Motorhomes on French campsites.

[Brian Kirby]

Two bits of information for those of you visiting France this year.

Some 20% of the 8,500 French campsites have reportedly now taken advantage of a change in the campsite classification rules, under a ministerial directive, allowing the creation of dedicated motorhome (Camping-car), stopover pitches.  The new directive authorises the creation of new camping-car pitches (limited to 35M² each, so more parking places that pitches) subject to the total number created not exceeding 10% of the number of pitches authorised for the site.  These places are to be sited as close as practicable to the campsite entrance.  It seems there is no information on the whereabouts of these sites, probably best identified from publications such as Michelin “Camping France 2007”.

Working independently with their members, the FFCC (Fédération française de camping et de caravaning), has come up with a formula designed to improve the welcome, and facilities, for motorhomers at campsites.  This formula, called “Stop Accueil camping-car” provides, subject to availability, a level, stabilised or hardstanding pitch for one night only, based on occupation by a couple with a motorhome, on 520 campsites across France.  The scheme provides for toilet emptying and waste water disposal, plus fresh water fill, within the charge.  (I assume, since you are already on the site, showers and toilets will be freely accessible, but this is not specifically mentioned.)  Electricity at the normal per night rate if available/required.  Additional passengers are €1 each, children under 7 free.  Arrival to be between 18:00 and 22:00, with departure before 10:00 the next day.  If you want to extend your stay, subsequent days will be charged at the normal tariff for the season.  (No, I don’t know what happens if you leave at 10:00 and come back after 18:00 the same day!)  Charges depend on the locally allocated star rating of the site.  For one and two star sites it is €8 max; for three star sites, €10 max; and for four star sites, €13 max.  Local Taxe de séjour will be charged extra.  In this case details of the contributing sites may be downloaded from the FFCC website via this link (in French only): http://www.ffcc.fr/docs/publications/parutionsFFCC/SACC2007.pdf (68 pages, pdf document, 5.5Mb).  You’ll also need access to a map showing the French departmental names or numbers to make sense of the distribution of the sites.

[Terry Dactyl]

Please note the link to the FFCC that Brian gives has now been changed to http://www.ffcc.fr/Campeurs/Publications/Parutions_FFCC.php#P14

Terry

[BrianR]

The most likely place to find thse new facilities will be the campsite guide produced by the FFCC in conjuncton with Guide Moto Press - the "Guide Officiel Camping et Caravaning". The name is from memory only, so it may not quite be right. This is a sister publication to the similarly named aires guide. Both these guides contain a list of the "Stop Accueil Camping-cars" and details of this scheme.