We all know that traveling by motorhome offers unmatched freedom, especially when you’re with family. Every summer, many dream of hitting the road to discover new horizons and take a break in complete autonomy. However, buying a motorhome can be a significant investment, and it’s not always feasible. That’s where platforms like Yescapa come into play: they make it easy to rent a motorhome and enjoy nomadic vacations!
On paper, Yescapa promises to simplify motorhome rentals between private individuals: whether you’re an owner looking to make your vehicle profitable or a traveler seeking adventure, Yescapa presents itself as the ideal solution. So, how does this platform work? What are its pros and cons? And most importantly, is it really worth it compared to competitors like Wikicampers or leboncoin? We’ll try to answer these questions by giving you our take on this service, let’s go!
How to rent a motorhome from a private owner in France?
Renting a motorhome from a private owner in France is a great option for experiencing life in a camper van without committing to a purchase. This rental method, facilitated by platforms like Yescapa, offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of cost. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rent a motorhome from a private owner in France.
Choosing the right rental platform for your motorhome
The first step is to choose a reliable and recognized platform that will facilitate the connection between you and the rental owner. Yescapa is one of the market leaders, offering a wide range of vehicles and an intuitive user interface from our perspective. Other alternatives exist, like Wikicampers or leboncoin, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Sign up and create a profile
This step is crucial as it secures transactions and helps build trust between owners and renters. On Yescapa, registration is simple and quick: just provide a few personal details and verify your identity. In just a few minutes, you’re all set 😉
Finding your ideal motorhome
You can then start your search. Use the available filters to refine your criteria: type of vehicle (van, camper van, fully equipped…), location, availability dates, equipment, etc. Once again, Yescapa offers a wide range of options, from camper vans to family motorhomes.
Contacting the owners and finalizing the booking
Once you’ve found a vehicle that suits your needs, contact the owner via the platform’s integrated messaging system. This step allows you to ask all necessary questions (about the vehicle’s condition, rental terms, provided equipment, etc.) and confirm availability.
If everything checks out, you can finalize the booking online. Yescapa offers a secure payment process and provides specific insurance to cover the rental. Once payment is made, you’ll receive the owner’s contact details to arrange key pickup.
Getting the vehicle and enjoying the trip!
On the big day, head to the owner’s location to collect the motorhome. The owner will give you a detailed tour of the vehicle, explain how it works, and hand over the keys. Our tip: make sure to check the vehicle’s condition and report any potential issues before leaving.
Two-thirds of Yescapa renters are first-time users! So if this is your first time driving a motorhome, don’t be caught off guard by the size of the vehicle. We’ve even written an article dedicated to the most common questions beginner motorhome drivers ask.
At the end of the rental, return the motorhome (in the same condition you received it 🤣) and don’t forget to leave a review on the platform. This feedback is valuable for future renters and helps maintain the quality of the service.
Introduction to Yescapa
Yescapa is a peer-to-peer platform dedicated to renting motorhomes and camper vans. Founded in 2012, it quickly became the European leader in this sector, with a presence in several countries, including France, Spain, Germany, and the UK. Its success is built on a simple idea: connecting owners of recreational vehicles with travelers!
A large community of travelers
With over 16,000 vehicles available and thousands of active users, the platform offers an impressive variety of choices. From compact vans for solo getaways to family motorhomes for extended vacations, you’re bound to find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
A secure and reliable service
To ensure hassle-free rentals, the platform offers 100% secure online payments, as well as comprehensive insurance and assistance for the entire duration of the rental. Additionally, each user, whether owner or renter, must go through an identity verification process. These measures help build trust and create a safe environment for the community.
Convenient features
The platform also provides numerous handy features to make your search easier:
- With detailed filters, you can quickly find a vehicle that meets specific criteria (price, location, equipment, etc.).
- Communication between users is simplified through the platform’s messaging system, which allows you to ask all necessary questions before booking.
- Transactions are secured and managed directly by the platform.
- After each rental, users are invited to leave a review, contributing to the service’s transparency and reliability.
Tailored support
To help new users get familiar with the rental process, Yescapa offers responsive customer service and comprehensive online resources. Whether through practical guides, detailed FAQs, or a contact email, everything is in place to ensure an optimal rental experience.
How does Yescapa work?
Let’s now dive into how Yescapa works, from searching for the vehicle to handing over the keys.
How does renting a motorhome work?
Renting a motorhome on Yescapa is a relatively simple process:
- Vehicle search: Enter your rental location, travel dates, and use the filters to narrow down your search. Browse through the available vehicles and choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Rental request: Sign up for free on the platform. Send up to five rental requests by sharing the details of your travel plans.
- Rental confirmation: Make the payment through the site, then contact the owner to arrange a meeting and finalize the details.
- Vehicle pickup: Present your driver’s license, pay the deposit (unless handled by Yescapa), carry out a vehicle inspection, and sign the rental contract.
- The trip can begin!
