Best Campervan Hire in France (+expert tips!)

With thousands of campgrounds and a wealth of nature and culture to explore, France is the perfect place for a road trip. This article will help you choose the best campervan hire France has to offer for your personal travel needs and budget.

France is known for having a diverse array of attractions to satisfy any type of traveler. Nature? Check. History, culture, and art? You betcha. Food and wine? Oui oui! 

A lesser-known fact is that France also makes a great camping destination. The tiny villages, rugged mountains, rolling vineyards, and azure coastlines are dotted with thousands of campgrounds. So if you’ve been itching to try out vanlife, France might be the perfect place to do it!

We’ve personally traveled all over the world in campervans, and we have some expert advice that’ll be essential for planning a campervan trip in France. 

In this article, we’ll go over exactly how to find the best campervan hire France has to offer for your budget and travel style. 

We’d highly recommend you continue reading this guide as it is packed with insider tips on what to look for when choosing your vehicle, mistakes to avoid, and some other companies we’d recommend if you have a different budget or travel needs.

Let’s get started!

Guide to renting a campervan in France

Here’s what we cover in this guide. Click on any of the links below to jump down to that section, or keep scrolling to get all the juicy details.

• Why trust us?
• Our experience
• How to book a campervan hire in France
• Best Campervan Hire in France
• Why rent a campervan or RV in France?
• When to book a campervan trip in France
• When to make your booking
• Things to consider when choosing a vehicle
• How much does a campervan rental cost?
• France Campervan Rental FAQs
• Campervan insurance
• What to pack for a campervan trip
• Campervan with a baby
• Where to stay in your campervan
• France camping resources

Quick English language note: We use the words “rental” and “hire” interchangeably in this article.

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Why you can trust us about campervan rentals

If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:

• We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
• We have traveled all over the US in our own campervans.
• We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and more!

Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?

I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.

Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!

Our personal experience traveling in a campervan in France 

Since we haven’t had the opportunity to experience renting a campervan in France (yet!) we called on our friends and fellow travel bloggers, Koen and Veerle, of RVTravelUps. Here’s what they had to say: 

We are Koen and Veerle, from the Netherlands. We grew up spending almost every summer camping in France. 

This year we bought our own RV together and spent 50 days camping and road tripping through the country. We spent time in Normandy, Brittany, Occitania, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as well as driving through some other regions. 

What we love most about camping in France is the authentic beauty. The country is filled with these ‘hidden gems’. We have encountered so many unexpected castles, cozy villages and artsy shops. 

France just never gets boring. You could easily spend months traveling France and still be surprised by its scenery. 

Plus, camping in France is super relaxed. There is really such a laid back atmosphere at every campground. To us, France is the ultimate camping destination in Europe.

Be sure to check out the guide they wrote for Two Wandering Soles with everything you need to know to plan a camping trip in France. 

How to book a campervan rental in France

Best campervan rental companies in France

Okay, you’ve got Motorhome Republic pulled up for your dates and you can see all your options… But how do you even begin to choose between the companies?

Being that we’ve personally rented campervans all around the world (and have built 3 of our own!), we feel like we have a really good handle on what to look for. 

The companies below have been hand-picked by us, and we think each can be a good choice depending on what it is you’re looking for.

We’ve scoured reviews, compared specs, and analyzed prices to bring you a comprehensive list of the best campervan hire France has to offer, so the decision is a little simpler for you.

We’re sharing which company we would choose to rent with, but we’ll also highlight some other companies in case you think a different one would be a better fit for your personal needs or budget.

For each company, we’re sharing pros, cons, and price points (budget or mid-range) to make this big decision a breeze.

BlackSheep

• Price range: budget to mid-range
• Recommended for: couples or small families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: tons of options – view list here
• Check availability here

Founded in Lyon, BlackSheep offers converted vans in more than 50 locations throughout Western Europe. 

Their vans range in capacity from 2-6 seats and 2-5 beds, making them perfect for couples or families with 2-3 children.

Pros:

• They provide an optional kitchen kit at no extra cost with dishes, cutlery, a coffee maker (essential!), and even garbage bags
• Free cancellation for any reason up to 48 hours before your booking date
• If you have your own vehicle, you can rent a rooftop tent for a much lower cost

Cons: 

• To rent a smaller van, you must be at least 21 years old and have had a driver’s license for at least 2 years (25 years old and licensed for 3 years for a larger van)
• You have to bring your own bedding or sleeping bags. The only bedding they have available to rent (€15 / $16.85 USD) is a disposable sheet set

Avis Explore

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Aix/Marseille, Ajaccio, Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes-Rezé, Nice, Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse
• Check availability here

Avis Explore (you might also see it called Avis Car-Away) is a branch of the well-known car rental company that focuses solely on RV hire in France.

