What Food Can I Take to France in My Motorhome?

Planning a motorhome holiday to France from the UK? Knowing what food you can take in your motorhome helps save space, avoid issues at the border, and plan tasty meals on the road. Below is a complete guide to UK–to–France motorhome food rules, with helpful tips and links to Abacus Motorhomes resources so you can travel smarter.

What Food Can’t You Take to France?

Due to EU biosecurity rules, the following are currently not allowed when travelling from the UK to France:

• Meat and meat products: sausages, ham, bacon, beef, chicken, etc.
• Milk and dairy products: cheese, butter, yoghurt—no exceptions.
• Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, and seeds.

These restrictions apply whether you’re in a car, motorhome, or campervan. It’s important to declare and dispose of any prohibited items before you cross customs.

What Food Are You Allowed to Bring into France?

Thankfully, plenty of items are perfectly fine to bring:

• Packaged, sealed goods like crisps, biscuits, crackers, coffee, tea, chocolate, and canned foods.
• Frozen raw meat and fish – yes, you can bring these as long as they’re frozen solid the entire trip!
• Baby food for personal use, but not homemade dairy-based items.
• Shelf-stable bread products like dried crackers and baked snacks.
• Alcohol and soft drinks within personal allowance limits.

Can You Take Frozen Meat into France?

While fresh meat and meat products are banned, frozen meat is allowed under certain conditions. This is because:

• Freezing meat kills many parasites and bacteria, reducing the risk of spreading animal diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
• Frozen meat is less likely to leak or contaminate other foods during travel.
• Authorities consider frozen meat safer and permit it in limited quantities for personal use.

Important: The meat must remain frozen solid from the moment you leave the UK until you arrive in France. Any thawed or partially thawed meat risks confiscation at the border.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol into France?

Since Brexit, alcohol allowances have changed. You can bring alcohol into France for personal use, but you must not exceed the following limits without declaring and paying tax:

• 16 litres of beer
• 4 litres of still (non-sparkling) wine
• 1 litre of spirits or liquors over 22% alcohol by volume (ABV)
• 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other alcoholic beverages up to 22% ABV

If you bring more than these amounts, you must declare all your alcohol at customs and pay VAT, excise, and customs duties on the entire quantity, not just the excess. Remember to keep receipts as proof of purchase. These limits apply per person aged 17 or over and are strictly for personal use. Bringing alcohol for resale or commercial purposes can lead to seizure and penalties.

Motorhome Food Tips for France Trips

1. Plan easy meals – Think pasta, rice dishes, pre-packed salad kits, or one-pot meals.
2. Freeze-packed meals – Ice packs or portable freezers work wonders for fresh supplies.
3. Top up in France – Visit French supermarkets for fresh cheese, produce, charcuterie, and local treats once you’re past customs.
4. Pack-pick snacks – Keep a box of biscuits, nuts, granola bars, or crisps for roadside tea stops.
5. Respect rice and pulse restrictions – While most packaged pulses are fine, loose bulk rice near open bags from outside the UK may still cause delays.

Stay Legal & Enjoy the Journey

• Declare any fresh fruit or dairy at the border and be prepared to discard.
• Keep receipts for your sealed, packaged goods in case customs want proof.
• Learn more about motorhome travel tips and legal requirements on our Tips & Advice page.
• Need to upgrade before your trip? Check out our range of New & Used Motorhomes here: Brand New Motorhomes | Used Motorhomes.

Final Word on Food and Drink for Your Trip

When packing food and drink for a motorhome trip to France, play it safe: avoid fresh meats, dairy, fruit, and veggies from the UK, and focus on shelf-stable or frozen items. Keep alcohol quantities within personal limits, and once in France, enjoy the local gourmet delights with fresh cheese, charcuterie, bread, and produce.

Bon voyage—and happy cooking and relaxing in your motorhome! Let us know if you need help finding the perfect vehicle or trip plan for your next escape.