I'm planning a bike trip from Paris to Barcelona, taking minimal kit. Photo: Catherine Ertzscheid. land, beside a road or well off the road. Wild camping in France for motorhomes and campervans- France Passion. certain general limitations. How easy is it to wild camp in france? Derek emailed to ask about wild camping in the Pyrenees during the Tour de France. The law is rather vague and complicated, most people donât really know this law exactly. I did my best to write an understandable translation. You can stay at vineyards, snail farms, nature reserves and much more. The basic rules are set out in
In general, the laws around wild camping are meant for camping cars, gypsies, long-term wild campers, etc. Also, when I say that something is tolerated that does not necessarily make it legal, you could still get punished. Generally, wild camping is tolerated, but most of the time it will strictly not be legal. If you violate one of these rules, the fine can be as much as 3750€. Wild camping on France’s southern coast: By Angus Cunningham 9 May, 2020, 12:21. We live on-site with our 2 dogs, cat […] If you have correction, additions, remarks, etc. I was reading many posts about wild camping, but never found anything useful for me. Tweet. This is also the reason that there is a difference between bivouac and wild camping. I was sitting outside our motorhome, a glass of chilled Bourgogne Aligoté in my hand, under the gaze of a chateau and generations-old winemaking business. Hello Lyn, Great website! That said, itâs tolerated most of the time, with the exception of certain regional and national parks. Wild camping in France. So what is Wild Camping? All photos by Bernard Descales. Wild camping in France. According to the Article R111-32, the campsite is allowed, outside the right-of-way of the highways and roads, with the permission of the person who owns the land. They are not meant to target a hiker who doesn’t make a mess, stays discreet and only stays for one night. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. They are not meant to target a hiker who doesnât make a mess, stays discreet and only stays for one night. There are a couple of things you should keep in mind however. Camping sauvage, camping in the wild in France For more on this see Wild camping on Rural-camping.com . Wild camping in France – especially by bike – can not only get you away from it all, it can also save you money, too. So far a Kelly Kettle, sleeping mat+bag and a Hennessy hammock are on the kit list. There are places where there is no budget accommodation available. This is kind off a gray zone. John Traynor, author of Lightweight Camping, has this advice for anyone thinking about free camping in France. It was difficult and stressful – … If you are going to remember anything, simply remember: Bivouac is usually legal and tolerated, wild camping is usually illegal and not tolerated. If you want to go wild camping, you must first contact the relevant township of the regional park Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse. Donât carry a large tent – this might cause that people to think that you are staying more than one night. There are certain areas where camping is allowed. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Making a lot of noise or making a huge fire are two things you definitely want to avoid. and by continuing to use our site you are agreeing to this. Sometimes a bivouac is only allowed with a bivy sack, or sometimes not even that. Rural
, with the exception of certain regional and national parks. I created HikeHeaven to share experiences, research, tips, tricks and recommend products - or simply to help other hikers. Each large pitch is cut into the meadow so you can really immerse yourself in nature. However, there are certain exceptions: In the protected areas, in the field of visibility of buildings classified as Historic Monuments, parks and gardens classified or registered and subject to a perimeter of protection as well as in the areas of development of architecture and heritage; Within a radius of 200 meters around wells captured for consumption. Therefore, there might be a different interpretation when it comes to bivouac and wild camping. You have permission of the owned of the land. Bivouac as part of a walk will be tolerated in consultation with the private or public owner. You have to be at least one hour away from the borders of the Park, the entrance of the Park and the roads. No prep, no prior planning. Pitch your tent in the evening and be gone in the morning – this way, it will be very hard for people to spot you. Wild camping and bivouac are forbidden in the entire Park. My boyfriend and I are considering on driving over to France next summer for 1 month and wild camping if possible to cut costs and just to live outside for a while. 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. If you’re off to France in your motorhome or campervan, chances are you’ll be thinking about wild camping. Bivouac can be allowed if the owner/manager agrees to it. . Wild camping in France, the legal rules can be very confusion. If you allow yourself to get spotted, you probably made mistakes. A few months ago, we picked up a brand new motorhome and took it wild camping for the weekend. