Aries Explained
An aire (or aire de service) is a dedicated, short-stay parking area designed specifically for self-contained motorhomes and campervans. Found extensively across Europe and growing in the UK, these sites offer a low-cost or free alternative to campsites, providing essential utilities like fresh water, waste disposal, and sometimes electricity on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is an Aire?
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An aire (short for aire de camping-car) is a officially designated, low-cost or free overnight parking area specifically reserved for motorhomes and campervans.
Originating in France, they form a vast, government-supported network across continental Europe, allowing travellers to park safely and legally without using traditional campsites.
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Unlike UK pub stopovers, which are private businesses, aires are often funded and managed by local town councils (communes) to attract tourism to their area.
Key Features of an Aire
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Motorhomes Only: They are strictly reserved for self-contained motorhomes and campervans. Caravans, cars, and tents are almost universally banned.
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Low Cost: Many aires are completely free to park overnight. Those that do charge typically cost between £10 and €15 per night, which is significantly cheaper than a commercial campsite.
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Dedicated Service Points: Almost every aire features a service terminal (often called a Borne). For a small fee—or sometimes for free—you can empty your grey water (waste water), empty your chemical toilet cassete, and fill up with fresh water.
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Self-Service: There are rarely reception desks or staff on-site. You usually pay via an automated barrier machine, a ticket machine (like a standard car park), or a mobile app.
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Rules and Etiquette
While aires offer immense freedom, they come with a strict legal distinction regarding how you use the space:
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Parking vs. Camping: An aire is legally for parking, not camping. You are generally not allowed to roll out your awning, set up outdoor tables and chairs, or leave stabilizing jacks down unless there is explicit signage permitting "camping behaviour."​
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Time Limits: Most aires have a maximum stay limit, typically restricted to 24, 48, or 72 hours, to prevent people from using them as permanent residences. ​
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No On-Site Toilets: Because they are designed for self-contained vehicles, aires rarely have public toilets or showers. You are expected to use the facilities inside your own van.
How do I find an Aire?
Our team have created an interactive map listing thousands of Aires across the UK!
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We have also included campsites, waste points, water points, showers, toilets, laundrys, LPG sales/swaps and much more.​​
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We didn't stop after the UK, our map covers Europe too!
What to know before you go?
Here's a few things to know before you go...
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CHECK SERVICES AND PLAN AHEAD - If you are not fully self sufficient on board and require services such as toilets, electricity or waste disposal check if the venue offers the service before travelling so you can plan ahead.
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LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT) - Always remember to leave no trace when you depart from parking locations, this includes disposing of grey and black waste responsibly at designated locations only, take only memories and leave only tyre tracks. ​
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NO CAMPING BEHAVIOUR - Do not exhibit camping behaviour at aires unless given permission by the venue owner or information board at the venue; this includes using awnings, BBQ's, outdoor cookers, camping chairs/furniture , fire pits or other camping equipment. Behaving in this manner will harm the vanlife community image and will ultimately lead to the closure of parking spaces that are abused in this way.