All The Aires France the ultimate french aires guide

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All the Aires France – the complete motorhome
Aires de Service guide for France in English.
We've done the research so you don't have to.

All the Aires France – The groundbreaking French Aires de Service guide is now in its second edition. Written entirely in English, it shows you everything you need to know. 1300 Aires have been inspected and photographed during 2007/8 with GPS co-ordinates taken on site. Aires suitable for large motorhomes and RVs have been identified. In total 1600 Aires are listed across France, that’s more than any other French Aire de Service guide lists, we know we’ve counted.

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How to Find Aires
French Aires de Service and Aires de Stationnements are located across France; there are probably no more than 1800 stopovers in total in France. Some regions are rich in these motorhome Aires, while in other regions of France Aires are harder to find. The best way to find Aires is to use a guide. Until recently the only guides available were Le Guide Official Aire de Service Camping Car, published by Les Guides Motor Presse who also produce Camping Car magazine and the Guide National des Aire de Services Camping Car published by Guides Lariviere who also produce Le Monde du Camping Car magazine. Both of these French Aires guides are written in French only giving basic information, and no GPS Coordinates for the Aire locations. Trailers Park an independent publisher of French aires guides has five detailed Aires guides for various regions of France The Trailers Park guides are titled Guides Aire de Service Camping Cars; Bretagne - Brittany, Centre, Littoral Manche-Atlantique - Atlantic Coast, Mediterranee - Mediterranean and Montagne - Mountains. Although these Aires guides had more detail they were expensive and in French. In 2007 All the Aires France was released, the first Aires guide in English detailing 1100 French Aires.

Practical Motorhome October 08
"All The Aires France, is a spectacular guide which covers exactly what it says."

Customer Testimonial
“I’ve just come back form three weeks in France and All The Aires Frances is absolutely priceless”

All The Aires France proved so popular that a second edition has been released. This is not a translation of other Aire de Service guides (as this is illegal) but instead over 1300 motorhome Aires have been inspected and photographed during 2007/8. Making this the most up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate Aire de Service guide available. It is significantly better than all the French Aires Guides, though all are available from Vicarious Books.

Why call them Aires?
There are several names you may have heard of, Aire, Bourne, Stellplatze, Aree de Sosta, stopover or camperstop. The name Aires comes from the French ‘Aire de Service Camping Car’, their term for motorhome stopovers. Until recently not much was known about these overnight motorhome facilities and the title was shortened to ‘Aire’ by the British motorhomers and press, technically this just means ‘area’ in French. Therefore people have been confused with other signs using the word ‘Aire’ but this word is used on signs for motorway service and rest areas, children’s play areas and activity areas to name a few. There is more information on the signs below.

These motorhome stopovers are not confined to France and every country has its own name for motorhome facilities. In Germany where there are at least 3,000 motorhome stopover areas they are called Stellplatze, which translates to parking bay. In Italy they are called Aree de Sosta, having over 1500 motorhome stopovers. There are also two generic words that refer to these motorhome service areas. In the UK they are known as motorhome stopovers, in Europe they can be referred to as Camper Stops. So whether you stay or an Aire, Stellplatze, Aree de Sosta, stopover or camperstop it is all the same thing. What they are not is Wild Camping or Free camping areas.

What are Aires:
The full title for Aires is ‘Aire de Service/Stationment pour Camping-Car’ which translates to ‘Area of service/parking for motorhomes’. These are special areas providing facilities for motorhomes in the form of overnight parking and/or service point for water collection and disposal of waste fluids. Located in towns and villages across France. Aire just means area, therefore the Aires you see on motorways are simply service areas for all vehicles, not the specialist motorhome parking detailed in this guide.

Who can use Aires?
French law forbids caravans and tents from using these Aires, they are just for motorhomes. French law permits motorhomes to be parked responsibly and their users to cook and sleep in them. But French law does not allow for camping, for example winding out awnings, and putting out tables and chairs. If you want to camp, use one of the 10,500 campsites in France.

