Le Guide officiel Aires de service camping-car - Edition 2022

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Germany and Austria are also well set up for campervan and motorhome touring with their ‘Stellplatz’ system, although these are typically privately run and so can be slightly more expensive than elsewhere in Europe. These service points are essential for motorhome travellers who travel off-grid, as these are normally where water and dumping points can be accessed. This is a free-to-use water, electricity and dump station at the Albi Aires de Service. Motorhome hooked up to an Aires des Service borne in Martel. Aires de Service – Dedicated areas for overnight stopovers When I am planning a destination, I will also have a plan B for another Aire at the next town and have had to use that on occasions when the first choice was full when I arrived. What Does it Cost to Stay at an Aire? Most aires in France have info for camping cars (Motorhomes) in French and English. If not, there will be signs making it easy to understand what you need to know. Other than the new type of aire (CampingCar Park) mentioned above, aires that offer an overnight motorhome stopover are available on a ‘first in first served’ basis. They cannot be booked and in peak season, they can have huge demand placed on them, especially the free ones.

They don’t have parking or overnight stops for motorhomes. Sometimes, they even have toilet facilities which should be considered a bonus.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; Keep an eye out for signs that say ‘aire de service pour camping car’, which means service area for motorhomes. Rules for staying at Aires de Service in France Some aire de services are free but there’s often a small charge of a few euros. Euro relais is a common type of machine where you drop in coins or use a bank card (these are becoming more common now) and get a certain amount of fresh water and/or electricity in exchange. Disposal is almost always free unless there’s a barrier to get at the service point. Aire de repos The word ‘aire’ is short for the French term ‘aire de service’, which is essentially a free or low-cost motorhome camping area where some basic services – such as water, waste disposal and perhaps toilets/showers and electricity – are provided. The term is commonly used throughout Europe, although you may see local words too, such as ‘parking para autocaravanas’ in Spain or ‘aree di sosta’ in Italy.

But, each to their own, and there is a place in the motorhome community for these. Aire de Service – CampingCar Park Completely free aires in France do exist, but it’s more common for municipal aires often offer free parking areas for motorhomes, with a cost for services. The cost of motorhome services can vary – you might pay €1 for 50 litres of water for example. Which vehicles can use an aire in France? Be prepared for the worst, even though it’s unlikely to happen. We carry self-defence spray and a heavy Maglitetorch. Les Gets: A wonderful destination all year round – although particularly in winter for the skiing – this carpark aire sits at the foot of a red run for instant access to the slopes. Froncles: In the heart of Champagne, this canal-side aire is just a lovely place to stop, think, and drink a glass of cold bubbly.Some aires also have rubbish facilities. Be mindful not to leave rubbish in allocated bins if they are overflowing as this adds to the problem someone else has created.

We use and recommend Park4Night and CamperConnect apps for finding aires in France and Europe. Internet Some aires allow visitors to stay the night for free – they are often run by the local council and only charge for services that you actually use, such as water or electricity.

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We do not know of any specialist caravan aires in France, or Spain for that matter, probably because caravaners tend to go to their destination and stay put, rather than touring. What services do aires have? I’ve had the experience of arriving at a popular Aire at midday to find it full. By sitting there for a few minutes, someone came across and said they were leaving in 15 minutes. That is not uncommon. In less popular regions and out of season, arriving from mid-afternoon will usually see space available.