France is such an easy country to explore by campervan, if you mix the big campsites with simple aires, farm stops and the odd free night. On our three week road trip, we stayed everywhere from a five star campsite with waterslides to a tiny fruit farm by a sunflower field. This is the full list of where we slept, what we paid and what each stop was actually like. Our known campervan stop costs came to £372.72, not including our Airbnb stay in Antibes or any wine and extras we bought along the way!! I say not too shabby for a summer in France! A mix of campsites, aires, farms and free stopovers kept the trip flexible and helped balance the budget. Our full France campervan route and stopover costs Here is the quick version first. Some places were proper campsites with pools and entertainment. Others were basic aires or free stopovers where we were fully self-sufficient. The campsite stays with pools, activities and easy facilities These were the stays where we had more facilities, more space to properly reset, and usually something extra for the children. NATES CAMPING - Brilliant for reaching the city Price paid - £56.72 for one night Nantes Camping was one of those sites that felt easy from the start. It is a five star campsite with a pool, activities and entertainment, so there was plenty going on without having to leave the site. The best bit for us was the location. The tram to Nantes centre is right outside, which made it so simple to get into the city without moving the van. It is also a great base if you want to visit Les Machines de l’île and see the famous mechanical elephant. For a city stop, this worked really well. We got the comfort of a proper campsite, but still had quick access to Nantes. CAMPING LE RELAX - had a laidback countryside feel Price paid - £40 for one night (www.Pitchup.com find!) Camping Le Relax was in the middle of the countryside and had a totally different feel to Nantes. It was quieter, more relaxed, and had that slow summer evening atmosphere that makes French campsites feel special. There was a pool, a bar, outdoor fairy lights and a nice evening buzz without it feeling too busy. This was a good one for slowing down after a few busier travel days. It was not fancy in a big resort way, but that was the charm. Easy, friendly and chilled. CAMPING SANDAYA BLUE - was our biggest campsite splurge Price paid - £97 for one night Camping Sandaya Blue was our most expensive night of the whole campervan part of the trip. At £97 for one night, it definitely made us wince a little!! Was it worth it for one night? I am not completely sure. The kids absolutely loved it, especially the waterslides. There was evening entertainment and all the facilities you would expect from a big Sandaya five star style campsite. If you are using the pools, slides and entertainment from arrival to departure, then it makes more sense. For us, it was fun, but expensive. I would probably only book this kind of stop again if we knew we had enough time to properly use the facilities. CAMPING DE SAULIEU is one we would go back to again - and have! Price paid - £60 for two nights Camping de Saulieu is not the first time we have stayed here, which says a lot. It has a pool, a really chilled feel, and it never seems to feel too full. You can walk into town from the site, which we always like. Depending on when you visit, there can sometimes be a night market with local people selling food and bits from the area. This was a good reset after the vineyard stop. Two nights gave us time to swim, walk, tidy the van and slow the pace down a bit. The best value Aires and simple campervan stops Aires are a huge part of travelling through France by campervan. Some are very basic. Some have toilets, showers and waste points. Some are in amazing locations for very little money. This is where the budget really balances out. Puy du Fou Camping Car Aire was excellent value Price paid - £27 for two nights This was one of the best value stops of the trip. The first 12 hours of parking were free, and we paid £27 for two nights. The aire had toilets, showers, bins and a boulangerie for morning pastries, which is always a win. It was practical, easy and ideal if you are visiting Puy du Fou. For the price, it gave us everything we needed. Not luxury, but very useful and much cheaper than many campsites. Carcassonne Castle Aire was a bargain Price paid - £9 for one night We stayed at the Carcassonne Castle Aire, linked with Camping de la Cité. This was another really good value stop. The pricing worked well because you do not pay between 8pm and 8am. You only pay for the time you use around that overnight window, so our stay came to £9. For visiting Carcassonne, this was simple and affordable. It is the kind of stop that makes campervan travel so much easier than trying to find hotels or city parking. Port de Pêche in Martigues was a practical port stop Price paid - £11 for one night Port de Pêche, Martigues, was a simple aire stop and cost £11. This was not one of the big memorable campsite-style stays, but it did the job. Sometimes that is exactly what you need on a road trip. A safe, straightforward place to park up, sleep, sort the van and move on the next day. Not every stop needs to be a highlight. The practical ones help the whole trip work. Disneyland Paris Aire could not be closer Price paid - £72 for two nights The Disneyland Paris Aire is in the Disney grounds, in a special section for campers next to the coach park. You really could not get much closer to Disney in a campervan if you tried. It cost us £72 for two nights. For the location, that felt worth it. The facilities are basic, so go prepared. There are toilets around a five-minute walk away, but they