Using Aires
Aires symbolise the freedom of motorhoming. You are welcomed into local communities, where you can stay overnight at unique locations unavailable to other travellers. These are a luxury not a right, so park sympathetically to your neighbours and use the service point and facilities responsibly and always abide by the RESPECT rules:

Respect the Environment
Elect to use un-crowded Aires
Shop Locally
Park responsibly
Exercise courteous behaviour
Communicate with others
Totally abide by these rules

Responsible use of Aires is vital so that local Mayors keep them open, use them but don’t abuse them. Municipal Aires are paid for by the local community, so repay this
service by spending freely, in the local shops, restaurants or garages. Remember you represent the motorhome community, bad behaviour leads to resentment and Aires closing.

Supermarket Aires
Recognising the potential income some supermarkets provide service points, normally
located near the fuel station. It is reasonable to consider this to be an invitation to park overnight after hours, normally 7pm to 8am or whilst shopping. It is not reasonable to park all day unless designated parking has been provided.

Service Points
There are several types of service point, professionally manufactured brands include Flot Bleu, Euro Relais and Aire Service. Around half the service points in France are custom made (see service point section). Service points normally facilitate 3 vital functions:
Drinking Water: French tap water is very palatable and consistent countrywide. Using disinfectant wipes or spray before drawing water will improve hygiene. Taps are normally threaded to assist connection of hoses.
Grey Water: Though very variable, often a metal drive over grid will be set in concrete near the service point. Badly chosen materials and careless driving often leads to their destruction. Take a length of flexible pipe to direct water accurately.
Toilet disposal: Only use the designated facility, removing any grids before emptying. Do not rush this operation as spillage will occur. Often a tap is located above the drain for rinsing toilet cassettes; this tends to flow even if tokens are required for other services. There are very few service points suitable for emptying fixed tank toilet systems. We strongly recommend you have a macerator fitted and travel with a long length of pipe.

Parking
Aires operate on a first come first served basis. It is not possible to reserve a space. Always park in designated bays if provided and never obstruct roadways or service points. If the Aire is full find another one. Park in the allotted Aire, not in another car park that looks nicer. Never put out camping equipment or awnings on municipal Aires.

Using Service Points

Service points provide three main functions: replenish fresh water, dispose of used (grey) water and toilet (black) waste. Service points should always be kept clear so park on the service point only as long as is necessary to carry out
exchange of fluids.

Never use the fresh water tap for anything other that fresh water collection.

Drains provided for grey water are often poorly located and designed. It may take some time to manoeuvre directly over the drain.

Left: Be responsible. If the service point is out of order, don’t make the situation worse.
Right: Free electricity is becoming less common. On Aires with free electricity it is common to see a multitude of cables connected to motorhomes.

Flot Bleu have a petrol pump style water gun, flexible pipe grey water disposal and a WC disposal inside the cabinet.


Left: Sometimes the toilet emptying point is covered by a grid. Right: Having donned tough rubber gloves you should lift the grid before emptying thus preventing solids and paper being left high and dry.		Left: Having emptied the toilet, flush the drain with your grey water or use the flushing system. Right: Once the area is clean, replace the grid.

Service Points - Custom

Custom made service points are common across the whole of France, making up about half of all service points. Because they have been custom made by local people they range from totally inadequate to almost perfect. You may need to look hard for the hidden tap and toilet emptying point.
		Some are well built and hard to miss.

Some are very basic.

The service point may be located in the toilet block.

You may have to hunt for the service point as it
may be hidden behind flower beds.

Or simply against a wall.

Service Points - Euro Relais and Raclet

These are the most common purpose built units in France and come in various sizes, but are basically the same. They are easy to use often having two water taps one for toilet rinsing that is normally on and one for drinking water that may require tokens or coins. A lift up cover at the base enables access to the toilet emptying chamber. The hole is probably big enough to lose the cap from your cassette down.

Left: The most common size has electricity, water and toilet disposal.
Right: This Euro Relais maxi has the toilet waste to the right and the fresh water is on the left.

The Mini version never has electricity.

This one at Amelie Les Bains is large and allows
several motorhomes to use facilities at once.
Photo Rita Renninghoff.

Service Points - Aire Service

The Aire Service brand of service point comes in two main varieties, plastic and stainless steel. Although size varies they generally contain a fresh water point, a WC disposal point in the front with a button flush, and electric. Grey water is usually disposed of in a separate drain.

