In association with Look Insurance
Caravanning in France? Here are some useful phrases
Hello. Where is the caravan site? That is quite possibly the most important question you could end up asking if you’re heading off to France with your caravan.
As we are all too familiar with in Blighty, the weather isn’t always the greatest, persuading many caravanners to venture further afield. France has a long established reputation amongst the caravan fraternity and is visited by many each year.
But, like with any other country, there are plenty of things to consider when taking the caravan to France. And knowing your s’il vous plaît and merci and a few other bits can get you a long way. The team at LOOK Insurance have researched some of the key information and phrases which all caravanners should know before taking their caravan to France.
Things you might need and need to know
We have given this sub section the above title as it seems like there is equal weight in knowing things and having the right things.
Travelling through France requires you to adhere to a number of regulations. You will need to know your caravan’s weight (MGPLW) and make a note of it. There are restrictions based on your caravan’s weight. Rather than go into all these, so long as its base weight (without all extras inside) isn’t more than 3.5 tonnes a UK driving licence is fine. Anything more and you might need documentation (see Permis E96 and EB).
As for speed, you are restricted to 90 kmph (56mph) on French A roads with a caravan. However, just be mindful that if you’re on a road with a lower max speed limit than that, you won’t be able to reach this maximum speed with a caravan.
As for bits of equipment, you know the essentials for a caravan holiday but when travelling to France you have to have a high visibility vest and warning triangle. It is also recommended you have daytime lights. Plus, whilst the threat of a fine has been indefinitely rescinded, you have to carry a NF approved breathalyzer.
Some helpful phrases
Yes, the French are very good at speaking English and we can all point and gesture but by trying to ask them a few questions in their own language, it might score approval amongst some. So we have dug out what we think will be common and useful phrases to help you on your way:
How much does this cost? – C’est combien s’il vous plaît?
What time do you open/close? – A quelle heure ouvrez-vous / fermez-vous?
Where is the post office? – Où est la poste?
Where is tourist information? – Où est le point d’information touristique?
Where is the railway station? – Où est la gare?
I have a reservation – J’ai fait une reservation
Where are the toilets? – Où sont les toilettes?
How far to town? – Jusqu’à quel point de la ville
Where can I buy gas? – Où puis-je acheter du gaz?
How much does it cost to stay here? – Combien ça coûte de rester ici?
How much is it for electricity? – Combien coûte l’électricité?
So, now you’re equipped for a caravan adventure in France, with a few essentials taken care of.
Full disclosure policy can be found here.