close overnight. There are bins, but this is still an aire, not a campsite. Be self-sufficient here. Have water, use your own toilet if you have one, and do not expect campsite facilities. The big reason to stay is the location. The free stopovers were some of our favourites The free nights were not just about saving money. A couple of them ended up being among our most memorable stays. Our first free stopover near Rouen worked perfectly Price paid - Free Day 1 was a free stopover near Rouen. It was a simple one, but perfect for the first night. On a long road trip, that first stop is often about getting settled. You cross into France, get used to driving, work out where everything is in the van, and just need somewhere easy to sleep. This did exactly that. Ferme Roques Fruit Farm and Shop was a dream free stop Price paid - Free Ferme Roques Fruit Farm and Shop in Montesquieu was one of those stopovers that reminds you why campervan travel is so good. There was space for three campervans, so it felt small and peaceful. There was a BBQ hut, picnic benches, a lake and a sunflower field nearby. You could also order fresh bread and croissants for the morning from the fruit farm shop on site. It felt personal and different from a campsite. No pool, no entertainment, no fuss. Just a lovely rural stop with proper character. This is exactly the kind of place we love finding. Domaine de Champ-Fleury was a free vineyard stop with wine tasting Price paid Free, although we bought wine On day 18, we stayed at Domaine de Champ-Fleury vineyard in Marcy. We had read reviews saying it was €10 if you did not purchase wine, but this was not stated to us when we arrived. We did have a tour of the wine cellar and bought wine, so it worked out as a lovely experience as well as a stopover. Vineyard stays are a brilliant way to break up a journey. They feel much more memorable than a basic car park, and it is nice to support the place you are staying at by buying something if you can. Parc du Bois Magnier in Berck-sur-Mer was a useful final free stop Price paid - Free Our final night was at Parc du Bois Magnier car park in Berck-sur-Mer. It was free, which helped after a long trip. There is a height barrier listed at 1.9m. In reality, it seemed closer to 2.1m because we fitted under it once we took the bikes off the back. That said, do not rely on that without checking your own van height carefully. This was a practical last stop rather than a pretty campsite stay. Still, free is free, and it worked for what we needed. What we learnt about mixing campsites, aires and free stays This trip worked because we did not try to do the same type of stop every night. The paid campsites gave us: Pools for the kids Showers and laundry time Space to reset Entertainment on some evenings A break from being fully self-sufficient The aires gave us: Easy overnight parking Better value near big attractions Simple access to places like Carcassonne, Puy du Fou and Disney Less planning and fewer extras The free stopovers gave us: More interesting locations A lower overall trip cost Memorable stays at farms and vineyards A slower, more local feel If we had stayed at big campsites every night, the trip would have cost a lot more. If we had only stayed on free stops and aires, we would have missed the pool days and easy facility resets. The balance made it work. Our simple Park4Night tip for better stopovers Our best tip is to use the filter facility on Park4Night properly. For us, the tractor sign is always worth looking for. Those stops often lead to more interesting places, like farms, vineyards and off-grid rural stays. They are not always polished or full of facilities, but they usually have more character. A few things that helped us: Check recent reviews before turning up Look at arrival instructions carefully Check height barriers if you have bikes or a roof box Carry cash for smaller aires Arrive earlier for tiny farm stops with limited spaces Be self-sufficient, especially at aires Buy something if you stay for free at a farm or vineyard The best stays were not always the expensive ones. Sometimes it was the free farm stop with morning croissants, the vineyard tour after a long drive, or the aire that put us right where we needed to be. Happy camping! Follow along with us on Instagram at @toffee_the_vw

Every campsite, aire and stopover from our 2,886 mile adventure One of the questions we get asked most after our European trips is: “Where did you actually stay each night?” So I thought I’d put together a simple breakdown of every campsite, aire and stopover we used on our 3 week campervan adventure to Croatia. We travelled with a mix of campsites, aires and free overnight stops, using Park4Night and booking campsites as we went. We love the freedom of travelling this way, it means we can change plans, chase better weather and stay longer somewhere we fall in love with. Here are all of our overnight stops… Night 1 - Luxembourg Capellen Sporting Facility Car Park 💰 Cost: FREE After a very early ferry crossing from Dunkirk and a full day of travelling through Belgium, we were ready for somewhere simple and peaceful to spend our first night. This little stopover in Capellen was such a great find. It was a sporting facility car park on the outskirts of the village, and the best part? It was completely free! There was a brilliant children’s playground directly opposite, which was perfect after a long day sitting in the van, and it felt like a safe and quiet place to settle down for the evening. For a first night stopover, we honestly couldn’t have asked for more. 