The Best Motorhome Aires in Champagne: Where to Stay, What It Costs, and Which Ones to Skip
If you’re planning a road trip through Champagne with your motorhome, good news : this region is one of the easiest (and honestly, most enjoyable) places in France to park up for the night. I’ve criss-crossed Champagne several times, sometimes chasing the sun, sometimes just chasing a good glass of bubbly, and I’ve ended up testing quite a few aires along the way. Some are fantastic. Some… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t go back unless every other spot was full.
Before diving in, here’s a handy local resource I’ve used more than once – the official tourism portal https://tourisme-marne-chantereine.fr – pretty practical when you want to check events or find last-minute things to do around Marne. Now, let’s talk aires, prices, and those couple of places where you really shouldn’t waste a night.
Top Aires in Champagne (The Ones Worth Planning Around)
1. Épernay – Aire du Port de Plaisance
If you love waking up near water, this one is a gem. The aire sits right by the Marne canal, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch early-morning rowers gliding past – oddly soothing when you’re sipping your first coffee. It’s a short walk to Avenue de Champagne, which is basically the Champs-Élysées of fizz.
Price : usually around €15–€18 per night, services included.
Why I like it : quiet nights, safe vibe, easy access to champagne houses.
Heads-up : It fills up fast on weekends – have a backup plan.
2. Reims – Aire du Parc des Expositions
Not the most charming spot visually – it’s essentially a clean, organised parking area – but incredibly practical. If you want to visit the cathedral without squeezing your motorhome through medieval streets (please don’t), this aire is a blessing.
Price : roughly €12 per night.
Why it works : plenty of space, good lighting, easy public transport into the centre.
Small downside : not much shade ; in summer, your motorhome basically turns into a toaster.
3. Châlons-en-Champagne – Aire de Camping-Car du Grand Jard
This one surprised me the first time. You’re literally next to a gorgeous park, with enough greenery to make you forget you’re in a town. Take the boat tour on the Mau, by the way – it’s touristy, sure, but charming.
Price : around €10–€12 per night.
What I love : peaceful evenings, huge park for stretching your legs, proper service point.
Minor annoyance : spots can be slightly uneven, so keep your levelling wedges handy.
4. Hautvillers – Aire Communale
If there’s one place I keep recommending, it’s Hautvillers. The village has this almost postcard feel – narrow lanes, stone houses, and views over the vineyards that look straight out of a screensaver. The aire is simple but perfectly placed.
Price : usually €6–€8.
Perks : unbeatable vineyard scenery, fantastic starting point for walks.
Downside : limited spots ; if you arrive after 5 p.m., it’s a gamble.
Aires That Are “Okay… But Only If You’re Passing Through”
1. Vitry-le-François – Aire du Lac du Der (Some Sections)
The lake area itself is stunning – birds everywhere, huge bike paths, sunsets that look almost fake. But the aire depends heavily on which section you land in. Some parts are beautifully maintained, others feel a bit forgotten.
Price : €10–€15.
When it works : if you get a lakeside spot, brilliant.
When it doesn’t : inland spaces can feel cramped and dusty, especially mid-summer.
2. Sézanne – Aire Municipale
Perfectly fine for a night, but not exactly the kind of place you tell your friends about. Services are reliable, the town is pleasant enough, but the setting feels more functional than welcoming.
Price : about €8.
Good for : stocking up, walking into town.
Less good for : travellers hoping for a view or atmosphere.
Aires You Might Want to Avoid (Unless You’re Really Stuck)
1. Aire de Dormans – Parking Bord de Marne
This one frustrated me. The location should be fantastic – right by the river, near the memorial. But the ground is worn, the layout feels messy, and honestly, I didn’t feel super comfortable staying overnight.
Issues : uneven surfaces, limited lighting, and noise from passing cars.
Verdict : a quick stop for lunch, maybe, but not for sleeping.
2. Aire de Montmirail
Montmirail itself is sweet, but the aire… not really. It’s small, a bit hemmed in, and the traffic around it made it hard to relax. Maybe they’ll improve it one day – the town deserves better facilities.
Why I’d skip it : lack of space, not much privacy, and minimal charm.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay in Champagne ?
Champagne is fairly affordable for motorhomes. Most aires cost between €6 and €18 per night, depending on services and location. You’ll rarely see anything above €20 unless you enter a private campsite or a premium lakeside section in peak season.
Water service usually costs €2–€3, and electricity – when it’s not included – tends to be €2–€4 for a couple of hours.
So, Where Should You Go First ?
If it’s your first time in Champagne, I’d genuinely recommend starting with Épernay or Hautvillers – the atmosphere is just unbeatable. Then loop up to Reims for the cathedral and a bit of city buzz. The region is compact enough that you can easily hop between spots without burning your whole fuel budget.
And you – what’s your style ? You prefer quiet lakeside evenings with a book, or are you more of a “park me near the champagne houses, I’ve got tastings to get to” type ? Because honestly, Champagne caters to both.
