Understanding Camping-Car Park: Your Guide

Embarking on a motorhome adventure across France and beyond offers unparalleled freedom, but finding suitable and well-equipped overnight stops is crucial for a smooth journey. Enter Camping-Car Park, a network of dedicated motorhome service areas that has gained significant traction since its inception in 2011. But how exactly does this system work, and what can you expect as a motorhomer? This article delves into the mechanics of Camping-Car Park, exploring its membership, pricing, services, and the lively discussions that surround its unique offering.

What is Camping-Car Park?

Camping-Car Park is a network of approximately one hundred dedicated stopping points, or 'aires', primarily located throughout France, with one venturing into Spain. These are not traditional campsites but rather enclosed, secure, and self-managed areas specifically designed for motorhomes. The core principle behind Camping-Car Park is to provide motorhomers with year-round, 24/7 access to well-maintained facilities in convenient locations. Each aire adheres to a strict set of criteria, ensuring a consistent level of service and amenities.

The Pass' Étapes: Your Key to Access

To access the Camping-Car Park network, you'll need a loyalty card known as the 'Pass' Étapes'. This card costs a modest €5 and, importantly, is valid for life. If you don't possess this card upon your first visit to an aire, you can easily purchase one from the automated terminal located at the entrance. This card acts as your digital key, enabling the automatic barriers to open, granting you entry to the facilities. It’s a simple yet effective system designed to streamline the check-in process for motorhomers.

Understanding the Pricing Structure

The pricing for Camping-Car Park is based on a 'forfait étape' or 'stopover package', which includes access to all the services provided at the aire, in addition to the parking space itself. The tariffs are generally structured as follows:

It's important to note that these prices are subject to change and can vary between different locations within the network. The upper end of the 24-hour pricing is typically found in more premium or sought-after locations.

The Services Offered

Camping-Car Park aires are designed to provide a comprehensive set of services to cater to the needs of motorhomers. These typically include:

• Water and Waste Disposal: Facilities for emptying grey and black water tanks, along with fresh water replenishment.
• Electricity: Hook-up points are usually available, allowing you to power your motorhome's appliances.
• Wi-Fi: Many aires offer Wi-Fi connectivity, though the quality and reliability can vary.
• Waste Management: Designated areas for selective waste sorting, promoting environmental responsibility.
• Telephone Assistance: Support is often available via a helpline for any issues encountered.

The aim is to provide a convenient and hassle-free experience, allowing motorhomers to refresh their supplies and rest comfortably.

The Optional Reservation Service

For motorhomers who prefer to plan ahead and guarantee their spot, Camping-Car Park offers an optional reservation service. For an annual fee of €24, you can reserve your pitch in advance. This can be particularly useful during peak seasons or in popular areas where spaces might be limited. This service adds an extra layer of convenience for those who like to have their travel arrangements firmly in place.

The Debate: Critiques and Praises

Like any service, Camping-Car Park has garnered its share of both positive and negative feedback from the motorhoming community. The primary point of contention often revolves around the pricing, with some users feeling that the costs are too high compared to other options.

Criticisms Leveled Against Camping-Car Park:

Some motorhomers have expressed strong dissatisfaction, using terms like "sheep pens" and "money-making machines." Philippe Leleu, after using two different Camping-Car Park aires, voiced his opposition:

"I am completely against this company that parks us like sheep. The prices are expensive and, in the end, the service is not what is stated on their signs. ... In short, the day there are only aires of this style left, I'm selling my motorhome."

Alain Corre echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential cumulative cost for longer stays:

"I travel and support local businesses six months a year. I cannot imagine one day being forced to pay €12 per night, which is €2100 for a season."

Claude T. was even more direct:

"It stinks of a rip-off. It makes you wonder if they are simply trying to eradicate free aires."

The theme of 'free' aires is a recurring one, often pitted against the paid services of Camping-Car Park. However, it's important to acknowledge that many paid aires exist outside of any specific network.

