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5 French Alps Campervan Road Trips: Where to Go, Park & Stay Overnight
I've wanted a campervan for years. And after finally getting the chance to explore the French Alps in not one but two different vans, I'm now even more convinced that it's one of the best ways to travel around this part of the world.
Living in La Plagne, we're surrounded by incredible places to explore. But there's something completely different about being able to head off for an evening, stay overnight somewhere beautiful and wake up ready for another adventure.
We recently borrowed two campervans from local rental company Bonfire Vans: a VW California Coast and a Baxter rooftop-tent van. Between the two, we managed to explore Lake Annecy, the mountains around La Plagne, Lac du Bourget and even cross the border into Italy.
Some of the trips were with my three children, some with my mum, and one was a much quieter mother-and-daughter escape without the kids.
And every trip was completely different.
In this guide, I'm sharing five of our favourite French Alps campervan adventures, including where we went, what we did and the practical things I learned about finding places to park and stay overnight.
Because if there's one thing I discovered, it's that finding somewhere to sleep in a campervan can require almost as much research as deciding where to go!
Disclosure: Bonfire Vans provided our campervans in exchange for content. The experiences and recommendations here are my own.
Why explore the French Alps by campervan?
The French Alps are brilliant for campervan travel because there's so much variety within relatively short distances.
You can spend one day swimming in a beautiful Alpine lake, the next hiking high in the mountains and the following morning wandering through a traditional French or Italian village.
Having a campervan means you're not constantly packing and unpacking hotel rooms or rushing back to the same accommodation every evening.
You've got your food, clothes, outdoor equipment and somewhere to sleep travelling around with you.
It's particularly handy with children because plans can change depending on the weather, energy levels and whatever everyone fancies doing.
But it's equally lovely for adults wanting a spontaneous weekend away.
And you definitely don't need to plan an enormous two-week road trip to enjoy it. Some of our favourite adventures were just one night away.
If you want to know more about what it's like to take a camper van around the French Alps with kids, you can read my full guide here.
Our five French Alps campervan adventures at a glance
| Destination | Best for | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Annecy & Saint-Jorioz | Family beach days, fishing and swimming | 1–2 nights |
| Col de la Forclaz | Mountain views, hiking and paragliders | Half-day or full day |
| La Plagne & Tarentaise | Alpine scenery, mountain walks and quiet adventures | 1–2 nights |
| Le Sire & Lac du Bourget | Mountain sunset followed by a lake day | 1 night / 2 days |
| Petit Saint-Bernard & Italy | Mountain passes, spa days and adult getaways | 1–2 nights |
These aren't five stages of one enormous itinerary. They're five different adventures that you can enjoy separately or combine into a longer French Alps campervan holiday.
1. Lake Annecy: fishing, swimming and family beach days
Lake Annecy is one of our favourite places to visit as a family, and it's a fantastic destination for a short campervan holiday.
The lake is surrounded by mountains, with pretty villages, beaches, cycling routes and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
We headed there with the children and deliberately kept our plans fairly relaxed.
Fishing beside Lake Annecy
My son was desperate to do some fishing, so that's how we started one of our mornings.
Rather than racing straight into Annecy Old Town or trying to squeeze in lots of activities, we spent time beside the lake with his fishing rod.
And I really liked that.
Campervan travel gives you the freedom to do those simple things without worrying too much about schedules.
If you're planning to fish yourself, check the current local fishing permit requirements and regulations first.
Our favourite beach at Saint-Jorioz
After fishing, we headed to one of our favourite family beaches at Saint-Jorioz.
It's a brilliant place to spend the day with children.
We took a picnic, settled ourselves beside the lake and spent hours swimming and enjoying the water.
There's also a café/snack option if you want to buy lunch, ice creams or the inevitable chips for the kids.
When we visited in September, we found free parking and the beach was free to access.
That's worth knowing because some of the Lake Annecy beaches have paid entry during the supervised summer season, so don't assume September conditions apply in July and August.
