The Gorges du Verdon: cliffs and turquoise waters
In the heart of Provence, the road winding through the Gorges du Verdon is a constant delight. The limestone cliffs rise majestically above turquoise waters, and every bend reveals a new angle of this spectacular canyon. The hilltop villages, secluded little chapels and picturesque ports on Lake Sainte-Croix add a charming and authentic touch to the adventure. The Verdon is an invitation to slow down, to take the time to contemplate nature, or to try your hand at more dynamic activities such as kayaking, climbing or hiking along the scenic trails.
After a day of exploring, it’s time to park your motorhome in spots designed for travellers, with all the necessary comforts:
- Camping Terra Verdon: A family-friendly 5-star campsite at the gateway to the canyon, offering spacious pitches for motorhomes, electrical hook-ups, modern sanitary facilities, a water park and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It is the perfect stopover for combining relaxation, leisure and adventure.
- RCN les Collines de Castellane: Perched on the sunny hillsides above Castellane, this campsite offers panoramic pitches for motorhomes, with electricity and water, comfortable toilet blocks and on-site catering. It provides the perfect setting for admiring the Verdon at sunset or for planning the next leg of your journey.
Come evening, lulled by the calm of the canyon and the scents of Provence, you let yourself be carried away by the surrounding silence and already imagine the next part of the road trip, heading for the volcanoes of Auvergne, ready to discover new, breathtaking landscapes.
The Volcano Route in Auvergne
As you leave Provence for Auvergne, the landscapes transform: lush green meadows, deep forests and the elegant silhouettes of the volcanoes form the perfect backdrop for a motorhome road trip. The roads wind their way through hills and valleys, offering a new panorama of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park and the chains of puys that dominate the region at every bend.
For a stopover in this fascinating region, two campsites are particularly welcoming to motorhomes, offering practical facilities (service areas, water, electricity, etc.) and a relaxing environment before setting off to explore the volcanoes:
- Huttopia Royat: Located in Royat, a stone’s throw from the Puy de Dôme, this nature campsite invites you to park your motorhome under the trees or on comfortable pitches with electricity. A service area for motorhomes is available on site, making it a perfect stopover for exploring the volcano trails before returning to relax by the pool or over a good, convivial meal.
- Camping Les Volcans: In the Lake Aydat area, this campsite offers motorhome-friendly pitches in a lush green setting, with easy access to walks around the lake or the hiking trails that criss-cross the region. It’s an excellent base after a day spent climbing a peak or walking along the ridges.
These campsites allow you to make the most of the volcanoes: a sunrise hike up a puy, a visit to Vulcania Park, or simply an evening around a campfire under a starry sky. The next day, head for Brittany and its wild coastline.
Brittany and its wild coastline
Head west towards the wild and ever-changing landscapes of Brittany. The road winds its way along the coast, through moors and past secret coves, revealing breathtaking views at every turn. The famous Pink Granite Coast features rocks sculpted by the wind and tides, white sandy beaches and colourful little ports where it’s lovely to stroll at sunset. The tides transform the coastline throughout the day, casting different light depending on the hour: soft and pastel in the morning, dazzling at midday, and flamboyant at dusk. Every bend in the road is an invitation to slow down, savour the moment or capture the landscape through your camera lens.
Campsites in the region welcome motorhomes with comfort and convenience:
- Yelloh! Village Les Mouettes: Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this campsite offers spacious pitches for motorhomes with electrical hook-ups and suitable toilet facilities. After a day exploring the coastal paths or swimming in the sea, it’s lovely to relax under the pine trees, listen to the wind in the dunes and let the children enjoy the water park or family entertainment.
- Camping Sandaya Carnac: This 4-star campsite offers motorhome pitches, modern sanitary facilities and service areas. Ideally situated near the beaches and the famous Carnac stone circles, it allows you to combine relaxation, cultural activities and exploring the coastal paths.
After a day on the coastal paths or exploring Breton villages, we set off again towards the Alps, ready to climb the great mountain passes and admire the high-altitude lakes.
The Alps and the great mountain passes
When we think of the French Alps, the image that springs to mind is one of majestic peaks, sparkling high-altitude lakes and winding passes that wind their way between deep valleys and alpine meadows. On this leg of the road trip, the roads reveal spectacular panoramas at every turn: a deep blue lake reflecting the peaks, rock faces bathed in the evening light, and green valleys where herds graze. The Alps are an ideal playground for lovers of nature and freedom, whether you’re a fan of hiking, cycling or simply spectacular scenery.
After a day spent climbing a legendary mountain pass, walking along a cliff-top path or strolling by an alpine lake, nothing is more pleasant than parking your motorhome in a welcoming spot that combines comfort, nature and a variety of activities:
- Camping Sandaya La Nublière: Situated on the shores of Lake Annecy, this 4-star campsite offers spacious pitches for motorhomes with direct access to the beach and the lake. Here, you can enjoy swimming, water sports such as paddleboarding or sailing, and a wellness area with a sauna, steam room and pools to relax in after a day of exploring. The panoramic setting between the lake and the mountains makes this an ideal stopover in the Alps, with the chance to explore the surrounding trails or cycle along the greenway to Annecy.
- Camping Les Marmottes: Located in the famous Chamonix valley, this 3-star campsite is a perfect base for motorhomes. Set on flat, partly shaded ground, it is surrounded by impressive mountains and offers a direct view of the Mont Blanc range. It is an ideal base for exploring the valley, whether on foot, by bike or by taking the cable cars up to the peaks.
In the evening, the golden light on the mountain peaks envelops the campsite, and we savour the end of this alpine journey, ready to set off again the next day for further adventures.
Conclusion
A motorhome road trip across France is much more than just a journey: it is a succession of timeless moments, where every road, every valley and every hill becomes a memory. Thanks to motorhome-friendly campsites dotted throughout the country, you can fully enjoy the freedom of the open road whilst finding a welcoming place to rest each evening. From Provence to Auvergne, from Brittany to the Alps, France reveals itself in all its diversity, ready to offer a journey that is adventurous, comfortable and unforgettable.