Camper van rental : experience freedom on the road

Travel at your own pace, sleep close to nature, wake up in a new place every morning… it’s the stuff dreams are made of. But to make sure your first rental van experience doesn’t turn into a nightmare, here are some expert tips.

Why choose a camper van rental for your next vacation ?

A flexible and independent way to travel

Going on a camper van trip means you can:

• Drive across the country with (almost) the same comfort as home.
• Wake up each morning in a different place.
• Save money on accommodation and meals.
• Experience a nomadic lifestyle and live in the moment.
• Feel free and independent.

Isn’t that, after all, the very definition of a vacation ?

Fully equipped camper vans for modern adventurers

While it’s still possible to hit the road with the bare minimum, today’s camper vans are nothing like the early converted vehicles. Even with limited space, you’ll find all the comforts of home (water, electricity, heating, compact bathroom, kitchen…).

What exactly is a camper van ?

Onboard equipment

A rented camper van generally includes :

• A sleeping area with one or more comfortable beds.
• A bathroom area, either a compact washroom with toilet and shower, or mobile facilities (outdoor shower, portable toilet).
• A kitchen area with everything you need to cook and eat (indoors or outdoors).

The difference between a camper van and a converted van

The difference lies mainly in size. A converted van is larger, allowing you to stand up inside. It’s usually better equipped, offering nearly all the features of a motorhome but in a more compact format. Vans with a pop-up roof provide a little extra space, though they remain more basic. In everyday language, the word “van” is often used to refer to both vehicles.

The difference between a van and a motorhome

Here again, it’s about size: a motorhome is much bigger than a van and offers more comfort. However, with more space comes less maneuverability. A van is more discreet and can go almost anywhere. In short, space and comfort are the main differences between vans and motorhomes.

How to rent a camper van easily ?

Compare the available offers

To find a camper van rental in France, you have several options:

• Check peer-to-peer rental platforms.
• Look at major car rental companies that sometimes offer this type of vehicle.
• Go through a specialized agency like AVIS explore, where experts will guide and advise you for your camper van road trip.

Compare the offers not only by price, but also by included services and options, insurance, and roadside assistance.

Book online near your home

Thanks to local agencies or geolocated online booking services, you can easily rent a van close to home. This saves you from making multiple trips with your personal car and ensures peace of mind.

What to check before leaving

Some checks are important when renting a camper van, especially from private owners. Insurance, registration papers, overall condition, and proper functioning of the vehicle are key. Also, make sure the accessories you need are included: GPS, table and chairs, dishes, bedding…

The advantages of renting with AVIS explore

Recent, well-equipped vehicles

At AVIS explore, we invest every year in new vehicles to renew our fleet. All our vans are equipped so you won’t miss anything during your trip. Each vehicle is serviced and inspected before every departure. Hit the road in a camper van with complete peace of mind !

A nationwide network close to you

Find our teams all over France in AVIS explore agencies across the country. Our experts will welcome you, advise you, and guide you toward the vehicle that best fits your travel plans.

Simple and fast booking

Book directly on our website under the camper van rental section or visit an agency. Renting a camper van is quick, easy, and transparent. Whatever the rental offer, you’ll benefit from:

• A free additional driver
• Provided dishes and utensils
• Tailored mileage options
• Suitable consumables and equipment

Our tips for a first camper van experience

Plan your itinerary

If this is your first camper van vacation, we recommend planning your trip before setting off. Organize your route based on what you want to see, and give yourself plenty of time at each stop. In a camper van, slow travel is the way to go !

Manage stops and parking

Book at least the first few nights in campsites or designated areas so you can enjoy the facilities and avoid worrying about where to sleep. Don’t forget to take the vehicle’s height into account when parking. Once you’re more comfortable with vanlife, you can try wild camping (where permitted).

Enjoy the journey with peace of mind

The more familiar you are with your vehicle (filling up with water, fuel, electricity, or emptying grey water, for example), the more easily you’ll relax and enjoy the ride. It’s during these moments in the heart of nature that you’ll truly feel the freedom this lifestyle has to offer !

Ready to go ? Rent your camper van with AVIS explore
Have you already chosen the perfect destination for your next vacation ? All that’s left is to rent your camper van for 2 to 4 people. With just one click, book your vehicle on our AVIS explore website or visit one of our agencies. Our experts will give you the best advice so you can set off with complete peace of mind. All that’s left to do is pack your bags!

Thinking about trying camper van rental in France for your next trip ? To travel safely and stress-free, trust AVIS explore. Our passionate experts will guide you in choosing the right vehicle and make your first vanlife experience a success !

I RENT MY VAN !