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Vanlife, Motorhomes and Travel

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Caravans occupy stadiums in France, motorhome driver dies in crash Incidents © lemans.maville.com
FR France 9

Caravans occupy stadiums in France, motorhome driver dies in crash

On June 7, 2026, illegal caravan encampments were reported in several French towns, and a fatal motorhome accident occurred in Sarthe. The driver died, a passenger was hospitalized.

Story Sources:
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Industry ES Spain

Panama P09: camper van based on Ford Custom from €52,900

Spanish manufacturer Panama has introduced the P09 camper van built on the Ford Custom platform. The 5-meter-long model features a rear bench that converts into a double bed and an additional sleeping area in the pop-up roof, accommodating up to four people. The base price is €52,900, which is €30,000 less than a comparably equipped Volkswagen California. Standard equipment includes the Ford SYNC infotainment system with a 13-inch screen, with optional auxiliary heater, upgraded battery, awning, and tow bar.

Source: Orange Auto FRA
Industry FR France

Bürstner to launch Signature profile models on Mercedes chassis

Bürstner has announced the upcoming release of its Signature series motorhomes on the Mercedes Sprinter platform. Previously, the model was only available on the Fiat Ducato AL-KO. The manufacturer released a teaser video on Facebook showing a partially concealed vehicle. The new models are expected to debut at the Düsseldorf trade fair from August 28 to September 6. Two versions are anticipated: one with a central bed and one with twin beds. The price is likely to exceed €100,000.

Source: Camping-car Magazine FRA
Family from Nîmes travels South America in a motorhome Lifestyle © midilibre.fr
CO Colombia

Family from Nîmes travels South America in a motorhome

A family from Nîmes (France) is on an eight-month journey across South America in a motorhome. Kevin Dubuc, an electrician, sold his company shares, while his wife Vanessa, a rhythmic gymnastics coach, took a leave of absence. They have visited Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and are currently in Colombia. This is their first motorhome trip, having previously traveled by plane and stayed in hotels. They plan to return by late July 2026 and then embark on a European tour.

Source: midilibre.fr FRA
Motorhome driver's mistake forces Colorado gas station to dump all diesel Incidents © L'Auto-Journal
US United States

Motorhome driver's mistake forces Colorado gas station to dump all diesel

In late May 2026 in Montrose, Colorado, a motorhome driver mistakenly emptied his toilet into an underground diesel tank at a Maverik gas station. The station had to pump out and dispose of the entire fuel stock, estimated at 38,000 to 76,000 liters, and clean the tank. The incident occurred despite a free dump station being available nearby, located close to the fuel access hatches.

Source: L'Auto-Journal FRA
Westfalia Nansen: premium camper van based on Fiat Ducato Industry © Caradisiac.com
DE Germany

Westfalia Nansen: premium camper van based on Fiat Ducato

German manufacturer Westfalia, known for converting Volkswagen Combis since 1952, has unveiled the new Nansen model. The camper van is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis and will be produced in France, at the Niort plant (Rapido group). Two versions are available: the 600 L (5.99 m, family-oriented) and the 640 LS (6.46 m, for couples). Prices start at €70,500. Standard equipment includes a full bathroom, 95 L fresh water tank, and 90 L fridge. Options include additional batteries, an awning, and 160 W solar panels. Sales begin in January.

Source: Caradisiac.com FRA
Converting a caravan into a guest room risks a heavy fine Law & Regulations © Maison & Travaux
FR France

Converting a caravan into a guest room risks a heavy fine

Using a caravan as a permanent guest room on a property may be classified as illegal construction. Under French law, if the caravan loses mobility (wheels removed, placed on a concrete base) and is used for more than three months a year, it is treated as a building. The fine for such a violation can reach €90,000, and the court may order demolition with a daily penalty of up to €500 for non-compliance.

