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Exploring Europe is a dream for many, but doing it in a rented campervan takes the experience to an entirely new level! We chose to journey along the stunning coastal route between Valencia in Spain and Saint Tropez in France, and it completely stole our hearts. From golden beaches to vibrant cities, the blend of nature and culture left us in constant awe! We took our time uncovering the best gems at each stop, to ensure this blog is packed with links to all the must-visit spots. Highlights of our trip included day trips to Saint Tropez, hiking in La Ciotat, savouring pain au chocolat at charming French bakeries, and camping by the sea in Cambrils. Travelling in autumn, during the shoulder season, was a decision we highly recommend. The days were still warm and sunny, but the crowds had thinned out, making it feel like we had Europe’s treasures all to ourselves. So here's the ultimate road trip itinerary to inspire your own adventure!
Our Budget Breakdown
To help you plan your own road trip, here’s a rough idea of what our two-week campervan adventure through Southern France and Spain cost us. Keep in mind, we opted for a 4-sleeper motorhome with full insurance—if you go for a smaller van or fewer amenities, you could save quite a bit!
Flights R10,000 / €522 per person (return flights from South Africa to Valencia).
Campervan Rental R35,000 / €1,835 for 14 nights. This included full insurance, which we highly recommend for peace of mind.
Fuel Costs R5,850 / €305. The fuel-efficient roadsurfer van helped keep costs down, even with all the driving.
Camping & Aires R5,081 / €265. A mix of free camping spots, affordable Aires, and the occasional splurge on fancier campsites kept this budget-friendly.
Tolls (France) R1,920 / €100. French tolls can add up, so plan your route carefully if you’re on a tight budget.
Data R900 / €47. Unlimited eSIM data for 15 days across Europe.
Food R4,030 / €210. Stocking up at Lidl and cooking in the campervan saved us loads of money.
Restaurants & Cafés R1,920 / €100. We enjoyed dining out sparingly, focusing on local favourites without blowing the budget.
Recommendations Before You Hit the Road
Before diving into the itinerary, here are some top tips that made our road trip smoother and more enjoyable. Trust us—these small details can make a huge difference when you’re travelling in a campervan across Europe!
Get an eSIM Before Landing
Stay connected from the moment you touch down by purchasing an eSIM. We got unlimited data for 15 days across Europe for just €47, which meant we always had maps, apps, and travel info at our fingertips without worrying about roaming costs.
Familiarise Yourself with the Park4Night App
This app will be your lifeline on the road. It’s brilliant for finding places to sleep, park, refill water, dump grey water, and more. Spend some time getting used to it before your trip so you’re ready to go when you hit the road.
Carry Cash (and Coins)
Many Aires and parking areas only accept cash—and often just coins—so make sure you have some handy. It’ll save you the stress of being stuck without a way to pay for an overnight spot.
Download Offline Maps
Download your route on Google Maps before leaving Wi-Fi zones. This was a lifesaver when we hit areas with poor reception and needed to navigate.
Shop at Lidl to Save Money
If you’re trying to keep your food budget low, we highly recommend shopping at Lidl. It’s affordable and has great quality groceries. Thanks to roadsurfer providing a French Press, we also saved money by making coffee in the van instead of splurging at cafés.
Make Use of Free Aires and roadsurfer Spots
Look out for free overnight Aires, which are rare but a great way to save money. Alternatively, check out roadsurferspots for secluded, off-the-beaten-path camping sites that are budget-friendly. These often provide a more unique and peaceful experience compared to traditional campsites.
Park Responsibly and Secure Your Valuables
While we had no issues, we heard warnings from other travellers about window smashing when parking on the road. Here’s how to stay safe:
Hide valuables out of sight.
Close your shutters when leaving the van.
Use the Park4Night app to read reviews about the safety of parking areas or stick to Aires.
Taking these precautions ensures you’ll have a stress-free experience.
Plan Your Route, But Stay Flexible
Having a rough plan is helpful, but van life is all about going with the flow. Aires can sometimes be full or closed due to construction, so be prepared to adjust. We often stumbled upon even more beautiful locations this way!
