The Occitanie region may not be as famous as Île-de-France, but it nevertheless boasts an exceptional wealth of attractions. So, for your summer vacations, why not explore Lozère by motorhome?
The most sparsely populated département in France, Lozère is a territory with a strong environmental and cultural heritage. Nestled betweenAveyron andArdèche, it is indeed the center of ancestral traditions. Its unusual history has therefore been strongly influenced by the Occitan and Auvergne regions. Today, the region boasts fabulous vestiges of its exceptional past.
But the province’s most outstanding feature is its enchanting natural setting. In fact, it lies within two major regional parks, those ofAubrac and Cévennes. A detail that makes it an unmissable destination for hiking, canyoning and climbing enthusiasts.
For an unforgettable holiday in the south-east of France, what could be better than discovering Lozère in a motorhome?
Route ideas in Lozère by motorhome
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
Travelling to Lozère in a motorhome is the ideal way to discover this extraordinary region. From north to south, the department is sure to please nature and culture enthusiasts alike. To help you organize your stay, we’ve put together some interesting itineraries. All you have to do is plan your route and set off on your Lozère motorhome adventure.
Nature lovers, for example, can organize their trip to the Parc des Cévennes or the Parc de l’Aubrac. This way, they can discover the region’s fabulous environmental wealth. Along the way, they’ll be able to explore magnificent hiking and mountain-biking trails. Their path is sure to lead them through exceptional landscapes and unmissable vegetation. They may also come across some amazing wildlife. Between the famous Chevêche d’Athéna and the Gévaudan wolves, they’ll be in for some surprises.
What’s more, their motorhome trip to Lozère will take them to some superb historic villages. Their cobbled streets and ancient buildings will quickly charm tourists. They can visit medieval castles and architectural treasures. From the Castanet fortress to the Grizac fortifications, they’ll feel like they’ve stepped back in time.
However, the area also boasts some fabulous geological sights. It is home to numerous dolmens and megalithic structures. These include the Vase de Sèvres, the Pierre Plate and the Tombeau du Géant. But discovering Lozère by motorhome wouldn’t be complete without the department’s unusual terroir. The region is home to many culinary traditions and specialities. Among the most unusual are the famous Truffade and Coupétadou.
Between customs, history and nature, your vacation promises to be unforgettable.
Seven days on the Cévennes route
- Quézac (spa, hiking trails),
- Florac-Trois-Rivières (Château de Florac, Église Saint-Martin),
- Le-Pont-de-Montvert (Pic de Finiels, Château de Grizac),
- Mont Lozère (hiking, trail, viewpoints),
- Pourcharesses (Château de Castanet, Barrage de l’Altier).
Five days in the Gorges du Tarn
- Le-Pont-de-Montvert (Mont Lozère, Pic Finiels, Château de Grizac),
- Florac-Trois-Rivières (Château de Florac, climbing, canoeing and kayaking),
- Quézac (spa, caves),
- Saint-Enimie (Utopix, Moulin de Cénaret),
- Le Rozier (Maison des Vautours, Vase de Sèvres, Rocher de Capluc)
Seven days in Aubrac
- La Canourgue (Château de Montjézieu, Dolmen de Chardonnet, Collégiale Saint-Martin),
- Les Hermaux (charming village, local specialities),
- Marchastel (Lac de Saint-Andéol, Chapelle Saint-Andéol),
- Le Buisson (Vallée de l’Enfer, Viaduc de Crueize, Parc des Loups du Gévaudan),
- Les-Monts-Verts (Sainte-Madeleine Church, hiking trails).
Driving a motorhome in Lozère: traffic rules you need to know
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Travelling to Lozère in a motorhome is the ideal way to spend an unforgettable vacation. This département has the advantage of following the same regulations as the rest of France. All you need to do is follow the national highway code. You’ll need to stay in the right-hand lane at all times, and not exceed speed limits.
On freeways, these are 110 km/h for motorhomes, and 80 km/h on secondary roads. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h, depending on the zone. Before organizing your road-trip to Lozère in a motorhome, it’s a good idea to find out about parking options. Motorhomes are not governed by the same rules as cars in this respect.
Freeway tolls in Lozère: what price for your category of motorhome?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
When discovering Lozère by motorhome, you could choose to take the freeway. These safe expressways will enable you to cross the département more quickly. What’s more, the A75, the department’s only freeway, is entirely free of charge. For the moment, the only paying section of this road is the Millau Viaduct. Nevertheless, travelers from other regions will surely be confronted with numerous tolls.
These facilities charge you to drive on most of France’s freeways. The rate depends on your point of entry and the distance of the journey. But it also varies according to the type of vehicle you’re driving. For example, going from Paris to Mende costs an average of €40 for class 2 motorhomes. Class 3 or 4 vans, on the other hand, will cost between €50 and €70. These expenses should be taken into account when planning your motorhome trip to Lozère.
How and where to rent a motorhome in France?
Today, it’s very easy to rent these vehicles between private individuals in France. Numerous online platforms, such as Yescapa, enable this type of rental.
How does it work?
- First, you need to choose the motorhome in your city (e.g. Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
- Make sure you choose unlimited mileage, check the number of berths available and whether international travel is possible.
- Make your rental request online and share your travel information (dates, rental options, mileage, etc.) with the owner.
- If your request is accepted and after payment, you will have access to the owner’s contact details to arrange a first meeting.
- On the day, present your driver’s license and pay the deposit.
- An inventory of fixtures is drawn up and a rental contract is signed by both parties. All you have to do is sign it on your return, and you’re all set.
How and where to rent a motorhome in Lozère?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LOUIS-MICHEL DESERT
You don’t need a van to explore Lozère by motorhome. In fact, it’s possible to hire this type of vehicle from a company or private individual. In the Lozère region, for example, you’ll find many companies offering this kind of service. All you have to do is book your motorhome online, and pick it up on site.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable rate, you might prefer Yescapa. This site specializes in renting vans between individuals, at generally lower prices. You could therefore opt for this alternative when organizing your motorhome trip to Lozère.
RV parks in Lozère: where to park?
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As we said, you can’t stop your motorhome just anywhere. So you won’t be able to park wherever you like when you travel to Lozère in a motorhome. You’ll need to find out in advance about the areas and campsites available in the department.
By using a dedicated parking space for your vehicle, you can drain it and even plug it in. This way, you can easily spend one or more nights on the same site.
When is the best time to travel in a motorhome in Lozère?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Oli HAZEL
With its rich environmental heritage, the département is an ideal destination for summer visitors. The summer season is the best time to visit Lozère by motorhome. You’ll be able to take advantage of the magnificent southeastern climate, while enjoying the region’s natural surroundings.
So, if you choose to explore the Gorges du Tarn, you can take advantage of the opportunity to cool off. Between swimming and activities, the river is just waiting for you to have fun!