Overnight stays in French Alps

[Andycap]

I m looking at going to France within the next week or two and fancy doing some overnight stays in the alps. any hints, tips and recommendations will be greatly appreciated. I am doing it solo so nothing to tricky.

 

[Ridgeway]

Wilding, aires, campsites ?

 

[Andycap]

I intend to do a bit of everything but Wilding in alps is appealing

 

[Northernraider]

It Can be done ....watch out for the wolves

 

[Ridgeway]

In principal you'll be fine wilding as long as you're discreet. 1-2 nights and then move on and parking off the main tracks etc, there's usually plenty of places to seek out. Keep in mind that in villages themselves the local gendarmerie may well move you on, out of town is usually a much safer bet.

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[DBK]

I can only suggest the usual apps such as CamperContact and Park4Night. They will give you plenty of suggestions.

 

[Andycap]

Can't be any worse than swmbo

 

[Andycap]

I agree with the one or two nights as I don't want to spoil it for others. All I am after is some photos and the experience of waking up and seeing the scenery then it will be off down to the south all being well

 

[Andycap]

Thanks all

 

[Sid52]

The Chamonix valley near Argentiere. Less crowded and plenty of places to overnight. The large car park at the Grand Montets cable car. A short walk into the village. Also a bit further up the valley at Tours, a good spot on an abandoned charlift station right in front of the Tour glacier. It's a right turn between the houses. It's marked on park4night. The whole area has superb views of the Mont Blanc range and the Aiguilles Rouge. Plenty of walking and lots of gondolas and chairlifts.
Also a lovely campsite just south of Argentiere at Les Chosalets, 'Camping du Glacier d'Argentiere'.
You'll want to spend at least a few days there.
Good bus service up and down the valley for the fleshpots of Chamonix if desired

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[Googlebot]

Briancon has many Aires and wild camps, stunning scenery and usually less busy than further North.

 

[Andycap]

Sounds good can't wait to get there now thanks for the info

 

[ChrisL]

How big is your motorhome? One of my sisters lives in Briancon, i can ask if she knows any places if you like.

 

[Itsmcb]

Have a look on here, it's aimed at skiers/boarders but all the places will be open in summer https://www.snomadsites.com/

 

[Andycap]

Hi Chisi its 7m. Much appreciated

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[ChrisL]

Sis is at work but will ask around for you this evening. I'll post back if she comes up with any places for you.

 

[Andycap]

Cheers

 

[Itsmcb]

Theres a big Aire in Montgenevre, not far from Briancon. Plus lots of the ski lift stations in the Alps have big car parks and won't be busy now.

 

[WJACC]

Anywhere in the Park National du Mercantour would be severely frowned upon followed by a €400 fine.. Another €400 fine if you bring your dog and another €400 fine if you leave the few designated paths.... You'll know when you've left the park, the french camping cars are parked everywhere

 

[footscray188c]

Park up at any of the Cols. Just get there early to bag the best spot easy.

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[Jenben]

Monetier les Bain is a lovely spot , just in Serre chevalier valley up from Briancon but it may be a pay spot in the summer.

If you are end up around La Clusaz then col de Merdassier is a great spot, free large ski car park with a fabulous old farm where they make cheese .

Any of the ski resorts will have a perfect spot for Motorhome parking , some of the smaller ones are better as they don’t tend to be busy in the summer .

 

[Andycap]

Cheers for the info. I don't mind paying as long as I enjoy myself.

 

[ChrisL]

There used to be a good butchers shop in Monetier by the church, there are also the hot spring baths but you have to ware speedos though
My sister will get back to me next week on locations, her friends with motorhomes are all away on holiday.

 

[Andycap]

Cheers Chrisi
Looks like I will have to pay a visit to matalan for a pair of budgie smugglers then.

 

[Glas Robin]

Les Gets, great for biking and walking this time of year. Drive out of the village and park in any of the large ski-bus stops. We’ve done it a couple of years running. Some lovely spots next to streams and fields.

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[gvj]

If you can wait until the end of August you’ll have the entire French alps to yourself.

 

[Martyn911]

Lots of car parks and a aire in Meribel and Les menuires up here in the three valleys

 

[ronecc1]

It Can be done ....watch out for the wolves

I would love to camp among the wolves. Having had an adopted one a few years ago, I just love being near them. Bit scrawny during the summer months.

 

[Martyn911]

I would love to camp among the wolves. Having had an adopted one a few years ago, I just love being near them. Bit scrawny during the summer months.

We have plenty of wolves up here in the village of St Martin De Belleville

 

[ChrisL]

So my sister got back to me, the locals all use park4night apparently, with regard to Monetier, there is a new municipal aire which is 15 euros a night plus tourist tax which hasn't gone down well with the French, and if you overnight anywhere else in the area you will wake up to a ticket, even though there may not be signs saying no camping, there is also a campsite open from June until September I think, there are other spots lower down the valley but probably best for you to check them out on park4night yourself.

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