Motorhomes are currently, and have been for some years now, on a roll! They have made French tourism an important sector and France a popular destination. It is therefore essential to know the rules for parking a motorhome in France.
Between speed limits, service areas, parking places and campsites, it is possible to get lost… Today, we’re here to help you prepare your next trip, the CaraMaps team has prepared an article about the regulations for parking a motorhome in France.
First, let’s tackle the speed limits:
- 110 km/h on motorways
- 100 km/h on dual carriageways separated by a central reservation
- 80 km/h on other roads
- 50 km/h in villages and built-up areas
These limits apply to motorhomes with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tonnes (heavy goods vehicle).
In fact, to park a motorhome in France, it is necessary to know that motorhomes are subject to three different codes: the highway code, the general code of local authorities and the town planning code (according to the Ministry’s circular of 19 October 2004).
A B licence is sufficient to drive a motorhome with a maximum total weight of 3500 kg. Above that, a C licence is required, as for heavy goods vehicles.
1. The Highway Code (Art. R.417-1 to R.417-8)
In this article, the motor home is considered as any other vehicle and thus subject to the normal traffic rules.
2. The local authority code (Art. L.2212-12, L.2213-2-2, L.2213-4)
These articles govern the parking of motorhomes on public roads. There is no law in France that obliges a motorhome to stay overnight at a campsite. However, without an indication of the duration, any parking of more than seven days on the public highway is considered abusive and liable to a fine.
3. The Town Planning Code (Art. R111-37, R.443 et seq.)
Articles about parking on private property.
What you need to know about parking your motorhome in France:
- The Town Planning Code considers the motorhome as a caravan (Article R111-37).
- Authorities and town halls cannot prohibit the general parking of motorhomes in an entire municipality.
- However, mayors may prohibit the parking of certain types of vehicles in certain areas under certain conditions (e.g. health risks).
- In this case, the municipal decree must state the real and serious reasons.
- You can only park your motorhome in France in places that are not specially dedicated to motorhomes if there are no unpackings (chairs, tables, awnings, etc.)
- No wild camping in protected areas (e.g. seashores, natural parks and classified gardens, within a 200m radius of water catchment areas…)
Don’t forget to check out our other articles about parking a motorhome: “Parking with your motorhome in Spain : things to know“; “Park in motorhome in Portugal : new rules for January 2021“.
Don’t hesitate to share your experiences with us! 🌍
Have a nice trip with CaraMaps! 🚐💨