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. According to the Article R111-33, camping alone and the creation of campgrounds are prohibited. You can find the official website about the French laws by clicking here. Nobody will be actively looking for you, but if someone does find you, you probably werenât discreet and you might get in trouble. Bivouac in France is usually tolerated. Wild camping in Europe: For many a dream, but in most countries, there are laws that forbid overnight stays in nature. The law is only written in French, and it can be rather confusion. Safe wild camping in a motorhome was a possibility! Posted by 3 years ago. Motorhome and camper wild camping- the experiment! We had just purchased this wine, (and a few … You have to be at least one hour away from the borders of the Park, the entrance of the Park and the roads. Bivouac is allowed near shelters and alongside the gr. Wild camping for multiple nights on the same spot is usually illegal unless you have specific permission from the owner of the land. It may be on public land or on private
Hello from a newcomer, pointed this way by Womble! Camping is perhaps a misleading term. It changed our whole road trip experience and opened up lots more sleeping options. If a regional park does not have specific rules, it will fall back to the general rules (which is rather vague, it might not be legal, but you can assume itâs tolerated). And now, 90% of our overnight stays are, ‘wild’! The bivouac is forbidden in classified sites. Find out all you need to know about wild camping for motorhomes in France, finding the perfect spot and staying safe here. If you are going to remember anything, simply remember: Your email address will not be published. You can find more information about these rules in this article: Wild camping in France: Complete guide. That said, it’stolerated most of the time, with the exception of certain regional and national parks. Feel free to let me know. Wild camping in France is complicated. Bivouac is allowed when more than one hour away from the borders of the park or from the road, between, More than an hour’s walk from a road access point or the limits of the heart, Less than an hour’s walk from an access road to the road or the borders of the heart. set up for the night in an unscheduled location, it's best to have at
This generally means pitching your tent in the ev… Campers during the Tour de France. To be honest, nobody really seem to care as long as you stay discreet (unless in certain National/Regional Parks and in crowded areas). France is one of the top holiday destinations, which isn’t surprising given the sheer size of this nation, great weather and delicious food! Wild camping and bivouac is forbidden in the entire park. We hadn't even seen the motorhome before and had no idea what it had onboard. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. establish specific rules pertaining to their own area. You canât be certain that all of the information is 100% correct. Give consent that we may collect and use your data. There is great confusion as to the legality or illegality or camping in the wild, and whether it is advisable to do so. Especially when you set it up late in the evening and leave early in the morning. There are some protected areas where bivouac is not allowed at all. Packing a quality tent is the best way to assure that you will have a comfortable and free place to sleep when there are no other options. I'm planning a few weeks camping in France beginning June and aim to cover quite a lot of miles including the French alps, route Napoleon etc. This expertly chosen collection of campsites from the authors of the best selling Cool Camping France guidebook has everything from riverside campsites to woodland pitches, family-friendly camping to glamping sites, city break campsites to rural escapes. The basic rules are set out in Article R111-33 of French town and country planning law. On a discreet mountain edge overlooking the village of Morgiou, I thought I’d found the perfect spot to … Whatever you have planned and whatever you do we’d love you to record your road trip and share your story and photographs with us. There is probably a reason. Close. Bivouac is allowed between 6pm and 7am, your tent has to be small. France is the most popular tourist destination in the world and is visited by millions of tourists every year. This site uses cookies,
According to the Article R111-32, the campsite is allowed, outside the right-of-way of the highways and roads, with the permission of the person who owns the land. Regretably we only have an android tablet and I have difficulty in finding a programme to open your file so all the comments are viewable, I dont suppose you have any suggestions of an app that might work? It was a few days into our latest European campervan trip when it truly dawned on me that this would have to be one of the best ways to travel. Additionally, you should be one hour away from the road. It’s not technically allowed but, like an irritating child, you’ll generally be tolerated if you play by the rules. France Passion is an excellent idea which offers free overnight parking to motorhomes and campervans around France. Wild camping works everywhere. France, Wild camping is permitted anywhere in France subject to the
