Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you're well away from tourist sites
. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don't light a fire.
Is wild camping allowed in the Alps?
If you're looking for a more adventurous camping experience, then you're probably looking for the rules around free camping in the Alps. The bad news, is technically
wild camping in the French Alps is not allowed under French law, unless permission has been granted from the land owner
.
Can you wild camp on Mont Blanc?
Wild Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Wild camping is a little different in Europe
. It's not like Mont Blanc Massif is just one big clump of public land where you can pitch tent as you please. Wild camping rules are different in all 3 countries.
Is wild camping allowed in Germany?
Wild camping is prohibited in Germany
. If you simply pitch your tent in a German forest, you risk receiving a fine of up to 500 euros or even more if you do so with a camper van. It is even possible to camp here: Ferropolis is an open-air museum near Dessau.
Is wild camping allowed in Switzerland?
Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is allowed in Switzerland
. However, this does not apply in all regions, there are a few exceptions here as well as in every country which should be considered in order not to get in trouble with the authorities and residents.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in France?
Bed and bread
Wherever you park, you are always allowed to eat in your motorhome
. Picnicking at the side of a public road – even in a car park – is not permitted though. This could even get you into trouble with the police. As regards to overnight parking, you can simply stay in a car park.
Can you camp for free in France?
An aire is a low cost or free private camping area in France
. Often, they are run by the local town council. There are various names for this type of camping, though aire de service is by far the most common.
Can I camp on my own land in France?
Wild camping is permitted anywhere in France subject to the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land, and subject to certain general limitations
. The basic rules are set out in Article R111-33 of French town and country planning law.
Where can I camp in Tour du Mont Blanc?
- CAMPING LE PONTET. Located about 2km past Les Contamines, this is a lovely campsite and gîte with clean facilities and reasonable prices. …
- WILD CAMPING NEAR REFUGE LES MOTTETS. …
- ALBERGO LE MARMOTTE IN COURMAYEUR. …
- LE PEULE. …
- CAMPING LES ROCAILLES. …
- LE PEUTY.
Is Tour du Mont Blanc hard?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is for sure a stunningly beautiful trek but
it isn't easy
and each day you will experience some challenging terrain. The Tour du Mont Blanc is physically demanding, you will be travelling over rugged and mountainous terrain with a sustained amount of ascent and descent on a daily basis.
Where can I sleep Tour du Mont Blanc?
Where can you stay on the Tour du Mont Blanc? You can do the entire hike by staying in
hostels and refugios
– which is great if you're on a budget. The refugios typically have dormitory style rooms and from what I've read you can usually just phone ahead a night or two for a room.
Can you tent camp in the Alps?
In general, though, you'll find very limited tenting options in the Alps. The vast majority of trekkers do not tent; they stay in huts. I believe the ethic is that
tenting is permitted in some areas, as long as you stay out of sight and away from trails, huts, lakes, private property, and the like
.
How do you do wild camping?
The wild camping code:
Leave no trace
Litter
— this goes without saying, but ensure you collect all your rubbish and take it with you. Walk the site slowly before leaving to check that nothing is missed. Leave the site as you found it – don't leave holes, fire damage, litter, and take care not to damage vegetation.
Can you wild camp in Europe?
However,
in most countries wild camping in Europe is tolerated if you keep a low profile
. Be sure to avoid tourist areas, beaches and mostly national parks for wild camping.
Can I sleep in my car in Germany?
Since
it is legal in Germany to sleep in your car / van
, you can sleep anywhere you want. If you do not mind the noise, you can just use a “Parkplatz” (parking area) right next to the Autobahn.
Can you park a campervan anywhere in Germany?
Overnight parking in Germany in a motorhome is permitted
. What is this? This means you must not place anything outside your vehicle, or you will be ‘camping' and this is illegal.
Where can I camp in Germany?
- Adventure Camp Schnitzmühle. East Bavaria, Bavaria, South East Germany. …
- Hirzberg Camping. Baden-Württemberg, South West Germany. …
- Campingplatz Jena. Bavaria, South East Germany. …
- Naturcamping Vulkaneifel. …
- Camping Zellersee. …
- Hüttenpalast. …
- Thorwaldblick. …
- Uhlenköper.
Is Switzerland campervan friendly?
Unfortunately, you can't just park your motorhome and spend the night on any beautiful spot along the road in Switzerland.
You may only do so on designated campings and camper sites
. Plan your route in advance and check which sites are available.
Can I sleep in my car in Switzerland?
It is generally not permitted to stay overnight in a car on a public parking lot
. It is therefore recommended to find a campground or any other accommodation where you can spend the night. In some regions, sleeping for one night in the car is tolerated. You can ask at the local police station for more information.
Where can I go wild camping in Switzerland?
- Wild camping on Route 1 Via Alpina.
- Wild camping on Route 4, just out of Bern.
- Trail sign on National Route 4.
- Route 3 Alpine Panorama Trail. Moleson-sur-Gruyeres.
- Mount Niesen 2362m. …
- A view of the Alps on Route 57. …
- An example of the Swiss Mobility App map.
- WildCamped above Isleten.
Can you sleep overnight in French motorway services?
Can you stay overnight in an ‘aire de service' on a French motorway?
Yes, often it is allowed
. They often have specific motorhome parking areas and there will be an allowed time you are allowed to stay for.
Can I drive my motorhome through France?
Rules and regulations when driving a motorhome in France
The rules and regulations are broadly the same as when you're driving a car
. Make sure you've got your passport, driving licence, V5 ownership papers and insurance documents. Fluorescent tabards and warning triangles are a must in case you break down.
How long can you stay on an Aire in France?
The general rule is that you can stay for
a maximum of 48 hours
. There are so many motorhome stopovers dotted around the country that it can seem difficult to travel more than a few miles off the motorway without bumping into one.
How much does it cost to camp in France?
Prices can be around
32€ or 40€ per night for four people
. Four-star campsites: private washing cubicles with hot water, dish-washing and clothes-washing sinks with hot water, pitches over 80m2, tarred roads within the site, food stores on campsite or close by. Prices can go from 20€ to 50€ per night for four people.
Can you have a campfire in France?
The sight and smell of smoke from smouldering garden waste in the countryside in France is not uncommon, but
the use of domestic bonfires to eliminate waste is generally outlawed
. The practice is prohibited both for health reasons and for the potential nuisance that it causes to neighbours.
Can you wild camp with a caravan in France?
The answer is
yes, the French government does allow wild camping
… with some caveats. These are: You must have permission from the landowner. You cannot wild camp with a motorhome or camper on the French coast.