Having the campervan with us was fantastic. We had spare clothes, food, drinks and everything we needed for the day.
What else can you do around Lake Annecy?
If you fancy something different, you could also:
- Explore the canals and historic streets of Annecy Old Town.
- Cycle along part of the lake.
- Visit another lakeside village.
- Hire a paddleboard or kayak.
- Head into the surrounding mountains for a walk.
Annecy is particularly good because you can easily combine a traditional sightseeing day with outdoor activities. You can read more about what to do at Annecy in my Day Trip to Lake Annecy guide here.
Where can you park a campervan overnight around Lake Annecy?
This was one of the things I spent the most time researching.
When we visited in September, we saw campervans parked in various lay-bys and around the lake. It certainly felt less busy than it would in peak summer.
But just because other vans are parked somewhere doesn't necessarily mean overnight stays are permitted.
There are some useful designated options.
- Annecy motorhome aire: Avenue des Marquisats
This is a free official motorhome stopover with ten spaces and a maximum stay of 24 hours. It has drinking water and waste-water facilities, but no electric hookup. Water services are seasonal.
It's a particularly useful option if you want to explore Annecy itself.
- Saint-Jorioz motorhome parking: Route du Laudon
There's also a free designated motorhome parking area at 3 route du Laudon, with up to ten spaces and a 24-hour limit.
This could work well if you're planning a day around Saint-Jorioz and the southern end of the lake.
- Campsites around Lake Annecy
If you want showers, electricity, more space or somewhere to stay for several nights, there are campsites around Saint-Jorioz, Sevrier and other lakeside villages.
My advice would be to have at least one official overnight option in mind before setting off, especially during July and August.
2. Col de la Forclaz: mountain views above Lake Annecy
If you're exploring Lake Annecy by campervan, I'd definitely recommend heading up to Col de la Forclaz.
It's one of the most spectacular viewpoints around the lake and a completely different experience from spending the day down by the water.
We drove up for a relatively quick visit, but it's somewhere I'd love to return to for longer.
Watching the paragliders above Annecy
Col de la Forclaz is famous for paragliding, and watching people take off above Lake Annecy is incredible.
The views are absolutely stunning, with the turquoise lake far below and mountains stretching out in every direction.
Even if you've got no intention of trying paragliding yourself, it's well worth visiting.
There are also walking routes around the area if you want to spend longer exploring.
Can you stay overnight in a campervan at Col de la Forclaz?
This is somewhere I'd approach carefully.
There are parking areas around the pass, and campervan travellers do report using some of them, but that doesn't mean they're all authorised for overnight stays.
Parking charges, local restrictions and rules around campervans can change, particularly during the summer.
I would treat Col de la Forclaz primarily as a brilliant daytime destination unless you've checked the current regulations for a specific parking area.
For an overnight stop, consider one of the official motorhome aires or campsites around Lake Annecy instead.
3. La Plagne and the Tarentaise: campervanning in our home mountains
This was probably the part of the experience I was most excited about.
We live in La Plagne year-round, so we're lucky enough to have some incredible mountain scenery right on our doorstep.
But having a campervan made me look at places we already know in a completely different way.
Instead of heading home after a walk or an afternoon exploring, we could stay out for the evening and wake up in the mountains.
We tried three different overnight locations around La Plagne across our two trips.
Our first night at the La Plagne motorhome aire
One of our first stops in the California Coast was the motorhome aire at Plagne Villages.
It seemed only fitting that we should try a proper campervan stopover while testing out the van!
This is a practical option for people who want somewhere designed for motorhomes rather than relying on an informal parking spot.
The Caravaneige at Plagne Villages has dedicated campervan pitches, electricity and facilities for water and waste disposal.
It's particularly useful if you're exploring the resort and want access to services.
Sleeping near the cows and the fromagerie
Another night, we headed up towards Roche de Mio, although we couldn't get particularly high.
