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France
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Illegal caravan encampments in France and fatal motorhome crash Incidents © lemans.maville.com
FR France 13

Illegal caravan encampments in France and fatal motorhome crash

Multiple regions in France report illegal caravan setups. In Castres, the mayor cut water and electricity. In Ain, mayors are filing complaints. Additionally, a motorhome driver died in a crash in Sarthe.

Story Sources:
Show all (18)
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
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
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
July issue of Le Monde du Camping-Car features summer events calendar Lifestyle © Le Monde du Camping-Car
FR France

July issue of Le Monde du Camping-Car features summer events calendar

The July issue of Le Monde du Camping-Car (No. 383) is now on sale. It includes a calendar of 30 events across France, such as festivals and cultural gatherings, with details for motorhome travelers. The issue also offers a guide to the 10 cheapest camper vans (under €52,000), a supertest of the Rapido 8096 dF motorhome, and reviews of Bavaria, Challenger, and Mobilvetta models. The practical section covers air conditioners and summer accessories, while travel routes explore the Vosges, Ardèche, and Tuscan villages in Italy.

Source: Le Monde du Camping-Car FRA
Family van: electric camper van rental in Dax gains traction amid rising fuel prices Industry © SudOuest.fr
FR France

Family van: electric camper van rental in Dax gains traction amid rising fuel prices

Family van, a company based in Dax specializing in 100% electric camper van rentals, reported a surge in bookings for summer 2026. Over three years, the company expanded its customer base, attracting tourists arriving by train and offering travel routes. More than 80% of clients arrive by TGV and pick up their vehicle five minutes from the station. The company also noted an increase in booking durations up to three weeks.

Source: SudOuest.fr FRA
Two incidents with traveller caravans in France: eviction in Bléré and stadium intrusion in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque Incidents © actu.fr
FR France 2

Two incidents with traveller caravans in France: eviction in Bléré and stadium intrusion in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque

In France, two cases of illegal caravan encampments have been reported. In Bléré, about 200 caravans remain on the Égrémo site after the eviction deadline. In Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, six caravans entered a stadium but were quickly removed by police.

Story Sources:
Other FR France

LISA: Mobile information unit for seniors in Saint-Paul-du-Bois

The mobile information service LISA (L'Information des Seniors de l'Agglomération) has started operating in the commune of Saint-Paul-du-Bois. The caravan, designed as a mobile office, will travel across the Cholet agglomeration area throughout the summer of 2026. Staff provide consultations for residents over 60 on rights, health, digital technology, and leisure, and refer them to appropriate services. Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Source: Cholet.fr FRA

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