The Counterarguments and Positive Feedback:

Corinne Bruel, a co-founder of Camping-Car Park, has responded to these criticisms, positioning the service as a complementary offering rather than a replacement for existing options. She states:

"We absolutely do not want to capture all motorhomers. We position ourselves as a complementary offer to what already exists, with quality reception and numerous services. From the moment we offer space, electricity, water, waste sorting, not to mention the various taxes that are passed on, it is normal for the user to pay. We are fighting precisely to frame the prices and ensure that they do not exceed €12. As practising motorhomers, we consider the prices reasonable and sufficient to guarantee a certain profitability for the municipalities, thus contributing to their economic development. What we want to highlight is responsible tourism. Unfortunately, the minority who loudly proclaim 'free at all costs' pollutes the image of the motorhome."

Positive feedback also comes from users like Gil Mison, who shared his experience:

"It's very funny, but when there's nothing, people complain, and when there's a good idea, everyone complains. I went to the Camping-Car Park aire in Longeville-sur-Mer (Vendée) and had a very good time, 300 metres from the beach, for €8.50 per day, including electricity."

He also points out that users are free to choose their options and are not forced to use these facilities. François Perrigault appreciates the network's growth and the quality it offers:

"I travel very frequently with my van, covering nearly 20,000 km per year. Depending on the geography, I use free aires, France Passion stops, Camping-Car Park aires, or, more rarely, campsites. I appreciate having space around me. As for the prohibitive price for some, it always makes me smile to see people balk at €10 to €12 when they have invested €30,000 to €200,000 in their vehicle. These same people, when they are at home, pay for water, electricity, household waste removal tax, property tax, and parking. It is normal to do the same elsewhere. In summary, I don't think Camping-Car Park is the only solution, but it is one solution among others. This diversity is an advantage for motorhomers."

Key Considerations for Motorhomers

When deciding whether Camping-Car Park is the right option for you, consider the following:

• Your Travel Style: If you prioritise convenience, readily available facilities, and security, Camping-Car Park can be an excellent choice. If you are on a very tight budget and prefer to seek out free or very low-cost options, you may find it less appealing.
• Value for Money: Assess the price against the services offered. For many, the cost of electricity, water, and a secure spot makes the tariff justifiable, especially when compared to the potential costs of finding these services individually or the fees at some traditional campsites.
• Network vs. Independent Aires: Camping-Car Park offers a standardised experience across its network. Independent aires can vary significantly in quality and cost. Having a network provides a level of predictability.
• Complementary Offering: View Camping-Car Park as one of many options available to motorhomers. The diversity of stopover choices, including free aires, France Passion, and traditional campsites, allows you to tailor your journey to your preferences and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need to be a member to use Camping-Car Park?
Yes, you need the 'Pass' Étapes' loyalty card to access the aires. This card costs €5 and is valid for life.

Q2: How much does it cost to stay at Camping-Car Park?
Prices typically range from €5.50 for 5 hours to between €7.30 and €15.00 for 24 hours, depending on the specific location.

Q3: What services are included in the price?
The 'forfait étape' includes parking, water, electricity, waste disposal, and Wi-Fi at most locations.

Q4: Can I reserve a pitch in advance?
Yes, an optional reservation service is available for an annual fee of €24.

Q5: Are there alternatives to Camping-Car Park?
Yes, numerous free motorhome aires, aires payantes not part of a network, and traditional campsites are available across France.

Conclusion

Camping-Car Park provides a structured and convenient solution for motorhomers seeking reliable stopover points with essential services. While the pricing has sparked debate, many users find the cost justifiable for the guaranteed amenities and security. The network's success lies in its ability to offer a consistent and accessible service across a wide geographical area, contributing to the diverse landscape of motorhome accommodation options. Ultimately, the decision to use Camping-Car Park, like any other service, rests on individual priorities, budget, and travel style. Embracing the variety of options available ensures that every motorhomer can craft their ideal journey.