With 10 locations throughout the country and a wide selection of vehicles, this makes a great choice for all types of travelers.

Pros:

• Manual and automatic transmission available
• Kitchen supplies are included in the rental price
• Optional complimentary bedding and towels
• Pet-friendly
• International travel allowed within Western Europe and certain Eastern European countries

Cons: 

• Not all models are self-contained
• Vehicles are a mix of manual and automatic transmission, so be sure to double check when choosing your rental

Anywhere Campers

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: couples or smaller families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: it’s in the name – Anywhere!
• Check availability here

Anywhere Campers is a flexible one-way rental service with a fleet of 50+ motorhomes across 35 countries.

Their big selling point is that you can pick up anywhere, anytime. From their website: “Whether it’s an early morning at an airport in Paris, or a dock in Oslo at midnight, we’ll be there.” How cool is that?!

And when your trip is over, you don’t need to drop off at a depot – Anywhere Campers will come to you. 

Pros:

• Flexible pickup and drop-off
• Manual and automatic transmission available
• All-inclusive rental price includes a fully equipped kitchen and bedroom, as well as extra amenities like a BBQ grill, camping furniture, and 2 bicycles
• Responsive customer service and roadside assistance

Cons: 

• Not a huge selection of vehicles, though they do offer both vans and motorhomes

McRent

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: spontaneous travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Evreux, Lyon, Poitiers, Rouen
• Check availability here

McRent is one of the largest campervan and motorhome rentals in all of Europe with hubs in 17 countries. They have vehicles ranging from pop-up vans to large fully-integrated motorhomes. 

This would most likely have been our second choice for our campervan rental in Scotland (we went with Bunk Campers), as they have a large selection of layouts and availability for last-minute offers.

Pros:

• They sometimes offer exclusive deals for last-minute bookings, though vehicle selection may be limited.
• The hiring fee includes an awning, bike rack, gas bottles, balancing wedges, water hose, and cable.
• Vehicles are guaranteed to be no older than three years and include a bathroom with sink, shower and toilet, heating, and cooking facilities.

Cons: 

• Manual transmission only
• Dish sets and bedding are not included in the fee and cost extra to rent
• One-way booking is not available, so you have to begin and end your road trip at the same station

Outdoorsy

This platform is essentially the Airbnb of campervan rentals. People who own campervans, RVs, or tow-behind trailers can list them on Outdoorsy for rent.

The downside to this, of course, is that you should keep in mind that just like Airbnbs, not all listings are maintained, cleaned or represented in the same way. We are big on reading reviews so we have a realistic idea of what to expect.

Here are some top-rated listings in France.

WeVan

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: tons of options – view list here
• Check availability here

This local company was founded in 2010 by two friends with a goal to empower others to be “masters of their own adventures”.

Their fleet of 850 vehicles across 34 agencies in France provides opportunities to experience vanlife in every corner of the country.

WeVan is a great choice for travelers who aren’t comfortable driving a larger rig, since all their campervans are compact and easy to drive. Even with their smaller size, the builds are spacious and some models sleep up to 5 people.

Pros:

• Lots of campervans to choose from
• 5 high-roof options with toilets and indoor showers with hot water
• Most of the low-roof vans have pop-tops, providing extra space to stand up
• Automatic transmission available for most models
• No minimum age, as long as drivers have been licensed for at least 2 years
• No minimum rental period

Cons: 

• The booking function on their website is a little buggy
• No one-way rentals

Van-Away

• Price range: budget to mid-range
• Recommended for: 
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: tons of options – view list here
• Check availability here

With their flagship in Toulouse, Van-Away now operates out of nearly 30 locations throughout France. Their team consists of self-proclaimed local tourism experts who provide personalized service to help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

Van-Away offers a wide selection of fully-equipped campervans. They can sleep up to 5 people, depending on the model, while still being compact to explore France’s little hidden villages with ease.

Pros:

• All their vehicles are compact and easy to drive
• Pop-tops provide space to stand up, or an additional bed
• 300 km/day included in the rental price
• Daily rate includes 2 drivers

Cons: 

• Automatic transmission is not available in all vehicles
• Bedding and towels are not included and cost extra
• Not all vehicles are self-contained, though portable showers and toilets may be available to rent at some locations

Roadsurfer

• Price range: budget to mid-range
• Recommended for: small groups or families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Aix-Marseille, Bordeaux, Geneva-Pays de Gex, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Nice-Gattières, Paris, Toulouse
• Check availability here

Founded in Germany in 2016, Roadsurfer now has a fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles across Europe and North America. They offer one of the widest selections of campervan and RV rentals on the market.

