What is an aire in France?
Who can use an aire?
Types of aires in France
Facilities: what to expect
Costs: how much does an aire cost?
Rules: what you need to know
How to find aires in France
Practical tips for using French aires
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
What is the difference between an aire and a campsite in France?
An aire is a designated overnight parking area specifically for motorhomes - simpler, cheaper and more flexible than a campsite. No booking, first come first served, facilities are basic to moderate. A campsite offers full facilities, pitches for tents and caravans as well as motorhomes, and usually requires booking in advance.
Are French aires free?
Many are completely free. Others charge between 5 and 15 euros per night. Services (water and waste disposal) sometimes have a separate small charge. Private network aires like Camping-Car Park cost 10 to 20 euros per night.
Can I book an aire in France?
No. Aires operate on a first come first served basis and cannot be booked in advance.
Can I use a rooftop tent at a French aire?
It depends on the specific aire. A vehicle with a rooftop tent is technically a self-contained motorised vehicle and not prohibited by the same rules as caravans. However many aires prohibit erected rooftop tents, and without your own toilet you cannot be self-contained which is the key requirement. Check StayFree community reviews for specific aires to understand what has been accepted there.
How do I find aires in France?
StayFree is one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date tools - with thousands of French aires listed with photos, community reviews, GPS coordinates and facilities filters. Download the app and search your route before you travel.
About the author
This article was written by Anna - vanlife expert and full-time traveler exploring Europe for 4 years.
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