📍 Find on Park4Night: Capellen sporting facility car park (Message us on Instagram @toffee_the_vw for the exact location as links don’t work here) Would we stay again? Absolutely. A great free stopover when passing through Luxembourg. Night 2 - Germany Aire near Stuttgart 💰 Cost: €9 After exploring the beautiful city of Heidelberg, we had originally planned to stay there overnight. However, with thunderstorms heading our way, we decided to keep moving and avoid the worst of the weather. We found this aire just past Stuttgart for only €9. It was nothing fancy, but it was exactly what we needed, somewhere safe to stop, rest and continue our journey the next day. Sometimes when travelling by campervan, these simple stops are all you need. Would we stay again? Yes, if we were passing through and needed a convenient overnight stop. Night 3 - Austria Camping Nord-Sam, Salzburg 💰 Cost: €64 After a few nights of stopovers, we were ready for a proper campsite. We found Camping Nord-Sam in Salzburg and booked last minute, mainly because we were desperate for somewhere with a pool. The campsite itself was lovely, with decent sized pitches (although some were much bigger than others). Because we booked so close to arrival, we did end up with one of the smaller pitches, and with the constant rain it was very muddy. The pool area looked great, although typical us… we arrived during a huge spell of rain! Of course, that didn’t stop the children. Because apparently skin is waterproof, so swimming in the rain was still a great idea! 😂 They didn’t last too long, but they loved having the pool to themselves. Having electric was a huge bonus too, it meant we could charge cameras, phones and all our travel gadgets before continuing our journey. The perfect reset stop. Would we stay again? Yes. Great location for exploring Salzburg and a good family campsite. Night 4 - Austria Winkl – Hallstatt Lake View Aire 💰 Cost: €30 Rather than trying to park directly in Hallstatt (which is expensive and very busy), we decided to stay slightly outside the village. And we are so glad we did. This was technically just a car park style aire, but the location was great. We had views across the lake towards Hallstatt itself, and seeing the village lit up in the evening was absolutely magical. There was direct lake access, toilets available and it was the perfect base for cycling, walking or catching the bus into Hallstatt. We arrived in the evening and decided to make the most of our time, catching the bus into the village for a little explore. The bus was around €16 for the four of us for a very short journey, so slightly expensive for the distance, but it meant we got to experience Hallstatt at night. And wow… It was beautiful. Would we stay again? 100% Night 5 - Austria Krumpendorf am Wörthersee Lakeside Aire 💰 Cost: €15 Another hidden gem, his lakeside stopover was such a surprise. We arrived late in the evening and were greeted with a beautiful lakeside setting, children’s play area, walking routes, outdoor gym and little seating areas overlooking the water. There was even a small harbour and, if you stay here, you get a free coffee or glass of bubbly from the café opposite. A pretty good bonus! The children immediately started planning which boat they wanted to hire the next morning… Which led to one of the funniest moments of the trip. A giant pink flamingo boat seemed like the obvious choice. Until the weather changed dramatically in the middle of the lake! But more on that later… Would we stay again? Definitely. A beautiful family friendly stop. Night 6 - Slovenia Kamp Triglav, Soča Valley 💰 Cost: €61 Arriving into Slovenia was a real “wow” moment! The Soča Valley is absolutely stunning, with turquoise rivers, mountains and scenery that looks like it belongs in a postcard. We found Kamp Triglav online and managed to get a pitch. The campsite is set in a beautiful location, and one of the best tips we can give is: Head towards the back field if you can. You’ll be closer to the river, and there is a little gap in the fence that gives you direct access. We took our breakfast bowls down there the next morning and sat beside the river. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better. Would we stay again? Absolutely. One of our favourite campsites of the trip. Night 7 - Slovenia Lake Bled Aire 💰 Cost: €40 The location of this aire was brilliant. It was only a short walk or cycle into Lake Bled, which made exploring so easy. The downside - It was quite expensive for what it was at €40 for an aire. However, it was secure, barriered, allowed tables and chairs outside and the location made it worthwhile. Being able to cycle straight into Lake Bled in the evening was definitely a highlight. Would we stay again? Yes, mainly because of the location. Night 8 - Slovenia Postojna Caves Aire 💰 Cost: €25 A really handy overnight stop if you’re visiting Postojna Caves. The aire is located right by the caves and the surrounding area, meaning you can easily explore without needing to move the van. Its barriered too! There’s also an adventure centre nearby, which was great for the children. The only downside is that it is quite tight for larger vans, but for us it worked perfectly. Would we stay again? Probably, especially if visiting the caves. Night 9 & 10 - Croatia Lanterna Premium Camping Resort, Tar (near Poreč) 💰 Cost: €284 We had finally made it… Croatia! After days of driving through some incredible scenery, we were ready to slow down for a couple of nights and enjoy a proper campsite. And wow… what a campsite this was. Lanterna Premium Camping Resort is honestly on another level. It is the biggest campsite we have ever stayed at, and at first, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. Sometimes huge campsites can feel a little overwhelming, but this one was so well thought out