What do I need for trip to France

AG 2602

AG 2602

Joined
Jan 20, 2019
Posts
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Location
Bristol
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58,131
MH
Pilote G740
Exp
Since 2019
We are going to France for the first time in June.

Think we are pretty well prepared we obviously have passports and the dog is booked in with the vet so we can have our AHC certificate. We also have COVID passports on the APP if these are still required.

Is that all we need to present when crossing the border?

Thanks
 
If you want to be absolutely sure, vehicle log book, insurance showng EU cover, and (very unlikely but theoretically possible) proof of income and where your staying - which might be the first site, but I'm sure 99.9% of folk will tell you they've never been asked for the latter. I always have the diverters for the headlamps in the door pocket and have been 'forgetting' to fit the same set for about 10 years now. Just lower the headlamps a bit if you're out at night.
I used to have a card with 'On the Right!' written on it that went on the dash board when we parked up.
COVID app on the phone is fine, but a paper copy is less likely to get dropped under the van at the book-in. :rolleyes:
 
Dreaded angles mortes stickers if you're over 3.5 tonne.
But some don't bother .....
Intended really for lorries in towns and cities but legislation seems to be badly written.
 
You haven't mentioned how you're getting there, if via the tunnel the online booking system allows you to upload any required documents in advance of travel.
 
Thanks for the swift responces.

We are travelling on the ferry Portsmouth to Caen.

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Trevor Wbm said:
If you want to be absolutely sure, vehicle log book, insurance showng EU cover, and (very unlikely but theoretically possible) proof of income and where your staying - which might be the first site, but I'm sure 99.9% of folk will tell you they've never been asked for the latter. I always have the diverters for the headlamps in the door pocket and have been 'forgetting' to fit the same set for about 10 years now. Just lower the headlamps a bit if you're out at night.
I used to have a card with 'On the Right!' written on it that went on the dash board when we parked up.
COVID app on the phone is fine, but a paper copy is less likely to get dropped under the van at the book-in. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Thanks Trevor

Yes I was planning on taking all of the above but just wondered what we needed to hand over with our passports.
Will print out the Covid passes and stick them with the passports.

No plans to travel at night we're not planning on travelling too far just Brittany region.

Thanks again
 
I think the covid passport has a expiry date on the app I'm not sure, the paper one worked for us still only valid for 30 days I think as well.
 
This is/was my old list to go too, for new members most is still relevant,
just a couple of suggestions

Passport

Also good satnav, the books " all the aires" or apps campercontact or camperstop

Light weight drip dry clothing if going in the summer.

Insect repellant - Smidge for me.

Books, you can never have too many, phrase books, dictionary, guide books & a good map Just in case the satnav packs up.

Phone cables & chargers !!!

Maps - the laminated Michelin atlas is good and the Michelin Zoom maps if you want to look at an area in detail for cycling or walking.

Campsite and Aires info - Vicarious guide, camper contact app , Park4night , search for site etc.

Prepaid card such as Caxton or credit like the Halifax Clarity card or nationwide debit card.

EHIC card health cards

Breakdown and medical insurance.

Three "feel at home" sim card or similar plus Mifi (if you have one)

Unless you have specific foods you cannot live without, why carry any more extra food than you need, especially heavy liquids. We usually carry a few tins of meals, in case we should outstay available food.
Alcohol is much cheaper overseas, so not worth carrying.
Fresh food is best bought when you want it from local stores.
We carry sun creams, shampoo's and other everyday items. Lidl's, Aldi and other supermarkets carry all of the familiar goods you buy at home.

all our documents scanned and copied , kept seperate. 2 sets

Halve your planned mileage, halve your planned "necessary" equipment, double your spending money
  • In France, don't forget priority to the right in towns (unless you can see that the joining road has a solid white line or stop sign). They have a habit of pulling out as a matter of course, particularly in the larger towns.
  • 1653039645465.png
  • The same applies on minor country roads where a junction is indicated by a diagonal cross (Saltire). The road to the right has priority. If a vertical cross then you are generally on the major road.
  • In towns, pedestrians have the right to cross in front of traffic. They have to give a clear indication that they are about to step-off. This right does not apply if there is an adjacent pedestrian crossing.
  • Hi vis vest for driver and every passenger. Must be able to put them on before exiting the vehicle so don't keep them in the garage or an outside locker.
  • Becareful when driving through small towns , speed bumps are vicious , slow right down !!!
  • Also the town or village sign as entering is the speed restriction sign and when leaving it will have 1 line trough town name to indicate end of speed restriction

