On the Road in France: An Overview of French Aires

In this video, we are heading out to the French Alps and look to provide a overview of French Aires, essential for anyone planning a road trip through France at any time of the year.
Join us as we delve into the world of French Aires, uncovering the unique features and benefits of these motorhome stopovers. From their convenient locations to the facilities they offer, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your travels.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our video offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the French Aires system with ease. Discover the best practices for finding and utilizing Aires, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey across the stunning landscapes of France.
We are Richard and Jackie and we live in the UK. We retired from teaching at the age of 51 in the summer of 2022. Our plans for early requirement include relocating to the Yorkshire Dales, developing our forever home and travelling the UK, Europe and eventually the world in our VW campervan Nelson.
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Many thanks,
Richard & Jackie
Timeline
00:00 We are in France and we are looking at Aires
02:38 Bourg en Bresse Aire
04:14 French Motorway Services Aires
04:50 French Motorway Aires
05:25 French Rural Aires
05:47 French Urban Aires
08:43 French Aires- our top tips and advice

[@raystewart6524]

Very informative video blog many thanks...lots of info for the newer motorhomers/campervanners..thank you

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thank you - we try to think about what information we would like to know when planning trips 🚐

[@peterjohnson653]

Excellent informative video. I love staying at little village aires provided by the local community, normally free or sometimes with an honesty box or collection by someone from the marie. I’ve never felt threatened and have stayed in some glorious locations. Better to support the community in this way rather than using the new breed of commercial camping car parks often taking over what used to be municipal camp sites. As a fellow early retired person and long-time camper van user, I recommend the All the Aires colour guidebooks with maps published by Vicarious Media. Every aire in France is listed with photos, exact locations and details of facilities Much more convenient and pleasurable to use than searching on my phone. Another tip: A toll tag such as Emovis (discount with CAMC) saves time and hassle at motorway toll booths as you simply drive straight through. I often go solo and not having to slide across to passenger side is a boon. By the way, once my pensions kicked in, I gave up saving money using ferries. An account with Eurotunnel makes crossing so quick and easy. I’d never go back!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks for this Peter. Early on in our campervan ownership we bought copies of the All the Aires books. They really opened our minds to what is out there and helped with identifying aires with facilities. We have found that most of the aires are now listed in park4night and on the ACSI app. We do continue to pack the books on all of our summer trips as they are a really good back up. We absolutely agree with you about the new commercial type aires- they are seemingly snapping up local aires left right and centre. We much prefer aires that are grounded in the local communities. Thanks for the tip with the Eurotunnel account- we were not aware of this. We currently use the Camping and Motorhome Club discount arrangements. Thanks again for your kind words, Richard & Jackie

[@motorroamingaround]

Loved the video guys. The Aires in France are fantastic and plentiful and we also love the Camping Car Parks System. Enjoy yourselves on the slopes and keep safe. Irvine & Karen.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks, looking forward to getting out today as it snowed last night ⛷️ 😊

[@tinaharris7629]

We don’t have a camper van, we were caravan people for a long time, but this video is very informative. You guys are looking very fresh faced lately with a youthful glow. Ahh retirement, something to look forward to. Good luck in everything you do. Xx

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Awwww thanks Tina- you are far too kind in your comments. We are obviously loving early retirement but definitely haven't changed our (non-existent!) beauty treatments😂😂😂 Thanks for the comment, Richard & Jackie

[@ITbod]

Excellent information. Thanks both. Nicely filmed too.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thank you ☺️ 🚐

[@juliamagnall8087]

We use a lot of aires, but same as you not on the toll roads/motorways. We have been known to park as well then move on very quickly. But mostly not a problem in the villages

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

They are so handy to find and use aren’t they! We always go with our gut feeling and have only on a couple of times - mainly if they are in a really busy location 🚐

[@daddynugent]

This is a very informative video, especially as we are planning a similar route this June traveling from Cherbourg down into Switzerland, so we wondering about the use of Aires and/or campsites for our trip. Thanks for this information.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thank you - there are some fab aires out there, many of them free.

[@graemeroberts5730]

Excellent informative vlog.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks Graham, we are glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the comment, Richard & Jackie

[@tripswithgriff]

Thanks for posting this - really helpful to understand the differences and more importantly see some examples! Just planning a few weeks around Normandy and Brittany so trying to get our heads around whether we can use aires occasionally and how best to find them etc.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Brittany and Normandy are so beautiful, you will have a great time. We would highly recommend Dinan and the aire there. When we were there in the summer (June) they extended the aire into a big field which was free. And Normandy is just brimming with things to see and do - remember it is 80 years since D Day and there are huge celebrations planned with many places booked out in June. We don't use them as we have no WC facilities but there is also the camping car aire APP that has loads of sites for around €13 a night. I know loads of motorhomes and vans use them.

