Camping-Car Park Aires
A few years ago we began to notice a change to Aires in France. Both former Aires, along with brand new locations of stopovers were often becoming part of the Camping-Car Park Aires system.
To be honest, we weren’t really sure what they were or how to use them. What we did know, was that these were sometimes locations where we remember staying in the past, on what used to be traditional, basic style Aires.
It was inevitable we were going to join at some stage and you may think, why bother when there are other places to stay?
But, in our experience, if you want to see a particular sight or love the look of a location, then you have to be flexible. This means, we often use the nearest Aire available, whether it be for convenience, security or simply because it’s the only option.
So, a few years ago, we joined Camping-Car Park Aires and have since gone on to use a large number across the network.
Where are they located?
The Camping-Car Park Aires have locations all over France. They are also expanding into other countries in Europe. For example, in the Summer of 2022 we saw one being built in Spain. At the time of writing, they have over 500 Aires on the network.
Is the format always the Same?
The format is generally the same, but there are 2 types of Camping-Car Park Aires:
- Camping-Car Park Aires – Former old style Aires or sometimes brand new Aires which are just for Motorhomes – These are Open ALL YEAR.
- Camping-Car Park de Mon Villages – These are former Municipal Campsites – Also Open ALL YEAR. Motorhomes can use these all year, but non self-contained vehicles and tents can only use them when sanitary facilities in the former campsite amenity block are open during peak season.
So, the Villages format are usually a bit like a basic campsite in appearance, whereas the Aires format looks like a parking area for motorhomes! If that makes sense.
How do you know if non-self contained can stay?
When you search for an Aire on the App it will tell you what vehicles are permitted at that time.
For example: ✅ Motorhomes ✅ Van (WITH sanitary facilities) ❌ Van (WITHOUT sanitary facilities) ❌ Caravans ❌ Tents
Do Camping-Car Park Aires have Facilities?
They all have:
- EHU (Amp given varies)
- Grey Waste drive over drain
- Fresh Water
- Toilet emptying
- Bins and Recyling
- Wi-Fi – Although we’ve found this doesn’t always work
How do you access the area?
First of all you have to buy a card for €5. We bought ours whilst at home, ordering from the website. It then arrived by post.
You have to top up the card either before hand using the App, online or on arrival at the bollard.
There’s a minimum €10 top up.
The first time we went to use our card, despite it having an €80 balance, we couldn’t gain access.
It was late at night, so we gave up trying and moved on, thinking it was a problem with the particular Aire we were at.
The following day we tried elsewhere and had the same issue. This time, we phoned the help number on the entrance bollard and got through to an English-speaking person who sorted it out for us.
It turned out that our card wasn’t activated, and we didn’t know it had to be. Thankfully, it has been ok since.
Can you buy a card at the Aire?
Yes you can purchase one at the entrance bollard, but we haven’t tried this ourselves. However we have seen other people try and fail, so it may not be as easy as they make out.
Is there a barrier entrance?
Yes, each one has the same type of set up for entering and exiting through a barrier.
Entering – Camping-Car Park Aires
Just position the card over the entry bollard and the barrier will open. In our experience you have to be fairly close to the barrier or else it won’t open. On our last trip, we regularly helped people enter, because they simply couldn’t get it to work, as they weren’t close enough to the barrier.
Update 2025 – there is now an option to obtain an access code via the App.
Exiting the Aire – Camping-Car Park Aires
Show the card at the barrier exit point and the barrier will open. The nightly fee to be paid off your balance is shown on exit. If you don’t have enough funds on your account it will fail to open. So you have to top up your account to vacate the Aire. This can be done easily and instantly on the App or on the bollard.
Are there marked parking bays?
Yes, usually, but not always. We’ve noticed parking areas are often marked on the entrance board, but sometimes not actually shown on the ground.
Do they have hard standing parking?
This varies at each location, but often they do have hard standing parking, although not always.
How do you top up the card?
You do this either on the App, online or at the entrance bollard or by phone.
How much is it to stay?
This varies but usually about €12-€14 per night. Each location is different and could be slightly under or over this amount.
Can you book Camping-Car Park Aires?
If you buy a 12 month Privileges Pack (about €29) you can then book on the App or online. You can also enter and exit as often as you want, with the booking securing a place.
How do you know the price beforehand?
If you have the App, the price is shown per night.
How do you find a location?
We use the Camping-Car Park App, which shows Aire locations and gives an option for directions on maps if needed.
There’s also a paper map available showing locations and other Apps which sometimes show them.
What are locations like? Camping-Car Park Aires
These can be anything from scenic to functional or both. Just like other Aires, the location are different at each.
Do they have a service area?
Yes and this is usually the same type of set up, comprising a service bollard with fresh water, toilet emptying and a drive over drain in the ground. Usually it’s a tarmac or concrete surface, so it’s neat and tidy looking.
We think you need to swipe your card at the bollard to use the water and a charge is deducted off the balance, but to be honest, we’ve never sure. Sorry for not being certain, but despite using many, we’re not sure if we get charged. Yes we need to look in future at our account!
What do we think of Camping-Car Park Aires?
We’re no strangers to using Aires, in fact, we’ve stayed on hundreds in our motorhomes over the last 20 years. Aires in general are just an ideal way of having the freedom of touring at your fingertips, without too much planning.
Overall, the Camping-Car Park system is an excellent one. There’s no doubt of a strong consumer demand from the motorhome community and this will hopefully continue to grow.
We think it’s great to have the option of using the Villages Aires too, especially in Summer when showers and toilets are open.
Part of our campervan life
We probably won’t go to France without using the Camping-Car Park scheme at some stage now. This is because it allows for so many more location options, in generally good surroundings with like-minded people.
The only downside is some old style Aires, which were rustic and usually free where we’ve spent a night, are now a Camping-Car Park.
Maybe, this is our nostalgia kicking in and if you’re new to Motorhome Aires, you won’t know the difference.
At the end of the day, we’re just grateful for Aires across France and this scheme is a great addition.
Finally, here’s the link for the Camping-Car Park website and many happy stays if you choose to use them.