  • Warning triangle
    Spare bulb set & fuses legal requirement (never been asked for them).
    • First aid kit
      Beam deflectors for your lights
    • these items , i photocopy & keep copies handy , originals in my safe hidden in van( plus passport)
    • Driving licence
      Insurance certificate
      V5C
    • Passport
    • Two pin adaptor for the EHU.
      Reverse polarity tester kit, save blowing fuse on the control panel as some electrical points in france not all wired correct
  • Remember when approaching a town or village the town/village name sign is the speed limit start & when ends when exiting T/V sign with lines thru. they are quite strict !!!!!

    hope these help , might be a bit dated
    Terry
 
Depending on fluency in French get the google translate app and download the French dictionary before you go. The conversation function is epic (I had a long “conversation” with an old French gent and once he could see his words coming up on the phone screen and translated into French he was delighted and wouldn’t stop talking 🤣😂) and the camera function helps reading signs, brochures etc.

If using google maps download the maps of the area you’re travelling to which will save on data when you’re there.

Also get credit card which doesn’t charge exchange fees on each transaction. We’ve also got post office money cards, better rate and you use it just like you bank card and top up using an app.

I second the comment about speed bumps, there is no standard height and they can be brutal, also enjoy all the roundabouts!

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FIDGET said:
This is/was my old list to go too, for new members most is still relevant,
just a couple of suggestions

Passport

Also good satnav, the books " all the aires" or apps campercontact or camperstop

Light weight drip dry clothing if going in the summer.

Insect repellant - Smidge for me.

Books, you can never have too many, phrase books, dictionary, guide books & a good map Just in case the satnav packs up.

Phone cables & chargers !!!

Maps - the laminated Michelin atlas is good and the Michelin Zoom maps if you want to look at an area in detail for cycling or walking.

Campsite and Aires info - Vicarious guide, camper contact app , Park4night , search for site etc.

Prepaid card such as Caxton or credit like the Halifax Clarity card or nationwide debit card.

EHIC card health cards

Breakdown and medical insurance.

Three "feel at home" sim card or similar plus Mifi (if you have one)

Unless you have specific foods you cannot live without, why carry any more extra food than you need, especially heavy liquids. We usually carry a few tins of meals, in case we should outstay available food.
Alcohol is much cheaper overseas, so not worth carrying.
Fresh food is best bought when you want it from local stores.
We carry sun creams, shampoo's and other everyday items. Lidl's, Aldi and other supermarkets carry all of the familiar goods you buy at home.

all our documents scanned and copied , kept seperate. 2 sets

Halve your planned mileage, halve your planned "necessary" equipment, double your spending money
  • In France, don't forget priority to the right in towns (unless you can see that the joining road has a solid white line or stop sign). They have a habit of pulling out as a matter of course, particularly in the larger towns.
  • View attachment 620285
  • The same applies on minor country roads where a junction is indicated by a diagonal cross (Saltire). The road to the right has priority. If a vertical cross then you are generally on the major road.
  • In towns, pedestrians have the right to cross in front of traffic. They have to give a clear indication that they are about to step-off. This right does not apply if there is an adjacent pedestrian crossing.
  • Hi vis vest for driver and every passenger. Must be able to put them on before exiting the vehicle so don't keep them in the garage or an outside locker.
  • Becareful when driving through small towns , speed bumps are vicious , slow right down !!!
  • Also the town or village sign as entering is the speed restriction sign and when leaving it will have 1 line trough town name to indicate end of speed restriction

  • Warning triangle
    Spare bulb set & fuses legal requirement (never been asked for them).
    • First aid kit
      Beam deflectors for your lights
    • these items , i photocopy & keep copies handy , originals in my safe hidden in van( plus passport)
    • Driving licence
      Insurance certificate
      V5C
    • Passport
    • Two pin adaptor for the EHU.
      Reverse polarity tester kit, save blowing fuse on the control panel as some electrical points in france not all wired correct
  • Remember when approaching a town or village the town/village name sign is the speed limit start & when ends when exiting T/V sign with lines thru. they are quite strict !!!!!

    hope these help , might be a bit dated
    Terry
Click to expand...
Great help thanks Terry (y)
 
FIDGET said:
This is/was my old list to go too, for new members most is still relevant,
just a couple of suggestions

Passport

Also good satnav, the books " all the aires" or apps campercontact or camperstop

Light weight drip dry clothing if going in the summer.

