French bed campervan layout guide

Introduction to French bed campervans

The French bed layout is a popular choice in the UK motorhome sector, and so it's started to make an appearance in panel van conversions. However, since campervans are narrower than coachbuilt motorhomes, choice is more limited.

Why a French bed layout?

The benefit of this floorplan is that you tend to get more living space in the front area. Two-berth models might have a large sofa along one side, while others have a dinette with a two-seated belted travel bench so that four can travel.

Sleeping arrangements

There are some important factors to consider when choosing: because most French beds share space in the rear with the washroom alongside, the ratio of bed to washroom is crucial. A 4ft-wide bed will leave a little over 2ft for the washroom. However good the bed, the sleeper next to the wall will have to climb over their partner to reach the loo.

A typical French bed campervan layout:

Then there’s the washroom door. Sliding or tambour doors often work best, but you still need room to access the ablutions, so the bed usually narrows towards the foot to make space. This ‘chopped off’ corner can see the sleeper on that side with a leg dangling.

Storage considerations

Check out the underbed storage capacity carefully because some can be very cluttered with heaters, water tanks and the like, which will limit what you can store under here. Access through the rear doors can also vary, so check how easy it is to get at the underbed storage area.

Why choose a French bed campervan layout?

A French bed refers to a fixed double bed arranged lengthways against a side wall of the campervan, either offside or nearside. One corner is usually 'cut off' in order to allow access to a washroom. The advantage is that you often get a spacious lounge or a dinette with a travel bench for two passengers.

Choose because:

•   We want a fixed double bed

•   We only need a two-berth campervan

•   Having a space up front is important

•   I don't want to make up beds every night

•   We like an en suite-style bedroom

Our top tips for buying a French bed layout campervan

Lie on the bed with your partner and check that you’ll both be happy with the size and shape of the bed, as well as access from duvet to washroom in the night.

Our top picks of French bed campervans

For British-built models, check out the Auto-Sleeper Kingham, Elddis Autoquest CV60 and Swift Select 164. If you’re after a continental campervan, consider Rapido’s V62.

French bed campervan videos

Here are some of our Campervan magazine videos featuring French bed layouts. We hope you enjoy watching them as much as we enjoyed making them. It you like them and want to support the making of more videos like these, then don't forget to 'Like' or 'Subscribe' as it really helps us - thank you!

Reviews of French bed campervans

Here are some of our Campervan magazine reviews of some popular French bed campervans.

Finished reading?

Find out more about campervan layouts with our complete campervan layouts guide.

Back to:   The complete campervan layouts guide

Expert Campervan advice to your door!

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

About Campervan magazine