KatieF wrote:

Hello. I was wondering if somebody might be able to help, please. I am planning a trip to France/Spain next year, by caravan. I have see there are stopover sites for motorhomes - but are there similar for caravans? Or, alternatively, are you allowed to have a night stop on roadside laybys? Any help much appreciated! Thanks.

The basic answer is NO

there aires for M/H are just that but then lots of French use them that;s why they are there with a M/H you can stop for 1 night and not need water or a drain as their tanks are on board

What you NEED is this website this is simple click the country flag pick the Autoroute/Autopista/Motorway you are travelling on then find the caravan site that suits you they are all close to the motorway

Whatever you do DO NOT use a lay-by or motorway aire to stop for the night especially down the South of France unfortunately there are groups of Eastern European travellers who roam around and use Nitrous Oxide to gas the occupants then break in and steal with ease whatever is valuable -- it's been going on for years unfortunately and M/H and trucks are not immune either

Also if you know your route then find which villages are near the route and have a Municipal these are council run campsites very basic (a bit like a large Certified Location or Certified Site from a UK club) but are ideal for stop-overs

If you need any more info just ask I'll be here even in the caravan this week-end

There are always risks in life, if it looks a bit iffy move on and find another, I do. The eastern European bandits are usually known and rarely invisible in the area, so keep you eyes and ears open, before you camp up.

The municipal sites are usually very good and I think a lot safer than the big commercial sights, where I have experienced a few problems, my only problems, plus the people seem more friendly too.