What is Aire Camping?

An aire is a low cost or free private camping area in France. Often, they are run by the local town council. There are various names for this type of camping, though aire de service is by far the most common.

Also, can you stay overnight in French Aires?

You'll often find campers and lorries parked up in these but there are rarely any facilities, except for a couple of picnic tables. Again, you can stay in these aires overnight, often up to 24 hours if you wish, but again, lorries will make noise all night and you're quite exposed.

Similarly, are French Aires safe? France, and other continental countries, have seen the commercial value to local businesses from those who visit their country in MHs. So, aires are safe, sometimes empty but at other times busy with like minded visitors.

Similarly, you may ask, what is a motorhome aire?

Motorhome stopovers, known as Aires, are mostly public parking areas and some private land where motorhome and campervan users may stop overnight for free or for a small fee. Aires symbolise the freedom of motorhoming.

Can you camp for free in France?

Many French towns and large villages now have motorhome areas, and these are generally free except in some popular tourist locations. They frequently have time limitations, such as three nights maximum or even just one night allowed.

Related Question Answers

Can you sleep in your car in France?

'If you are tired and driving through France and you need to stop - just don't bother. It's not safe. 'We advise people to keep cars locked when driving.

Can you sleep overnight in motorway services?

The short answer is no, you're not breaking the law if you sleep in your car. Ideally, find a motorway service area where you can park up for a short sleep and get a coffee. And if you are planning to sleep in your car, stay safe.

Can caravans use French Aires?

Can caravans use aires in France? No. Most aires do not allow caravans. The only places I know for caravans to park overnight are either wild camping or actual campsites.

What are Aires called in Spain?

Aires in Spain and Portugal Aires are called Area para autocaravana or Areas AC However, new Aires are opening all the time and the number of Spanish and Portuguese registered motorhomes has also grown dramatically in recent years.

How much are campsites in France?

?Classification of campsites in France The average cost of a night's camping for four in the summer holiday peak season is about 28 Euros.

What are municipal campsites in France?

French Municipal Campsites In France

• Camping l'Oasis Oberbronn Campsite In Alsace.
• Camping Municipal La Falaise Nord-Pas-De-Calais.
• Le Camping Municipal Le Vallon de l'Ehn Campsite In Alsace.
• Camping Municipal de la Plage In Languedoc Roussillon.
• Camping Les Pres Campsite In Ile de France.
• Camping Les Eychecadous Campsite In Midi Pyrennes.

Are French Aires Open all year?

Aires make suitable night stops all year round and, unlike campsites, few close for the winter. Municipally provided Aires normally look like any other municipal parking area and you are free to come and go as you please.

How difficult is it to drive a motorhome?

Motorhomes are not difficult to drive, so it makes sense that they're exploding in popularity. The size of a motorhome can affect its driveability, but a bit of practice and some common-sense driving skills should make any motorhome easy to handle.

Where are you allowed to camp for free?

Typically you are allowed to camp for free in US National Forests & Grasslands, unless otherwise marked. Each national forest has slightly different rules, so check ahead of time, but generally speaking you are allowed to camp anywhere outside established recreation areas and developed campgrounds.

Can you park a campervan anywhere in Ireland?

A campervan can legally park wherever a car can park - so while technically you can park anywhere suitable it's not that easy practically as a lot of the more scenic or tourist areas will have no overnight parking/no camping signs. It could be time consuming trying to park up - especially in the height of summer.

Are there Aires in Spain?

Although nearly as large as France, there are just 500 Aires across Spain and Portugal. Aires are called Area para autocaravana or Areas AC However, new Aires are opening all the time and the number of Spanish and Portuguese registered motorhomes has also grown dramatically in recent years.

Can you wild camp in southern Ireland?

Wild Camping In Southern Ireland. Technically speaking, it is not legal to wild camp with your motorhome in Southern Ireland. However, there is a level of tolerance that operates in most areas of the country despite most of the land being owned by farmers.

Do aires in France have toilets?

Occasionally you'll find an aire in France with toilets, but not often. Most aires expect you to be self-contained. If you need toilets, pick your aires carefully!

What are French Aires?

An aire is a low cost or free private camping area in France. There are various names for this type of camping, though aire de service is by far the most common. Aires Communales are run by the local community to encourage local trade; these are often the most looked after.

Is it legal to wild camp in France?

Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you're well away from tourist sites. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don't light a fire.

Is it legal to wild camp in Spain?

Spain: Yes, no, maybe. Although generally tolerated, Wild Camping in Spain must be done with caution. Camping (not parking) on any public road is illegal and this applies to the road running behind a seafront promenade (which is usually a very popular spot!).

In which countries is wild camping allowed?

Top destinations for wild camping in Europe

• The Nordic countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland. Packed with natural beauty, these countries welcome wild campers.
• Estonia. In Estonia, wild camping is permitted by law - yay!
• France. Make a quick trip over the channel to camp where the law guarantees the freedom to do so!
• Scotland (UK)
• Spain.
• Poland.

Are campsites safe?

For the most part, campgrounds are safe. You're more likely to fall and skin a knee or stare down an angry chipmunk than run into trouble of a human kind.

Can you wild camp in Norway?

Norway has a law called "Right to Roam." Basically it states that you can camp anywhere. Well, almost anywhere. The law specifically states, "In open country in the lowlands, you can pitch a tent and camp overnight for up to 48 hours in one location without prior permission from the landowner.

Can you wild camp in the Alps?

To camp inside the wilderness is unfortunately forbidden. On the other hand the Alps are so populated that you will find villages near almost all places you want to visit. The best thing you can do is to get a list with all camp-sites of the Alps and then select those that are closer to the areas you want to visit.

Is wild camping allowed in Greece?

Is wild camping allowed in Greece? No, in Greece wild camping and free standing are unfortunately not officially allowed. Outside the tourist areas, however, it is usually tolerated by the authorities and residents. Wild camping, standing free, and bivouacking away from official campsites is strictly prohibited.

Can you free camp in Spain?

It is very well possible that you can use of the places also with a campervan. Forget travelling on a budget if renting a campervan. But if you're going to do so: apart form the coastal area there are many special camping-car locations where you can overnight (almost) for free. That's in Spain.

Can you free camp in Europe?

First thing's first, you need a camper van or motorhome. A vehicle you can cook in, carry drinking water, sleep in and have on-board toilet facilities. Cars with roof tents are generally not allowed. You have 2 options for free camping in Europe with your motorhome: camper stops or wild camps.