A campervan route through the varied countryside of France
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France by campervan: driving, tolls and rules

Driving a campervan in France: speed limits, tolls, low-emission zones, required equipment and key road rules. What to know before you go.

Published 18 September 2026Last checked 21 September 2026

Driving

Driving

Order a Crit'Air sticker from the official government site before entering a low-emission zone. It is required in active ZFEs and during certain pollution restrictions. The category depends on registration class, fuel, Euro standard and first-registration date. Local access rules vary, so check the national ZFE information and the city before entry.

Motorway toll class is not determined by the word campervan. Operators use dimensions, weight and axle rules. Check your likely class in the official operator guidance and use a route calculator. Speed limits also depend on registered weight. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower national limits than lighter motorhomes.

Crit'Air and ZFEs

  • Buy only from the official Crit'Air website. Third-party sites may add large fees.
  • Foreign-registered vehicles can apply online using their registration document.
  • Carry the application receipt while waiting for the sticker, as instructed by the official service.
  • Check the current local class, days, hours and exemptions before entering each ZFE.

Road preparation

  • Know the vehicle's height, gross weight, registered class and axle count.
  • France requires warning equipment including a warning triangle and reflective vest, subject to safe use conditions.
  • From 1 November to 31 March, designated mountain zones can require winter tyres or chains under the Mountain Law signs.
  • Never rely on a navigation app alone for height, weight or seasonal-road restrictions.