Insect repellant - Smidge for me.

Books, you can never have too many, phrase books, dictionary, guide books & a good map Just in case the satnav packs up.

Phone cables & chargers !!!

Maps - the laminated Michelin atlas is good and the Michelin Zoom maps if you want to look at an area in detail for cycling or walking.

Campsite and Aires info - Vicarious guide, camper contact app , Park4night , search for site etc.

Prepaid card such as Caxton or credit like the Halifax Clarity card or nationwide debit card.

EHIC card health cards

Breakdown and medical insurance.

Three "feel at home" sim card or similar plus Mifi (if you have one)

Unless you have specific foods you cannot live without, why carry any more extra food than you need, especially heavy liquids. We usually carry a few tins of meals, in case we should outstay available food.
Alcohol is much cheaper overseas, so not worth carrying.
Fresh food is best bought when you want it from local stores.
We carry sun creams, shampoo's and other everyday items. Lidl's, Aldi and other supermarkets carry all of the familiar goods you buy at home.

all our documents scanned and copied , kept seperate. 2 sets

Halve your planned mileage, halve your planned "necessary" equipment, double your spending money
  • In France, don't forget priority to the right in towns (unless you can see that the joining road has a solid white line or stop sign). They have a habit of pulling out as a matter of course, particularly in the larger towns.
  • View attachment 620285
  • The same applies on minor country roads where a junction is indicated by a diagonal cross (Saltire). The road to the right has priority. If a vertical cross then you are generally on the major road.
  • In towns, pedestrians have the right to cross in front of traffic. They have to give a clear indication that they are about to step-off. This right does not apply if there is an adjacent pedestrian crossing.
  • Hi vis vest for driver and every passenger. Must be able to put them on before exiting the vehicle so don't keep them in the garage or an outside locker.
  • Becareful when driving through small towns , speed bumps are vicious , slow right down !!!
  • Also the town or village sign as entering is the speed restriction sign and when leaving it will have 1 line trough town name to indicate end of speed restriction

  • Warning triangle
    Spare bulb set & fuses legal requirement (never been asked for them).
    • First aid kit
      Beam deflectors for your lights
    • these items , i photocopy & keep copies handy , originals in my safe hidden in van( plus passport)
    • Driving licence
      Insurance certificate
      V5C
    • Passport
    • Two pin adaptor for the EHU.
      Reverse polarity tester kit, save blowing fuse on the control panel as some electrical points in france not all wired correct
  • Remember when approaching a town or village the town/village name sign is the speed limit start & when ends when exiting T/V sign with lines thru. they are quite strict !!!!!

    hope these help , might be a bit dated
    Terry
Click to expand...
In addition to Terry's excellent advice, be aware that many towns now have a 30Kmh speed limit where previously it was 50 and nearly every town has speed bumps at regular intervals.
 
AG 2602 said:
I'm starting to think I should be staying in the UK ::bigsmile: ::bigsmile: ::bigsmile:
Click to expand...
I wouldn't worry too much, a lot of the requirements will never be checked and with regard to driving keep to speed limits and stay observant, personally I try to stick to around 300 Kms a day max so I can leave a site around 10:30 and be at my next site by 14:30 ish so i don't get tired and have plenty of time to get set up and have a look around, I'm sure everyone has there own way or method in how they like to travel.

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We travelled Portsmouth to Caen this week. COVID paperwork scanned at Portsmouth check in. Loaded last as usual but off before cars, so quick getaway. At Caen, passports stamped, that was all, nothing else. On a site with loads of motorhomes, only me with the stickers, nobody else had them on ferry.
Some mask wearing in shops.
 
K R B said:
Don't forget to Stop at stop signs, for min 10/15 seconds if wheels are even slightly moving on its a on the spot fine
Click to expand...
Hi!
How, when, where did you have this info? Actually most French drivers don't even know this!
Well done you as it's very true!

