L’Alsace in Camping-Car: advice, areas and routes

How do I visit Alsace in camper or van?

Alsace is a region of just over 8,280 km2, located in the east of France. Bordering with Germany and Switzerland, it is considered one of the most interesting historical and multicultural regions in the country. As you walk the roads, you can see many wonders, but also discover the best kept secrets of Alsace!

Would you like to visit the Alsace in a furnished van or a motorhome? D’Haguenau à Mulhouse , passing through Strasbourg And national parks, you'll see incredible things. And to help you plan your trip, we're here. Here is our mini-guide to visit the Alsace in furnished van or camper!

Ideas of itineraries in Alsace by motorhome

Although its area is not as important as that of Brittany, it is important to plan your stay. Indeed, all Alsace cities don’t look like themselves. You will not see the same thing in the Upper Rhine and Lower Rhine. Preparing a route to visit Alsace by camping-car is therefore an indispensable step. This will allow you to miss nothing, and especially to learn more about the history of the region and its traditions.

If you don’t have ideas, or you don’t know where to start, here are some examples for you.

7 days in Alsace

You will pass through Haguenau, the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges, Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse

15 days in Alsace

Begin by Haguenau, then the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges, Strasbourg, Obernai, Riquewihr, Colmar. You will continue with the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges, Wittenheim, Mulhouse, Sierentz and Saint-Louis.

21 days and more in Alsace

Itinerary for 15 days + Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Soultz-les-Bains, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Saverne, Hunawihr and Orbey.

Of course, these routes are just ideas. They're trying to help you if you don't know which spots you prefer. Do not hesitate to create your own itinerary according to your interests, but also your dates of stay. Only you know what you want to see while you’re visiting Alsace on a camping-car.

From Alsace you can access the border countries, many:

• Germany
• Switzerland
• Luxembourg
• Belgium
• Holland

Drive in Alsace by motorhome : traffic rules to know

The traffic rules in Alsace are identical to those in force in the rest of France. Therefore, any rules or provisions applicable to motor vehicles are also applicable to motorhomes. So you will not have to worry about learning new traffic rules. However, here are some quick reminders before you go to the Alsace in furnished van.

Speed limit

The speed limits in Alsace are the same as in the rest of the country. As with cars, the speed is limited to 50 km/h when you are in agglomeration. Outside, it will be 80 km/h and 110 km/h on a quick separate road. In all cases, respect the signs and signs while you are visiting the Alsace in a fitted van.

Free and paid highways

In Alsace, most highways are free of charge, except a few sections around Mulhouse. You will therefore not have huge toll fees to be expected, to visit the Alsace by camping-car. In addition, many secondary roads will allow you to cross the Alsace for free, while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Alsace. Who knows, these roads may allow you to find an ideal spot to stop for one or two nights.

Circulation in village

Watch out! Some small villages do not allow the passage of heavy vehicles such as motorhomes. This regulation is implemented to preserve old roads. In addition, these are often narrow, and traffic would be very difficult. It is possible that you are in this situation when you are visiting the Alsace in a furnished van. In this case, you will have to park outside the village to visit it. You will usually find a campsite or a parking area near it.

Security and alcohol

As you know, the basic safety rules will be applied during your trip. So you'll need to attach your seatbelt, put the children in a low age on boosters, etc. Also note that no passenger can sleep or be in the back of the camper when the vehicle is in motion.

Finally, as in the rest of the country, the maximum alcohol level allowed when driving is 0.5g/l. In addition to obvious security reasons, you are at risk of fines and a temporary licence withdrawal in the event of an offence. Pay attention while you’re visiting the Alsace in furnished van. Drink with moderation, especially before you return to the road.

How and where to rent a motorhome in France?

Want to visit Alsace by camping-car during a road trip? If you do not own your own motorhome, it is now easy to rent one to an individual. Many sites, such as Yescapa, allow find a vehicle to visit Alsace in furnished van or camper . These allow you to rent the desired vehicle easily for the duration of your road trip.

To rent a motorhome or a fitted van, nothing simpler! You will only have to follow the following steps:

• First, go to the rental app between people and choose your city. You'll find vehicles across the country! From Paris to Bordeaux, to Nantes, Marseille and many others.
• After choosing your city, choose the vehicle according to the number of beds available. However, make sure that the unlimited mileage option is available. This will save you additional costs at the end of your stay to visit the Alsace in furnished van.
• Complete your rental request that will have to take over the important points of your trip. For example, note the dates, the approximate mileage, the place of holidays as well as the desired options. Do not hesitate to provide a maximum of useful information to the owner.
• You will then have a confirmation of your application if the owner agrees. In this case, you will be able to pay before organizing a first meeting with him. This will allow you to talk more deeply about your trip, but also see the vehicle first time.
• On the day of departure, complete a rental contract with the owner. For this, present your driver's license and deposit after a state of the premises. You can then take the road and visit the Alsace in a furnished van!
• When you return on vacation, you will simply make a state of the place with the owner. If nothing is damaged, you will then recover your bail.

How and where to rent a motorhome in Alsace?

Before you start your holiday itinerary, it is recommended to make an online reservation via a rental platform for motorhomes and vans arranged online.

These sites are now numerous on the road-trip and wild camping market, and they allow you to enjoy a vehicle at a lower cost, as Yescapa For example.

Campsites in Alsace : where to park ?

When you’re visiting Alsace in a van or camper, you’ll have to make stops. Whether to visit a city or rest at night, choosing a spot is important. Nevertheless, it is important to know that in Alsace, like everywhere in France, there are some rules regarding the installation of his motorhome.

Parking rules by motorhome

When you are visiting Alsace by camping-car, you will have to respect some traffic rules. First of all, make sure you always bet inside the pitches and not exceed them. Then, know that it is strictly forbidden to install you on the public road, wherever you are. You can therefore not install outdoor furniture, except in the campsites and areas planned for this purpose. In addition, doors and windows will always have to be closed during off-site parking. Finally, it is forbidden to sleep or cook in the motorhome on the public road.

Camping parking or rest area

L’Alsace has a very large number of campsites where you can find a place with or without reservation. In addition, you will have the opportunity to park on rest areas designed for motorhomes. These parking areas allow you to spend the night on the spot before taking the road the next day. You will find it in the vicinity of towns and villages, but also along the most frequented roads.

Wild campsite

As in the rest of the country, camping is prohibited by law and is subject to a fine. You will not be able to settle on a road, either in agglomeration or outside. You will also not be able to park in fields, forests or by the sea.

However, for the most adventurous, it is possible to go to isolated spots, away from the eyes. You can find it everywhere when you are visiting the Alsace in furnished van. There are also applications dedicated to these locations, such as Park4Night. This will allow you to find a spot away to settle in quiet. You can also see all campsites nearby, as well as places to avoid.

What is the best season to travel by motorhome in Alsace?

Depending on your interests, each month may be appropriate. However, to visit the Alsace in a fitted van, the period from May to September is the most favorable. During this period, you will have temperatures between 20° and 22°C for maximas. The minimas, often raised at night, are between 10° and 16°C. Rainfall, May, June and July are the most wet months. So prefer the months from August to September, or bring your umbrella.

If you prefer to visit Alsace by camping-car during the winter, then prepare warm clothes! Between December and February, temperatures can drop below the 0°C bar. Rainfall is between 30% and 40%, which can make roads slippery and create ice. In addition, snowfalls are not to be excluded, even if roads are often cleared quickly. Be careful, and make sure that your motorhome is equipped accordingly.