Is it legal/advisable to sleep overnight in a motorhome at an Aire de Service on the pay autoroutes in France?

Question

I am hoping to travel from Calais to NE Spain across France using the pay autoroutes in a small self-contained motorhome. I was planning to stop at the aire de service on the way to sleep overnight; but have not been able to determine if this is legal or advisable.

Thanks

Answer 1

I have used this method to travel to Spain on many occasions without incident, however I have heard of travellers being robbed at isolated 'aire's' along the southern part of the route between Orange and Narbonne.

It is an informed risk, keep to well used 'aire's' and if in doubt pull off the Autoroute and find a camp site.

Answer 2

i 'm not sure it's legal ,by the way it's quite unsafe because of robberies(Spain more than France)

Answer 3

It depends on exactly which 'aire' you are planning to use. Some allow overnight stays, but not all. The site below may be helpful - especially its links

Answer 4

we travelled  france spain etc for over a year in a camper. we always stopped overnight in aires. it is perfectly normal. there are aires on smaller roads which offer excellent amenities. toilets , showers etc. all free. it is legal and very advisable to use aires. france is kind and welcoming to motorhomes (unlike uk).. only one rule .  be tidy and clean up after yourselves.  have fun.