Van road trip in mainland France
You’ve tasted van life freedom in Réunion. Here’s how to keep the adventure going on the roads of France — and our top pick to find the perfect van.
You’ve just spent a week, two weeks or a month driving across Réunion in a van. The volcano, the cirques, the coastal roads, nights under the stars at Pas de Bellecombe… And now you’re heading back to France with one question on your mind: can you find that same feeling back home?
The answer is yes. And here’s exactly how to do it.
Why keep travelling by van in mainland France?
Van life is a mindset. Everything you loved in Réunion — the freedom to stop when the view is stunning, to sleep where nature calls, to set off in the morning without stress — it all exists on the roads of France too.
Mainland France is one of the most varied countries in Europe: ocean to the west and south, mountains to the east and south, countryside, forests, vineyards, hilltop villages… All of it is infinitely better experienced from a van than from a hotel room.
No need to book six months ahead, no suitcase to drag around, no airport taxi to catch. Just the road, your home on wheels, and the freedom to change plans at the last minute.
The same freedom of movement, landscapes just as spectacular (just different), and the bonus of a well-developed van life infrastructure: motorhome service areas, water points, community spots shared on dedicated apps.
The most beautiful road trips across France
There’s no shortage of options. France offers dozens of legendary road trips depending on what you’re looking for:
The Atlantic Coast (Brittany → Basque Country) — From Breton crêperies to Basque pintxos, hugging the ocean for 1,500 km. Dunes du Pilat, Île d’Oléron, Créac’h lighthouse… A classic that never disappoints.
The Alps and the Route des Grandes Alpes — From Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, 700 km of legendary mountain passes (Galibier, Izoard, Bonette). For mountain lovers, this is the ultimate road trip.
Provence and the Côte d’Azur — Lavender fields, calanques, perched villages, Provençal markets. Best done in spring or early autumn to avoid the crowds.
The Pyrenees from Atlantic to Mediterranean — Wilder than the Alps, less crowded. Cirque de Gavarnie, Pic du Midi, authentic villages of the inner Basque Country.
Avoid July–August if possible for the Côte d’Azur and coastal Brittany — bivouac spots get saturated. September–October is often the best time: golden light, fewer people, temperatures still pleasant.
Our tips for planning your road trip
A van road trip in mainland France requires a slightly different approach from Réunion. A few things to keep in mind:
Overnight spots
Use Park4Night or Campercontact to find the best free or paid spots along your route.
Temperatures
Mountain nights can be cool even in summer. Pack an extra layer compared to what you needed in Réunion.
Fuel
In rural areas, petrol stations can be few and far between. Top up whenever you drop below a quarter tank.
Flexibility
Don’t over-plan. The best discoveries happen when you stop somewhere you hadn’t planned to.
Connectivity
In mountain areas, signal can be patchy. Download your maps offline before you set off.
Showers
Municipal campsites, public swimming pools and supervised beaches are great options for staying clean on the road.
Réunion taught us to travel differently. Coming back to mainland France and finding that same van life mindset — it’s extending the adventure long after the plane lands.
Finding your van in France: we have the perfect recommendation
For your next stay in mainland France, we’ve chosen VAN-IT as our trusted partner. Their speciality: renting fitted campervans so you can explore France at your own pace.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend in the Alps, a family road trip around Brittany or a full tour of France, VAN-IT offers well-equipped vans — with the same level of comfort you enjoyed here in Réunion.
A fleet of fitted vans ready to go, a passionate team that knows the roads by heart, and the same philosophy as us: putting freedom at the centre of travel. Perfect for keeping the van life spirit alive long after leaving Réunion.
VAN-IT
Campervan rental in mainland France. Well-equipped vans, a passionate team, and all of France to explore — Brittany, the Alps, Provence, the Pyrenees… Rediscover van freedom, wherever the road takes you.
Planning your next stay in Réunion?
The van adventure in Réunion is always waiting for you. Book your fitted campervan and head back to explore the volcano, the cirques and the roads of the intense island.
Book my van in Réunion →
