Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Spain or Portugal: departing from France, many European countries can be reached within a few hours by car. However, traveling by van or motorhome outside the borders requires a bit more preparation than a road trip in France, as traffic rules, tolls, and parking regulations vary from one country to another.
For those who do not own a vehicle, Roadvan, the peer-to-peer van and motorhome rental service, allows you to travel with a vehicle already equipped, provided you check with the owner which countries are authorized during the rental period.
Documents and insurance to prepare
Within the European Union, a valid identity card or passport is sufficient, as well as a driving license and the vehicle registration certificate. Regarding insurance, French coverage is valid in EU countries, but you must check with the insurer, or with the owner in case of rental, the exact list of covered countries and the conditions for assistance abroad. Also remember the European Health Insurance Card for each traveler.
Before departure, the country fact sheets from the Travel Advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remind travelers of entry formalities and any safety instructions.
Vignettes, tolls and low emission zones
Each country has its own system. In Switzerland, an annual vignette is mandatory to use the highways; for vehicles over 3.5 tons, a specific fee applies instead. Austria also operates with a vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tons.
In Italy, highways are tolled, and access to historic city centers is often limited by restricted traffic zones, marked “ZTL”, where unauthorized entry is monitored by cameras. In Spain, much of the highway network is now free, while Portugal uses electronic tolls that require registering your license plate or renting a transponder.
Many European cities have also established low emission zones, notably in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Similar to the Crit’Air sticker in France, a badge or prior registration may be required: check before entering major urban areas.
Parking, the rule that changes the most
Parking a motorhome is not the same as camping: in several countries, a parked vehicle is tolerated as long as it does not deploy an awning, table, or leveling blocks. But local rules prevail, and bivouacking is often prohibited along the coast and in natural parks. Portugal, in particular, has tightened regulations on overnight parking outside designated areas. The simplest option remains to favor service areas and campsites, which are numerous in all these countries.
Four itineraries departing from France
The Italian Lakes via Switzerland
From Lake Geneva to Lake Maggiore and then to Lake Como, this one- to two-week itinerary crosses the Alps via spectacular passes, open from late spring to early autumn.
Tyrol and the Dolomites
Via Switzerland or Germany, reach Innsbruck then the Italian Dolomites, between mountain villages and scenic roads. An ideal destination in summer as well as early autumn.
The northern coast of Spain
From the Basque Country, follow the Cantabria then Asturias up to Galicia: wild beaches, cliffs, and fishing villages, with a milder climate than in the south during the height of summer.
The Algarve in winter
To escape the gloom, the Algarve, in southern Portugal, offers a mild climate from November to March. Allow two weeks to enjoy the coast without multiplying long stages.
To locate these destinations and prepare your route, the Mappemonde Europe map allows you to visualize the countries crossed and the distances to be covered.
