Hi,
We regularly go over to France with a Vauxhall Vivero sportif cab van. We stack everything inside to avoid extra charges, once we are in France we can shift things to the roof if we need the space.
We have found that the height restrictions in towns and cities for parking means we have to park in the campervan carparks and use public transport or our electric bikes to get in.
Another thing to consider is the critair certificates which you can apply for online and prevent a fine for going through their clean air zones. It cost about 5.50 euros but is worth getting.
We also found that some of the BF crossings (their special offer routes in the spring) do not allow what they consider as commercial vans and I have seen on here that if it is classed as a leisure van then the fair could be cheaper.
We managed to point out that the van fit the class and size of a 4x4, so we were allowed on.
There is also new bicycle regulations in France, so you will need to have insurance for your bicycles and fit with the regs.
Have fun on your trip-Suezee
------------- sueze
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Thank you Suechick,my van is ok over here for clean air zones,so hopefully ok in France,do you have any info on the bikes,? haven’t heard anything as well.
Not to do with campsites - but I've lived in France for the last 8 years. I drive a Berlingo (rhd bought in the UK a few years before we moved to France) - the car, not the van although they are very similar.
A few observations;
The van driving position is higher than most cars and gives much better forward visibility than most cars which I find a big plus regarding safety. The large wing mirrrors virtually eliminate blind spots - very useful for overtaking on autoroutes. In the countryside on some narrow roads in a rh drive car much easier to drive close to the edge of the road - which given the habit of a number of French drivers to corner in the middle of the road is much safer.
All the best and enjoy.
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Quote: Originally posted by blue1875 on 28/5/2026
Thank you Suechick,my van is ok over here for clean air zones,so hopefully ok in France,do you have any info on the bikes,? haven’t heard anything as well.
It won't be okay in certain locations without a crit 'air sticker.
Look into it. It costs "pennies", arrives promptly, and may save you getting a fine if you inadvertently wander into a clean air zone.
It's registered to the vehicle, and technically, it "lasts a lifetime"... but be warned... It sticks extremely well, so consider ye olde tax disc holder, otherwise you may need to replace the sticker if you ever have to replace your windscreen!
As for insurance... As a cyclist, you are considered a road user and can be held liable for injuries or damages caused in an accident. If you cause an accident, you are personally liable for damages or injury.
That's not to say appropriate liability insurance is compulsory over there, as it isn't. But it may be wise!
Prior to getting a campervan, we had a few trips over in a VW transporter van (Light goods/van with windows/sliding door each side). Parked on the pitch aside our tent. Never had a problem, and was always welcomed as we were previously, when arriving in a car.
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Thank you Mucker ,for enlightening me never knew anything about the crit-air,will apply for one today,hopefully will arrive before we go.thanks again Sue for raising this
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Quote: Originally posted by blue1875 on 30/5/2026
Thank you Mucker ,for enlightening me never knew anything about the crit-air,will apply for one today,hopefully will arrive before we go.thanks again Sue for raising this
Quote: Originally posted by blue1875 on 30/5/2026
Thank you Mucker ,for enlightening me never knew anything about the crit-air,will apply for one today,hopefully will arrive before we go.thanks again Sue for raising this
Anybody going through Rouen will need one even if sticking to the motorway. Just about every other city in France exempts the motorways / peripheriques from Crit Air
There have been a number of threads on here about avoiding Rouen although they pre-date zfe days.
From memory - going back nigh on 20 years - the favoured route to the N was via Yvetot and to the S crossing the Seine nearer Paris at Mantes la Jolie. Quite a few others as well!
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Taking commercial van to France
via mobile 28/5/2026 at 9:14pm
