Handover day: what to expect when picking up your motorhome in France
What to expect when picking up your motorhome in France
Taking delivery of your motorhome in France is an exciting milestone — but it’s also a day that requires a bit of planning to ensure things go smoothly. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect, and how to prepare for a smooth and stress-free pickup.
Your motorhome will be handed over bare
Unlike motorhome hire, when buying your own vehicle it’s important to know that the vehicle will be handed over without consumables or accessories. That means:
- You’ll need to purchase gas bottles available from standard fuel stations.
- The fresh water tank will be empty, so plan to fill up at an Aire de service.
- You’ll need to buy an electrical extension cable (rallonge camping car) to connect to a power outlet, try hardware stores and Narbonne Accessoires
Most dealerships can point you to a local supplier, and sometimes have items on-site for purchase. But having a short list of things to pick up nearby after handover is part of the process.
Plan for a morning appointment
Handovers take place by appointment only, with typical slots at 09:30 in the morning or 14:00 in the afternoon. I strongly recommend choosing the morning appointment, and staying in a nearby hotel the night before.
Why? You’ll need time to:
- Fill with water and fuel
- Do a grocery run
- Get familiar with the van’s systems
- Settle in at a nearby campsite before dark
Trying to cram that into an afternoon pickup can be rushed and stressful — especially if you’re new to motorhoming.
Expect a 2-hour handover
During the handover appointment, you’ll cover two main things:
- Paperwork and registration: This includes ownership documents, the Carte Grise (logbook), and a review of any warranty details or service history.
- Operational walkthrough: A technician or salesperson will demonstrate how to use all the systems – water, electrics, heating, gas, waste, and more.
While some staff speak English, don’t be surprised if you need to rely on pointing, gesturing, or Google Translate to bridge the gaps. Someone from France Motorhome Sales will available to assist by phone or video call if anything needs clarification.
Build in 2–3 days near the dealership
Don’t plan to drive straight off to the Alps or Eastern Europe! Whether you’re buying new or used, allow 2–3 days in the local area after pickup. This gives you time to:
- Try all the systems and spot any issues while still close to the dealer
- Return for adjustments or quick fixes (especially with new vehicles)
- Get comfortable with how everything works
For new motorhomes, teething issues are fairly common—a sticky window blind, a loose trim, or something not quite connecting. For used models, it’s usually more about understanding how things work, especially if the previous owner added custom extras.
Also, bear in mind that delays do happen. Product recalls, last-minute fixes, or even technical staff being off sick can push back handover day. Having flexible plans reduces stress if you need to adjust your travel dates.
Beware the French summer shutdown
From mid-July to early September, much of France goes on holiday. August is the peak, and it affects everything from manufacturers to registration offices. While handovers are still possible, resolving problems during this period can be difficult. Even manufacturer headquarters may close during the quietest part of August, meaning parts, paperwork, and technical support can be delayed.
If you’re taking delivery during this period, extra patience and flexibility are key.
Final tips
- Don’t worry if your French is rusty—handovers are usually manageable, and there’s always support available.
- Bring a notebook or record the demo on your phone to refer back to.
- Try not to rush. France very much goes at its own pace so go with the flow and you’ll soon be on the road!
