TCS tests rest areas: This is how good southern Europe is

Anyone traveling through Europe by car this summer—whether with family, dog, or electric car—should take a closer look at their rest stop selection. The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) has examined 150 motorway service areas in France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

In spring 2025, a TCS expert set out on an epic 14,000-kilometer journey in a motorhome—accompanied by his dog. His mission: to evaluate how rest areas cater to diverse travelers, with special attention to campers, families, electric vehicle drivers, and pet owners.

The study examined 58 rest areas in Switzerland, 49 in France, 33 in Italy, and 10 in Spain—all along major southbound travel routes. The TCS expert evaluated the rest areas according to a standardized catalog of criteria, from signage to parking, charging infrastructure, playgrounds, dog runs, and general cleanliness and safety.

France shines

strong performance. Many rest areas were not only functional but also well-designed, offering a wide range of services for all user groups. A prime example is the Aire de Village Catalan on the A9 towards Spain, which took first place with a rating of 98 percent.

Here, modern camping infrastructure, a children's playground, regional products, and a spacious dog run come together—a place that almost exudes a holiday atmosphere. Montélimar Est and Poitou-Charentes also impressed with high ratings and a coherent overall concept. However, even in France, there were a few weak spots: some rest areas provided little more than a parking lot and basic restroom facilities.

In Italy, the picture was very mixed. While rest areas like Sillaro Ovest, Somaglia Ovest, and Arda Ovest impressed with their good infrastructure and green surroundings, others—such as Cecina, Rubicone Ovest, and Foglia Ovest—fell short, offering hardly any services for motorhome travelers or families. These often lacked basic amenities like clear signage or suitable parking spaces for larger vehicles.

Spain disappointed

Spain performed significantly weaker. Only one of the ten service areas tested achieved more than 50 percent of the possible points. Most of the facilities appeared outdated and offered neither green zones nor charging infrastructure nor special amenities for campers. The sole notable exception was the Area del Monsenyt on the AP-7, which offered a dog run, a playground, and well-developed camper facilities. Elsewhere, most rest areas fell far short of expectations.

Overall, Switzerland received a positive assessment, despite some rest areas failing to impress. La Côte Lac, Neuenkirch West, and Kemptthal performed particularly well. They offer not only good amenities for campers and electric vehicles, but also recreational areas and dog-friendly zones. Less positive, however, were the services offered by Pratteln North and South, as well as Weinland. These lacked amenities for modern travelers—neither EV charging points nor suitable camper infrastructure were available.

By and large, the test reveals that rest stops shouldn’t be mere pit stops for a restroom break or quick coffee—they hold great potential to make the journey more comfortable and stress-free. If you plan well and do your research, you can even stop and relax on your journey south—and maybe make a little discovery along the way.