Camping in France

On the Atlantic coast of France, there is one campsite after the other, one is better equipped than the next. Well over 400 castles, numerous vintage businesses, countless bays and rough cliffs, lush pine forests amidst golden sand dunes – it is almost impossible to see it all. You shouldn’t miss the over 110-meter-high dune of Pilat, which is an adventure in itself to climb. The oyster farmers on the Cape Ferret peninsula are also worth a visit. And the wine villages around Bordeaux promise pure romance. Many well-known surf spots in the southern part of the region offer more action.

Fragrant purple lavender fields, culinary markets and great cuisine in the middle of medieval mountain villages. We are talking about the Provence, for many romantics the ultimate destination. The region lies in the south-east of France, on the Mediterranean coast, and offers a diversity that cannot be found anywhere else in France. Regardless of whether you want to go on a beach holiday, discover cultural treasures or simply admire natural landscapes – the Provence is always worth a trip.

In German, the name Côte d’Azur means “azure coast”. With 300 days of sunshine a year, a pleasant Mediterranean climate even in winter and endless sandy beaches, this region bears the name quite rightly. The Côte d’Azur is particularly famous for places like Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez or Monaco. However, there is not only high society tourism but in terms of landscape and architecture, the Côte d’Azur has a lot to offer as well.

Gentle green fields in Normandy, wild coasts in Brittany. Two areas that could hardly be more different. They’re unlike the rest of France, as well. Instead of red wine, people drink beer and cider here, instead of coq-au-vin, the French national dish, they prefer moules frites, i.e. mussels with fries, or crêpes or galettes in all possible variations. But not only the culinary specialties, but also the many half-timbered towns, the seaside resorts and of course the wild, windy coasts exude a charm that quickly wraps its visitors around their fingers.

Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean that is ideal for hiking and climbing. High above the sea, the world can be viewed from a completely different angle, especially when the setting sun envelops the rugged peaks of the island in a delicate pink. Although the island is part of France, Corsica almost has an Italian flair.

As a citizen of Europe it is sufficient if you have an identity card or a passport with you. For minors under the age of 18 who travel without the supervision of a legal guardian, a declaration of consent from the legal guardian is recommended, ideally in French. For children under 15, this declaration of consent should even be certified.

For your pets you need the EU pet passport and the corresponding identification by microchip or tattoo. A valid rabies vaccination is also mandatory. If you stay longer than three months, your pet must be registered. Some breeds classified as fighting dogs are not allowed to enter France or only under strict conditions. The French embassy will give you more information.

Please keep the regulations for consumer goods as well as for food and beverages in mind. Certain duty and tax-free allowances apply within the EU for these product groups. If you exceed these tax allowance limits, you must declare this to customs and have your goods taxed.

In France, a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 applies, for novice drivers in the first two years of driving the limit is 0.2. In terms of speed, the permissible top speed in France is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside of towns and villages, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways.

At red traffic lights with a flashing yellow arrow, turning in the direction of the arrow is permitted despite the red phase. But be careful, cross traffic still has priority. You also should always give trams priority. You have to avoid distractions caused for instance by eating, applying makeup or loud music, as this can result in a fine. Also wear sturdy shoes while driving. Driving with flip-flops, for example, also results in a fine.

When parking, you should pay attention to the markings on the street. Blue stripes indicate limited or paid parking, broken yellow markings indicate that you are not allowed to park there, and solid yellow markings indicate a no stopping zone.

If you ever break down or someone else needs your help, wearing a safety vest is mandatory. It is also mandatory to carry an alcohol tester in France. Not having such a tester
is no longer subject to a fine, but nevertheless, we recommend that you buy one at the next rest area when you enter France.

If you carry your bike along and it protrudes 1 meter beyond the rear of the vehicle, you have to indicate this with the help of a reflective device.

The use of winter tires or snow chains can be prescribed at short notice by appropriate signage.

If you should have received a fine notice, quick action is required. If you don’t pay quickly enough, the amount of the fine can increase. However, if you pay quickly, this can be reflected in a discount.

The French motorway network is almost completely subject to tolls. Likewise, when entering the environmental zones of some larger cities, a city toll is payable in the form of a fee-based sticker.

Spending the night outside of campsites on streets, parking lots and on private property is not fundamentally prohibited in France, but requires the approval of the local authorities. Restrictions apply in national parks and nature reserves.