The best tips for your motorhome trip through France

The Grotte de Font de Gaume is a must-see for history buffs when visiting France by motor home. This cave contains original prehistoric wall paintings. Very special, because in many other cases, this kind of caves are not open to the public or the murals are copied. There are more than 200 paintings on the walls. They mainly depict animals such as horses, bison and mammoths.

The cave was probably inhabited for thousands of years. Around the 19th century, the paintings were discovered. After extensive research, it turned out that the paintings were made around 17,000 BC. Please note that only a certain number of visitors are allowed in each day, so be sure to arrive on time with your motorhome. This way, the preservation of the murals can be guaranteed.

You will spend the night near the caves at Parking de la Vézère in Les Eyzies.

The Chateau de Chambord is the largest castle on the French Loire and perhaps the most beautiful castle you will encounter on your campervan tour of France. But that's not all: it was also partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. There are 426 rooms in the castle, 60 of which you can visit. In each room, you can admire the most beautiful works of art and furniture.

The gardens of the castle connect the castle and the forest. You can take a nice walk in the gardens and then walk further in the forest, where you can spot deer, among others. You can also admire the castle from the water by renting a boat in the gardens or you can be driven around on the back of a horse-drawn carriage to feel like a real prince or princess during your motorhome trip through France!

Just a stone's throw away from the castle, you can stay overnight with your camper at the motorhome park Château de Chambord.

- The Château de Chambord is perhaps the most beautiful castle you will encounter on your motorhome tour of France!

Etretat is located on the west coast of France and is known for its magnificent chalk cliffs. These are not just any chalk cliffs, because if you look closely, you can see an elephant in them! The 'elephant' is also called Falaise d'Aval and is, together with the 'needle' standing next to it (L'aiguille), the most famous part of the cliffs. It is best to discover the impressive coastline on foot or by bike. The famous artist Monet also noticed the beauty of the place: he painted several pictures of the area!

Apart from the coastline, the village itself is also worth visiting by motor home. There is a covered market where you can buy local produce and souvenirs for the home. You will also find various half-timbered and fishermen's houses. Here you can taste the most delicious freshly caught fish and oysters.

You will spend the night with your camper van just outside Étretat at Aire de stationnement Maupassant.

Visit Étretat and more beautiful locations on a motorhome route through the French regions of Normandy and Brittany. With this free itinerary, you can be sure you won't miss a thing along the way. In Normandy, you will discover locations such as Pont-Audemer - the Venice of Normandy - and Giverny. You may know the latter from the artist Monet who lived here for a long time and eventually died there. And in Brittany, you can visit the pink Côte de Granit Rose and the medieval town of Dinan, among other places.

- Etretat is known for its extraordinary chalk cliffs. 

In Carcassonne, you will find the medieval citadel, also called the Cité of Carcassonne. The citadel is so special because it is, as it were, a city within a city (Carcassonne). Since 1997, the site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the Cité, you can admire, among other things, the Château Comtal. This castle was built in the 12th century. If you visit the castle during your campervan trip, you can admire the fortress and the accompanying castle walls and towers.

Furthermore, the Théâtre de la Cité is highly recommended. This location used to be a monastery. Now, every summer the Festival de la Cité takes place here. During this event, there are numerous (free) performances in different genres, from dance to opera. A walk along the city walls of La Cité is also recommended. These walls are 3 kilometres long in total. During this route you will pass the most beautiful spots of the cité.

In Carcassonne, stay at Camping de la Cité a stone's throw from the centre.

- The Cité of Carcassonne is a 'city within a city'! 

The French Cevennes is the nature reserve in France for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go for long walks through the green mountains and along the historical towns. Mont Aigoual is the second highest mountain of the Cevennes and is one of the most famous locations for hiking. You will reach the 1565 metres high mountain top via different hiking paths. Of course, you have a beautiful view of the surroundings from the top, but you can also visit a real observatory where you will learn more about the climate on and around the mountain.

The various caves in the area are also worth a visit. The Grotte l'Aven Armand and the Grotte de Dargilan are among the most famous caves in the area. In both caves you can admire the most impressive stalactites. Furthermore, you will discover various cosy villages and cities during your campervan trip through the Cévennes, such as Alès, the 'capital' of the Cévennes. Here, you will find beautiful historical buildings. You can also visit the Witness Mine. The city is known for its mining history. Here, you get a glimpse of the present and the past of the mines. In the summer months, there is also a show with various actors who bring the former mining work to life.

You will spend the night in Alès at Camping-Car Park Alès.

Visit more beautiful nature during your campervan trip through France, for example the Mercantour National Park. These are the green pearls of the country.

- In the green surroundings of the French Cevennes, many outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy themselves for days! 

Aix-en-Provence is one of the many gems you will come across on your campervan tour of France. It may be a city, but it has the atmosphere of a village. And that is exactly what makes a visit so enjoyable! In the old town, you will find plenty of old buildings and fountains. An impressive sight just outside the centre is Camp les Milles. This is the only intact large-scale deportation camp from the Second World War in France. You will learn everything about this period of history here.

Don't forget to taste the famous Calissons when you travel to Aix-en-Provence with your campervan. This local dessert - although also delicious as a snack - consists of almonds, melon and orange peel. Roy René is the most famous manufacturer and here you can see how the sweet is made at the accompanying Calisson museum. As well as having a look at the manufacturing process, you can also attend a workshop here to make the sweets yourself at home.

Spend the night at a farm with your camper just a stone's throw from Aix-en-Provence.

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