that it never felt like too much. There was absolutely everything you could possibly need: 🏊 Swimming pools💦 Water park included with your stay🌊 Beach access🌅 Beautiful sunset spots🎠 Play areas🎭 Evening entertainment🍕 Restaurants🥖 Fresh bread stations dotted around the campsite The campsite is spread out over a huge area, with lots of different little coves and places to explore. The children loved having so much freedom, and after all the driving days, it was exactly what we needed. We spent our days swimming, exploring the coastline, relaxing by the sea and making the most of everything the campsite had to offer. One of our favourite things about Croatian campsites was the little fresh bread huts. There is something very special about waking up, walking for fresh bread and enjoying breakfast outside your van. Holiday perfection! Would we stay again? Absolutely. A fantastic campsite for families, especially if you’re looking for pools, activities and beach access. Night 11 & 12 - Croatia Maistra Amarin Campsite, Rovinj 💰 Cost: €213 This campsite was one of the highlights of our entire trip. From the moment we arrived, it felt less like a campsite and more like arriving at a hotel. We were greeted with flavoured water on arrival, everything was beautifully clean, and the whole site had such a relaxed luxury feel. The campsite was also undergoing a huge transformation when we visited, and although some of the new areas weren’t quite finished yet, we could see how incredible it was going to be. The new splash areas, pools and relaxation spaces were already looking amazing. The location was fantastic too. Set right by the marina, with beautiful views across the water, it was the perfect place to slow down. The infinity pool overlooking the sea was definitely a favourite. We spent our days swimming, relaxing, enjoying the sunshine and exploring the campsite. The onsite pizzeria was also a winner, the pizzas were absolutely delicious! But the highlight of this stop wasn’t actually at the campsite… It was something we booked for one evening. Sunset Dolphin Speedboat Trip 🐬!! An absolute must if you are staying here! Would we stay again? Without a doubt. One of our favourite campsites of the whole adventure. Night 13 - Italy Venice Camper Stop / Aire near Venice 💰 Cost: €18 Leaving Croatia was hard, but we couldn’t travel through Italy without stopping at one of the most famous cities in the world… Venice. We found a brilliant overnight stop just before the bridge into Venice itself, making it the perfect base for exploring. The best part...A bus into Venice was only around €2.50 each way. So much easier than trying to take the campervan anywhere near the city. And Venice… Wow. There really is nowhere else quite like it. We wandered through tiny streets, crossed endless bridges, watched glass blowing demonstrations, found a magic show happening in a shop window and, of course, ate pizza...again!! The children loved the excitement of walking somewhere with no cars, just boats, bridges and winding streets. It felt like stepping into another world. We stayed until late evening, caught the bus back and climbed straight into bed after a very full day. Would we stay again? Yes. The location was perfect for visiting Venice. Night 14 - Italy Rio Gere Ski Lift Car Park, Dolomites 💰 Cost: FREE This was one of those stopovers where you arrive and immediately think: “Wow… we are actually sleeping here tonight?!” After visiting Venice, we headed towards one of the places we had been most excited about… The Dolomites. We honestly didn’t know where to start. The area is huge and there are so many incredible places to visit. Eventually, we found Rio Gere Ski Lift Car Park on Park4Night. And what a find. A completely free overnight stop, surrounded by mountains. There were no facilities, but there was a restaurant nearby, a little stream and the most incredible views. We parked up wherever we wanted across the different levels of the car park and spent the evening just taking in the scenery. It was one of those nights where you step outside the van, look around and remember exactly why you bought a campervan. Would we stay again? 100% One of the most memorable nights of the trip. Night 15- Italy Lago di Braies Area 💰 Cost: €30 Lago di Braies was another bucket list location. We timed our arrival carefully because the road access has restrictions and charges during busy hours. By arriving later in the afternoon, we avoided the toll and managed to park closer to the lake. The car parks do vary in price depending on how close you want to be, but staying nearby meant we could experience something most visitors miss… Sunrise. And wow. Would we stay again? Absolutely!! Night 16 - Italy Pizzeria Ristorante Laterne, Saring 💰 Cost: Meal purchase After a busy day exploring, we needed somewhere to stop for the night. Park4Night came to the rescue again! We found Pizzeria Ristorante Laterne, which allows campervans to stay overnight in their apple tree garden if you eat at the restaurant. Honestly, this was such a lovely experience. A delicious meal, a peaceful overnight stop and the bonus of being able to wake up surrounded by countryside. The nearby Rabla ski lift also gives access to mountain adventures if you want to explore further. Would we stay again? Yes. A friendly family restaurant. Night 17- Switzerland Family Farm Stay 💰 Cost: €30 We couldn’t pass through Switzerland without stopping. We absolutely love this country, and although it wasn’t originally on our route, we couldn’t resist adding it in. We found this amazing little farm stay through Park4Night. The owners were so welcoming and there was space for around 3-4 campervans on their land. Feel free to contact me on Instagram if you would like the exact stay, I can't add a link to a home stay. The children were allowed to play in the garden with their children, and the highlight... They even got to help milk the cows! A completely unexpected experience that we will remember forever. This is exactly why we love campervan travel. You never know what experiences are waiting around the corner. Would we stay again? 