We ended up staying near a fromagerie, surrounded by cows and beautiful mountain scenery.
And this was exactly the kind of campervan experience I'd been imagining.
Being up in the mountains, away from the usual accommodation routine, with the Alpine scenery all around us.
It's funny because these are places we can explore whenever we want. But staying somewhere overnight rather than just visiting for an afternoon makes it feel completely different.
Exploring above Aime 2000 in the Baxter
For another adventure, this time in the Baxter rooftop-tent van, we headed towards the Bécoin area above Aime 2000.
Again, we didn't need to travel far from home to feel like we were having a proper adventure.
And that's one of the things I loved most.
You don't need to drive hundreds of kilometres or plan an elaborate itinerary.
Sometimes you just need to pack up the van, head into the mountains and enjoy spending the night somewhere different.
Where can campervans park overnight in La Plagne?
This is particularly important because free daytime parking in La Plagne does not automatically mean free overnight campervan parking.
There are plenty of car parks around the resort, and parking is generally easier in summer, but specific rules apply to motorhomes and campervans.
The most straightforward dedicated option is the Caravaneige at Plagne Villages, which provides proper motorhome pitches and facilities.
There are also campsites in the wider La Plagne area, including options lower down the valley and around Montchavin-Les Coches and Champagny-en-Vanoise.
If you're heading further into the mountains, check access restrictions and local overnight parking regulations before settling in.
Some of the places we explored were informal mountain locations rather than designated campervan stopovers, so I wouldn't recommend treating them as guaranteed legal overnight spots.
For me, part of the appeal is getting out into the mountains, but it's important to respect the local environment and parking restrictions.
4. Le Sire and Lac du Bourget: mountain sunset to beach day
This was one of my favourite little trips because we managed to combine two completely different experiences in one overnight adventure.
I went with my mum and the kids, and we headed towards Lac du Bourget, near Chambéry.
But instead of driving straight to the lake, we decided to head up into the mountains first.
Sunset and exploring at Le Sire
We drove up towards Le Sire, where we found a free motorhome parking area.
When we visited, there were toilets and fresh water available, which made it a fantastic overnight stop.
The scenery was beautiful, and there were lovely places to walk and explore straight from where we'd parked.
We spent time enjoying the mountains and the evening views before settling in for the night.
This was one of those experiences that made me think, yes, this is exactly why I've wanted a campervan for so long.
A family beach day at Lac du Bourget
The following morning, we packed up and headed down to Lac du Bourget.
We spent the day at the beach with the kids, swimming and enjoying being beside the water.
It was such a simple trip, but that's what made it brilliant.
One evening we were high in the mountains watching the sunset, and the next day we were swimming in a lake.
No hotels, no complicated planning and no need to choose between a mountain adventure and a beach holiday.
Where can you park overnight around Lac du Bourget?
This is one area where I noticed a real difference compared with Annecy.
When we visited in September, we saw very clear signs around parts of Lac du Bourget warning that overnight campervan parking wasn't permitted and could result in fines.
So I would definitely not recommend assuming you can simply park up in a lakeside car park and spend the night.
Instead, look for designated motorhome areas.
Aix-les-Bains motorhome aire
There's a dedicated motorhome area near the lake, with electricity, drinking water and waste-disposal facilities.
It's a practical choice if you want to explore Aix-les-Bains or spend time by the water.
Le Bourget-du-Lac motorhome aire
Another official option is at Le Bourget-du-Lac, with designated pitches and facilities.
Mountain stopovers around Chambéry
If you'd rather stay up in the mountains, look at designated motorhome parking around the Bauges and La Féclaz area.
We loved our experience at Le Sire, but I'd check the current status of that exact overnight parking area before relying on it.
For me, Lac du Bourget is definitely somewhere I'd plan the overnight stop first, then enjoy the beaches and lake during the day.
5. Petit Saint-Bernard and Italy: a campervan escape across the border
For our final adventure, we decided to do something a little different.