Their sleek vehicles come with interiors that are comfortable and functional, if not as “aesthetic” as some other companies. Automatic transmission is available in all models, and you can add a second driver free of charge.

Pros:

• Tons of vehicles to choose from ranging in price and size, from compact campervans to full-blown RVs
• Their website makes it very easy to compare vehicle options
• Rentals include all cooking and dining essentials, camp table and chairs, and an awning
• Minimum driver age is 18, which is lower than most rental companies
• Unlimited mileage
• International travel is allowed throughout Europe (with a few exceptions)

Cons: 

• Bedding is not included and costs an extra €35 per person
• Not all vehicles are self contained; some have portable camping toilets available for a extra fee

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Why hire a campervan or RV in France?

Still need a little convincing on the whole renting a campervan thing?

We get it. If you’ve never experienced traveling in a campervan, the idea of it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though — we literally have all the resources you need to make your trip a success. 

First, let’s chat about why renting a campervan in France is a good idea. Scratch that. An AMAZING idea.

8 Reasons to Rent a Campervan on Your Next Trip

When to plan your France campervan trip

Overall, we think the best time for a campervan trip in France is in the spring or fall. These months offer pleasant weather while avoiding peak tourism season. 

However, we could also make a strong case for winter, believe it or not – Christmas markets, fairytale villages covered in snow, hitting the slopes at world-class ski resorts – okay, I may have just changed my own mind!

Ultimately, the best time to plan your France campervan trip depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do.

Psst! We have an article all about the best time to visit Europe that will give you a good idea of weather and seasons by region.

When to book your campervan rental in France 

If you’re planning to hire a campervan in France, listen up because this is crucial… 

Book your vehicle as early as possible. (This applies to all companies on this list.) During popular travel seasons (like summer), the best models get snagged up fast! 

Where to pick up your campervan in France

There are tons of campervan rental depots all over France. Some of the most popular pick-up and drop-off locations are Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Paris, and Toulouse.

What types of campervans or RVs are available?

There is a huge variety to choose from. 

We’ve listed a handful of different types below, but if you’re still confused, hop down to the next section where we’ve broken down some of the major things to consider that’ll make your decision easier.

• Low-roof converted minivan: ideal for budget-minded adventurers
• Pop-up campervan: iconic old-school campervan style
• High-roof campervan: spacious while still easy to drive and park
• Mini-motorhome: home on wheels, perfect for a young family
• Large motorhome: pile in the kids, bikes, and a dog for an epic road trip

Things to think about when choosing a rental vehicle

Choosing the best campervan can be a bit overwhelming. There are a lot of companies to choose from. Plus, every traveler has their own expectations for the level of comfort and budget they’re able to spend.

We’ve lived in 3 very different campervans, plus we’ve rented campervans in countries all over the world. So we have a pretty good idea of what to look for and some things to be wary of…

We’ve laid out our expert tips in this detailed article about what to look for in a campervan rental. 

Expert Tips for Renting a Campervan (from people who’ve been there!)

How much does a campervan rental in France cost?

Campervan rentals will vary drastically, depending on the following factors: 

• which company you choose
• type of vehicle
• time of year
• manual vs. automatic transmission
• how far in advance you make your reservation

To give you a general price range:

• 1 week in France in July (peak season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about €1,500 / $1,600 USD (priced in July 2024) 
• 1 week in France in October (shoulder season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about €600 / $700 USD (priced in July 2024) 

Other costs to consider

In addition to paying the nightly rental fee, you won’t want to forget these other things:

• Additional rental add ons (make sure you understand what is included with your company and what is an extra fee)
• Campground fees
• Insurance
• Gas
  • Insider Tip: Be sure you know whether your vehicle is gas or diesel so you fill up at the proper pump at the gas station.

Insurance for your campervan trip

Insurance is always one of those tricky topics to write about because it widely varies from person to person depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take. 

When traveling, we always make sure we are covered (we’ve heard some horror stories of accidents happening abroad).

Read the fine print of your credit card: A typical credit card rental car insurance policy only covers 4-door sedans and not campervans, so don’t rely on that coverage. 

As always, whether you get campervan rental insurance or not, we recommend getting medical travel insurance. 

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to choose the best travel insurance policy for you that should be helpful!

France campervan rental FAQs

I get it — there is a lot to think about when it comes to renting a campervan in France. 

Let’s go over some common questions and see if we can get them answered!

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a campervan in France?

Some rental companies require an International Driver’s Permit, while others are satisfied with your driver’s license from your home country, as long as it’s in a Roman language.