100% So family friendly! Night 18 - Germany Wild- und Freizeitpark Car Park, Germany 💰 Cost: €10 After our lovely farm stay in Switzerland, we continued our journey north, but not before squeezing in a few more countries along the way. One of the things we love about travelling this part of Europe is just how easy it is to cross borders. No big queues. No stopping. Sometimes you don’t even realise you’ve entered another country! After visiting three countries in one day, we crossed back into Germany and found another fantastic Park4Night stop. This time… A wildlife park car park. And what made this stop even more special? You could see the animals from the car park itself! We parked up near the deer as the sun started to set, and it was honestly beautiful. There were only a couple of other vans there, despite there being space for many more. It felt peaceful, safe and completely different to anywhere we had stayed before. The children loved spotting the animals before bed. Would we stay again? Absolutely. A brilliant stopover and one the children will remember. Night 19 & 20 - Germany International Camping Schwarzwald 💰 Cost: €40 After lots of moving around, we decided we fancied another campsite stay. Somewhere we could properly relax, have facilities nearby and slow down for a couple of nights. We found International Camping Schwarzwald, and it was exactly what we needed. This campsite had so much to offer: 🏊 Swimming pool nearby⛳ Mini golf🍽️ Restaurant🏋️ Huge fitness suite🌳 Beautiful surroundings🛝 Play areas The fitness suite was probably one of the most impressive we’ve ever seen at a campsite -huge, modern and even mood lit! The children were also very excited about the pool and mini golf. Would we stay again? Absolutely. Night 21 - Belgium Port Eric Tabarly, Menen 💰 Cost: €15 The final stretch of our adventure had arrived. It’s always a strange feeling when you start heading back towards home. Part of you is ready for your own bed, your own routine and normality… But another part of you wants the adventure to keep going forever. We slowly made our way north, stopping by a lake in Luxembourg for lunch before continuing through Belgium. Our final overnight stop was at Port Eric Tabarly, Menen, right on the Belgium/France border. This was definitely an interesting stop! Not the prettiest or most scenic of the trip, but it was practical, convenient and worked perfectly for our final night before catching the ferry home. Sometimes the final night of a road trip isn’t about finding the most beautiful view, it’s about being in the right place for the ferry the next morning. Would we stay again? Probably not, we didn't feel the most safe here. And just like that… 22 days had passed. 10 countries. 2,886 miles. Countless memories. We boarded the ferry back from Dunkirk tired, happy and already talking about where we would go next. This trip gave us everything we love about campervan travel: ✨ Unexpected stopovers✨ Beautiful scenery✨ Family adventures✨ Campsites with memories attached✨ New countries✨ Changing plans✨ Finding hidden gems Was it a lot of driving? Yes. Would everyone enjoy travelling this way? Probably not. But for us... it was perfect. We loved waking up somewhere new, opening the van door to a different view every few days, and showing the children just how much there is to explore beyond home. Croatia was incredible, but the journey there and back was just as special! If you would like any more information or to see our latest adventures, join us over on Instagram at @toffee_the_vw Until next time...

This blog shares a real life look at the campsites we stayed at during our campervan road trip through France, travelling as a family of four. From peaceful countryside spots to lakeside pitches and coastal escapes, we’ve included the places that truly stood out, along with the ones you may want to use as a quick stopover! Whether you’re travelling with kids, looking for scenic park-ups, or just want a smoother, stress free road trip, this guide is designed to help you choose campsites that are actually worth it. Think of this as your go-to, saveable guide for planning a campervan adventure through France... with real experiences, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration along the way. Don't forget to check out our Instagram page @toffee_the_vw to follow along with our adventures. PARIS - Camping Paris-Est (for visiting Paris) If you’re planning to visit Paris in a campervan, Camping Paris-Est  is one of the most convenient and accessible options just outside the city centre. Located on the banks of the River Marne, it offers a practical base for exploring Paris without the stress of driving into the busy streets. We stayed here for two nights while visiting Paris, and it worked perfectly for a short city break. It’s not the kind of campsite you come to for a scenic, relaxing stay, but for location and ease, it does exactly what you need it to do. The biggest advantage is how easy it is to get into the city. You can hop on public transport nearby and be in central Paris within around 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for ticking off the main sights without worrying about parking or traffic. The site itself is fairly simple, with a mix of campervan pitches and cabins. Facilities are basic but functional, and while it may not have a luxury feel, it’s a solid and reliable stopover for exploring the French capital. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Just outside central Paris, along the River Marne 🚐 Great for: Short stays & city exploring 🚇 Easy access to Paris via public transport (around 30–40 mins) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and suitable for all vehicle sizes 🌳 Setting: Riverside, but more practical than picturesque COLMAR - Camping de I'll Camping de l’Ill is one of those campsites that instantly feels like you’ve arrived somewhere special. Nestled right by the river and surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect base for exploring the fairytale town of Colmar... and the best part... you can walk there! We stayed here for one night while passing through, and honestly, it’s one of those places we wish we had longer at. The peaceful setting is a complete contrast to the busier city campsites, and after a day of travelling, it felt like a proper reset. The walk into Colmar takes around 20-25 minutes and is flat and easy, making it ideal even with kids. Arriving into the town on foot adds to the experience, especially when you first see the colourful half-timbered houses and canals. Back on site, it had everything you’d want for a relaxed stay. There’s a lovely swimming pool for warmer days, and one of our favourite touches was being able to order fresh pastries the night before, waking up to warm croissants just hits differently on a road trip. In the evenings, the fairy-lit outdoor terrace bar creates such a cosy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The campsite itself is well kept, with spacious pitches, plenty of shade, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It strikes that perfect balance between being a great location base and somewhere you’d happily slow down and enjoy. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: On the edge of Colmar, riverside setting 🚶‍♀️ Walk to Colmar: around 20–25 minutes (flat and easy) 🚐 Great for: Relaxed stopovers & exploring pretty towns 🏊‍♀️ Swimming pool on site 🥐 Fresh pastries available to order for the morning 🍷 Outdoor terrace bar with a cosy evening atmosphere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly with spacious pitches 🌳 Setting: Green, peaceful and scenic ANNECY - Camping Le Lac Bleu Camping Le Lac Bleu feels like a full on holiday destination in itself, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Set right by the lake with beautiful mountain views, it’s the kind of place where you can easily slow down and stay a few extra nights. We stayed here while exploring the Annecy area, and it ended up being one of the most fun, family focused stops of the trip. While it’s located on the opposite side of the lake to Annecy town, the setting more than makes up for it, and it’s perfect if you’re happy to enjoy the lake and campsite facilities just as much as the town itself. The lake pitches are a real highlight, offering gorgeous views and that peaceful “wake up by the water” feeling. During the day, there’s so much to do from multiple swimming pools and children’s splash areas to slides, play parks, and even water sports on the lake. In the evenings, the whole place comes alive with entertainment and an animation team running activities, making it feel more like a resort than a campsite. It’s lively, social, and ideal if you’re travelling as a family and want more than just a place to park up. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Lakeside, opposite side of Lake Annecy from the town 🚐 Great for: Families & longer, activity-filled stays 🏖 Lake pitches available (highly recommend if you can get one) 🏊‍♀️ Multiple pools, children’s pools & slides 🎠 Play areas for kids 🚣‍♀️ Water sports available on the lake 🎭 Evening entertainment & animation team 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Very family-focused, lively atmosphere Camping Domaine de la Bergerie, Vence  (South of France) Camping Domaine de la Bergerie is one of those campsites that really gives you that “we’ve made it to the South of France” feeling. Surrounded by trees and set in the hills near Vence, it’s a peaceful escape from the busier (and often more expensive) coastal campsites, but still perfectly placed to explore the French Riviera. We stayed here for a few nights as part of the southern leg of our trip, and it ended up being such a great find. Not only does it have a much more relaxed, laid back feel, but it’s also a far more affordable option compared to staying right on the seafront, without missing out on everything the area has to offer. This became our base for exploring some incredible places along the coast, including Monaco, Monte Carlo, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes and Cannes. It’s ideal if you’re happy to do a bit of driving in exchange for a quieter, more budget-friendly stay. The campsite itself has a really easy, family-friendly vibe, with a pool for cooling off and plenty of space to unwind. After busy days exploring the Riviera, it was so nice to come back somewhere calmer and recharge. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Near Vence, in the hills above the French Riviera 🚐 Great for: Exploring the South of France on a budget 🏊‍♀️ Swimming pool on site 🌿 Peaceful, nature-filled setting 🚗 Ideal base for day trips along the coast 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly atmosphere Camping de Vaudois, near Fréjus (South of France) Camping de Vaudois is a great option if you’re looking to be closer to the coast in the South of France, while still keeping that relaxed campsite feel. Located near Fréjus, it’s perfectly placed for beach days, exploring nearby towns, and soaking up that classic Riviera atmosphere. We stayed here as part of our time on the coast, and it was a really easy, convenient base. Compared to some of the bigger, resort-style campsites in the area, this one felt a bit more laid back and manageable, ideal if you don’t want anything too overwhelming. The location is definitely the standout here. You’re just a short drive (or cycle) from the beaches, and close to places like Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, making it a great spot to explore this stretch of coastline without constantly moving on. We visited Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez while staying here (more on this in our South of France blog post). The site itself is simple but has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s family-friendly, easy to navigate, and works really well as a base for getting out and about during the day. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Near Fréjus, South of France 🚐 Great for: Coastal exploring & beach access 🏖 Close to beaches (short drive or cycle) 🚗 Good base for Fréjus & Saint-Raphaël 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere 🌿 Simple, easy-going campsite Camping Municipal Le Galetas, Gorges du Verdon Camping Municipal Le Galetas is the kind of campsite that perfectly sums up van life... simple, spontaneous, and all about the location. We ended up here last minute after an afternoon out on the lake, boating through the incredible Verdon Gorge, and it couldn’t have worked out better. This is a very no-frills, municipal-style campsite where you can turn up, pick your pitch, and settle in. It’s basic, definitely more of a 2* feel, but honestly, the views completely make up for it. Set right by the lake at the entrance to the gorge, the scenery here is unreal. Waking up to those turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs is something special, especially after spending the day exploring them from the water. It’s not somewhere you’d stay for a long, luxury break, but for a quick, easy stopover in an incredible location, it’s absolutely spot on. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Right by the lake at the entrance to Gorges du Verdon 🚐 Great for: Quick, easy stopovers & last-minute stays ⛺ Pitch style: Turn up and choose your spot 🌄 Incredible lake and gorge views 🛶 Perfect after a day kayaking/boating the Verdon Gorge 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly, relaxed vibe Aire Stopover, Port de Pêche de Carro, Martigues This aire in Martigues, right next to Port de Pêche de Carro, was one of those unexpected finds that ended up being a real highlight of the trip. Simple, easy, and all about the location... exactly what you want from a stopover like this. It’s a straightforward setup: turn up, grab a ticket, and you’re good to stay for 24 hours. But what makes it special is where you are. Parked right by the harbour, with the sea just steps away, it’s the kind of place where you instantly slow down and soak it all in. We arrived to a car park mostly filled with big white motorhomes - so naturally, our little dark VW T6 stood out 😅 - but there was still plenty of space. And unlike many stopovers, it actually felt relaxed enough to set up a bit, get the chairs out, and enjoy the evening properly. From here, everything is on your doorstep. A wander around the marina, an ice cream in hand, walking along the beach collecting sea glass, and then settling in to watch one of the most stunning sunsets of the trip... it just had that perfect, effortless vibe. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Port de Pêche de Carro, Martigues 🚐 Great for: Easy 24-hour stopovers by the sea 🎟 Turn up, get a ticket, stay for 24 hours ⚓ Right by the harbour and marina 🏖 Walking distance to sea glass beach 🌅 Incredible sunset spot Camping Le Salagou (4*), near Clermont-l’Hérault Coming up from the South of France, Camping Le Salagou  is a 4* campsite set near the beautiful Lac du Salagou, just outside Clermont-l’Hérault. Approaching it through the striking red rock landscapes is an experience in itself, a scenic drive that immediately makes you feel like you’re somewhere special. The campsite is big, well maintained, and family friendly, with plenty of space so you never feel crowded if you prefer to find a quiet corner. For us, one of the highlights was picking a high up pitch, perfect for watching the sun set over the lake and the surrounding hills. There’s lots to do if you’re after entertainment: multiple swimming pools, poolside activities, and evening shows if you feel like joining in. For a more relaxed night, there’s even an onsite pizzeria, we enjoyed a laid-back evening with pizza, sometimes accompanied by live music, which made the atmosphere really fun without feeling overwhelming. Le Salagou strikes a great balance, you can soak up the amenities and activities, or simply park up and enjoy the views and the space. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Near Lac du Salagou, outside Clermont-l’Hérault 🚐 Great for: Families & longer stays with entertainment 🏊‍♀️ Multiple swimming pools 🌄 High-up pitches give amazing sunset views 🍕 Onsite pizzeria & occasional live music 🎭 Poolside activities and entertainment available 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Spacious site, so easy to avoid crowds DORDOGNE - Camping Le Pech de Caumont, Dordogne If you’re heading to the Dordogne, Camping Le Pech de Caumont  is one of those places where you can truly relax and soak in the scenery. Set overlooking the valley, it has a wonderful mix of space, comfort, and chill vibes perfect for a slower part of your trip. We loved this campsite for its huge pitches, which give you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your surroundings without feeling crowded. The swimming pool is clean and inviting, and there’s a small terrace that’s ideal for evening drinks while watching the sun set over the valley, it quickly became one of our favourite spots to unwind after a day exploring La Roque-Gageac. A magical touch? If you’re up early, you might catch the colourful hot air balloons drifting over the valley, a truly memorable Dordogne moment. This campsite really feels like a “pause and enjoy life” stop, perfect for soaking up the region’s slower pace. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Dordogne, overlooking the valley 🚐 Great for: Relaxed, scenic stays in nature ⛺ Huge pitches for space and privacy 🏊‍♀️ Clean swimming pool 🍷 Small terrace for evening drinks & sunsets 🎈 Hot air balloons often visible over the valley 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly, chilled atmosphere CHAMBORD - Sandaya Château des Marais (5*), Chambord Sometimes on a road trip, you just need to treat yourself... and that’s exactly what we did at Sandaya Château des Marais , a 5* campsite near Chambord. If you haven’t heard of Sandaya before, check out their website, their 4* and 5* sites are incredible for families who want a proper 'holiday within a campsite' experience. We stayed for one night and absolutely loved it. Our pitch came with a private hut of facilities, including our own toilet, shower, picnic bench, and all the amenities you could need, it felt luxurious for campervan life! The site itself is huge and packed with family fun. Multiple pools, lazy rivers, and a full animation team keep everyone entertained. There’s a wide range of activities during the day, mini discos in the evening, and live music or bands for a really lively atmosphere. Honestly, it’s a children’s dream, they could easily spend days here without being bored. Even if you’re not all about kids’ entertainment, the site has something for everyone, a mix of relaxation and activity, in a stunning location near the iconic Chambord Château, which can easily be cycled to, we drove and had a morning exploring Chateau de Chambord. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Near Chambord, Loire Valley 🚐 Great for: Families & those wanting a luxury campsite experience ⛺ Pitch style: Private hut with toilet, shower, picnic bench, and amenities 🏊‍♀️ Many pools and lazy rivers 🎭 Animation team, daily activities, mini discos, live music 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for kids and families, lively atmosphere Aire Stopover, Gisors (just above Paris) For the penultimate night of our trip, we pulled up at a small aire in Gisors , just north of Paris. It’s a super simple setup just drive in, take a ticket at the barrier, and settle for the night. There are only 6-8 spaces, but we arrived around 8 pm and managed to get in easily. The pitches are nice and big, giving plenty of room to park comfortably, which is a huge plus for stopovers like this. Facilities are very basic, there are two toilets, but they’re only open at certain times, so it’s best to have your own off-grid setup ready for this stop. Despite its simplicity, it was a perfect, easy overnight stop on our way back up to Calais. If you want the exact location, feel free to reach out on Instagram @toffee_the_vw  - happy to share the Park4Night ID location. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Gisors, just above Paris 🚐 Great for: Quick overnight stopovers on the way north ⛺ Small aire with 6–8 spaces 🚻 2 toilets (open only at certain times) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Simple, quiet, convenient Camping La Paillote (last stopover before Calais) Our final stopover before catching the ferry at Calais was La Paillote , just under an hour from the port, a great last night to relax before the journey home. This is a small, simple, no-frills campsite, but it has its own charms. The pitches are large and private, perfect for campervans, and despite a few long-stay caravans on site, there’s plenty of room to pull up and settle comfortably. A quirky touch - chickens roaming around, which adds a fun, rural vibe to the site. The highlight for us: the shower. Set in a barn, it’s honestly the nicest power shower we encountered on the whole trip, a small luxury that felt like a real treat before heading home. It’s simple and practical, ideal as a quick stopover to break up the drive to Calais and recharge before the ferry. ✨ Key Info 📍 Location: Under 1 hour from Calais ferry port 🚐 Great for: Last-night stopover before heading home ⛺ Large, private pitches for campervans 🚿 Barn-style power shower — the best on our trip! 🐔 Chickens on site for a fun, rural touch 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Small, quiet, no-frills campsite And that’s a wrap on our incredible campervan road trip through France! From the bustling streets of Paris to the fairytale town of Colmar, the sparkling lakes of Annecy, the stunning South of France coast, and the peaceful valleys of the Dordogne, we loved every stop... each campsite brought its own vibe, views, and memories. Whether you’re chasing convenience, stunning scenery, family-friendly fun, or a few secret spots along the way, there’s something here for every type of road tripper. We hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure, find the perfect pitches, and make the most of every stop along the route. For more tips, behind-the-scenes travel moments, and campervan inspiration, drop us a follow on Instagram @toffee_the_vw  - we love sharing our journeys and connecting with fellow vanlifers! Happy adventuring! Ashleigh x