This time, we left the kids behind, and it was just me and my mum heading off for a campervan trip.
And we decided to go to Italy.
One of the brilliant things about living in the Tarentaise is how close we are to the Italian border.
During the summer, when the mountain pass is open, you can drive over the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard and down into the Aosta Valley.
It's a spectacular journey, with beautiful mountain scenery along the way.
A spa day at QC Terme Pré-Saint-Didier
Our destination was QC Terme Pré-Saint-Didier, near Courmayeur.
We spent the day enjoying the spa, which was such a lovely change from our usual adventures with the kids.
Rather than hiking or swimming in lakes, we could spend the day relaxing in the thermal pools and enjoying the mountain views.
It's a brilliant option if you're looking for a more grown-up campervan escape.
Sleeping near the top of Petit Saint-Bernard Pass
After our spa day, we drove back up towards the French border.
Rather than heading all the way home, we stopped near the top of the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass on the Italian side and spent the night there.
There were several large parking areas and other campervans dotted around when we visited in September.
We managed to find a quiet space away from the other vehicles, with plenty of room.
And it was absolutely lovely.
We'd spent the day relaxing at a spa in Italy, then headed back into the mountains to enjoy a peaceful evening.
It was a completely different experience from travelling with the children, but equally enjoyable.
Can you stay overnight at Petit Saint-Bernard Pass?
We did spend the night there in September, but I wouldn't want to suggest that every parking area around the pass officially permits overnight campervan stays.
There are parking areas on both sides of the border, and regulations may differ depending on the exact location.
The pass is also seasonal and closes during winter.
Before travelling, check the current road opening, parking signs and any local overnight restrictions.
And if you're hiring a campervan, make sure you're allowed to take it across the French–Italian border.
Where to find free campervan parking in the French Alps
If you're planning your first campervan road trip, this is probably one of the most useful things to research before setting off.
It's certainly something I spent a lot of time looking into during our trips.
The good news is that there are free motorhome aires and parking options around the French Alps.
But there's a big difference between somewhere you can park during the day and somewhere you're allowed to spend the night.
Free motorhome aires worth researching
Annecy — Avenue des Marquisats: A free designated motorhome aire with a 24-hour limit.
Saint-Jorioz — Route du Laudon: A free motorhome parking area with a 24-hour limit.
La Féclaz — Plateau Sud: A designated motorhome parking area in the mountains above Chambéry. Check the latest facilities before visiting.
Le Sire: We personally found a free stop with toilets and fresh water when we visited, but I haven't confirmed its current official overnight status.
Paid motorhome areas worth knowing
Plagne Villages Caravaneige: Dedicated motorhome pitches with electricity, water and waste disposal.
Aix-les-Bains: A large motorhome aire near Lac du Bourget with services.
Le Bourget-du-Lac: Dedicated motorhome parking with services close to the lake.
My advice for finding overnight campervan parking
Before settling in for the night, I would always:
- Check the latest local signs and restrictions.
- Look for an official motorhome aire where possible.
- Check whether the space is suitable for the size and height of your van.
- Make sure overnight stays are permitted, not just daytime parking.
- Respect the surroundings and avoid spreading out camping equipment where it isn't allowed.
- Have a backup overnight location in case the first one is full.
Apps such as Park4Night or Camping Cars can be useful for finding potential locations and reading recent visitor experiences, but I wouldn't treat an app listing as proof that an overnight stop is legal.
One of the things I noticed during our September trips was how much quieter some places were compared with peak summer.
But that doesn't mean the parking rules are necessarily more relaxed.
Practical tips for a French Alps campervan road trip
Having now tried campervan travel with children and without them, there are a few things I'd definitely recommend.
- Don't plan too much driving. Mountain roads take longer than you might expect, and part of the appeal is being able to stop and enjoy the scenery.
