The French word aire literally translates to ‘area’. Over the years it has come to describe an area designated for overnight motorhome parking and to provide access to essential services such as fresh water and waste disposal. Aires are typically in quiet areas, often on public land, and may adjoin a bigger out-of-town car park, although aires come in all shapes and sizes and can often be found on private land too. How much does it cost to stay in an aire? Word of mouth can be very useful in finding the best spots too. Motorhome and campervan owners are often happy to share tips, either in person or via online forums. What countries have motorhome aires? Traveling by motorhome in France is significantly enhanced by staying in Aires. I spent many inexpensive and free nights at Aires in France and in Spain on my recent European trip. This can be a bit daunting- especially if it’s full of locals who all stop to stare as you walk in. Don’t let that put you off- we’ve had some great nights at French bars without a clue what’s being going on around us.

There’s no way around it- if it’s shut, you’re not getting electric that night. If you’re desperate, look for an aire which doesn’t need tokens, but ideally you’ll want your motorhome to be able to survive a night (or two!) without the need for electric. Or there will be several signs enroute, and they disappear right at the important stage. Fortunately, many towns also have very good signage, as shown in the image below. Spain and Portugal have a large number of motorhome aires too, and Italy ’s ‘aree di sosta’ system is similarly well organised. Most aires in France will have a shop/ bar/ cafe within easy walking distance. Walking to get fresh French bread in the morning is one of our favourite things about motorhoming around France.

Et une Association !

These are the type of aire in France you’re probably looking for. These are approved motorhome (or camping car) parking areas which are provided ALL OVER France, often very close to villages and towns. What is a French Aire de Camping Car? An Aire is a place to park and stay overnight in a motorhome and is popular and widespread in France. They can be free or have a small cost and facilities vary from Aire to Aire. But, each to their own, and there is a place in the motorhome community for these. Aire de Service – CampingCar Park

Fontaine de Vaucluse: This aire is at the heart of some stunning scenery and is close to the biggest spring in France, the source of the River Sorgue. Luneville – A lovely aire with pitches separated by hedges and your own picnic table. Ideal for a visit to the very splendid chateau and gardens. Some aires are gated, which helps if you want to leave your van for a day out. Many though, are not but this has never deterred us – we have always felt safe. Follow our top tips for staying safe when you’re staying on an aire; Motorhome travel is a restful experience. The knowledge that you’ve got everything you need with you takes the stress out of travelling, which is just as well because French aires can vary enormously in the facilities they provide.An ‘aire de service’ is an ‘area of service’ or a service area, normally found on French motorways and often have waste facilities and approved parking bays for motorhomes. That being said, if you want to have a picnic or set up some outdoor kit, don’t do it in a place where another vehicle could park . Rules vary from place to place, but generally aires are aimed at those staying for just one or two nights. Are there aires in the UK? Wild camping in France, free overnight stopovers and a detailed guide on the France Passion network