[@travelingexpatlife]

Interesting video. Will there be a video about where you skied and your experience there? We’re always looking for new places to ski in Europe.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi we released a series of videos in January on the Les Arcs ski area and skiing from a campsite in Bourg St Maurice which is where we are now 🚐⛷️

[@davidhall8745]

Great video guys and some sound advice. How are you getting on researching the potential new van in the future? So many variables to consider. Enjoy the mountains.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

We have had a fab week with all the weathers so far! We have had lots of suggestions of vans that we will take a look at in the next few months - there is just so much choice out there!

[@ptrpsnr]

Thanks, very helpful. Do you put your pop-top up in all these various Aire stops?

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi we have done occasionally depending on where the Aire is and what type of aire. The big rule is no camping behaviours with tables and chairs outside 🚐

[@theangrygingerthebananavan4207]

Just returned from 5 night trip to Normandy. Stopped at Aires throughout my trip. Noticed that Water was Not available at any of them. Possibly due to time of the year. Wasn’t a huge issue, just some information that may help others

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

I think that it must be down to the time of year...probably still concerns about freezing. All of the outdoor facilities on the campsite are currently staying at are shut down for the winter. I don't think the Aire in Annecy will ever get water...the facilities looked rather dilapidated as you will have seen on the video😂 Thanks for reaching out. Richard & Jackie

[@denisescally7090]

We use our camper a lot especially because we have dogs. I just wondered if your ski trip would be more economical and time saving if you flew instead. Or are you extending the trip? I agree with your aires advice. Port de Plaisance can be a good place to stop too if necessary.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi we are actually staying on a campsite for a couple of weeks in Bourg st Maurice in the van 🚐 when our children joined us in January they flew as it is definitely cheaper and quicker!

[@MingHo-vs4zr]

Is aires restricted to only campervans and caravans..can a self converted car be eligible to use the facility to park up for the night

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

I think it would depend where you choose and if you feel comfortable - we have seen the odd car camper around. Look on P4N app 🚐

[@stewartv6859]

Useful info, thanks. We are heading down to Spain in 2 weeks and are looking at staying overnight around Lyon so good timing. Where did you stay in Dover and was it okay? Thanks!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi we have used the carpark off Maison Dieu road that is behind the police station and college. It’s reasonably quiet and always has a few other vans and motorhomers there which we like - safety in numbers 🤣 it is also well lit on the carpark all night - have a great trip 🚐

[@stewartv6859]

@@earlyretirementwanderlust Thanks for the info :)

[@janehutchinson9999]

Thanks for sharing such great information. Hope you have a great time skiing 😊

[@vatsmith8759]

I always use the Dover Road Park & Ride car park in Canterbury, only £8 and just twenty minutes drive from the port.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this tip off. We may check it out on our next trip👍

[@tonygrant8777]

Hi guys what camera do you use for pics and video?

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi for most things we use our iPhone 11pro. Richard has invested in a DJI action camera that he uses sometimes when we are out hiking and exploring. Some of the wildlife photos are taken on our old Nikon 3100 DSLR camera. Hope that helps?

[@gillianyeaman9307]

How do you find the aires?

[@lweleven3423]

I must admit I live in Shropshire and never even heard the word Aire used in England but I will look it up . In England it means Large Natural Stream . Can a car and caravan use the French Aires

[@vatsmith8759]

Generally no, they're only for 'camping cars'.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Yep...it is our understanding that Aires are just for "camping cars". It is really clear in everything that we have read and experienced that no camping like behaviour is permitted. Thanks for the comment, Richard & Jackie

[@cedarcanoe]

Any plans for exploring Ireland?

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

We want to drive along the west Atlantic highway at some point- luckily Ireland falls outside of our Schengen days allowance - it looks beautiful 🚐

[@cedarcanoe]

@@earlyretirementwanderlust Ireland is on my wishlist as well

[@thebrowns1017]

Where did you overnight in Dover?

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

We use the carpark behind the police station on the Maison deau road - it is on the P4N app. It has always felt safe and there are usually a few vans by 9pm which feels safer too 🚐

[@Lilrom2003]

My uncle and aunt were sedated with gas and robbed at an aire. So like anything choose carefully

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Yes these are some of the stories that you hear about particularly at the service aires

[@vatsmith8759]

According to the Royal College of Anaesthetist it's a myth that people are sedated and robbed in motorhomes.

[@gillianyeaman9307]

Sorry, I asked you how you found aires before I finished the video and you later explained that.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

No worries - the P4N app is great

[@RealPaulLewis]

Please stop saying "English" when you mean British, and "England" when you mean Britain. Ta. England is just one of four British nations, and the nuisance arrogant one that damaged the freedom of movement for everyone else in Britain. That said, adore Annecy and have been there on the way to or from the south every year since 1981. Talloires, Dussard and the other lakeside villages are gorgeous and the 46km bike ride around the lake is a must.

[@janetbowen7854]

Great video thank you, just wondering how you manage on the Aires without toilet facilities as you've said previously that you don't carry a loo on board?😀🚐🚾

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Some are near public loos and cafes and the odd wild wee behind the trees 🤣 I do have an emergency bucket 🪣 it’s one of the reasons we want a van with facilities when we swap in a couple of years 🚐