Watch Out for Toll Roads
Tolls in France can add up quickly. Plan your route carefully to avoid unplanned expenses, especially if you’re on a budget.
Don’t Drive with a Full Water Tank
While the roadsurfer vans are equipped with large water tanks for washing dishes and showering, driving with a full tank can weigh the van down and increase diesel costs. Only fill up once you’ve arrived at your destination.
Discount with roadsurfer
We’ve got a 12% discount for you when you book your motorhome through roadsurfer! Use code BETTS12 at checkout to apply.
Restrictions: Minimum 5 nights
Code expires: 31/12/24.
Day 1: Valencia to Castellón
We landed in Valencia, grabbed our Road House campervan from roadsurfer and hit the road! Our first stop was Castellón, just over an hour’s drive away—a short and easy leg for our first night. We stayed at Bravoplaya, a five-star campsite right on the beach. At €51 a night, it isn’t cheap, but it was perfect for our first night. The site had everything we needed: hot showers, electrical plug-ins, fresh water refills, and grey water disposal. It was also a chance to familiarise ourselves with our new “home on wheels.” (Pro tip: The Road House van’s batteries charge while driving, so you don’t always need to plug in—very handy!)
Day 2-3: Castellón to Cambrils
After a slow breakfast, we set off for Cambrils, a gorgeous seaside town on the Costa Dorada, about two hours north. Cambrils is a favourite holiday spot, and we quickly saw why. The town has a relaxed vibe, stunning beaches, and lots of free camping options (off-season, of course). We found a parking spot directly opposite the ocean—absolutely magical. If you’re up for a city adventure, Barcelona is a two-hour drive away or easily reached by train or bus. But honestly, we loved staying local, exploring the charming old town, and enjoying the best seafood we’ve ever had at the beachfront restaurants.
Day 4-5: Cambrils to Leucate, France
Next up, Leucate in the South of France—a solid four-hour drive. This was where Spain ended, and our French adventure began. We stayed at two fantastic Aires (motorhome parking spots):
Port Aire – €8 a night (add €5 for electricity). It’s along the port and has bathrooms, fresh water, and grey/black water disposal.
Lake Aire – €11 a night, set against the peaceful backdrop of a beautiful lake, with grey water dump and fresh water refill.
Leucate itself is postcard-perfect, with colourful facades, cobbled streets, and that classic French village charm. The Tourist Office offers hiking guides for trails starting in the village—perfect for exploring the area’s history and natural beauty.
Day 6: Drive from Leucate to La Ciotat
The drive from Leucate to La Ciotat takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. It’s a scenic route, so feel free to make stops along the way to break up the journey and soak in the views. The beauty of travelling in a campervan means you can pull into any town and make yourself some lunch in the comfort of your home!
Day 7, 8 & 9: La Ciotat & Cassis
A Paradise for Beach and Nature Lovers La Ciotat and Cassis are absolute must-visits for anyone who loves stunning coastlines, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. We highly recommend spending at least three days here—or longer if you can!
Where to Stay
We parked our van at Camping Santa Gusta in La Ciotat, which cost €31 per night for a seaview pitch with electricity. The campsite was perfectly located, just a short walk from an Aldi grocery store and a fantastic bakery where we bought fresh baguettes daily. Staying at the campsite made it easy to leave our van behind and explore the area using the local bus system.
Day 7: Exploring La Ciotat
Start your day by catching the bus to the Office de Tourisme, where you can grab a map, get travel tips, and begin exploring the town. La Ciotat’s narrow streets are lined with charming cafés and shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the chance to visit a local bakery called Festival Des Pains, where their pain au chocolat is an absolute treat! Spend the rest of the day exploring La Ciotat’s narrow streets, soaking up its relaxed vibe, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, there is an amazing market on at the port and it’s totally worth a visit!
