What are the differences with French Aires

Greetings and welcome back to Caravan Escapades! Today, I'd like to delve into the topic of French Aires, as I've often received questions about their distinctions. There seems to be some confusion, especially within the Motorhome and Camper Van Community, when they mention "Aires." When they refer to Aires, they're typically talking about basic rural campsites or stopovers exclusive to them. However, it's important to note that Caravaners might sometimes assume they can also use these Aires. On the other hand, there are Autoroute Aires, which resemble our motorway services but include smaller stopover areas as well. In this Vlog, I'll showcase these different types of Aires so you can gain a clearer understanding and have realistic expectations of what they're like.
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[@rikhughes3290]

Thank you for a very interesting and comprehensive look at Aires in France. Great vlog, please continue.

[@CaravanEscapades101]

No Problem at all, Thank you and happy to continue producing content as long as people enjoy it.

[@andrewpaley9914]

Very informative video. Toilets on the “basic” aires are sometimes an issue for the girls in my team particular if you come across the hole in the ground crouching style French toilets. Luckily as caravaners we can use the facilities in the van. The French love to picnic we once saw a coach party turn up and they setup a “field kitchen” to feed everybody on the bus.

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Agree, they can be a bit high and miss, If they are bad, the Girls do use the Caravan Facilities, Yes agree they do love to set up for a proper picnic 🙂. Happy Camping James

[@stehume]

Great video James. I used to drive to Germany a lot, almost every other weekend to see my sister when her husband was on tour (Army) and i used to think to myself that when the truckers come over here for the first time they must think what the hell is this little service station lol All the best to you

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Hi Agree, I used to be stationed in Germany in the 80's so have travelled that way many times. Agree what musty they think when they get here, if only we could invest and do similar. I guess if the majority of our roads were Toll roads then we would expect some of that to be invested back in to upgrade the services. Happy Camping

[@Welshandproud1970]

Love the content. We stopped at a few for a break and are exactly as you described, but never thought to stay overnight to save going off the Autoroute for a good few miles in some cases for a 1 night stay at a site. Perhaps next time we will challenge ourselves....

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Thank you. We try and mix it up between Aires and Campsites, and often it depends on what time we cross into France and how much traveling per day we want to do. Its also great that the Aires don't charge you to stop over 2hrs unlike the UK Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Camping James

[@SuperHatters1]

We've travelled through France with our caravan for many years. Never encountered problems when stopping over night on a service station aire; though once we stopped for a quick rest & spotted youths circling in a car. We quickly left & headed for the next one. The major headache with these aires are cars using the caravan bays. One thing everyone must be aware of, AVOID at all costs, travelling on the 1st Saturday & Sunday of August, which is the start of the French national holidays. The aires are absolutely rammed. It can be near impossible to manouvre a caravan around the service station. The French park where they fell like, leaving very little space to get through. Also, worth researching the aires and try & use the service stations which are both sides of the motorway. These tend to be less busy

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Hi Thanks for watching and commenting, Agree, Its about being aware of your surroundings, If it doesn't feel right move on. There is normally another Aire within 20km. Thanks for the info about the beginning of august, Useful to know. Agree that it is very common for the French to park in the Caravan Bay's which can be frustrating at times. Happy Camping James

[@49googie]

Where i think the Gas issue came from was the motorbike racers travelling from race circuit to race circuit in the fancy motorhomes and being targeted by thieves when they parked up in laybys in the 90's , this was widely reported in the motorcycle press as leathers and helmets stolen etc. . I am with you as I think this is a fallacy but stand to be corrected.

[@CaravanEscapades101]

I didn't know that story, thanks for sharing. agree, I keep hearing the Gassing Story but never any hard evidence and it is always someone has been told it happened to someone that new someone. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Camping. James

[@guineagirl5078]

Saw some shocking French toilets in the 80s when camping with Eurocamp. In aires as well. Not always. Didn't think they still made hole in the ground toilets

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Yeh they can be a bit hit and miss. The Hole in the ground toilets are still around, often though there is a normal toilet in the next cubical, not always with a seat though.

[@guineagirl5078]

@@CaravanEscapades101 the worst ever were at the caves in Padarac

[@CaravanEscapades101]

@@guineagirl5078 I can only Imagine !!!!🤢

[@49googie]

Why do you not use your own WC in your 30k + van ???

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Hi We do, but try and limit it as much as possible to avoid the contents of the cassette slopping around while towing. The girls tend to us the caravan more than me, 🙂. On most occasions the service toilets are fine, Just not always :-). Thanks for commenting and watching. Happy Camping James

[@razork1976]

I always find it strange that the French always seem to prefer the vending machine coffee, and won’t go and have a barista made coffee from Starbucks or similar

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Lol for sure, its always on the services, isn't it, I do love a Starbuck's, Although I will say I have been impressed with some of the vending machine coffee over there, Thanks for Watching and Happy Camping James