as green as we’re cabbage looking.

We've done a couple of short trips in the UK and now, suitably emboldened, we're off to France, in May, for four weeks. Crossings are booked, and equipment-wise I think we're good to go. What we're unsure of is the need, or not, to book overnight stops in advance. I'm reasonably familiar with travel in Europe having spent many years on annual motorbike tours with my chums and my left hand drive motorbike has helped me acclimatise to riding/driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Thus, navigating around is not a major issue and I have a modest grasp of schoolboy Franglais to ensure suitable embarrassment with our friends across the Channel.

We're crossing via the Eurotunnel. I'm aware that avoiding Paris is essential and we'll probably travel via Rouen and then head vaguely south, initially intending to meander down to the Dordogne where we'll spend a few days before moving on further south to Caylus in the Tarn-et-Garonne (we know it well from staying there several years in a rented house) where we intend to spend a week or so with our feet up before meandering back to Blighty. We've heard and read lots about using Aires, and apps such as Search for Sites and French Passion. However, we don't have experience of using any of them and don't know whether there is a need to book any stops in advance (I appreciate Aires can't usually be pre-booked) or is it just usual protocol to 'rock-up' and anticipate plenty of availability and a warm welcome. We're happy to try wild camping too, and would probably like to include plenty of this for overnight stops.

Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if you have suggested routes/stop-overs, and must see locations, do please say. I’m aware there is a site in Caylus - Camping De Le Bonnette, and one nearby in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val - Camping Municipal Le Ponget, as I’ve driven past both when previously in the area. However, and predictably, as newbies we've no experience of either! Thanks in advance, Derek and Lorraine.
Welcome to the site and the lifestyle! Beautifully written introduction. Such a pleasure to read good English that’s been proof read for spelling and grammar. I am also relatively new to motor-homing but have already made some exciting trips both in France where I live and further afield. One resource that I frequently draw upon is the app Park4night. It is very accurate, current and easy to use. Safe travels.
 
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France is so easy for motorhomers. We don’t book. You will see Vidange signs - an icon of a motorhome - directing you to places where you can empty your casette. We go on sites when we need water or want to stay a few days in an area. There are often open squares in small towns where you can stay the night. Very handy for the bakery! Good flat spaces next to cemeteries are ideal too. We’ve been travelling in France for over 20 years and only once got moved on in a forest where they were hunting wild boar. Campsites are rarely full except in heavily touristed areas in high season.
 
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Get yourself a Crit'Air sorted out before you go, just in case you end up somewhere that requires one... https://certificat-air.gouv.fr/

I usually only ever book my first night and last night just to take the stress out of finding somewhere after a day of travelling.
In 2022 we can back from Le Mans in late June and found most sites on the coast of Hauts-de-France (up to Calais) were very busy.

If you want to do Paris for a day or two, you can stay near Versailles and get the train into the city... https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/marker.php?id=6448

Bon Voyage
 
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Hi Folks and greetings. Myself and the leader of the opposition (Mrs J, aka LOTO) are new to motorhoming and to this website. I retired last year and the LOTO now only works periodically as a carer - not mine (yet) I’m pleased to say. What I’ve read thus far clearly confirms you are a very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful bunch. So here goes with our question(s) and apologies in advance if this is 'basic stuff' and a bit verbose but, as I say, we're new to this lark and we're just trying to find our feet. Notwithstanding our lack of motorhome experience, we do have camping and caravanning experience back in our youth, so we’re not entirely as green as we’re cabbage looking.

We've done a couple of short trips in the UK and now, suitably emboldened, we're off to France, in May, for four weeks. Crossings are booked, and equipment-wise I think we're good to go. What we're unsure of is the need, or not, to book overnight stops in advance. I'm reasonably familiar with travel in Europe having spent many years on annual motorbike tours with my chums and my left hand drive motorbike has helped me acclimatise to riding/driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Thus, navigating around is not a major issue and I have a modest grasp of schoolboy Franglais to ensure suitable embarrassment with our friends across the Channel.

We're crossing via the Eurotunnel. I'm aware that avoiding Paris is essential and we'll probably travel via Rouen and then head vaguely south, initially intending to meander down to the Dordogne where we'll spend a few days before moving on further south to Caylus in the Tarn-et-Garonne (we know it well from staying there several years in a rented house) where we intend to spend a week or so with our feet up before meandering back to Blighty. We've heard and read lots about using Aires, and apps such as Search for Sites and French Passion. However, we don't have experience of using any of them and don't know whether there is a need to book any stops in advance (I appreciate Aires can't usually be pre-booked) or is it just usual protocol to 'rock-up' and anticipate plenty of availability and a warm welcome. We're happy to try wild camping too, and would probably like to include plenty of this for overnight stops.

Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Likewise, if you have suggested routes/stop-overs, and must see locations, do please say. I’m aware there is a site in Caylus - Camping De Le Bonnette, and one nearby in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val - Camping Municipal Le Ponget, as I’ve driven past both when previously in the area. However, and predictably, as newbies we've no experience of either! Thanks in advance, Derek and Lorraine.
We’ve been round France twice for a month once and for five weeks. We never booked a thing and always found good alternatives if a site was full. We tend to aim at rural ‘camping car Aires’ which are similar to our CL sites. ‘Search for sites’ app has become our main tool and it has every requirement you need to tour, from gas to sites to parking and even vets for getting pets sorted out for the return. Have a great time
 
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