Aires – the French word for an area, or stopping place, has become associated with motorhome overnight stops throughout europe even though each country and language has its own word. Some of the words – stellplatz, aire, camper stop, area de sosta, area de servicio para autocaravans, pernoita areas and others.

One important thing to remember about aires is that they are for motorhomes, NOT caravans.

Motorhomes are self-contained and have their own self-contained facilities. When a motorhome is stopped on an aire the only thing that is touching the ground is the tyres. In many places in Europe if there is anything other than the tyres in contact with the ground then you can be considered to be camping and may be moved on by the police.

Any of the following is camping behaviour.

• Winding out an awning or sunshade
• Putting up a tent
• Sitting on chairs outside your motorhome
• Putting up a table outside your motorhome
• Lowering ‘steadies’ 

Our guide is that they only thing touching the ground or tarmac is the four tyres of your motorhome.