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 items are restricted when travelling from the UK.
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.
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 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:
Motorhome Food Tips for France Trips
Plan easy meals
Think pasta, rice dishes, pre-packed salad kits, or one-pot meals.
Top up in France
Visit French supermarkets for fresh cheese, produce, charcuterie, and local treats once you’re past customs.
Pack-pick snacks
Keep a box of biscuits, nuts, granola bars, or crisps for roadside tea stops.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Food to France
What food can I take to France from the UK? +
You can take a range of packaged and sealed goods such as crisps, biscuits, crackers, coffee, tea, chocolate and canned foods. Baby food for personal use and shelf-stable bread products can also be taken, subject to the applicable rules.
Can I take meat to France in my motorhome? +
Meat and meat products such as sausages, ham, bacon, beef and chicken are restricted when travelling from the UK to France. Motorhome travellers should check the latest customs requirements before travelling.
Can I take cheese and dairy products to France? +
Milk and dairy products are subject to restrictions when travelling from the UK to France. This includes products such as cheese, butter and yoghurt, so check the latest requirements before packing them.
How much alcohol can I take to France? +
The article's current personal-use allowances are 16 litres of beer, 4 litres of still wine, 1 litre of spirits or liquors over 22% ABV, and 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other alcoholic beverages up to 22% ABV. If you exceed the relevant limits, you must declare the alcohol and may have to pay VAT, excise and customs duties.
Can I take baby food to France? +
Baby food can be taken for personal use, although there are restrictions around homemade dairy-based items. Check the latest requirements before travelling.
Can I take fruit and vegetables to France? +
Fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and seeds can be subject to restrictions when travelling from the UK to France. Check the latest border requirements before packing these items.
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.