What does Aire mean in camping?

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.

Are Aires in France free?

How much do Aires cost in France? Typically Aires are free. You might occasionally be charged a small fee of 2 – 10 euros for a night, or perhaps a small surcharge for electricity, grey waste, black waste and fresh water. Typically 1 – 2 euros per service.

Are Aires in France Safe?

If you trawl the internet you will of course find stories of people being robbed. You will also find people telling you they’ve been staying in them for 30 years never had a problem. We’ve stayed in 3 Aires and have been perfectly safe.

Can you go wild camping in France?

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.

Can you sleep in car in France?

No, it is not. There is no law in the vehicle code stating that sleeping in your car is forbidden. As long as you follow the generals rules for parking and where you can and cannot park, you can sleep in your car.

Do French Aires have showers?

Turn up in the morning to have the best chance of not being turned away! Aires differ in price (from free to €20 per night) and facilities vary too – from what is essentially just a car park, to more of an aire camping experience with showers, loos, electricity, boules pistes, swimming pools, bread vans and more.

Can you sleep in your car France?

You can park your camping-car anywhere legally in France where you are allowed to park a car (i.o.w. in official parking spots), but you are only allowed to camp in official designated spots. Sleeping is actually fine, since you are allowed to sleep in your car, so also in your camping-car.

Can you park a campervan anywhere in France?

In France, the parking rules for campervans and other motor vehicles are the same as for cars, except when police have set restrictions. According to French traffic law, you may park your campervan or motorhome at the side of a road. When stepping out of your vehicle, always watch out for traffic.

What is an Aire site?

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.

Can I sleep in my van in France?

The French government to ban drivers of light commercial vehicles to sleep in their van. Last year, the French government decided to take light transport under the microscope. Work on the relevant regulations was carried out by Damien Pichereau, the deputy of the ruling party.