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So, you’ve bought the motorhome, you’ve waved goodbye to the nine-to-five, and you’re ready to hit the open road. The dream of waking up to a new view every morning is finally within reach. But then a little voice whispers, “Europe… looks… complicated.” All those different rules, strange-sounding toll roads, and the sheer terror of driving on the wrong side of the road can feel a bit much. Fear not, intrepid explorer! I’m Siobhan, and I’m here to hold your hand, make you a cuppa, and tell you that it’s all going to be alright. In fact, it’s going to be brilliant.
This is the first of a series of articles where we’ll be breaking down the rules for 20 European countries, making your grand tour feel less like a military operation and more like the adventure of a lifetime. We’re starting with a lovely little trio: France, Italy, and Belgium. Think of them as the gateway drug to a full-blown European motorhome addiction. In our next edition, we’ll be tackling the delights of Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, so stay tuned!
Getting Across the Ditch
First things first, you need to get your beloved motorhome across that pesky bit of water called the English Channel. You’ve got two main choices: the ferry or the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle). The ferry is the classic choice, offering a bit of a mini-cruise experience. Routes like Dover to Calais are super frequent (we’re talking dozens of sailings a day with P&O, DFDS, and Irish Ferries) and take about 90 minutes. It’s a great chance to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and feel the sea breeze in your hair. If you’re starting from further west, Brittany Ferries have you covered with routes from Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Poole to various French ports.
Your other option is the Eurotunnel, which is frankly a bit of a marvel of modern engineering. You drive your motorhome onto a train in Folkestone, and 35 minutes later, you’re driving off in Calais. It’s incredibly quick and efficient. Don’t worry about the size of your vehicle; they have special single-deck carriages for anything over 1.85m high, so your pride and joy will fit just fine. One crucial point though: if your motorhome runs on LPG, the tunnel is a no-go. You’ll have to take the ferry. For both options, booking in advance is your best bet, especially during peak season. Make sure you have your motorhome’s exact height and length to hand when you book.
The Paperwork Cha-Cha
Now for the bit that makes everyone’s eyes glaze over: the paperwork. Honestly, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Since Brexit, things have changed a little, but it’s all perfectly manageable. You’ll need your valid passport, your UK photocard driving licence, your V5C logbook, and your motorhome’s insurance certificate. The good news is you no longer need a Green Card for driving in the EU. Your UK insurance provides the minimum cover, but it’s always worth checking with your provider about comprehensive cover for Europe.
You’ll also need a UK sticker on the back of your motorhome, unless your number plate already has the UK identifier with a Union Flag. And a heads-up for future trips: if you’re heading to Spain, Cyprus, or Malta, you need the sticker regardless of what’s on your number plate. Finally, while not a legal requirement, it’s a very good idea to have European breakdown cover and a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for any medical needs. And get ready for ETIAS, a new travel authorisation system coming in 2026. It’ll be a simple online application, but something to be aware of for future travels.
France: Croissants, Chateaux, and Crit’Air
Ah, France. Our closest neighbour and the gateway to the rest of Europe. Driving here is a joy, with generally excellent roads and a more relaxed pace of life. You’ll be driving on the right, which might feel weird for the first ten minutes, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. The key is to take it slow and be extra cautious at roundabouts. Remember the mantra: “priorité à droite” (priority to the right) still applies in some places, so keep your wits about you.
France has a toll system on its motorways (autoroutes). You’ll see the signs for the ‘péage’. Most motorhomes fall into Class 2, which is a bit more expensive than a standard car. You can pay with cash or card, or get a Liber-t tag for automatic payment, which is a godsend for avoiding queues. Speed limits are generally 130km/h on motorways (110km/h in the rain), 80km/h on other main roads, and 50km/h in towns. If your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes, you’re limited to 90km/h on motorways. And a word to the wise: French police are very keen on speed limits, so don’t be tempted to floor it.