Make sure you double check driver requirements with your chosen rental company.

Can I bring a child on a campervan trip?

Absolutely. We’ve brought our daughter on many campervan trips! 

In fact, we’d say it’s a great way to travel with a baby or older children.

You will need to select a vehicle that has enough seating for your family. And you will need to think about what you’ll do about a sleeping space. (We have tips on that!)

Which is better: Campervan or RV?

The answer to this is truly a matter of personal opinion, but since you asked, here’s ours:

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, we’d absolutely recommend a campervan to keep the size to a minimum. However, if you’re traveling with a small family, a campervan may be too small to fit you all comfortably, so a small motorhome might be a better option.

What to pack for a campervan trip

We have a whole checklist of things to bring for your campervan trip, but here are some items you really don’t want to forget:

• Aeropress: If you are a coffee drinker and your rental company doesn’t include a coffee maker (many don’t), definitely pack this!
• Rubber bands and/or chip clips: This is something that is often overlooked, but important to keep the food you buy sealed (think bags of granola, crackers, etc.).
• Spices and oil: When going on a campervan trip, we always like to bring our own spices so we don’t have to stock up. You can bring mini containers filled with your faves (we bring high-quality salt, pepper, cayenne, and any others that strike our fancy). We like this leak-proof container for storing coconut oil and this one for storing olive oil.
• Lightweight towel: If your campervan rental does not include towels in the rental price (many charge extra), bring your own! We like this microfiber one or this Turkish towel.
• Travel lumbar pillow: If you have a bad back (like Ben!), this would be clutch! He had some back issues during our trip, and was wishing we had packed his lumbar pillow. This inflatable version packs up small, so it’s perfect for campervan travel.
• Universal outlet adaptor: A basic travel item that everyone should have so you can plug in your device anywhere. 
• Shower shoes: Trust me when I say you don’t want to go barefoot in some of the campground showers! 
• Travel slippers: The floors of your vehicle will inevitably get dirty, so it’s nice to have a lightweight pair of slippers to wear at night to prevent your feet from collecting all that dirt.

We even created this handy PDF downloadable checklist so you don’t forget anything. And it’s totally FREE!

For more ideas, we have an article dedicated to all of the campervan essentials you might want to have on the road with you.

Packing for a baby on a campervan trip

This checklist has a whole section of all our baby-related items we recommend, but here are a few things we’d definitely recommend bringing if you are renting a campervan with a little one in tow.

• Travel high chair: We love this portable high chair and use it in our personal campervan at home. We also flew with it to France and loved that our daughter had a seat in our Bunk Camper.
• Travel tent: This is the sleeping tent that we used on trips when our daughter was under a year old. It packs up super small and gave her a safe space to sleep.
• Inflatable bed bumpers: We’ve transitioned from the tent to these as our daughter has grown and they worked really well to transform a normal bed into a safe sleeping space for our toddler.
• Your favorite baby foods: We found some baby-friendly foods while in France, but the selection was more limited than I was expecting. If you have favorites (freeze dried strawberries from Trader Joe’s are one of our go-tos for travel!), we’d recommend prioritizing packing foods over diapers and wipes, as those will be easier to find anywhere.
• Travel sound machine: We don’t go anywhere without this!
• Tap light: This light is super handy at home or on travels.

Psst! Looking for more family travel tips? Check out our list of practical (& super encouraging!) tips for traveling with a baby.

Where to stay in your campervan

You’ll be happy to know that there are tons of campgrounds all around France. Thousands, in fact!

We’ve created a France camping guide so you have all the info you need right at your fingertips, including what to expect at RV parks and a list of some of the best campsites in the country.

Camping in France: Essential Tips + Best Campsites

Free Camping 

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, and don’t want to pay for campgrounds every night, it’s worth mentioning that it is possible to camp for free in France.

But you can’t just park anywhere! We have a section on wild camping in France so you know the ins and outs and are sure not to inadvertently break the law (yikes!) on your road trip!

France camping resources

Be sure to bookmark these additional articles because they will be a huge help as you plan your trip.

What to expect at campsites in France 

We created a guide so you know exactly what to expect from campgrounds in France (spoiler alert: it might be different than what you’re used to!). We’re also sharing the best campsites in France so you have an incredible time.

Camping in France: Essential Tips + Best Campsites

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Love the idea of campervan trips around the world? 

Us too (hence why we keep booking campervan trips!).

Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:

• Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide 
• New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide
• Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
• UK Campervan Guide
• Italy Campervan Rental Guide
• USA Campervan Rental Guide
• Canada Campervan Rental Guide

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Campervan Rental Packing List!

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a campervan trip in France and still have questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the answers you’re looking for!