Left: Aire Service also have a stand alone electricity point providing 4 hrs of electricity for a token, but are rare.
Right: Stainless steel variety of Aire Service.

Aire Service point constructed from plastic.

Service Points - Urba Flux

These have only been installed since 2007. They are made of concrete and are also used as electricity distribution points on new housing developments. They only house water and electric points. Toilet waste is usually disposed of in a drain at the base.

Service Points - Other Makes (Unknown)

There are several makes with no identifying manufacturer or makes that are rarely found in France.

Station Sanitare.

Pointe Belle Eau.

The two above are well made but unbranded.

Service Points - Flot Bleu

There are several models in the range, mostly blue but can also be green, white and burgundy. The Fountain and Oceane have all services fitted to the outside of the casing. The Pacific and Euro have services located behind a narrow door on the side of the unit. Two hosepipes are normally provided; invariably the one meant for drinking water ends up down the toilet emptying point. Emptying the toilet is difficult and often a pipe has to be pulled out to empty grey waste. Flot Bleu have their own tokens and we believe these to be the same for all Flot Bleu pay units in France, though this is untested.

The Flot Bleu Euro only takes payment by credit card and the services are locked inside the cabinet.

The internal workings of a Flot Bleu Euro and Pacific can be a little confusing but there are normally instructions in English.

Left: The Flot Bleu Pacific has the services located inside the cabinet and can require payment by coin or token.
Right: Flot Bleu Electric points provide electricity at the rate of one token for 4 hours. Up to 3 token can be inserted at one time providing 12 hours of electricity.

Left: The Flot Bleu Océane is similar in design to the Fontaine but payment is by coin or token.
Right: The Flot Bleu Fontaine, sometimes called Compact, is free to use.

Tokens (jetons) and pay service points

Tokens are called ‘Jetons’ in French. Less than one quarter of the service points listed in this guide require tokens. There are even less service points that require credit cards. Typically service points requiring tokens, coins or credit cards dispense 10 minutes or about 100L of drinking water. There is often an unrestricted second tap for rinsing toilet cassettes. When provided electricity is normally available for one hour. Tokens are normally available from local shops, especially boulangerie (baker), bar tabac’s, tourist offices, the Mairie (town hall) and campsites if adjacent. They may be free but typically cost €2 - 3. Information panels or signs fixed to the service point normally indicate where tokens are available.

Euro Relais token slot.

The main types of token are:

Techno Money (TM) has a distinctive pattern on the front. It is the same size as a 10p piece.

The 3/3 token is the same both sides with 3
grooves on each. It is the same size as a 10p piece.

The front of the Euro Relais (ER) is branded. The token is slightly bigger than a 10p piece.

The 2/1 token has one groove on the front and 2 on the back. It is the size of a 2p piece.

The front of the Flot Bleu is branded and the token is the size of a £1 coin, but not as thick.

Signs

When locating an Aire it is always advisable to follow the Motorhome symbols, if provided. They can take several forms so you need to look carefully for them. Here are some examples:

Please note: If using GPS/ Navigation software, remember that your system may chose an unsuitable route, due to width, height or weight restrictions. Postcodes in France can cover a 10 km radius; therefore you will also need to enter a town name and street. We would advise that you always read the directions provided.

The signs below refer to parking restrictions:

Left: No parking except for motorhomes. Right: Parking reserved for motorhomes.		Left: Motorhome parking is controlled. Speak to the Mairie (Town Hall). Right: No motorhomes allowed to park.

Using Aires all year

Aires are ideal for using in the winter. Most campsites are closed and Aires are predominantly on hard services. The French use Aires all year, but in the winter most Aires have spaces and often the best spaces are available. If a service point is closed it may be marked ‘Hors Gel’ so it is advisable to plan to visit several in a day in order to replenish water and empty tanks. Many ski resorts in the Alps, Pyrenees and in Limousin have Aires open in the winter for winter sports. These can be at the bottom of ski runs. Details of most of these are in this guide.

Caravaneige
These are special campsites set up for winter skiing, walking and sightseeing. These campsites are popular in ski areas because they have hot showers, heated ski storage, free shuttle bus or are next to slopes, and may offer discounted lift passes. Some even have a heated pool and wifi. They are always helpful with local info and if necessary can organise a snow plough to get you in and out.

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