Alsace is a region of just over 8,280 km², located in the east of France. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, it is considered one of the country’s most interesting historical and multicultural regions. As you travel the roads, you will see many wonders, but also discover Alsace’s best-kept secrets!
Are you planning to visit Alsace in a converted van or motorhome? From Haguenau to Mulhouse, via Strasbourg and the National Parks, you will see incredible sights. And to help you plan your trip, we are here. Here is our mini-guide to visiting Alsace in a converted van or motorhome!
Motorhome Itinerary Ideas in Alsace
Although its area is not as large as that of Brittany, it is important to plan your stay. Indeed, not all towns in Alsace are the same. You won’t see the same things in Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin. Preparing an itinerary to visit Alsace by motorhome is therefore an essential step. This will allow you to miss nothing and especially to learn more about the history of the region and its traditions.
If you have no ideas, or don’t know where to start, here are some examples for you.
Rent a motorhome to discover Aslace
7-day itinerary in Alsace by motorhome
📍↔️📍 Distance to cover : 221 Km
You will pass through Haguenau, the Vosges du Nord Regional Natural Park, Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse
15-day itinerary in Alsace by motorhome
📍↔️📍 Distance to cover : 375 Km
Start in Haguenau, then the Vosges du Nord Regional Natural Park, Strasbourg, Obernai, Riquewihr, Colmar. Continue through the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, Wittenheim, Mulhouse, Sierentz, and Saint-Louis.
3 weeks-itinerary in Alsace by motorhome
15-day itinerary + Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Soultz-les-Bains, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Saverne, Hunawihr, and Orbey.
Of course, these itineraries are just ideas. They are meant to help you if you’re unsure which spots to prioritize. So, feel free to create your own itinerary based on your interests, as well as your travel dates. Only you know what you want to see while visiting Alsace by motorhome.
From Alsace, you can easily access several neighboring countries:
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Belgium
- The Netherlands
Driving in Alsace by Motorhome: Traffic Rules to Know
The traffic rules in Alsace are identical to those in the rest of France. Therefore, any rule or provision applicable to cars also applies to motorhomes. You won’t have to worry about learning new traffic rules. However, here are some quick reminders before you set off to visit Alsace in a converted van.
🔗 Read Also: France by Motorhome: advice, areas, routes
Speed Limit
The speed limits in Alsace are the same as in the rest of the country. As with cars, the speed is limited to 50 km/h when you are within a built-up area. Outside, it will be 80 km/h and 110 km/h on a divided highway. In any case, be sure to respect the indications and road signs while visiting Alsace in a converted van.
Toll and Free Highways
In Alsace, most highways are free, except for a few sections around Mulhouse. So, you won’t have huge toll expenses to plan for when visiting Alsace by motorhome. Moreover, many secondary roads allow you to cross Alsace for free while enjoying its beautiful landscapes. Who knows, these roads might even lead you to an ideal spot to stop for a night or two.
Village Traffic
Beware! Some small villages do not allow the passage of heavy vehicles such as motorhomes. This regulation is in place to preserve the old roads. Moreover, these are often narrow, making traffic very difficult. You may find yourself in this situation when visiting Alsace in a converted van. In this case, you will have to park outside the village to visit it. You will generally find a campsite or a parking area on the outskirts.
Safety and Alcohol Consumption
As you know, basic safety rules will apply during your trip. Therefore, you must wear your seat belt, put young children in booster seats, etc. Also, note that no passenger can sleep or be in the back of the motorhome while the vehicle is in motion.
Finally, as in the rest of the country, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level when driving is 0.5g/l. Apart from obvious safety reasons, you risk fines and a temporary license suspension in case of infringement. So, be careful while visiting Alsace in a converted van. Drink in moderation, especially before getting back on the road.
How and Where to Rent a Motorhome in France?
Want to visit Alsace by motorhome during a road trip? If you don’t own a motorhome, it’s easy nowadays to rent one from a private individual. Many websites, such as Campstar, allow you to find a vehicle for visiting Alsace in a converted van or motorhome. They enable you to easily rent the desired vehicle for the duration of your road trip.
To rent a motorhome or a converted van, just follow these simple steps:
- First, go to on the rental company website or application and choose your city. You will find vehicles all over the country! From Paris to Bordeaux, via Nantes, Marseille, and many others.
- After choosing your city, select the vehicle according to the number of available beds. However, make sure that the unlimited mileage option is available. This will save you additional costs at the end of your stay for visiting Alsace in a converted van.
- Then fill in your rental request, which should include the important points of your trip. For example, note the dates, approximate mileage, vacation location, and desired options.
- You will then receive a confirmation of acceptance of your request from the rental company. I
- On the day of departure, fill out a rental contract with the rental company. For this, present your driving license and pay the deposit after an inventory of fixtures. You can then hit the road and visit Alsace in a converted van!
- When returning from vacation, simply do an inventory of fixtures with the owner. If nothing is damaged, you will then get your deposit back.
How and Where to Rent a Motorhome in Alsace?
Before starting your holiday itinerary, it is recommended to make an online reservation through a platform that offers motorhome and converted van rentals.
These sites are now numerous in the road trip and wild camping market, allowing you to enjoy a vehicle at a lower cost, like Campstar, for example.
Motorhome Areas in Alsace: Where to Park?
When visiting Alsace in a converted van or motorhome, you will need to make stops. Whether it’s to visit a city or rest at night, choosing a spot is important. However, it’s important to know that in Alsace, as everywhere in France, there are some rules regarding setting up your motorhome.
Motorhome Parking Rules
When visiting Alsace by motorhome, you must respect some traffic rules. First, always park within the spaces and do not exceed them. Also, it is strictly forbidden to set up on public roads, wherever you are. Therefore, you cannot set up outdoor furniture, except in campsites and areas designated for this purpose. Moreover, doors and windows must always be closed when parked outside a campsite. Finally, it is forbidden to sleep or cook in the motorhome on public roads.
Parking in Campsites or Rest Areas
Alsace has a large number of campsites where you can find a place with or without a reservation. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to park in rest areas designed for motorhomes. These parking areas allow you to spend the night before hitting the road the next day. You will find them on the outskirts of cities and villages, as well as along the busiest roads.
Wild Camping
As in the rest of the country, wild camping is prohibited by law and results in a fine. Therefore, you cannot set up on the side of a road, whether in an urban area or outside. You also cannot park in fields, forests, or by the sea.
However, for the more adventurous, it is possible to go to isolated spots, out of sight. You can find these everywhere when visiting Alsace in a converted van. There are even dedicated apps for these places, such as Park4Night. This app will allow you to find a secluded spot to set up quietly. You can also see all the nearby campsites, as well as places to avoid.
What is the Best Season to Travel by Motorhome in Alsace?
Depending on your interests, any month could be suitable. However, to visit Alsace in a converted van, the period from May to September is the most favorable. During this time, you will have temperatures between 20° and 22°C for the highs. The lows, often recorded at night, range between 10° and 16°C. In terms of precipitation, May, June, and July are the wettest months. Therefore, prefer the months of August to September, or bring your umbrella.
If you prefer to visit Alsace by motorhome during the winter, then prepare warm clothes! Between December and February, temperatures can drop below 0°C. Precipitations are between 30% and 40%, which can make roads slippery and create ice. Moreover, snowfalls are not to be excluded, even if the roads are often cleared quickly. So, be careful, and check that your motorhome is equipped accordingly.