Amicalement
Frankie:wink:
 
AG 2602 said:
I'm starting to think I should be staying in the UK ::bigsmile: ::bigsmile: ::bigsmile:
Click to expand...
Seriously go it Moho friendly , my suggestions were only things I noticed never had a problem other than breakdowns covered by RAC which sosted out everything for us
You won't ever want to camp in UK again
 
We live in France and know of people that have been given on the spot fines for not stopping, just crawling over solid white line

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We have just returned last night from 6 weeks in Spain Portugal and FRANCE. The one thing I would say is essential is the 2 pin ehu adapter. Still common in Europe especially on the more remote/ smaller sites and stopovers.
So much easier than travelling in the uk so don’t sweat it just enjoy and relax.
All covid rules have now been relaxed as well.
 
Don’t over-think going to France, road rules are road rules and applicable in every country, take notice of the signs and apply logic!
Traffic is, on the whole, a lot lighter and you will enjoy driving there once you settle.
Be sensible and relax and most of all enjoy the experience once you’ve done you’ll want to do it again!
 
FIDGET said:
This is/was my old list to go too, for new members most is still relevant,
just a couple of suggestions

Passport

Also good satnav, the books " all the aires" or apps campercontact or camperstop

Light weight drip dry clothing if going in the summer.

Insect repellant - Smidge for me.

Books, you can never have too many, phrase books, dictionary, guide books & a good map Just in case the satnav packs up.

Phone cables & chargers !!!

Maps - the laminated Michelin atlas is good and the Michelin Zoom maps if you want to look at an area in detail for cycling or walking.

Campsite and Aires info - Vicarious guide, camper contact app , Park4night , search for site etc.

Prepaid card such as Caxton or credit like the Halifax Clarity card or nationwide debit card.

EHIC card health cards

Breakdown and medical insurance.

Three "feel at home" sim card or similar plus Mifi (if you have one)

Unless you have specific foods you cannot live without, why carry any more extra food than you need, especially heavy liquids. We usually carry a few tins of meals, in case we should outstay available food.
Alcohol is much cheaper overseas, so not worth carrying.
Fresh food is best bought when you want it from local stores.
We carry sun creams, shampoo's and other everyday items. Lidl's, Aldi and other supermarkets carry all of the familiar goods you buy at home.

all our documents scanned and copied , kept seperate. 2 sets

Halve your planned mileage, halve your planned "necessary" equipment, double your spending money
  • In France, don't forget priority to the right in towns (unless you can see that the joining road has a solid white line or stop sign). They have a habit of pulling out as a matter of course, particularly in the larger towns.
  • View attachment 620285
  • The same applies on minor country roads where a junction is indicated by a diagonal cross (Saltire). The road to the right has priority. If a vertical cross then you are generally on the major road.
  • In towns, pedestrians have the right to cross in front of traffic. They have to give a clear indication that they are about to step-off. This right does not apply if there is an adjacent pedestrian crossing.
  • Hi vis vest for driver and every passenger. Must be able to put them on before exiting the vehicle so don't keep them in the garage or an outside locker.
  • Becareful when driving through small towns , speed bumps are vicious , slow right down !!!
  • Also the town or village sign as entering is the speed restriction sign and when leaving it will have 1 line trough town name to indicate end of speed restriction

  • Warning triangle
    Spare bulb set & fuses legal requirement (never been asked for them).
    • First aid kit
      Beam deflectors for your lights
    • these items , i photocopy & keep copies handy , originals in my safe hidden in van( plus passport)
    • Driving licence
      Insurance certificate
      V5C
    • Passport
    • Two pin adaptor for the EHU.
      Reverse polarity tester kit, save blowing fuse on the control panel as some electrical points in france not all wired correct
  • Remember when approaching a town or village the town/village name sign is the speed limit start & when ends when exiting T/V sign with lines thru. they are quite strict !!!!!

    hope these help , might be a bit dated
    Terry
Click to expand...
Pretty much got it covered there (y) (y) :giggle:
 
In France you are required to have proof of ownership of the vehicle, which of course the V5c is stated on the front as being specifically not that.

It maybe that the police will accept the V5c, but I also carry the Bill of Sale executed when I bought.
 
Further to vicious speed bumps if they have blue flashing lights they are even nastier.

That said France is awesome for motorhoming. Enjoy the trip
 
In the decades and decades of driving through France i have had the grand total of
1. being stopped for speeding and escorted to a pay machine, once. This was about 1987.
2. being flashed on roadside camera twice, never got the fine.

Never ever been asked whilst on the road for any documentation.
 
InvictaMoto said:
What's the situation with the dog? In the MoHo all trip?
Click to expand...
We have booked a dog friendly cabin so hopefully that’ll work out okay👍

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