Day 8: Botanical Gardens and Beaches
Catch the bus to the Office de Tourisme and walk about 2 km to the Calanque du Mugel, an incredible botanical garden with gorgeous beaches. Pack a picnic and your swimming gear (including a snorkel if you have one) because you’ll want to spend the entire day here. The Calanque du Mugel features walking trails, lush gardens, and two inviting swimming beaches. For even more breathtaking scenery, take an easy 15-minute walk to Calanque de Figuerolles, a hidden gem with turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. Pro tip: bring water shoes, as many beaches in the area are pebbly and can be tough on bare feet.
Day 9: The Route des Crêtes and Cassis
Dedicate the morning to driving the Route des Crêtes, an unforgettable coastal drive along the D141 between La Ciotat and Cassis. The route is narrow in some sections with steep inclines, but it’s manageable and well worth it for the stunning views. It takes about 25 minutes to drive without stopping, but plan for at least an hour to enjoy the viewpoints and take photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring hiking shoes as there are a few trails along the way. Once you arrive in Cassis, find parking using the Park4Night app—we paid €4 for 4 hours in a safe spot just a short walk from the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Plage du Bestouan, a small, picturesque beach with rocks for lounging. On a warm sunny day, it’s the perfect place to picnic and soak up the Mediterranean charm after your morning drive.
Day 10 & 11: Cassis to Saint-Tropez (via La Lavandou)
If you’ve got time, Saint-Tropez is worth a visit, but we don’t recommend staying overnight, especially during the off-season. The town can feel eerily quiet, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions closed or under renovation in preparation for the summer rush. Instead, we opted to stay in La Lavandou, a charming town on the outskirts of Saint-Tropez.
Where We Stayed
We found an Aire right on the beach opposite Plage de Cavalière, costing €21 per night—a bit pricey for an Aire, but the beachfront location made up for it. While the surrounding area, including Cap Nègre, was quiet and mostly closed for the season, the location allowed us easy access to both Saint-Tropez and La Lavandou via bus.
Day 7: Exploring La Ciotat
Start your day by catching the bus to the Office de Tourisme, where you can grab a map, get travel tips, and begin exploring the town. La Ciotat’s narrow streets are lined with charming cafés and shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the chance to visit a local bakery called Festival Des Pains, where their pain au chocolat is an absolute treat! Spend the rest of the day exploring La Ciotat’s narrow streets, soaking up its relaxed vibe, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, there is an amazing market on at the port and it’s totally worth a visit!
Exploring La Lavandou On Day 11, we explored the nearby town of La Lavandou. The streets were lovely to wander, lined with boutiques and cafés. Despite the season, we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and picturesque beaches. We ended the day with a fantastic pizza dinner at La Pizza Mimi et Thierry, a local spot that we highly recommend.
Our Recommendation
This stretch of the French Riviera isn’t a must-visit during the off-season, as many areas feel closed down. However, if you’re keen to see Saint-Tropez and are traveling during a quieter time, staying in La Lavandou is a convenient and pleasant option. It allows you to enjoy the area without feeling too isolated or underwhelmed by the seasonal closures.
Day 12-14: Heading Back to Valencia
All good things come to an end, and after nearly two weeks of exploring, it was time to make our way back to Valencia. The drive is about 10 hours along the coast, but we broke it up over three days to savour the journey and make the most of our last stretch. If you’re sticking to the toll route through France, you’ll find Aires (motorhome stops) conveniently located every 25km, making it easy to find a spot to park overnight. We used the Park4Night App religiously—it’s a lifesaver for finding great camping spots, whether you want something simple or a place with full facilities. When we opted to avoid toll roads, we were rewarded with stunning scenic drives through small towns and countryside. One unexpected gem was La Perthus, a quaint border town with a magical charm. We only stopped for a couple of hours, but it completely won us over. If we had more time, we would have stayed a few days to explore properly.
We realised during this journey that no amount of time in Europe would ever feel like enough. The sheer beauty, history, and culture of each stop made us fall more in love with the continent. Travelling in a roadsurfer campervan felt like pure luxury—it gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and always have a cosy home waiting at the end of the day. If you’ve been dreaming about a shoulder-season road trip through Southern Europe, we hope this itinerary inspires you to start planning. And when you discover your own favourite spots, be sure to share them with us—we’d love to hear about your adventure!
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