Exploring Europe with Guided Motorhome Tours

The Caravan Club & Camping and Caravanning Club

For motorhome enthusiasts, Europe offers some of the most scenic and diverse touring destinations in the world. From the sun-drenched coasts of Spain to the majestic Alps and the charming villages of France, there’s something for every traveller. But planning a European motorhome adventure can be daunting—especially if it’s your first time.

That’s where guided motorhome tours come in. Organised by trusted UK clubs like The Caravan Club (now known as The Caravan and Motorhome Club) and The Camping and Caravanning Club, these tours take the stress out of planning, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.

 

Why Choose a Guided Motorhome Tour?

Guided tours are perfect for those who want to explore Europe with the reassurance of expert support. Benefits include:

✅ Expertly Planned Routes – No need to worry about navigation or overnight stops; everything is arranged for you.

✅ Convenience – Pre-booked campsites, ferry crossings, and toll road assistance.

✅ Social Experience – Travel with like-minded motorhomers and make new friends.

✅ Local Knowledge – Tour leaders provide insider tips on must-see attractions.

✅ Peace of Mind – Breakdown assistance and support throughout the trip.

 

Lesser known French rules of the road you need to follow

1. French Roundabout Rules

Priority to Vehicles Inside:

Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to those already circulating. This is standard, but in rural areas, watch for signs like "Priorité à droite" (priority to the right), where vehicles entering from the right may have priority.

Common Mistake: Assuming all roundabouts follow the same rules as in the UK (e.g., signaling on entry). In France, signal only when exiting.

Signaling:

Use your right indicator just before your exit to alert others. Do not signal when entering.

Exception:

On very large roundabouts (like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris), follow directional signs and lane markings.

Lane Discipline:

Right lane: For exits 1 (first exit) or 2 (straight ahead).

Left lane: For exits 3 (left) or full U-turns.

Tip: Avoid switching lanes mid-roundabout; French drivers are strict about lane adherence.

 

2. Speed Enforcement Cameras

Types:

Fixed cameras (Radars Fixes): Often placed after speed limit signs or hidden in roadside boxes.

Mobile cameras (Radars Mobiles): Handheld devices used by police or mounted in unmarked vans.

Average-speed zones (Radars Tronçons): Common on autoroutes; cameras track your time between two points.

Private radar cars: Operated by contractors; fines are still valid.

Tolerance:

≤ 100 km/h: Fines start at 5 km/h over.

> 100 km/h: Fines start at 5% over the limit.

Penalties:

Minor speeding: €68–€135.

Severe speeding (>50 km/h over): Up to €1,500, license suspension, or vehicle confiscation.

 

3. Breathalysers

Status: Mandatory law was scrapped in 2020, but carrying an NF-certified breathalyser (available on Amazon/ferry shops) is still advised.

Why?: If stopped, police may ask you to self-test. Refusal could lead to suspicion of drink-driving.

Blood Alcohol Limit: 0.05% (lower than the UK’s 0.08%).

Essential European Travel Kit - Vital For UK Motorists Travelling Across Europe

 

4. Mobile Phone Use

Rule: Holding a phone while driving is illegal. Hands-free systems (e.g., Bluetooth) are allowed.

Penalty: €135 fine + 3 penalty points (on a French license).

Loophole: You can use a phone if parked with the engine off.

 

5. Breakdown Fees on French Motorways

Costs:

Daytime: €130–€200 (depending on vehicle size).

Night/weekends: €200–€300+.

Process:

Use orange emergency phones on autoroutes for free recovery to a safe area.

If using a private recovery service, confirm costs upfront.

Breakdown Cover:

European Cover: Essential for towing, repairs, and accommodation. Providers like AA/RAC offer policies.

Without Cover: Pay upfront; reclaim later if your insurer allows.

 

6. Headphones/Earpieces

Rule: Illegal to wear any device covering both ears (even for calls/music). Single earbud is technically allowed but discouraged.

Penalty: €135 fine.

Alternative: Use vehicle speakers or a fully hands-free system.

 

7. Civil Enforcement

Who Can Fine You?: Police, gendarmes, or municipal officers.

On-the-Spot Fines:

Non-residents must pay immediately (credit card preferred).

Unpaid fines may lead to border checks or future travel issues.

Language: Fines are issued in French, but officers often explain in basic English.

 

8. Clean Air Stickers (Crit’Air)

Cities Requiring Them: Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Strasbourg, Toulouse (around 45 more added in 2025)

How to Buy: Apply online at the official portal (€3.70 + postage). Delivery takes ~30 days.

