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Motorhome routes:top 10 French destinations

Motorhome routes:top 10 French destinations

You like to travel while being free to go where you want. To see wonderful natural landscapes, you don't have to go far, because in France , we are lucky to have everything within reach of a few turns of the wheel. The motorhome is not a goal in itself, but a wonderful comfortable means of transport to take you where you want, stop when you want and settle in dedicated places which are generally very friendly at the edge of a river, sea, in the countryside or in the mountains . Here are 10 destinations in France that you can do in a motorhome and at your own pace.

1 - The Arcachon basin

The Basin of Arcachon is a unique place in the world. It's a kind of small inland sea overlooking the Atlantic Ocean . The landscapes are never the same, as they change in appearance and color to the rhythm of the marshes. You can climb to the top of the Dune du Pyla to admire the Banc d’Arguin made up of golden sand and see the Tchanquées cabins on stilts next to Bird Island . On site, several spots are dedicated to motorhomes in the shade of maritime pines.

2 - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

At Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer , you will be in the heart of the Camargue. Take advantage of the wide sandy beaches and swim in the Mediterranean with clear waters in summer. You can then go and taste the "Bull Gardiane “, culinary specialty of the corner, on the terrace of one of the many small restaurants which also make the charm of the city. Also take the time to visit the fortified city of Aigues-Mortes and the salines part of the millennial heritage of our country. You can still discover many migratory birds coming to nest on the ponds. Many areas and campsites are available on site.

3 - The Bay of Somme

Nature lovers, go and visit the Bay of Somme bringing you remarkable flora and fauna in every way. At the Pointe du Hourdel , you will be able to observe many seals basking on the sand. Further north of the bay, in Marquenterre Park , you will be seduced by the migratory birds making a stopover every season at this place. In Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme , you will have a wonderful view of the bay. Go and eat fresh fish in Le Crotoy and you will also find very beautiful spots and well-equipped areas to stop in the same place.

4 - From the Gulf of Morbihan to Carnac

You will not be able to do the Gulf of Morbihan by motorhome, but you can go as far as Vannes to take a boat to visit Île-aux-Moines and its pretty village. On the other hand, you can then take long walks on the Rhuys peninsula , visit Vannes, the ria of Etel, the alignments of Carnac, the port of La Trinité-sur-Mer and follow the wild coast of Quiberon to go and taste oysters and other treasures offered by the sea. You will find on site many archaeological and architectural treasures to discover in this still secret corner and full of mysteries. There is no shortage of pleasant areas and places to stop in charming places.

5 - Alsace

If you choose to visit Alsace, opt for the circuit of the route of the Vosges ridges . You will discover a magical landscape between Cernay and the Grand Ballon des Vosges to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines . Stop at the Hohneck massif overlooking the lakes and explore the nature reserve of Tanet-Gazon-du-Faing . For cities, do not miss Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr among the most beautiful. You will see the typical houses of Alsace in the middle of the vineyards and can stroll on foot in the very flowery alleys while admiring the half-timberings of these beautiful homes. Almost every village welcomes motorhomes in beautiful areas or campsites.

6 - The castles of the Loire

Follow the history of the kings of France from the 14th and 15th centuries traveling through the Val de Loir e in a motorhome and discover the wonderful Renaissance castles, each as splendid as the next. Among the main royal castles, you can visit:

  • Amboise where Charles VII died
  • Chambord where the Treaty of Chambord was signed
  • Chenonceau who belonged to Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis
  • Chinon where Joan of Arc met Charles VII
  • Langeais where Charles VII and Anne of Brittany were married
  • Loche which was the residence of Agnès Sorel

Many other historical marvels are yet to be discovered within this superb valley. You can always park nearby and discover them a few steps from your camp.

7 - The Pink Granite Coast in Brittany

Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h , does that speak to you? Yes, these are the flagship towns of this Breton Pink Granite Coast so pretty. On site, you can take the famous coastal path and take long walks while admiring the sea and its changing colors or admire its fantastic sunsets in the evening. You can easily find a place to park at Trébeurden or at Trégastel or many free off-season spots. Go for a walk to Men Ruz Lighthouse (red stone in Breton) to have access to one of the most beautiful views in the area. In Perros-Guirec , you will discover many villas on the cliffside overlooking the sea. The center with its church, chapels and oratory is also not to be missed. Take a boat to 7 Islands to meet seabirds, penguins and sometimes gray seals.

8 - The Basque Country

The Basque Country is a place where the waves of the Atlantic Ocean meet with the rocks descending from the mountains of the Pyrenees . Long sandy beaches come to wink at you for sunbathing or surfing. Go see the Chambre d’Amour and the mythical Rock of the Virgin , eat good local dishes at one of the many restaurants in Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Pay a visit to Espelette to see many peppers hanging from the blood-red windows of typical Basque houses . Go to the Spanish border to do some shopping and soak up the unique and special atmosphere of the "venta ". You can stop in one of the many motorhome areas, a campsite or even a camping farm and taste authentic cuisine while sharing a good time with your hosts.

9 - The Etang de Thau

Between the Canal du Midi and the Mont Saint-Clair of Sète , discover this unique site between the sea and landscapes of vines. You can stop at Marseillan and taste the fish caught of the day on the terrace of a restaurant in the shade of a plane tree. In Mèze, as in Sète , you will attend marine jousting in the good season. In Bouzigues , you will taste oysters with an unparalleled nutty taste. To Balaruc , you can have a spa treatment or simply park in one of the very well placed and equipped motorhome areas. You can also walk on the water of the pond and discover the "country" of Brassens like you've never seen it before. In the evening, you will witness fantastic sunsets in pinks, reds, yellows and blues in a thousand ways.

10 - The Vermilion Coast

If you like heat, sun, the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees , then head for La Côte Vermeille . From Argelès-sur-Mer to the Spanish border , you will discover fabulous panoramas between sea and mountains. Stop at Collioure to admire its fortified port and its pretty beach surrounded by small restaurants with shaded terraces. Taste fresh anchovies in Port-Vendres or a good parillada of fish catches of the day. Then go to the border, stopping as much as possible to admire these remarkable viewpoints offering you a grandiose and still wild landscape. You will find many spots to stop as well as areas and campsites. Take advantage of this trip to taste a zarzuela or a good paella at the border.

France is a beautiful country with landscapes as varied as they are splendid. In addition to these ten destinations, you can discover many others. Just follow your desires and your curiosity to find them. In any case, know that there are many areas ready to welcome you as well as camping farms and other structures, each as charming as the next.