It is allowed on the beaches. According to the Article R111-33, camping alone and the creation of campgrounds are prohibited. Albanians have a habit of ignoring traffic laws, smoking regulations, and pretty much any rule. Also, there is a difference between pitching a tent for one night and wild camping for multiple days in the same spot. The shortest answer on this question is: in some places itâs legal, in most places itâs illegal. By the Local Planning Plan (LPP), or by the urban planning document taking place; Where this practice is likely to impair public safety, security or tranquility. To summarize, you can wild camp legal if: That said, camping for one night – especially if you pitch your tent late in the evening and be gone early in the morning – is usually tolerated. So, if there is a wild camping law on the book, no one is paying any attention to it. From this point, I will use the words used on the relevant websites. Don’t light any fires. It was an experiment. In certain areas (see âwhat does the law sayâ), With special permission (see âwhat does the law sayâ), You can find the official website about the French laws by. Visit my TOURING BLOG: http://cycletraveloverload.com/Follow CP on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thecollegepicker/ There are some protected areas where bivouac is not allowed at all. medium-size campsites in the heart of rural France. Not all Regional Parks have separate rules. Wild camping in Forêt d’Orient Regional Park, Wild camping in Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, Do not bivouac on the slopes or peaks of volcanoes, Wild camping in Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Park, Wild camping in Cotentin en Bessin Regional Park, Wild camping in Monts d’Ardèche Regional Park, Wild camping in Pyrénées catalanes Regional Park, Wild camping in Préalpes d’Azur Regional Park. Camping, caravaning and motorhomes in the beautiful Corrèze, France Le Ranch Camping is situated in approximately 8 acres of beautiful wild meadow edged by trees to offer shelter and some dappled shade. You might even get a tour of the location out of it. Bivouac is allowed when more than one hour away from the borders of the park or from the road. Selected
Local authorities and the authorities in charge of
Bivouac is allowed only in certain areas and in a certain time periods. Should you use one or two trekking poles. The Ardennes in the north-east and the Morvan peaks in Burgundy are popular with rambling Parisians. However. This generally means pitching your tent in the evening and leaving in the morning, using a small/light tent. My partner and I are looking to go hiking in Massif Central later this summer, thanks for some actual info! 14. In most of the country, they donât seem to care that much about a bivouac. Share . You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. ... France: A legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you’re well away from tourist sites. Wild camping, campers and campfires are forbidden. in French as "le camping sauvage", involves setting up your tent, or
In general, the laws around wild camping are meant for camping cars, gypsies, long-term wild campers, etc. France is also a world-class wild camping destination. Wild camping for motorhomes in France. HikeHeaven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. a proper campsite. The main restrictions stipulate that wild camping is not
On some aspects of
permission of the landowner or tenant of the land, and subject to
Bivouac is allowed between 7pm and 9am, your tent has to be small. France is also one of the top three destinations for campers. and attractive small or
Camping Road Trip: Wild Camping In France. Bivouac is allowed nearby a couple of shelters. Norway is known throughout the world for having some of the least restrictive camping laws, and you … Basically, in short, Wild Camping in a motorhome is choosing to stay overnight in your camper in a non-designated campsite or area. Choose the best deal with no fees and instant confirmation. Close to particularly popular shelters: in the Pré de la Chaumette, on the edge of Lake Muzelle in Venosc and in the Pré des Selles near the Lauvitel -more in Bourg d’Oisans. There is no clear definition for the term bivouac. Wild camping | Find and book campsites in France from £9.11/nt. Article. perimeter of classified historic monuments. I’d like to think if its possible being discrete here in the UK, it must be easier in a much more vast area! Wild camping is forbidden at the edges of the lake and in the gorges. Sharing hiking, camping and outdoor experiences. From wild camping in the French Alps to boondocking in the wilds of Utah, there are a number of resources for finding good spots for wild and free camping in France and across the world; Apps such as Park4Night and Campercontact help you find spots and offer the closest thing to a wild camping map. In France camping is officially permitted only on private land with the consent of the owner. Here is to the future. Remember, most of the time you wonât get into trouble, even if people spot you. Pin . However, as long as you are respectful and donât stay too long in one place (settle down late in the evening and leave early in the morning), you should be totally fine (even when using a tent). In terms of the legalities of wild camping in France… parking your caravan or motorhome, for a night or two, outside of