Zones:

ZCR (Permanent zones): Sticker required always.

ZPA (Temporary zones): Activated during high pollution.

Penalty: €68–€180 for non-compliance.

 

9. "Black Saturdays" (Samedis Noirs)

Dates: Peak Saturdays in July/August (e.g., Bastille Day weekend).

Routes Affected: Major autoroutes (A6, A7, A9) toward the Alps/Mediterranean.

Advice:

Travel before 7 AM or after 7 PM.

Use traffic apps like Bison Futé (www.bison-fute.gouv.fr) for real-time updates.

 

10. Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents:

Full UK driving license (no paper counterpart needed).

V5C logbook (if renting, carry the rental agreement).

Insurance certificate (check it covers France).

Safety Equipment:

Mandatory: Reflective jacket (within reach, not in the boot), warning triangle.

Recommended: Spare bulbs, first-aid kit.

Vehicle Prep:

Headlamp beam deflectors (for UK cars).

Clean Air sticker (if visiting cities).

 

11. European Breakdown Cover

Why You Need It:

Covers repatriation, accommodation, and onward travel if your car can’t be fixed.

Avoids language barriers with local garages.

Options:

Basic: Towing to a garage.

Comprehensive: Includes car hire, hotel costs, and repatriation.

Key Tips for Driving in France

Speed Limits in Rain: Reduce speed by 10–20 km/h on wet roads.

Tolls: Autoroutes (A-roads) are tolled; keep a credit card handy.

Fuel: Diesel is marked Gazole; unleaded is Sans Plomb 95/98.

Low Emission Zones: Expanding to 45+ cities by 2025.

For official updates, visit:

Sécurité Routière (French road safety).

UK Gov France Driving Guide.

 This blog is only a guide and European travel rules change frequently. Always check and verify with your own sources.

 

#5 Pro Tips for Motorhome & Campervan Travel in Europe

 

Pro Tips for Motorhome & Campervan Travel in Europe

Master the Road Like a Seasoned Nomad

 

Europe’s winding roads, hidden gems, and diverse cultures are best explored by motorhome or campervan. But to elevate your adventure from "good" to "unforgettable," you need insider knowledge. These pro tips—curated from seasoned travelers—will help you save money, avoid pitfalls, and unlock the freedom of life on the road.

1. Navigation & Route Hacks

Ditch the Main Roads

Scenic Detours: Use ViaMichelin’s “scenic route” filter or Google Maps to avoid highways. Explore France’s Route des Grandes Alpes or Germany’s Romantic Road.

Toll-Free Savings: In France, stick to Routes Nationales (N-roads) to bypass €100+ in tolls.

Offline Maps Are Lifesavers

Download regions on Google Maps or Maps.me for areas with spotty signal (e.g., Norwegian fjords, Scottish Highlands).

Avoid ZTL Zones in Italy

Historic city centers (Zona Traffico Limitato) ban non-resident vehicles. Use Park4Night to find parking outside zones and take public transit in.

Essential European Travel Kit - Vital For UK Motorists Travelling Across Europe

 

2. Budget Tricks to Stretch Your Euros

Fuel Savings

Apps: Use Fuelio or Waze to find the cheapest diesel/petrol stations.

Loyalty Cards: Sign up for TotalEnergies or Shell rewards for discounts.

Drive Efficiently: Stick to 90 km/h on highways to save 20% on fuel.

Free Overnights

Wild Camping: Legal in Sweden/Norway; use Park4Night for vetted spots.

Supermarket Parking: Many Lidl or Auchan stores in France/Spain allow overnight stays (ask permission first).

Budget-Friendly Campsites

France’s Aires: Basic facilities for €5–€15/night.

Harvest Hosts: Stay at vineyards or farms for free (membership required).

 

3. Mastering Off-Grid Living

Power Management

Solar Panels: Install 200W+ panels for fridge and device charging.

Battery Packs: Portable power stations like Jackery keep gadgets alive.

Energy Etiquette: Run generators only during daytime hours.

Water Wisdom

Refill Smart: Use public taps (cemeteries, parks) or gas stations.

Greywater Tricks: Collect dishwater in a bucket to dispose of responsibly.

Waste Disposal

Cassette Toilets: Empty at designated ChemPort stations (common at campsites).

DIY Composting: Use biodegradable bags for food scraps.

 

4. Cultural Savvy & Local Etiquette

Learn Key Phrases

“Is overnight parking allowed here?”

