rv travel in Europe

It is possible to rent RV in France, try autoeurope.com It is a fairly common thing(though if in summer avoid long caravans of campers as these are usually gypsy camps). They are going to be smaller than your American Class B or C models, more like campervans.

However, I would go this route if you want the RV experience, because it is not the budget route. Gas can be between $8-$10 a gallon, though most RV will be diesel.Campground fees can be comparable to a a hostel or local hotel.The mountain roads can be narrow and twisted, not appropriate for RV or for american drivers not used to the roads. I have always found French campgrounds to be mostly good, but usually far from the center of town.

I have driven in Paris, would not reccomend it, and would never take an RV there. (I have driven my parents 31' through SanFrancisco).

For outdoor pursuits you could consider renting a car(better milage) and visiting a few key towns say in the alps or camarague, base yourself and take day excursions hikes or trips.

I have spoken mostly about France here. If you haven't already try the Lonely Planet guide books, thier country specific ones offers a good amount of information on natural pursuits, country travel, and how to get around.

Partially echoing the previous response, renting an automobile of any size is much more expensive in Europe in the long run, due to the higher petrol prices. In most countries, with the possible exception of Germany (even surprisingly small towns have rail stops), you can most easily explore the rural areas by auto. As for RVs, if you really want to travel this way, it can be done, but an RV is probably more of a hassle than a benefit. You'll have to plan the trip around places where you can park the RV instead of destinations you may really want to visit. And Paris? Don't even think about driving a Mini there, much less an RV!

Do not rent a car, LEASE it, any period over three weeks, makes a BIG difference. Try Renault.

I have also read an EXCELLANT book about rving in Europe, get it from library or second hand book shop, worth it!!

book is Europe by Van and Motorhome by David Shore and Patty Campbell

I would suggest renting an RV in Germany. It is considerably less expensive there than elsewhere in Europe. Check out Ideamerge. It is a US company that arranges RV rentals with McRent in Germany. Great people. I worked with Doug Bredesen at Ideamerge for my rental during the World Cup in "06.

Many campgrounds have a restaurant, store, clean facilities, and good beer or wine) with easily accessible transportation to the city center if you are near one. The camping fees were generally about $25/night. Camping is a great way to meet people from all over Europe.

You are experienced Rv'ers so I don't have to tell you all the benefits. We had a good time driving country roads to small villages, getting semi-lost and asking locals for directions to get back on track. Great way to meet people. It cost us about 65 euro to fill the tank and could drive for 5+ hours at a good Autobahn clip.

Check out the Bois de Boulogne campground near Paris. It's just outside the city limits.

thanks for all of the great feedback, we are checking the different resources. We have decided to cruise either there or back, out of florida. We are searching vacationstogo.com, but can't find much that comes back from that part of the world. England to Italy to France are the boundaries. Thanks everyone!!! This is getting very fun! kathy

While in Germany, eating at nice restaurant on the Rhine, I fell into conversation with the British couple next to me. They RV through Europe every year and love it. (They owned the RV, rather than renting one.) So, it obviously works well for some. They were in their 60's, too, and had to deal with driving on the "wrong" side of the road which you will not have to deal with. I did get the impression that they stayed at least a few days in each location, so less travelling than you might be considering.

I have seen lots of RV parks in Germany, but, even with living in Italy for 3 years, I did not see any there. Most seem to be combined with camp (tent) sites. And, yes, they are MUCH smaller than the RV's in the States and could never be considered luxurious. Rather, they are practical.