Autumn is a magical season for nature-loving motorhome drivers: the forests are decked out in a thousand colors, and the undergrowth is covered with edible treasures. With your motorhome, every campsite becomes a starting point for a mycological walk full of surprises. In this article, find out how to combine mushroom picking and networking CAMPING-CAR PARKIn this article, find out how to combine mushroom picking with the motorhome park network, with ideas for areas to visit, tips for spotting mushroom spots, and precautions to take for responsible picking.

Where to put your camper van to pick?

The network CAMPING-CAR PARK network has over 600 sites throughout France and Europe, accessible 24 hours a day, often located in rural areas or close to nature reserves. Some of them are particularly well placed to give you quick access to undergrowth ideal for picking.

Here are a few relevant examples from the selection "On the road to mushroom picking on the :

• Louroux-de-Bouble (Allier): an area with 23 to 26 places, ideal as a starting point for exploring the surrounding forests.
• Ferrières-Saint-Mary (Cantal): 66 places, in the heart of a green area, perfect for walking in the woods.
• Lyons-la-Forêt (Normandy): charming stopover area in a remarkable forest setting.
• Marigny, Lac de Chalain An area close to a lake, but also to limestone forests often rich in mushrooms.
• Buzy Buzy: at the foot of the Pyrenean valleys, an excellent base for mycological excursions.

Each of these areas can be used as a central stopover: park your motorhome, take advantage of the services (water, electricity, drainage, wifi depending on the area), and set off to pick up in the morning or on your return from a walk. With the Access Card / Digital Pass or the Pack'Privilègesyou'll benefit from discounts and easier access to the entire network, so you can choose your next stop according to what you find.

How to spot real mushroom beds?

So that your stroll is not in vain, here are the steps and tools to maximize your chances of finding interesting mushrooms:

1. Specialized maps and platforms

Sites like Spot à Champignons offer an interactive map of the best spots, department by department. Also, Mushroom Map offers favourable areas classified by density and easy access. In advance of your itinerary, consult these maps to locate spots close to CCP (CAMPING-CAR PARK) areas. You can then plan your stops by cross-referencing these spots with the network's areas.

2. Ecological and topographical criteria

Forest mushrooms such as ceps and chanterelles thrive in moist, rich soils, edges, mixed oak/beech areas, moderate slopes and limestone zones. Look for relief, foliage, moss and dead leaves.

3. Local solicitations: tourist offices & associations

Ask at tourist offices in rural towns or villages near forests for authorized foraging areas. Local mycological associations (often active in autumn) can also organize walks or provide up-to-date maps.

4. Comply with legal and natural constraints

• In France, mushrooms are a product of the soil: harvesting them on private property requires the owner's authorization.
• In state-owned or public forests, there may be quotas (often ~5 liters per day per person) or local bans.
• Respect for nature means moderate harvesting, replacing leaves or mycelium, and avoiding protected areas.

By combining these methods - map + observation + local dialogue - you give your trip every chance of being a success.

Typical itinerary & stopover ideas

Here's an example of a fictitious itinerary combining discovery, culture and harvesting:

1. Stopover in Ferrières-Saint-Mary (Cantal) In Ferrières-Saint-Mary: settle in at the CAMPING-CAR PARK, then head off into the surrounding woods (oak, beech) for an early-morning stroll in search of porcini mushrooms.
2. Then on to Louroux-de-Bouble for a stopover in the heart of the Allier, the perfect starting point for continuing your mycological quest through chestnut forests.
3. Crossing Burgundy, you'll pass through Marigny, Lac de Chalain Take advantage of the lake's setting to relax and explore the nearby limestone woods.
4. Then on to Lyons-la-Forêt in Normandy, which offers both architectural charm and a sharp forest for girolles and trompettes de la mort enthusiasts.
5. Finish with the Villefranche-sur-Cherin the Centre region of France, where you can combine local heritage (castles, rural life) with walks in the surrounding forest.

At each stage, don't hesitate to consult the CAMPING-CAR PARK application (or the "Around me" function) to locate the parking areas closest to your position and book via the Pack'Privilèges so you're guaranteed a space on arrival, even during peak periods.

Practical tips for picking efficiently and safely

• Prepare a good thin-bladed knife and a soft brush for on-the-spot cleaning.
• Pick only what you know well; if in doubt, leave the species.
• Walk slowly, observing edges, wetlands and moss-covered clumps.
• Pick in a reasoned way: don't destroy the fungus, leave the stem or roots.
• Bring a mini headlamp, gloves and canvas bags (no plastic bags: condensation, suffocation).
• Take note of the itinerary, the GPS coordinates of the spot, and the weather: after heavy rain, some areas can become dangerous (slippery, excessive humidity).
• Respect local signs, private property and, above all, the decisions of forest managers.

Conclusion

Mushroom picking is an invitation to slow down, observe and rediscover the link between man and nature. Thanks to the CAMPING-CAR PARKnetwork, you can structure your itinerary around real havens of departure: safe, equipped and ideally located areas. The combination of Digital Passand the Pack'Privilèges and these forest escapades transform every trip into a gourmet, serene and responsible exploration.

Are you ready for your next mycological adventure? I invite you to :

• consult the the "On the road to mushroom picking" selection on the CAMPING-CAR PARK website
• locate mushroom spots via Mushroom Spot or Mushroom Map
• book your next stop with Pack'Privilèges for a guaranteed place
• use the interactive map or the "Around me" function in the app to optimize your stops

Bon voyage, happy picking, and above all... may your basket be filled with forest gems!

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