Can you sleep in campervan anywhere in France?

Wild camping generally is not permitted in France, except when the landowner permits to do so. Pitching up in protected natural sites or near historic monuments is never allowed. Local authorities or other authorities in charge of these designated areas can establish specific rules regarding the area they govern.



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If you're planning to drive a motorhome weighing 3.5 tonnes or less in France, your driver's license is accepted. Most recreational vehicles on the market (motorhomes, vans, converted vans, etc.) don't exceed 3.5 tonnes. If, on the other hand, you plan to drive a vehicle exceeding this weight, you'll need a C1 license.

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Can you stay overnight in an 'aire de service' on a French motorway? Yes, often it is allowed. They often have specific motorhome parking areas and there will be an allowed time you are allowed to stay for. This will be displayed clearly on a sign somewhere nearby.

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Is wild camping allowed in France? No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is not officially allowed in France. In some regions, however, camping and bivouacking on roads, parking lots and private properties is permitted with the permission of the local authorities.

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Park in a safe and secure location – avoid remote, poorly lit areas. Put away valuables and lock up your van before you go to sleep. Close your curtains. Ensure your campervan is not too hot or too cold.

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Like much of Europe, wild camping in Spain for motorhomes and campers is 'tolerated' in many places but not strictly legal and it's certainly not a right. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case.

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In tourist centers and national parks, wild camping is regularly checked and, in the worst case, can be punished with fines of up to 1.500 €. In rural areas, away from the tourist centers, people are more tolerant of wild campers. You can also find private landowners who allow overnight stays on their land.

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There is no law in the vehicle code stating that sleeping in your car is forbidden. As long as you follow the generals rules for parking and where you can and cannot park, you can sleep in your car.

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If you sleep on the streets, you are considered a SDF (Sans Domicile Fixe), a tramp. Legality depends on where you sleep, and in which city. For instance, sleeping in a car can be legal, except if you are located in a prohibited place where you could have a fine. Some cities have voted anti-SDF acts.

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