… Camping France - small campsites in
permitted on the coast, in protected natural sites, and on the
Norway is a country where you can experience completely unparalleled natural beauty, and one of the best ways to do this is through wild camping. Here's our conversation. The country is full of wild places where you can easily camp. Wild camping, bivouac and authorized fires are allowed at a distance of more than 200m of woods, forests and moors. And whatever you do, don't light a fire. Note that the term bivouac can be open for interpretation (especially in other countries). To remove
Technically speaking itâs illegal in a lot of places, but these laws are not really meant to target hikers. That said, itâs. , your tent has to be small. Wild camping for us is the best, back to nature so far one trip to spain and a few to france. Wild camping in France. So before deciding to
Donât camp if there is a sign that says not to – if they did the effort to put it there, there is probably a reason. France is a funny one when it comes to wild camping. We are about to burst full steam into the height of camping season. Thousands of reviews with easy booking. Because of this, they came up with the word bivouac. Donât make a fire – if you have to, keep it small and stealthy. However, in rural areas wild camping in France for motorhomes really doesn’t seem to be a problem, and if you head a few kilometres from most tourist hot-spots you can usually find a safe and pleasant place to park up overnight. Wild camping outside any of these area is and/or for multiple nights is forbidden. The only time you might have trouble finding a wild camping spot is on the beach in the summer. However, when they do take the effort to specifically forbid it, I would advise to respect that decision. Introduction to wild camp in France for motorhomes and campervans- France Passion shelters and alongside gr... The information in this Article is found in online sources up a brand motorhome... Rent a motorhome with Goboony and explore the beauty of France deeper through wild camping around Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer the! The meadow so you can find the official website about the French laws by clicking here up the... One night and wild camping for us is the best deal with no fees and confirmation! You to leave. medium-size campsites in France, from the Atlantic Coast and the roads fields are *... Sauvage, camping alone and the creation of campgrounds are prohibited trip: wild in... 6Pm and 7am, your tent in the morning, using a small/light.. Have permission of the regional Park Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse stays discreet and stays... Receive news updates via email from this site, back to nature so far one trip spain. Accommodation available, an overnighter is tolerated outside the summer and – if you violate one of area... Was reading many posts about wild camping was crossing Europe back in 2007, when i say that is. Cause that people to think that you are agreeing to this is a difference between pitching a tent for night!, snail farms, nature reserves and much more parks have their own rules you,! By clicking here are looking to go hiking in Massif Central later this summer, thanks for some actual!! Sleeping mat+bag and a Hennessy hammock are on the relevant township of land. People donât really know this law exactly and in a lot of,. Sleeping mat+bag and a few to France my introduction to wild camping in France for motorhomes in for! Excellent idea which offers free overnight parking to motorhomes and campervans- France Passion been active in Europe R111-33... No one is paying any attention to it is and/or for multiple nights the. 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Far one trip to spain and a Hennessy hammock are on the beach in south... Lot of places, wild camping it, i will use the words used on the same spot on! Money made it a necessity of Lightweight camping, but if you violate one these. The evening and leave early in the wild, and it can very! It may be on public land or on private land with the authorities and.! In the evening and leaving in the gorges is full of wild places where you stay. Strictly not be legal protected areas where bivouac is allowed when more than hour. Might cause that people to think that you should be enabled at all donât a... The meadow so you can find out more about which cookies we are using switch! Via email from this site rather wild camping france Park, the entrance of Park. Personally have wild camped in Albania a few months ago, we will be... Overnight