A campervan holiday in France promises freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable scenery — from lavender fields in Provence to Atlantic winds in Brittany. But before you set off, there’s one big question every traveler wants answered:
How much does a campervan holiday in France really cost?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to budget for your campervan trip — including rental, fuel, campsites, food, insurance, tolls, and extra expenses. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a 2-week adventure, this article gives you realistic cost estimates and money-saving tips.
Campervan Rental Costs — Your Main Expense
The single biggest expense on a French campervan trip is the rental itself. Prices vary widely depending on season, van size, age, and amenities.
Daily Rental Rates (France)
| Season | Small Campervans | Mid-Range Vans | Large Motorhomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Nov–Mar) | €80–€150 | €130–€250 | €160–€350+ |
| Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) | €100–€180 | €160–€280 | €200–€400+ |
| Peak Summer (Jul–Aug) | €130–€200 | €220–€350 | €250–€500+ |
These ranges apply to commercial rental companies across France. Holiday platforms and peer-to-peer options (e.g., Yescapa) sometimes offer cheaper prices — even as low as €60–€100 per day for older or smaller vans.
Weekly & Longer Rental Discounts
Most rental companies offer weekly discounts, often bringing the average daily cost down by 10–20% if you book for 7+ days. For example:
- 1 week in July for a 2-berth van: ~€1,300–€1,700
- 1 week in shoulder season (October): ~€600–€900
(Prices can vary based on provider and extras)
💡 Pro tip: Booking early (especially for July/August) can save money and secure better vans.
Fuel, Tolls & Driving Costs
Fuel Costs
France’s diesel and petrol prices fluctuate, but expect roughly €1.6–€1.8 per litre. Campervans consume more fuel than standard cars, typically 8–12 litres per 100 km, depending on size and load.
Example Fuel Budget
If you plan to travel 1,000 km in two weeks:
- Estimated fuel use: ~100–120 litres
- Estimated cost: €160–€220+
Tolls (Péages)
French highways have tolls. Campervans often pay slightly higher tolls than cars. Some typical toll costs:
- Calais ↔ Reims: ~€32
- Bordeaux ↔ Toulouse: ~€29
- Paris ↔ Strasbourg: ~€58
(Toll prices vary by route and vehicle length)
💡 Money-saving tip: Use scenic or secondary roads to avoid tolls — though travel time may increase.
Overnight Parking & Campsites
Campsite Costs
France has a huge network of campsites — from basic municipal sites to full-service holiday parks:
- Motorhome / Camper pitches: €10–€25 per night (basic)
- With electricity & full facilities: €30–€50+ per night
Prices rise in peak summer and near popular destinations.
Free & Low-Cost Options
France has thousands of aires — designated campervan stopovers with water, waste disposal, and sometimes electric hookups. Many are free or cost just a few euros.
Food & Daily Living
One of the joys of campervanning is cooking your own meals — which can significantly cut costs versus eating out every day.
Sample Food Budget (2 people, 14 days)
| Expense | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Groceries (market & supermarkets) | €250–€350 |
| Occasional meals out | €100–€200 |
| Coffee & snacks | €50–€100 |
Cooking breakfast and dinner onboard while eating lunch locally can offer a balanced experience without blowing your budget.
Insurance, Extras, & Hidden Fees
Rental Insurance
Basic insurance (Collision Damage Waiver and liability) may be included, but check carefully. Excess (the amount you pay before insurance covers damage) is often refundable for an extra fee. Expect insurance add-ons of €80–€150 for a 2-week rental.
Extras to Budget
- Bedding & kitchen kits (if not included)
- Bike racks, outdoor chairs, GPS
- One-way drop fees (if you return the van to a different city)
- Cleaning fees and late return charges
🚗 Always read the rental contract before booking — unexpected charges add up quickly.
What’s a Realistic Total Budget?
Here are two example budgets for a 14-day campervan holiday in France for two people:
Budget Trip
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rental (shoulder season) | €1,000–€1,400 |
| Fuel | €180–€250 |
| Tolls | €100–€150 |
| Campsites / Aires | €100–€200 |
| Food & Groceries | €300–€450 |
| Insurance & Extras | €100–€200 |
| Total | €1,780–€2,650 |
Comfort Trip (Peak Season)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rental (summer) | €1,800–€2,800 |
| Fuel | €220–€300 |
| Tolls | €120–€180 |
| Campsites | €250–€400 |
| Food & Meals Out | €400–€600 |
| Insurance & Extras | €150–€250 |
| Total | €3,000–€4,500+ |
These figures make campervan holidays comparable or even cheaper than traditional travel packages, especially when you factor in accommodation costs saved by cooking and parking your van.
Tips to Save Money on Your Campervan Trip
Here are practical strategies to stretch your budget:
- Travel shoulder or low season to cut rental costs drastically.
- Book early, especially for summer.
- Use free or low-cost aires instead of paid campsites.
- Cook onboard, and stock up at local markets.
- Compare rental platforms (traditional companies vs. peer-to-peer) for the best deal.
Is a Campervan Holiday Worth It?
A campervan holiday in France isn’t just about price — it’s about the experience: waking up beside vineyards, detouring to hidden beaches, and tracing history at your own pace.
For many travelers, the cost per day can be similar to or even cheaper than a car + hotel trip, with the added joys of flexibility and outdoor living.
