Caravan holidays are not only fun and convenient, but also a great way to see more of France during your travels. With everything you need packed in the caravan, you have the chance to travel at your own pace and immerse yourself in some of France’s best scenery. If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore, France has a number of Eurocamp parks, and beautiful routes for you to choose from. We’ve created a guide to help make planning your next trip a breeze!
Caravan holidays in France
North or south, France is a great place for a caravan holiday, with plenty of caravan parks and campsites scattered throughout the countryside for you to try.
Start your holiday
The quickest way to take your caravan to France
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s journey time from Folkestone to Calais is just 35 minutes, meaning you’ll be on your way to your first campsite before you know it! Transporting a caravan with Eurotunnel couldn’t be easier. We have dedicated carriages specifically designed for larger vehicles such as caravans, and the wider entrances mean that it’s easy to manoeuvre vehicles on and off our shuttles. To find out more read our caravans, campervans and trailers page here.
Towing a caravan in France
When towing a caravan in France, you must comply with the rules and regulations around towing. For vehicles towing a caravan that have a gross train mass of less than 3.5 tonnes, the speed limits are as follows:
- On a motorway you must not exceed 130kph (80mph). This is reduced to 110kph/ 68mph in adverse weather.
- On dual carriageways without tolls you must not exceed 110kph (68mph). This is reduced to 100kph/62mph in adverse weather.
- On single carriageways you must not exceed 80kph (50mph).
- In towns you must not exceed 50kph (30mph) unless otherwise advised.
For vehicles towing a caravan which weighs over 3.5 tonnes, the speed limits, unless otherwise signposted are:
- On a motorway and dual carriageway, you must not exceed 90kph (55mph).
- On single carriageways you must not exceed 80kph (50mph).
- In towns you must not exceed 50kph (30mph) unless otherwise advised.
The weight of your caravan should be listed in your vehicle handbook. If not, speak to your retailer or manufacturer for further details.
Caravan holidays in northern France
Northern France has plenty of beautiful caravan parks for you to stay at, and each different location is filled with hidden valleys, cliff-lined coastlines and picturesque towns which are sure to make your trip a memorable one.
Escape into the beauty of the French countryside
Brittany
Northern Brittany has some of best beaches in France, so if you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak up some sunshine, this is the one. Caravan sites such as Taden La Hallerais and Penestin Les Illes in Brittany are around a five-and-a-half hour’s drive from Calais.
Brittany also has a fantastic Eurocamp site, the Château de Galinée Campsite, with a pool, sports facilities and a nearby beach of St Cast for a chance to experience a quintessential French seaside town.
Normandy
At a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Calais, the campsites in Normandy are extremely popular. The beaches in particular are steeped in history, including being the site of the D-Day landings. You can also visit the Bayeux tapestry, or take a journey along the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast featuring the gorgeous seaside village of Étretat.
Picardy
With over 200 campsites, Picardy is another popular spot for caravan owners. The area has a prestigious cultural and natural heritage, and visitors can take in some of France’s most famous castles, such as the Chantilly castle or the Ermenonville castle.
Most of the caravan parks in Picardy are just over 2 hours away from Calais, so you could arrive at your site in under three hours.
Taking your caravan to the south of France
Alternatively, with its balmy summer days, stunning beaches and rustic countryside, the South of France also has plenty to offer visitors on a caravan holiday.
Plan your next adventure
The French Riviera
If you have more time to spend to explore France fully, the iconic French Rivera is not to be missed. The freedom of a caravan holiday means you can take the journey at your leisure, so make time to visit Reims, Dijon, Lyon and Valence on your way to the coast.
Provence
Popular amongst film stars, Provence is the perfect place to get away from it all. A ten hour’ drive from Calais, there is something for everyone who visits. Take to the mountains in the northern region for some action and adventure, or take a drive and visit Gordes, Uzès, or Lourmarin.
The Pyrenees
Ideal for intrepid explorers, the Pyrenees offers visitors a glimpse into some of the most pristine landscapes of France. At the end of your ten-hour journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views, mountain pastures and possibly a siting of endangered species such as a griffon vulture, brown bear or lizard.
If you fancy something a little bit different, why not visit the retro American style trailer park at the foothills of the Pyrenees? Perfect for anyone travelling in their own retro caravan, or if you fancy staying at a site which embraces the idea of retro-chic.
Static caravan holidays in France
If you’re looking for a permanent base to spend your holiday but still with the freedom of the great outdoors, France has some of the best static caravan holiday parks in Europe, many of which offer their own swimming pools and adventure activities.
There’s plenty to see and do during your stay
Le Ranolien Campsite, Brittany
The beautiful coastal location of Le Ranolien in Brittany makes it a popular spot for holiday makers. The park has six swimming pools (including some indoors) and offers other activities like badminton, volleyball, and crazy golf for visitors to get involved in.
La Garangeoire Campsite, Vendee
Located on the West Coast of France, La Garangeoire is perfect for families. The large park offers an abundance of onsite facilities, including five swimming pools, horse riding, pedalos and a lagoon pool next to the beach where you can sit back and unwind.
Le Paradis Campsite, Dordogne
This riverside park is perfect for those who want to enjoy scenic views from the comfort of their caravan. Located near to the River Vézère, you’ll have the chance to practice your canoeing skills during your stay as well as enjoy all the other facilities the park has to offer such as swimming pools, tennis, boules and volleyball.
Start your caravan holiday in France with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
For a holiday which mixes relaxing with adventure and activities, consider a caravan trip in France. You could even carry on your journey, and travel through Europe into Belgium or the Netherlands. Why not start your next trip with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and travel to Calais from Folkestone in just 35 minutes?