FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a minimum or maximum period of hire?

For Value and Low season hires (see "Prices & Bookings" page for details) the minimum hire period is three days. For High season hires the minimum hire period is seven days. There is no maximum period of hire and indeed long term hires lead to lower daily hire rates.

How can I check availability and make a booking?

To check availability simply call/e-mail us with your planned hire dates or submit an availability and price check via the short form on the home page and we will e-mail confirmation of availability and price plus provide you with a booking form. If you have already checked availability and worked out the price from our web site simply complete the booking form on the "Prices & Bookings" page.

How do I calculate the total cost of renting a motorhome?

The cost of hiring a motorhome is clearly detailed on our "Prices & Bookings" page but if you are unsure of the price or would like us to confirm the price to you, call/e-mail us with your planned hire dates or submit an availability and price check via the short online form on the home page and we will e-mail confirmation of availability and price plus provide you with a booking form.

When and how do I pay for the motorhome?

A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required upon confirmation of your booking. The balance is payable 45 days prior to departure.  In the event that you place your booking less than 45 days prior to departure, the hire price must be paid in full and accompany the booking form. We accept payments by bank transfer, cheques (in euros €) or credit card (Mastercard & Visa).

How do I get to the rental location?

Our location, near the town of Montargis is easy to access by car and close to the motorway network. If you are arriving by public transport, there are frequent trains from Paris and Charles de Gaulle/Orly Airports to Montargis and we can arrange to collect you from Montargis train station.

Traveling distances from nearest airports are:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle airport: 136kms / 84 Miles
• Paris Orly airport: 104kms / 64 Miles
• Paris Beauvais airport: 197kms / 122 Miles
• Tours airport: 188kms / 116 Miles

Clients are welcome to arrive at our depot by car and their car will be stored free of charge for the duration of their hire. For those clients wishing to arrive by public transport we recommend 3 ways of getting to or from our rental depot:

Option 1. Public transport : There are frequent trains from Paris to Montargis station. The journey time is approximately 1hr 25 mins from central Paris or under 2 hours from the airports. A representative from France Motor Home Hire or local taxi will collect guests from the station in Montargis for an additional €30 for a party of up to four.

Option 2. Private transfer : from chosen hotel, airport or other meeting place with door to door service.

Approximate prices for up to four passengers (booked in advance, payable locally directly to the driver in Euros) are as follows:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle airport : €325
• Central Paris hotels, Eurostar terminal or other pick up points : €315
• Paris Orly airport

Option 3. One way car rental from any airport or selected central Paris locations, returning the car to the rental company in Montargis. The car rental should cost around €189 for a one day, one way hire (if booked in advance). A France Motorhome Hire representative or local taxi will collect the guests from the rental car depot in Montargis for an additional €30 for a party of up to four.

We have prepared detailed instructions on how to get to our depot by public transport which can be e-mailed to clients on request. Detailed instructions on how to find our depot by car will be supplied to clients on confirmation of booking.

Can I collect the motorhome from any other location?

No, all hires must start from our depot due to insurance restrictions.

Do you offer one way hires?

No, our vehicles can only be collected from and returned to our depot.

When can I pick up the vehicle?

For value and low season hires the vehicle can be returned and collected on any day except Sunday.  For high season hires the vehicle can only be collected and returned on Fridays.  Collection times are always between 15.30 and 18.30.  You should allow around one hour for pick up procedures.  Return is always between the hours of 08.00 and 09.30 penalties may apply for late returns without prior arrangement.

Is luggage storage available at the location?

There is no luggage storage at our depot. If you are leaving your car at the depot, we suggest you unpack your bags and leave them in your vehicle for the duration of your hire.  If you are arriving by other means, try to bring only soft luggage than can be easily stowed in one of the cupboards inside your motorhome.

What kind of instruction will I be given about the vehicles, their appliances, and how to use them?

You will receive a full introduction to the motorhome as part of the check-out procedure. The process involves an instructional walk-around of the vehicle with one of our knowledgeable staff.