French: “Le stationnement nocturne est-il autorisé ici?”

German: “Ist Übernachtungsparken hier erlaubt?”

Spanish: “¿Está permitido aparcar aquí durante la noche?”

Respect Quiet Hours

Most European campsites enforce silence from 10 PM–7 AM.

Shop Like a Local

Hit farmers’ markets (Marché Provençal in France, Mercato Centrale in Italy) for fresh, affordable produce.

TomTom Motorhome, Campervan and Caravan Sat Nav

5. Safety & Security

Anti-Theft Tactics

Steering Wheel Locks: Visible deterrents like Disklok discourage break-ins.

Fake Safe: Leave a decoy wallet with expired cards in the glovebox.

Border Prep

Brexit Docs: Carry your V5C logbook, Green Card insurance, and Animal Health Certificate (pets).

Emergency Numbers: Save 112 (EU-wide emergency) and your insurer’s pan-European breakdown number.

Weather Watch

Mountain Passes: Check Bison Futé (France) or ÖAMTC (Austria) for closures.

Winter Kit: Pack snow chains (mandatory in Alpine regions) and a thermal windscreen cover.

 

6. Tech & Gear Must-Haves

Apps You’ll Actually Use

Park4Night: Find free overnight spots with reviews.

Flush: Locate public toilets and dump stations.

iTranslate: Converse with locals in real-time.

Compact Gear

Collapsible Everything: Buckets, chairs, and sinks save space.

Portable BBQ: Weber Go-Anywhere grills let you cook lakeside style.

 

7. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes

Overpacking: You don’t need 10 pairs of shoes. Europe has laundromats.

Ignoring Height Restrictions: Low bridges and tunnels abound—use MyLPG.eu to plan routes.

Forgetting Cash: Some tolls, campsites, and rural areas don’t take cards.

 

8. Sustainability on the Road

Plastic-Free Swaps: Use silicone food bags and reusable coffee cups.

Support Eco-Campsites: Look for EcoLabel or Green Key certifications.

Offset Your Carbon: Donate to Atmosfair to balance your fuel emissions.

 

The Pro’s Packing Checklist

✅ Foldable solar panel + battery

✅ Crit’Air sticker (France) and toll tags (Liber-T, Telepass)

✅ Language cheat sheet + offline maps

✅ Emergency toolkit (jump leads, tire repair kit)

✅ Biodegradable soap and toiletries

 

Final Thought: Embrace the Detours

The magic of motorhome travel lies in spontaneity—a hidden beach in Portugal, a village festival in Slovenia, or a sunrise over the Swiss Alps. With these pro tips, you’re equipped to navigate Europe’s complexities while keeping the spirit of adventure alive.

 

Got a pro tip of your own? Share it in the comments—let’s build a community of savvy road warriors! 🚐✨

 

#CampervanLife #RoadTripHacks #EuropeTravel #VanLifeProTips

 

Note: Always verify local laws and road conditions before travel. Rules and amenities can change with seasons or regulations. Safe travels! 🌍🔧
This blog is only a guide and European travel rules change frequently. Always check and verify with your own sources.

#4 Off grid camping in a Motorhome or Campervan in Europe

 

Off grid camping in a Motorhome or Campervan in Europe

Your Guide to Freedom and Responsibility

 

Europe’s breathtaking landscapes—from Nordic fjords to Mediterranean coastlines—beckon adventurers seeking the thrill of Off Grid camping. Sleeping under the stars in a motorhome or campervan offers unparalleled freedom, but navigating Europe’s diverse regulations requires knowledge and respect. This guide equips you with everything you need to embrace the wild responsibly.

 

1. Understanding Off Grid camping: Rules by Region

Off Grid camping laws in Europe vary dramatically. Here’s a regional breakdown:

Essential European Travel Kit - Vital For UK Motorists Travelling Across Europe

 

Northern Europe: The Freedom to Roam

Sweden & Norway:

Right to Roam (Allemansrätten): Park overnight in nature, but stay 150+ meters from homes.

Restrictions: Avoid protected areas (e.g., Norway’s Pulpit Rock) and private farmland.

 

Tip: Use apps like Park4Night to find secluded lakeside spots.

 

Finland & Iceland:

Similar freedoms, but respect signage and avoid ecologically sensitive zones.

 

Western Europe: Tread Carefully

Germany:

Overnight Parking: Permitted in rest stops (max 24 hours) and designated stellplatz (low-cost motorhome areas).