Conclusion
So, how much does a campervan holiday in France cost?
👉 For two people over two weeks:
Expect approximately €1,800–€4,500+ depending on season, accommodation choices, travel style, and add-ons.
Whether you’re chasing the cost-efficient adventure or treating yourself to comfort with sea views and a shower onboard, understanding these costs ahead of time helps you plan a trip that’s both memorable and budget-smart.
Campervan Holiday vs Hotel + Car Rental: Which Is Cheaper in France?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether a campervan holiday is actually cheaper than a traditional trip with hotels and a rental car. The answer depends on travel style, season, and group size — but the differences are worth breaking down.
Hotel + Car Rental (2 people, 14 days)
Typical costs in France:
- Mid-range hotel (3★): €90–€150 per night
- Car rental (compact): €35–€60 per day
- Fuel & tolls: €250–€400
- Eating out most meals: €40–€60 per person per day
Estimated total cost:
- Accommodation: €1,260–€2,100
- Car rental: €500–€800
- Food: €1,000–€1,500
- Transport extras: €300–€400
👉 Total: €3,000–€4,800+
Campervan Holiday (2 people, 14 days)
- Campervan rental: €1,000–€2,800
- Campsites / aires: €100–€400
- Food (mostly self-catering): €300–€600
- Fuel & tolls: €300–€450
👉 Total: €1,800–€4,500
Key takeaway:
A campervan holiday is usually cheaper or comparable for couples and families, especially outside peak summer. The biggest savings come from accommodation and food, while the biggest risk of overspending comes from peak-season rental prices.
How Costs Change by Region in France
France is incredibly diverse, and where you travel has a direct impact on your budget. Below is a realistic breakdown by region.
Southern France (Provence, Côte d’Azur)
- Campsites: €25–€45 per night
- Fuel usage: higher due to hills and longer distances
- Food prices: slightly above national average
This is one of the most expensive regions, especially in July and August. However, traveling in May, June, or September can cut costs by 20–30%.
Atlantic Coast (Brittany, Vendée, Landes)
- Campsites: €15–€30 per night
- Excellent free aires near beaches
- Moderate fuel consumption
One of the best-value regions for campervanning, with plenty of coastal roads and affordable food.
Normandy & Northern France
- Lower campsite prices (€10–€25)
- Shorter driving distances
- Affordable local markets
Ideal for shorter trips and travelers entering France from the UK.
French Alps
- Fuel costs higher due to mountain driving
- Campsites often seasonal
- Incredible scenery, but fewer free parking options
Best suited for experienced campervan travelers who plan routes carefully.
Common Mistakes That Increase Campervan Costs
Many travelers overpay simply because they underestimate certain aspects of campervan travel. Here are the most common budget mistakes — and how to avoid them.
Booking Too Late for Peak Season
July and August rentals sell out fast. Late bookings often force travelers into:
- Larger, more expensive vans
- Limited pickup locations
- Higher insurance excess
Solution: Book 4–6 months in advance for summer travel.
Ignoring Toll Costs
Campervans often fall into higher toll categories than cars. A long motorway route can easily add €100–€200 to your budget.
Solution: Mix toll roads with scenic alternatives where possible.
Paying for Campsites Every Night
Many first-time travelers assume campsites are mandatory. In reality, France’s aires system allows legal, low-cost overnight stops.
Solution: Alternate paid campsites with free or low-cost aires.
Overpacking and Oversizing the Van
Larger vans:
- Cost more to rent
- Use more fuel
- Cost more on toll roads
Solution: Choose the smallest van that meets your needs.
Is a Campervan Holiday in France Suitable for First-Timers?
Yes — and France is one of the best countries in Europe for first-time campervan travel.
Reasons include:
- Excellent road infrastructure
- Clear campervan signage
- Thousands of official overnight areas
- Camper-friendly culture
First-time travelers often worry about:
- Finding legal parking
- Waste disposal
- Driving large vehicles
In practice, these are well supported across France, especially compared to other European countries.
How to Plan a Cost-Efficient Campervan Route
Route planning plays a major role in total cost. Efficient routes reduce fuel use, tolls, and campsite expenses.
Cost-Efficient Route Tips
- Avoid zig-zagging across the country
- Focus on one region per week
- Combine coastal and inland stops
- Stay longer in fewer places
A well-planned route can reduce total costs by 10–20% without sacrificing experience.
Final Verdict: Is a Campervan Holiday in France Worth the Cost?
A campervan holiday in France offers a rare balance of freedom, flexibility, and financial control.
While upfront rental costs may seem high, the ability to:
- Combine transport and accommodation
- Cook your own meals
- Choose free or low-cost overnight stops
means that total costs often remain competitive — or even cheaper — than traditional travel.
Who Benefits Most?
- Couples traveling outside peak season
- Families splitting rental costs
- Slow travelers who value flexibility
Who Might Spend More?
- Last-minute summer travelers
- Those choosing luxury motorhomes
- Travelers relying solely on paid campsites
Conclusion
So, how much does a campervan holiday in France cost?
For two people traveling for two weeks, a realistic budget falls between:
👉 €1,800 and €4,500+, depending on season, region, and travel style.
With smart planning, France remains one of Europe’s best-value destinations for campervan travel, offering unforgettable experiences without requiring a luxury budget.