You will also receive a Vehicle Instruction Pack which contains all the essential information you need about the vehicle and help with other aspects of your holiday. We will not consider letting you leave until you are comfortable and familiar with the working of your motorhome.

Are there grocery and other stores near the rental depot?

There are a range of supermarkets and local stores close to our depot. Information will be included in your Vehicle Information Pack.

Are pets allowed in the motorhomes?

No, we do not allow pets in our motorhomes under any circumstances.

Can I smoke in the motorhomes?

No, we operate a strict no smoking policy in all of our vehicles.

What type of driving licence do I need to drive the motorhomes?

Our motorhomes can be driven on a normal car licence. Any driver who wishes to drive during the hire period must present a full, valid drivers licence from their country of residence. The licence must have been held for at least two years. If the licence is not in English or a language that uses the Roman alphabet, an International Drivers Licence is also required. If the drivers licence has no photo, other identification with a photo to prove identity will be required (a passport for example). United Kingdom residents must provide both the photo card and the paper part of their licence.  Photocopies, faxes or scans of licences will not be accepted.

Any endorsements (points) showing on a licence will be considered on an individual basis. Normally, endorsements for speeding or traffic signal offences will not create a problem but any licence showing an endorsement must be submitted to the Company for consideration prior to confirming the booking.

What identification must I provide at the hire depot prior to handover of the vehicle?

The hirer must provide a formal photo identification (ie Passport or National Identification Card) at check-out. If the hirer also wishes to drive the vehicle, they must also show their driving licence (see above).

Are there any age restrictions for driving a motorhome?

Due to insurance restrictions, drivers must be between the age of 25 yrs and 70 yrs at the start of the hire period unless otherwise agreed.

What insurance does the motorhome have?

All of our motorhomes are covered by fully comprehensive insurance and roadside recovery insurance.  For a full explanation of the cover, exclusions and excesses please read the detailed insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.

Are motorhomes hard to drive?

Our Motorhomes are based on modern, powerful vehicles so are no more difficult to drive than a medium sized modern van. They are Left Hand Drive, have manual transmission, power steering, ABS brakes, driver/passenger airbags, electric windows and powerful demist/air conditioning systems. They also have larger mirrors to allow the driver to see clearly down the sides of the vehicle.

Therefore, any driver who is comfortable with a normal car should be able to drive a Motorhome without problem.

However, motorhomes of course, have a larger "body” than a car so extra care must be taken when manoeuvring in tight spaces, parking or in heavy traffic. Once on the open road, you will quickly find that the Motorhome handles very much like a car.

During the check-out process, a member staff will explain all controls of the vehicle to you in as much detail as you wish and you can take as much time to become familiar with your vehicle as you feel you need.

How does the electrical system work?

There are three forms of power available in our motorhomes:

Battery power: All the systems on board (hot/cold water, lighting, fridge, heating) will work whilst the engine is running and will continue to work for sometime after the engine has been switched off. How long they will continue to work for depends upon how much power you use from the batteries but as a rule, all systems will continue to work for up to 3 days before needing to recharge the batteries. Recharging the batteries can be done by running the engine (for approximately 1 hour after a 3 day period) or by connecting the mains power lead.

Mains power: The systems on board will work indefinitely whenever there is a Mains Power lead connected to the Motorhome. This lead will continuously top-up the battery charge level and give you 220v sockets inside the Motorhome (to run small appliances such as hair dryers, phone chargers etc).

Gas power: The fridge in the Motorhome will also run on gas which allows you to extend the life of the batteries when not connected to Mains power. There is enough gas in one bottle (and there are two onboard) to run the fridge constantly for two weeks in average temperatures. The hot water and heating systems also run on gas.

By carefully managing which power source you use, it is possible to treat a Motorhome just like home – the systems are easy to understand and are fully explained during the handover meeting.

Are there 220v sockets available in the Motorhome?

