When the thermometer climbs, motorhomes offer a valuable advantage: the freedom to change your route to seek out greener landscapes, more pleasant nights, and waterside activities. Lakes, rivers, forests, valleys, and hills then become a traveler's best allies.
Discover a selection of cool stopovers where nature takes center stage for your next van or motorhome trip. From the Limousin to the Vosges, and from Brittany to the Verdon, these destinations allow you to get off the beaten track and enjoy the pleasure of autonomous, slower travel better suited to summer conditions.
The stopover site at Lac de Saint-Pardoux, in Haute-Vienne, is one of the top choices for planning a summer motorhome holiday. Its natural setting is perfect for alternating between walks, water sports, and relaxing moments by the water.
In the Vosges, the stopover site at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein offers a different atmosphere, nestled between the lake, wooded hills, and mid-mountain roads. It is the ideal stop for an early morning hike, exploring the Vosges landscapes, and enjoying a lush, verdant environment.
Further west, the stopover site in Biscarrosse combines the large Landes lakes, pine forests, and proximity to the ocean. This destination allows you to enjoy a variety of activities without driving long distances: walks under the trees, swimming, bike rides, or discovering local heritage.
Valleys and rivers provide a particularly pleasant atmosphere for a van or motorhome trip, provided you plan your schedule well.
From the Clairac Camping de Mon Village, in Lot-et-Garonne, the landscapes of the Lot Valley invite you to take your time exploring the markets, walking trails, and surrounding small villages. This campsite provides access to all amenities, particularly the sanitary facilities from 1 July to 31 August.
In the Gard department, the stopover site in Comps is another great base for exploring between the Rhône, Gardon, and Provençal villages. Certified Natura 2000, Comps is ideally located less than 15 km from the Pont du Gard and 25 km from the cities of Avignon and Arles.
In the Pyrénées-Orientales, the new Camping de Mon Village in Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet and its 41 pitches opens up access to the gorges, limestone cliffs, and rugged landscapes of the Fenouillèdes. This destination appeals to motorhome owners who appreciate dramatic scenery, scenic drives, and morning excursions.
Further west, the new stopover site in Lourdes, Les 2 Pics du Jer allows you to combine heritage, Pyrenean valleys, and getaways to higher altitudes.
In these regions, being close to water shouldn't lead you to underestimate the heat. It is best to visit exposed sites before midday, keep an adequate supply of water, and return to the site during the hottest hours. Late afternoons are often ideal for heading out for another walk, dining al fresco, or browsing local shops. Your Access Card or Digital Pass makes it easy to access the network's sites and services, while also unlocking discounts and special offers with selected local partners.
In the Southeast, seeking cool temperatures doesn't necessarily mean giving up on Provence. It is essential to prioritize stopovers near natural areas, avoid overly mineralized sectors, and organize your travel according to the sun.
The stopover site in Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier is located in a perched village at the gateway to the Verdon, allowing you to enjoy a quieter side of Provence lined with trails, viewpoints, and country lanes. The motorhome site is highly rated by road-trippers, boasting a score of 4.5/5.
The stopover site in Vinon-sur-Verdon in the Var makes a convenient base for exploring the Verdon landscapes, surrounding lakes, and hinterland roads. Its 38 pitches for campervans and motorhomes are shaded and sit right along the Verdon river.
Closer to the Bouches-du-Rhône, the new stopover site in Cuges-les-Pins provides access to hills and pine forests, in a very different environment from the major seaside resorts. At the foot of the Albères, Elne combines Catalan heritage, proximity to the Mediterranean, and excursions into more wooded areas.
In these destinations, it is best to set off early in the morning and keep afternoon travel to a minimum. Position your motorhome to shield the fridge and main openings from direct sun as much as possible. It is also wise to locate markets, drinking water points, and shops before parking up. During peak season, the PRIVILEGES PACKAGE offers extra peace of mind: it lets you book in advance, guarantees you a pitch upon arrival, and allows free cancellation up to 48 hours before your stay.
To create a true cool-weather motorhome itinerary, regions with hedgerows, forests, or hills offer wonderful possibilities.
In inland Brittany, the Plémet stopover site and the Camping de Mon Village sites in Saint-Goazec and Lizio allow you to slow down far from the busiest coastal resorts. In Saint-Goazec in Finistère, the wooded scenery and trails near the Nantes-to-Brest canal are perfect for walking and cycling. Plémet in Côtes-d'Armor offers a peaceful rural atmosphere in the heart of lush countryside. Lizio charms with its heritage, sunken lanes, and village feel. Designated a "Petite Cité de Caractère", Lizio in Morbihan is the ideal starting point for a family holiday, whether you are travelling in a campervan or a motorhome.
In the Dordogne, Vézac is the gateway to the Dordogne Valley, its gardens, villages, and châteaux. Here too, visiting right at opening time helps you beat the crowds and the peak heat. The Vézac Camping de Mon Village offers direct access to the banks of the Dordogne River, with most of its 74 pitches enjoying natural shade.
In the Vosges, the Saâles Camping de Mon Village makes the perfect complement to a stopover in Kruth-Wildenstein. Surrounded by forests and meadows, the destination is ideal for morning walks and tours across the mid-mountains. These stops can easily be linked together as part of a relaxed road trip without long driving days. To plan your route, explore our tourist circuits for inspiration on your next getaways across the CAMPING-CAR PARK network.
Choosing the right destination is only part of the journey: a few simple habits can dramatically improve your comfort on board your motorhome. Hit the road early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and traffic is lighter. Upon arrival, check the sun's trajectory before selecting your pitch. A pitch that looks shaded when you park may find itself fully exposed a few hours later. Whenever possible, choose tree-lined Premium Green sites. Close the blinds and thermal screens on the sunny side, ventilate as soon as the outside air becomes cooler than inside, and avoid prolonged cooking during the afternoon. Be sure to keep an eye on your water supply without wasting it: always keep drinking water within easy reach while on the road, and check for any local water restrictions. During a heatwave, reduce physical activities between midday and late afternoon. Finally, plan your stops ahead of time. With the PRIVILEGES PACKAGE, you can book your stopover site or Camping de Mon Village before setting off and arrive guaranteed a pitch, even during peak season.
Choosing a cool destination by motorhome is above all about finding a better balance between discovery, rest, and freedom. Saint-Pardoux Lake, Kruth-Wildenstein, Biscarrosse, Clairac, Comps, Lourdes, Vinon-sur-Verdon, Cuges-les-Pins, Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Elne, Sâales, Saint-Goazec, Plémet, Lizio, or Vézac each offer a different way to enjoy the summer. Some stopovers appeal for their proximity to a lake, others for their forests, valleys, or access to natural trails.
Have your Access Card or Digital Pass ready to easily reach CAMPING-CAR PARK sites and make the most of the amenities available across France and Europe. For even greater peace of mind while travelling, activate the PRIVILEGES PACKAGE, book your pitch, and enjoy the freedom to adjust your stay up to 48 hours prior to arrival. Explore the network's 800+ sites right now via the mobile app, and plan your route according to your preferences, the weather, and your own rhythm.
