Road Genius compares campervan rentals across trusted suppliers so you can pick the right vehicle for a Provence road trip. Marseille Provence Airport and the main rail station (Gare Saint-Charles) are common pick-up points. From the city you can reach the Calanques National Park, the Côte d'Azur and the Luberon within two hours.
Season | Average High Temperature | Good to visit? |
---|---|---|
Spring (Mar–May) | 16–22 °C (61–72 °F) | Yes – mild weather and fewer crowds |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 27–30 °C (81–86 °F) | Good but hot and very busy |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 24–16 °C (75–61 °F) | Yes, especially Sep–Oct |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 11–13 °C (52–55 °F) | Possible, but fewer campsites open |
Motorway speed limits are 130 km/h (81 mph) in dry weather and 110 km/h (68 mph) when it rains.
Two-lane country roads have a limit of 80 km/h (50 mph) and city areas 50 km/h (31 mph).
Most highways (A7, A50) are toll roads called "péage". You can pay by card or cash. Orange "Télépéage" lanes are for electronic tags only.
Marseille has a low-emission zone called ZFE. You must order a Crit'Air sticker online before entering the city.
The Mistral wind can create gusts above 80 km/h (50 mph). Drive slower and avoid high coastal bridges during wind alerts.
Historic areas have very narrow streets under 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) wide. Use park-and-ride parking lots and the metro to reach the Old Port area.
Place | Facilities | Good points | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
Camping du Garlaban (Aubagne) | Water and electric | Shaded areas, swimming pool, bus to Marseille (20 min) | Book ahead in summer; vehicles under 8 m only |
Camping La Baie des Anges (La Ciotat) | Water, electric, and waste | Near beaches and Calanques, large camping spots | Windy location; 3-night minimum stay in August |
Aire de Camping-Car Prado-Plage (Marseille city) | Water and electric | Next to beach, payment machine works 24 hours | No shade, traffic noise, 24-hour maximum stay |
Aire de Camping-Car Cassis (Peyrolles Road) | Water and electric | Low cost option for Calanques visits, RVs under 7 m | Gets full by 10:00 AM, sloping ground |
France Passion farm network | None | Free overnight stay on vineyards and olive farms, local products | Membership required, no water or waste facilities |
Fire risk is very high from 1 June to 30 September. Many forest roads close daily after 11:00 AM. Check the "Préfecture 13" website before hiking or driving into wooded areas.
Open fires and charcoal barbecues are not allowed in Calanques National Park at any time of year.
Call 112 for any emergency, 15 for medical help, 18 for fire service, or 196 for sea rescue.
You must carry reflective safety vests and a warning triangle in your vehicle. French police can give immediate fines if these items are missing.