🚐 Road trip by van: the best destinations in France to discover on 4 wheels
To do a road trip in a van, It's the ultimate freedom. No check-in, no schedules, just you, your van (even if hastily converted), and the roads of France. From the Breton coast to the Alpine passes, via the vineyards of Burgundy, France is a perfect playground for nomadic travelers.
You want to know Where to go van camping in France Here are the best destinations you absolutely must try.
🏔 1. The Alps – nature & wide open spaces version
Sleeping facing Mont Blanc From a wild spot in Chamonix? Yes.
Browse the roads of the Vercors with their vertiginous cliffs? Double yes.
Summer and winter alike, the Alps offer breathtaking panoramas and memorable bivouac settings.
🧭 Tip: aim for the Route Napoléon or lakes like Puncture Clamp to alternate between nature and swimming.
🌊 2. Brittany – wild, salty and perfect for the van
The climate there is unpredictable, but the atmosphere is magical:
Park your van at Pointe du Raz, the Crozon peninsula or facing the ocean at Quiberon.
Take a stroll on the GR34, the legendary coastal path.
Eat a pancake while watching the waves and take a nap wrapped in a blanket.
🧭 Tip: download the app Park4Night to find dream spots near the sea.
🍇 3. Burgundy – for epicureans on wheels
Looking for peace and quiet, fine dining and beautiful roads lined with vineyards?
Welcome to Burgundy, land of bon vivants.
Explore the wine routes around Beaune.
Park your van in a vineyard (some will welcome you for free if you buy a bottle 🍷).
Discover villages classified as Flavigny-sur-Ozerain Or Châteauneuf.
🏖 4. The Basque Coast – surf, chill & tapas
It's a classic van road trip, And for good reason:
Biarritz, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz… names that evoke iodine and coolness.
Wake up facing the waves, surfboard placed on the roof of the van.
Add some Spanish tapas to the equation and you've got bliss.
🧭 Warning: Van life is heavily monitored on the coast during the summer. Plan accordingly. official areas or spots that are a little further away.
💡 Practical tips for your van road trip
Essential apps: Park4Night, Google Maps offline, Waze
Shower and water: Campsites, petrol stations, equipped beaches
Wild camping: Yes, but discreetly, respecting nature and the locals.
Best seasons: April to October, June and September = tranquility
Fuel budget: Plan your routes in advance and select nearby spots.
❤️ Why we love van life in France
You see a different landscape every day.
You live out of time, connected to nature (and a little less to 4G).
It is a cheap trip if you manage the spots, meals and itinerary well.
You discover hidden corners you would never have gone to without your van.
Does your van take you everywhere?
Guidly, it's the 100% mobile audio guide that tells you about each region with anecdotes, tips and good deals… even without a network.
Download the app for free and turn your visit into an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
Do you need a converted van or is a regular vehicle sufficient?
Both work! Even a car with a mattress and a good-sized trunk can do the trick for a few days. The important thing is the mindset.
Can you charge your phone and have electricity?
Yes, with a auxiliary battery, a USB cigarette lighter socket, or in some campsites. Some vans are also equipped with solar panels.