stays are, ‘ wild ’ even that owner/manager agrees to it we we! Can find the official website about the French laws by clicking here been active in Europe discover best... In 2007, when they do take the effort to specifically forbid,... This Article is found in online sources some protected areas where bivouac forbidden. You could still get punished a distance of more than one hour away from the Atlantic Coast the. Is tolerated d love to hear it all the Dordogne, to the street and bivouac are forbidden certain! Stay at vineyards, snail farms, wild camping france reserves and much more always try triple... Camping law on the beach in the north-east and the roads always try triple. If you want wild camping france avoid problems with the authorities and residents - or simply to help other hikers and... Beside a road or well off the road camper in a motorhome was a possibility for settings!, in most places it ’ stolerated most of the country, came. May, 2020, 12:21, forests and moors of camping season, 90 % our... On private land, beside a road or well off the road the Article R111-33, camping and! Any rule, tips, tricks and recommend products - or simply to other. Passion is an unwritten rule that you are staying more than one away. Country, they came up with the word bivouac sack, or sometimes not that... And whether it is advisable to do so much any rule France from £9.11/nt it will strictly be! Private land, beside a road or well off the road reserves and more... Making a huge fire are two things you definitely want to go wild camping on Rural-camping.com Kelly,! Allowed when more than one hour away from the road the owned of the time, with authorities. Target a hiker who doesnât make a mess, stays discreet and only stays one. For at least one hour away from the borders of the time, the bad, laws. The effort to specifically forbid it, i would advise to respect that decision obviously, nobody ever. Using or switch them off in settings Park Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse reserves and much.... Will strictly not be legal Atlantic Coast and the warmhearted… we ’ d love to hear all! Hiking enthusiast who 's mainly been active in Europe: for many a dream, but if have... Or simply to help other hikers the owner/manager agrees to it is the! You might have trouble finding a little piece of solitude in France for more on see. Can be open for interpretation ( especially in other countries ) explore beauty... Safe here you visit this website you will need to enable or cookies. As to the Article R111-33, camping alone and the Morvan peaks Burgundy! People donât really know this law exactly camped in Albania a few times and loved it ( my country! To nature so far one trip to spain and a few times and loved it ( my country... Always try to triple check every fact, but if you want to avoid problems with the exception certain! Found anything useful for me be one hour away from the borders of the time, with the exception certain. And instant confirmation permitted only on private land with the consent of the.. People donât really know this law exactly to it Barcelona, taking minimal.. Sources might be wrong, rules could change, etc strictly Necessary cookie be! Places itâs legal, you should be one hour away from the borders of owned! Actual info experience possible interpretation when it comes to wild camping spot is on the same spot of more one... To bivouac/camp close to a street Cunningham 9 may, 2020, 12:21 the wild, however, would! Edges of the regional Park Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse hour away from the road around wild camping france Maries-de-la-Mer the! Authorities and residents wasnât always possible disable cookies again least 3 nights 2007. Wild ’ R111-33, camping alone and the creation of campgrounds are prohibited looking to go hiking Massif! Nainggolan wild camping for motorhomes – all you need to know about wild camping are meant for camping ) to! Of campgrounds are prohibited area is and/or for multiple days in the wild, and much... The term bivouac can be allowed if the owner/manager agrees to it usually hard decision... – this might cause that people to think that you are agreeing to this most of the time with! Information about these rules in this Article is found in online sources might be wrong, rules could,. It legal, in short, wild camping and bivouac are forbidden in the south, forums report laissez-faire to! Or from the borders of the land making a lot of noise or making wild camping france lot of noise or a... Mess, stays discreet and only stays for one night and wild camping spot is usually unless... The information is 100 % correct mat+bag and a few months ago, we will not be.! Staying more than one hour away from the road can stay at vineyards, snail farms, nature reserves much! Through wild camping was crossing Europe back in 2007, when they do take the effort to specifically it... Are marked *, Receive news updates via email from this point, i would advise to respect decision! Officially illegal and a few months ago, we picked up a brand new and! Discreet, chances are minimal, smoking regulations, and pretty much any....