Prohibited: Off Grid camping in forests and nature reserves.

 

France:

Banned on beaches and near coasts, but tolerated in rural areas. Use aires de camping-car (€5–€15/night with facilities).

 

UK:

Scotland: permitted in some markred areas. Right-to-roam laws do not apply to motorised vheicles.

England/Wales: Illegal without landowner permission.

 

Southern Europe: Strict Enforcement

Spain & Italy:

Prohibited outside campsites in tourist zones (e.g., Barcelona, Amalfi Coast). Fines up to €300+.

Permitted Zones: Look for áreas para autocaravanas (Spain) or soste camper (Italy).

 

Greece & Croatia:

Wild camping banned; stick to official campsites.

 

Eastern Europe:

Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary:

Generally tolerated in rural areas, but avoid national parks.

TomTom Motorhome, Campervan and Caravan Sat Nav

2. Overnight Parking vs. Camping: Know the Difference

Overnight Parking: Sleeping in your vehicle without setting up camp (chairs, awnings). Often tolerated where camping is banned.

Camping: Using external equipment. Restricted in most countries without permits.

 

3. How to Find Legal Wild Camping Spots

Apps & Tools:

Park4Night: Crowdsourced spots with reviews, amenities, and photos.

iOverlander: Highlights free parking, water refill points, and dump stations.

Google Maps Satellite View: Scout remote forest tracks or coastal pull-offs.

Signs to Heed:

Camping interdit (France), No Overnight Parking (UK), Divieto di campeggio (Italy).

 

4. Responsible Wild Camping: Leave No Trace

Waste Management:

Never dump greywater or trash. Use designated disposal points (marked on apps).

Portable toilets: Empty only at certified facilities.

Environmental Stewardship:

Stay 100m from water sources to avoid contamination.

Use a your van cooker or oven; open fires are often banned.

Noise & Privacy:

Keep generators off after dark. Avoid overcrowding popular spots.

 

5. Safety First: Smart Practices

Parking Choices:

Opt for well-lit rest stops or areas with other campers.

Avoid isolated locations if traveling solo.

Legal Preparedness:

Carry ID, vehicle documents (insurance, V5C), and Crit’Air sticker (France).

If approached by authorities, remain courteous and relocate if asked.

 

6. Gear Essentials for Off Grid camping Adventures

Power Solutions: Solar panels or portable batteries for off-grid energy.

Water Storage: Refillable containers (20L+ capacity) and filtration systems.

Privacy & Comfort: Thermal window covers, portable toilet, and compact outdoor furniture.

 

7. Balancing Wild Camping and Campsites

Cost Comparison:

Off Grid camping: Free or minimal fees (e.g., France’s aires).

Campsites: €15–€50/night for amenities like showers and electricity.

 

Pro Tip: Mix both! Use campsites every few days for laundry and waste disposal.

 

8. Etiquette: Be a Respectful Guest

Respect Locals: Avoid blocking roads, driveways, or scenic views.

Limit Stays: 1–2 nights max in one spot to prevent overcrowding.

Support Communities: Buy local produce or dine at nearby cafés.

 

9. Challenges & Solutions

Language Barriers: Use Google Translate for signage (e.g., privato = private).

Overtourism: Arrive early at iconic spots (e.g., Norway’s Trolltunga).

Winter Travel: Check road closures and pack tire chains for mountain routes.

 

10. Sustainable Practices for the Future

Stick to Trails: Avoid damaging vegetation.

Wildlife Awareness: Store food securely; observe animals from a distance.

Advocate Responsibly: Share knowledge quietly—overpromoting spots can lead to bans.

 

Final Checklist for Responsible Off Grid camping

✅ Verify local laws via apps or tourism offices.

✅ Pack out all waste, including food scraps.

✅ Avoid restricted zones (beaches, national parks).

✅ Carry emergency supplies (first aid, spare tire, offline maps).

 

Embrace the Journey, Protect the Land

Off Grid camping in Europe is a privilege that comes with responsibility. By respecting nature, communities, and regulations, you ensure these freedoms endure for future travelers. Ready to explore? Share your favorite wild camping memories or hidden gems in the comments below! 🌍🚐

 

#WildCamping #CampervanLife #SustainableTravel #EuropeAdventures

Note: Regulations evolve—always confirm rules with local authorities before your trip. Safe and mindful travels! 🌟

This blog is only a guide and European travel rules change frequently. Always check and verify with your own sources.