Yes but the sockets will only work when the Mains Power Lead is connected. The 220v sockets will allow you to run hair dryers, phone chargers, computers etc.

What MPG can I expect from the motorhome?

All the motorhomes in our fleet are based on modern van chasssis with powerful, responsive diesel engines. Economy will rely to a certain extent on driving style and road conditions but you should expect to achieve around 30mpg (6.5kms per litre)

What type of fuel does a motorhome use?

All our motorhomes are powered by DIESEL engines. 1 litre of diesel currently costs around 1 € in France (Oct '09)

Do you have motorhomes with automatic transmission?

No, all our motorhomes have manual transmission

What equipment does the Motorhome have and what is included in the price?

Our motorhomes are equipped with:

• Bedding and towels for all members of the hire party including duvets and duvet covers, pillows and pillowcases, mattress covers, towels and tea towels.
• 2 propane gas bottles (one full)
• 1 bottle of toilet chemicals
• Safety equipment including warning triangle, high vis jacket, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, spare bulbs and fuses, user manual
• 1 water hose
• 1 water storage container
• 1 electric cord + European adapter
• 1 broom + dustpan & brush
• Guide to camp sites and servicing points of France
• Outdoor table and 4 chairs
• Bicycle rack
• Crockery cutlery and glassware for 4
• 1 can opener, 1 corkscrew, 1 bottle opener, 1 frying pan, 1 sauce pan, 1 salad bowl, 1 platter, 1 sieve,  box of matches.

Can small children travel in the motorhome?

Baby and child travel seats can be provided for an additional charge but must be specified and booked in advance.  Please detail your requirements by e-mail and we will provide a quotation. You are welcome to bring your own baby and child travel seats. The motorhomes have conventional lap strap and diagonal seatbelts.

Where can I stay in the motorhome?

There are almost 11,000 campsites in France which are to be found around major cities, in rural areas, and always near popular attractions. We also provide a guide to over 9500 independent properties where you can stay for free for up to 24hrs in locations such as vineyards, chateaux and private estates.

France extends a warm welcome to motorhome travelers with many towns and smaller villages offering "Aire de Service” – dedicated service areas for motorhomes where you can empty waste water and refill fresh water tanks for free. Many also offer very low price or free overnight halts – mostly in pleasant surroundings. All of these areas are well signposted and to help further, each of our vehicles has a guide to help find them.

For those who prefer to stay in total isolation, France offers a wealth of opportunity. There are only a few areas where "camping sauvage” (or wilderness camping) is prohibited and one of the greatest joys of a motorhome holiday is that you can break your journey whenever or wherever you wish (parking restrictions for motorhomes are usually well signed so it is easy to avoid being asked to move once settled for the night).

Staying on official campsites offers a greater level of facilities, amenities and security so the choice is truly yours.

What facilities will I find at campsites?

Campsite facilities vary greatly dependant on many factors, however the facilities commonly found at many campsites would include: electricity and water, washing machines and dryers, swimming pools, recreation rooms, playgrounds, and on-site convenience stores.

How much can I expect to pay per night for a campsite?

Campsite rates vary based upon time of year, facilities, and location. Based upon these criteria you can expect to pay between 10 € and 30 € per night in high season but a lot less during low season periods.

Is it necessary to make reservations for campsites?

In most cases it is not necessary to book ahead but at busy times of the year and at particularly popular tourist destinations, it may be best to make advance reservations.

Do you provide any campsite or service area guides or maps?

Yes we provide a detailed guide listing "Aires de Services” (where you can empty waste tanks and refill with fresh water) together with a guide to the campsites in France plus a guide to over 9500 free halts where you can stay for up to 24hrs with out charge.

Is it possible to camp in the wild?

Yes in very many places throughout France you are allowed to stay for short periods in public places although campsites generally offer better facilities, amenities and are more secure.

Do you have another question?  Please e-mail a question on any topic we have not answered and we will reply within 24hrs.