Source: Maison & Travaux FRA
Three French regions named top summer vanlife destinations Lifestyle © Modes et travaux
FR France

Three French regions named top summer vanlife destinations

According to an Ipsos/Le Monde du Voyage survey (May 2025), 62% of vanlife enthusiasts in France choose routes under 300 km, and 73% prefer visiting one region per trip. Leading destinations are Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (over 540 spots on Park4Night, 80% rated above 4/5), Finistère (28% increase in natural area visits since 2022), and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, where temporary agricultural parking for up to 2 nights has been tested since March 2025.

Source: Modes et travaux FRA
About 200 caravans illegally occupy airfield in France Incidents © estrepublicain.fr
FR France

About 200 caravans illegally occupy airfield in France

Approximately 200 caravans of travellers (gens du voyage) have illegally set up on the grounds of the Lunéville-Chanteheux-Croismare airfield in France. Their arrival was originally scheduled for mid-June, but they occupied the site early without signing an agreement with local authorities. The CCTLB intercommunality set a fee of €5.20 per day for a double-axle trailer, but the travellers demanded a reduction. The CCTLB president stated his intention to enforce the law and collect the established fee.

Source: estrepublicain.fr FRA
Saint-Gelais opens motorhome stopover with 14 pitches on the banks of the Sèvre Openings © lanouvellerepublique.fr
FR France

Saint-Gelais opens motorhome stopover with 14 pitches on the banks of the Sèvre

On May 29, 2026, the municipality of Saint-Gelais (Deux-Sèvres) officially inaugurated a motorhome stopover located at 1, impasse des Trémardières, adjacent to the Prairie de la Futaie. The facility, which has been in operation since March 2026, is managed by the Camping-Car Park network and offers 14 pitches. The stopover was created to meet the demand of passing tourists.

Source: lanouvellerepublique.fr FRA
Ford Transit with pop-up roof and Queen Size bed from Gone Mobile Vans Builds © Auto Plus
US United States

Ford Transit with pop-up roof and Queen Size bed from Gone Mobile Vans

US-based Gone Mobile Vans has unveiled a converted Ford Transit 148 long-wheelbase van. The camper features a Super Pacific Cloud Cap pop-up roof, all-terrain tires, and a 7.5 cm suspension lift. Inside, it includes swiveling front seats, a kitchen with sink and refrigerator, and a foldable Queen Size bed (203×152 cm) at the rear. The conversion starts at $70,000 (approx. €61,000) excluding the base van.

Source: Auto Plus FRA
Lifestyle FR France

Champagne: Remarkable Gardens to Explore from Your Motorhome

Several gardens in the Champagne region (France) bearing the official 'Jardin Remarquable' label are open to visitors. In Épernay, a municipal motorhome area allows walking access to the 19th-century Jardin de l'Hôtel de Ville (1.6 hectares) and the 1910 Jardin de l'Horticulture (rose garden and arboretum). In Hautvillers, the Jardin de la Presle focuses on plants adapted to chalky soils. Until September 27, 2026, the Vign'Art land art festival features 27 installations across the region.

Source: Camping-car Magazine FRA
German motorhome brand Rhön Camper enters French market Industry © Auto Plus
FR France

German motorhome brand Rhön Camper enters French market

German off-road motorhome and camper van manufacturer Rhön Camper will begin sales in France through dealer Rolling Home in Ancenis from October 2026. Founded in 2019, the company showcased its compact New Ultimate van at the Stuttgart show, featuring a unique pop-up roof combining elements of a classic roof tent and a hardtop. The lineup includes eight models based on the Mercedes Sprinter, including all-wheel-drive versions, as well as Renegade and Rebel modules. Prices in Germany start at €74,990 for the van and reach €202,990 for the module.

Source: Auto Plus FRA
Motorhome driver receives toll fine in Italy 6 years later Bans & Fines © L'Automobiliste
IT Italy

Motorhome driver receives toll fine in Italy 6 years later

French traveler Michel Letraveler, who drove a motorhome through Italy in 2020, received a demand in May 2026 for €119.36 for an unpaid toll at the Genova Ouest station on September 18, 2020. Michel claims he paid €80.50 on site and is contesting the claim, providing bank statements. The case raises questions about the timeliness and validity of toll collection by Italian highway operators.

Source: L'Automobiliste FRA

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