- Check mountain passes before travelling. Routes such as Petit Saint-Bernard are seasonal, and conditions can change quickly.
- Bring warm clothes. Even when it's hot beside the lakes, mountain evenings can be surprisingly cold.
- Keep food and picnic supplies handy. Having a fridge and cooking equipment was one of my favourite things about the California.
- Think about where you're going to sleep before it gets dark. Particularly when travelling with children.
- Be flexible. Some of our favourite moments happened because we changed plans or decided to spend longer somewhere.
And most importantly, don't feel you have to travel enormous distances.
Some of the best adventures are surprisingly close to home.
When is the best time for a French Alps campervan holiday?
We did our trips in September, and I actually think it's a fantastic time to explore the French Alps by campervan.
The lakes and mountains can be quieter than during the peak summer holidays, and there's still plenty to enjoy outdoors.
We found parking easier in some places, and it was lovely being able to explore without the busiest summer crowds.
But September does have its drawbacks.
The evenings get colder, the days are shorter, and some campsites, mountain facilities and seasonal activities may be closing.
July and August offer longer days and more summer activities, but they're also hotter and much busier, particularly around Lake Annecy.
If you have flexibility, I'd definitely consider June or September for a campervan adventure, while checking seasonal road and campsite openings.
Where to hire a campervan in the French Alps
For our adventures, we borrowed two campervans from Bonfire Vans, a local campervan rental company.
We tried the VW California Coast and a Baxter rooftop-tent van, which gave us two quite different campervan experiences.
Both were brilliant in their own ways, and having the opportunity to use them properly made me appreciate just how versatile campervan travel can be.
If you're planning a campervan holiday around Annecy, La Plagne, the Tarentaise or the wider French Alps, Bonfire Vans is a great place to start.
You can explore their campervan options and find out more about what's included on their website.
Explore campervan hire with Bonfire Vans
And if you're thinking about travelling with children, you can also read my full account of campervanning in the French Alps with three kids, including the sleeping arrangements, cooking and what worked best for us.
Would I recommend a French Alps campervan road trip?
Without hesitation.
Looking back, we managed to squeeze so many different experiences into a relatively short amount of time.
We spent mornings fishing beside Lake Annecy, afternoons swimming, evenings watching sunsets in the mountains, nights surrounded by cows in La Plagne, and even managed a little spa escape across the Italian border.
And none of it needed to be particularly complicated.
That's what I loved most about having a campervan.
You don't have to plan a huge expedition or drive hundreds of kilometres to feel like you're having an adventure.
Sometimes all you need is a van, a few days free and somewhere beautiful to explore.
And living in the French Alps, we're definitely not short of those.
French Alps campervan road trip FAQs
Is the French Alps a good destination for a campervan holiday?
Absolutely. The French Alps offer a fantastic combination of lakes, mountains, villages, hiking and outdoor activities. A campervan gives you the flexibility to explore several different destinations without changing accommodation every night.
How many days do you need for a French Alps campervan road trip?
You can have a brilliant adventure in just one or two nights, particularly if you're exploring somewhere like Annecy or Lac du Bourget. For a longer road trip combining several destinations, I'd allow at least five to seven days so you're not constantly driving.
Can you stay overnight in a campervan in the French Alps?
Yes, but not everywhere. There are campsites and designated motorhome aires throughout the region, including some free options. However, local restrictions vary, and a normal car park isn't automatically an authorised overnight stop. Always check current signage and local rules.
Can you drive a hire campervan from France into Italy?
Often, yes, but it depends on the rental company's terms and insurance. We travelled over the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass into Italy during our trip. Check cross-border permission with your hire company before setting off, and remember that high mountain passes are seasonal.
Are the French Alps suitable for a campervan holiday with children?
Definitely. We travelled with three children and loved the flexibility of having our food, clothes and sleeping arrangements with us. I'd recommend choosing a van that suits the ages of your children, planning manageable driving distances and having a rough idea of where you'll spend each night.
