Our Checklist for Your First Motorhome Trip
First motorhome road trip: the essentials
- No licence worries: your UK driving licence is fully recognised in France for all our vehicles
- We provide the bulky equipment (hoses, cables, gas). You just need travel plug adapters and USB charging cables
- The biggest challenge is getting used to driving on the right, roundabouts and priority-to-the-right rules. Once mastered, driving a larger vehicle quickly feels natural
Switching to driving on the right and getting used to French road rules can feel daunting during the first few hours behind the wheel of a campervan or motorhome. That’s why we’ve put together this practical checklist to help you prepare for your first motorhome trip in France, stress-free.
Hiring a motorhome in France: documents and post-Brexit formalities
Before collecting your motorhome keys, it’s worth taking a moment to check the administrative side of things. For travellers from the UK, the process is straightforward, but a few details can save you unnecessary hassle during roadside checks.
Essential documents
To hire a motorhome in France, your standard UK driving licence is sufficient. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if you hold the standard UK photocard licence. Just make sure it remains valid for the full duration of your trip.
At the agency, you’ll receive the rental agreement, vehicle documents and insurance certificate. These originals should always be kept in the glove compartment.
Our tip: take photos of each document on your phone. If the originals are misplaced during an excursion, digital copies make dealing with authorities or the rental agency much easier.
Insurance and roadside assistance
Motorhome hire in France generally includes comprehensive insurance. Be sure to check the excess amount and what is covered: items such as windscreen damage or tyres may be optional extras.
Professional rental companies in France also include 24/7 roadside assistance, meaning you’re never on your own in case of a technical issue, even in remote areas.
Technical checklist: what’s already included in your motorhome
One of the biggest advantages of hiring locally is that all the bulky, technical equipment is already provided. Here’s what you’ll find on board, and what’s worth checking during the vehicle handover.
Equipment supplied by the rental agency
Every motorhome is prepared to be road-ready. You can expect the following as standard:
- Electric hook-up kit: a CEE cable for campsites, often with an adapter for French domestic sockets
- Water management: a hose with multiple connectors for filling the fresh water tank at service points
- Gas supply: usually two gas bottles (one in use, one spare) powering cooking, heating and the fridge when off-grid
- Road safety kit: mandatory French equipment including a high-visibility vest for each occupant and a warning triangle
What to pack yourself
Although the motorhome is well equipped, a few personal items will make life easier:
- Travel plug adapters: internal sockets use European plugs (Type E)
- 12V USB chargers: ideal for charging phones while driving
- Biodegradable toiletries: eco-friendly soaps and washing-up liquids are essential, as grey water is treated through dedicated systems
Driving in France: getting comfortable with the road and vehicle size
For many UK travellers, this is the main concern: driving on the right in a larger vehicle. The good news? You adapt faster than you think.
Getting used to the driving position
French motorhomes are left-hand drive. While this may feel unusual at first, it actually helps with positioning on the road. You sit closer to the centre line, just as you do in the UK.
Make sure you memorise the vehicle’s height, width and length, usually displayed on a reminder sticker near the windscreen. Watch out for balconies in old villages and low-hanging branches on rural roads.
Key French road rules to know
French driving has a few quirks worth remembering on your first trip:
- Roundabouts: driven anti-clockwise. Take them wide to allow the rear of the vehicle to follow the curve without clipping kerbs
- Priority to the right: a uniquely French rule often with little signage. If no priority road is indicated, traffic coming from the right has priority. Be especially cautious in villages
- Motorway tolls: French motorways are fast and well maintained, but usually tolled. Automatic “T” lanes apply only to vehicles under 3 metres high (Class 2). Taller motorhomes should use standard lanes
Set off with confidence
Explore France at your own pace with Evasia.
Hire your motorhome from one of our 22 agencies and enjoy the freedom of the open road, for a few days, a few weeks or longer.
FAQ: your first motorhome trip in France
Is wild camping allowed in France?
Parking is allowed wherever a car can park, but setting up outdoor equipment (chairs, tables, awnings) is not permitted on public roads. For outdoor living, use campsites or dedicated motorhome areas.
How do I find motorhome service points?
The Park4Night app is the go-to reference. It lists water points, grey water disposal areas and chemical toilet facilities across France.
What are the speed limits for motorhomes?
For vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, speed limits are the same as cars: 130 km/h on motorways, 80 or 90 km/h on secondary roads (depending on the département), and 50 km/h in built-up areas.
Do I need to book campsites in advance?
In peak season (July and August), advance booking is strongly recommended, especially on the coast. The rest of the year offers much greater flexibility.
What fuel does my rental motorhome use?
Most rental motorhomes run on diesel. To save money, avoid motorway service stations and refuel at supermarket fuel stations on the outskirts of towns.