- Returning the vehicle: Together with the owner, carry out the return inspection and sign the contract. Then, leave a review about your experience, and the owner will do the same.
How to find a motorhome rental near me?
Thanks to geolocation and search filters, it’s easy to find a motorhome rental close to you. Simply enter your location and desired dates, and Yescapa will show you the available options in your area.
What is the average price of a motorhome rental?
The cost of renting a motorhome on Yescapa varies depending on several factors: the type of vehicle, the season, the rental duration, and the location. Here’s a general idea of the prices:
Weekly motorhome rental
For a week-long rental, prices can range from $630 to $1,600, depending on the model and amenities.
Renting a motorhome for a weekend
For a weekend, expect to pay between $210 and $630, again depending on the type of vehicle and the season.
Positive/negative points of renting a motorhome through Yescapa
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
| A very wide selection of vehicles | Limited availability during peak season |
| User-friendly interface and easy navigation | Additional costs for optional services |
| Comprehensive all-risk insurance included | Higher prices during peak season |
| Enhanced security through identity verification | |
| Responsive customer service | |
| Ability to rent abroad | |
| Numerous reviews and user ratings |
Yescapa or Wikicampers, the leaders in rentals in France
When it comes to renting motorhomes between individuals in France, two names immediately stand out: Yescapa and Wikicampers.
Also launched in 2012, Wikicampers has positioned itself as a major player in the democratization of nomadic travel in Europe. While Yescapa attracts users with its diverse offerings and presence in multiple European markets, Wikicampers relies on its community-driven approach and expertise in supporting nomadic travelers. Both platforms offer vehicles suitable for all types of trips, as well as comprehensive insurance for maximum peace of mind. In any case, these two platforms will allow you to embark on your adventures with complete serenity.
What Yescapa customers think
Yescapa has received a majority of very positive feedback. Here’s an overview of the most frequently mentioned points by customers:
Many strengths…
- Wide selection of vehicles: Users appreciate the large variety of motorhomes and camper vans available, as well as the quality of the vehicles offered.
- Ease of use: The platform is often described as intuitive and easy to navigate, both for searching for vehicles and managing reservations.
- Security and included insurance: Users emphasize the importance of the comprehensive insurance included and the security of transactions.
- Customer service: Many reviews mention the responsiveness and availability of customer service, which can quickly resolve any issues encountered.
…but areas for improvement according to customers
- Availability of vehicles during peak season: Some users have experienced difficulties finding available vehicles during periods of high demand, such as summer holidays.
- Additional costs: Some customers raise concerns about extra fees for optional services, such as cleaning or mileage beyond the agreed limit.
Site to rent your motorhome: the Leboncoin alternative
Leboncoin remains a good alternative for renting motorhomes between individuals. Although this site is primarily known for its classifieds, it also offers interesting opportunities for renting leisure vehicles. Let’s compare this option with Yescapa 👇
Advantages of Leboncoin
- Very large audience: Leboncoin is one of the most visited sites in France, offering a vast number of rental listings.
- Free listings: Posting a rental advertisement on Leboncoin is often free, which can attract owners looking to avoid platform fees.
Disadvantages of Leboncoin
- Less security: Unlike Yescapa, Leboncoin offers fewer identity verifications and does not include insurance.
- Lack of support: Leboncoin does not have a dedicated customer service team, so if issues arise, you’ll have to manage them on your own!
Comparison of rental platforms (Yescapa vs. Wikicampers vs. Leboncoin)
| Criteria | Yescapa | Wikicampers | Leboncoin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle choice | Over 16,000 vehicles available, including motorhomes, vans, and camper vans | Wide selection of leisure vehicles, including motorhomes, vans, and camper vans | Significant choice but less specialized, vehicles in varying conditions |
| User interface | User-friendly, intuitive, and multilingual | User-friendly and intuitive with a strong community | Basic, primarily focused on classifieds |
| Included insurance | Yes, comprehensive insurance included | Yes, full insurance included | No, the user is responsible for insurance |
| Security | Identity verification, secure payment | Identity verification, secure payment | No specific verification |
| Customer service | Responsive and available, multilingual support | Responsive and available, personalized assistance | Limited, customer service only reachable via contact form |
| Pricing | Variable, regular promotions, competitive rates | Variable, transparent costs, competitive rates | Free for listings |
| Options abroad | Yes, presence in more than 8 European countries | Mainly in France, strong local community | No, primarily focused on the local market |
| Community and resources | Active, blog, user reviews | Active, blog with tips and itineraries, large community | Interactions between users only |
Our final opinion
In conclusion, Yescapa proves to be an ideal solution for renting motorhomes between individuals, whether in France or abroad. The platform combines ease of use, security, and a wide variety of vehicles to satisfy all travel desires. Other options exist, such as Wikicampers or Leboncoin, but for us, Yescapa stands out for its extensive vehicle selection, responsive customer service, and numerous practical features!
So, don’t hesitate to explore the platform and embark on a leisure vehicle rental, even just for a weekend! 😎