French Kit and Rules
Now for the fun part: the kit you need to carry. You must have a warning triangle and a hi-vis vest for every person in the motorhome, and they must be kept inside the vehicle, not in the boot. Headlamp converters are also a must to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. You’ll also need a Crit’Air sticker for driving in low-emission zones in many cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. You can order this online before you go, and it’s specific to your vehicle’s emissions. And if your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need blind-spot stickers. The breathalyser law is a bit of a funny one. It’s technically still a requirement to carry one, but the fine for not having one was scrapped, so make of that what you will!
Wild camping in France is generally tolerated, but it’s always best to be discreet and respectful. Look for ‘Aires de Service’, which are designated motorhome stopovers. They range from basic free parking to more serviced sites with water and waste disposal for a small fee. Finally, the drink-drive limit is lower than in England and Wales (0.5g/l), so the best advice is to not drink and drive at all. Enjoy that glass of Bordeaux when you’re safely parked up for the night.
Italy: Passion, Pasta, and ZTLs
Italy is a country of passion, and that extends to its driving. It can be a bit more… energetic than in France, but it’s all part of the experience. Again, you’re on the right-hand side of the road. The motorways (autostrade) are mostly tolled, and it works in a similar way to France. You take a ticket on entry and pay on exit. A Telepass is the Italian equivalent of the Liber-t tag and can be a real time-saver. Speed limits are similar to France: 130km/h on motorways (100km/h for motorhomes over 3.5t), 90km/h on main roads (80km/h for over 3.5t), and 50km/h in towns.
One of the biggest things to be aware of in Italy is the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato). These are restricted traffic zones in historic city centres, and if you drive into one without a permit, you’ll get a hefty fine, probably several months after you get home. The signs can be confusing, so my advice is to park on the outskirts and use public transport to explore cities. It’s just not worth the risk. Also, be aware of the rules for overhanging loads. If you have a bike rack, you’ll need a specific red and white striped reflective panel.
Italian Essentials
For your Italian adventure, you’ll need the same basics as France: a warning triangle and hi-vis vests for everyone. Daytime running lights are also compulsory outside of built-up areas. Wild camping is a bit of a grey area. It’s not officially allowed, but it’s often tolerated, especially in the south. As in France, look for designated motorhome stopovers called ‘Aree di Sosta’. The drink-drive limit is also 0.5g/l, and zero for new drivers.
One final, slightly controversial tip for Italy: don’t be too British. A bit of assertive driving is sometimes necessary to get by. Don’t be aggressive, but don’t be a shrinking violet either. Go with the flow, keep your cool, and you’ll be navigating the streets of Rome like a local in no time (although I’d probably still recommend parking outside the city!).
Belgium: Beer, Chocolate, and LEZs
Belgium is a small country with a big heart, and it’s incredibly easy to get around. The best news? The motorways are toll-free for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes! This makes it a great place for a budget-friendly trip. The speed limits are 120km/h on motorways, 90km/h or 70km/h on other roads depending on the region (Flanders or Wallonia), and 50km/h in towns.
Like France and Italy, Belgium has Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in its major cities: Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. You must register your vehicle online before entering these zones, even if it meets the emissions standards. It’s free to register, but if you forget, you’ll get a fine. So, make sure you do this before you go. The drink-drive limit is 0.5g/l, and the police are very strict on this.
Belgian Must-Haves
The required kit for Belgium is the same as for France: a warning triangle and hi-vis vests. A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are recommended but not compulsory for foreign vehicles. Wild camping is not officially permitted, but there are plenty of great campsites and designated motorhome parking areas (aires) to choose from.
Belgium is a fantastic country to explore by motorhome. It’s compact, easy to navigate, and the people are friendly. Plus, you’re never far from a brewery or a chocolate shop, which in my book makes it a top-tier destination. So, there you have it: your starter pack for a European motorhome adventure. It’s not so scary, is it? Now, get planning, get packing, and get ready to make some incredible memories. And don’t forget to join me next time when we’ll be tackling the delights of Spain, Germany, and Switzerland!