Before you set off in your motorhome: the checklist & complete guide
The big trip starts with good preparation. Tick off your checklist (it saves itself automatically), get to know the van's 4 systems thanks to our diagrams, and set off with peace of mind — without forgetting the extension lead, the water hose or the gas. 🌅
✅ Your interactive checklist
Tick items off as you go: your progress is saved on your device, so you can close the page and come back — nothing is lost.
🔌 The 4 systems explained (with diagrams)
Electricity, water, gas, waste water: here's how each system works and the essential gear so you're never caught out.
Electricity: plugging in at the hookup point
H07RN-F 2.5 mm² cable with blue CEE plugs (P17). 25 m covers almost every hookup point.
CEE → domestic (and reverse) to plug in anywhere: hookup point, garage, standard socket.
A mini plug-in that checks in 2 s that the hookup point isn't wired in reverse. Essential abroad.
To split the supply, but unwind it fully. Avoid cheap power strips.
Water: filling up cleanly
A hose dedicated to drinking water (food-grade standard), 10-15 m, stored clean in a separate bag.
A set of fittings/adapters to suit every tap (aire, campsite, fountain).
10-20 L, to carry water when you can't bring the van close to the tap.
To pour without spilling and filter out impurities at the tank inlet.
Gas: cooking and heating safely
One full bottle + a spare. In winter, go for propane (butane freezes).
With overpressure safety cut-off. Replace the flexible hose by the printed date.
To tighten/loosen the bottle and light up without hurting your fingers.
A gas detector at floor level (gas is heavier than air) + a carbon monoxide detector.
Waste water: draining in the right place
Fluid for the cassette (dissolves waste, deodorises). Pour it in after each emptying.
A flat tray or stand if the hookup point is far from the van's drain outlet.
To handle the cassette cleanly and clean without contact.
Hygiene: keep a kit dedicated to draining, separate from everything else.
⚠️ The precautions not to overlook
Weigh your loaded motorhome (weighbridge). Spread heavy loads over the axles and low down. Overloading = a fine, degraded braking and an insurer that may refuse to cover you.
Note the exact height (including roof vents/aerial) on a reminder note in the cab. Watch out for car-park barriers (< 2.10 m), bridges and low branches. A « lorry / motorhome » GPS saves you from nasty surprises.
The pressure must match the vehicle when LOADED (see the manual). Check tyre wear, age (≥ 6 years = keep an eye on them) and the spare wheel. Motorhome tyres (CP-reinforced) are recommended.
Gas off, windows and roof vents closed, lockers latched, dishes secured, step retracted, handbrake released, seatbelt on. A quick walk around the vehicle = nothing forgotten.
❓ Everything people ask us before setting off
Which electrical extension lead for a motorhome?
Which electrical adapter should you take?
Which hose for filling up with water?
Should you turn off the gas while driving?
Where do you empty a motorhome's waste water?
What to check on the vehicle before you leave?
🚐 Your ideal starting point
Fill up with water, drain your tanks, recharge and head off to explore: the Night4CampingCar aire is open 24/7, just 900 m from the beach.
The beach,900 metres away. Right there.
Step out of the van. Slip on your sandals. Ten minutes' walk later, your feet touch the sand of the Mediterranean. It's as simple as that.
✨ Fewer than 5% of French motorhome sites are within 1 km of the sea.You're in the right place.
🌊 The beach in figures today
The paradise forbike ridesstarts here
Over 30 km of cycle paths and greenwaysdirectly accessible from the site,without getting back in your motorhome. From your pitch, set off and ride between beach, harbour, nature and Catalan villages at your own pace.
Plane-tree avenue
Reach Perpignan easily along a pleasant avenue lined with plane trees and enjoy a cooler ride on sunny days.
Coast towards Canet
Following the coastline southwards, discoverCanet-en-Roussillon, its harbour, its beaches and the lagoon with its typical landscapes between sea and nature.
Adventure to Leucate
Heading north, push the adventure on toLeucatefor a gourmet break and to savour the famous local oysters by the water.
Here, the journey doesn't begin at the wheel: it begins the moment you step off your pitch.
Welcome to our beautiful region of thePyrénées-Orientales, between the Mediterranean, nature and the good life. 🚐✨
BlueMediterranean, mindfultravel
A seaside site is a place of freedom, but also a place to protect. Even on holiday, a few simple habits can have a real impact on our environment… and sometimes on your wallet too.
Enjoy without wasting
Water and energy are precious, especially near the Mediterranean coast. Here, everyone uses only what they need.
Consumption that adapts to you
Each pitch has its own electrical terminal. You activate your socket, manage your consumption and pay only for what you actually use.
Travel lighter
Consuming wisely isn't going without: it's avoiding waste, preserving resources and fully enjoying what matters.
One action multiplied by thousands of travellers
When a site welcomes travellers all year round, small habits can make a big difference.
"Nature already puts on the show: it's simply up to us to take care of it."
— The team at the Sainte-Marie-la-Mer motorhome site