Report a problem

What is the problem?

Could not attach a screenshot — send without it

Two French startups offer budget-friendly van conversion kits

22.07.2026 02:16 1 min 2 sources
lanouvellerepublique.fr FRA + 1 more
Two French startups offer budget-friendly van conversion kits
© Photo d'illustration : odejacob / Pixabay

In Brief

VanLost (Vendée) and Simple Vans (Landes) have launched DIY kits to turn commercial vans into campers. Prices range from €949 to €3,990.

Two French startups are offering affordable solutions for converting vans into campers.

VanLost, founded by two 21-year-old entrepreneurs from Les Sables-d'Olonne (Vendée), has developed the Oyat kit. It includes a table and a double bed, can be installed in five hours, and costs €3,990. The kit is compatible with about twenty van models. Five units were sold in the first two weeks, and the company aims to sell around 40 kits by the end of summer. A designer from New Zealand contributed to the development.

Simple Vans, based in Castets (Landes), produces modular poplar furniture kits that fit most commercial vehicles, including the Trafic and Transporter. Prices start at €949. Since 2021, the company has served over 5,500 customers, with annual growth of 169%.

Aggregated by OpenVan.camp from the public sources listed below, with AI-assisted translation and summary. We always link to the original source. Machine translation may differ from the original -- check the source for important details. Images and content remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright information

Story sources

Van life kit from Vendée company turns utility vehicle into camper

02.07.2026 lanouvellerepublique.fr FRA Original source

Startup in Landes offers budget kits for van conversion

04.04.2026 actu.fr FRA Original source

🇫🇷 France — fuel prices

Updated: 25.07.2026

SP95-E10

$2.31 /l

€2.04 · £1.74/l

130 of 140

pricier than 92% of countries

SP98

$2.40 /l

€2.11 · £1.80/l

82 of 94

pricier than 86% of countries

Gazole

$2.45 /l

€2.15 · £1.84/l

132 of 141

pricier than 93% of countries

Gazole premium

$2.50 /l

€2.20 · £1.88/l

34 of 41

pricier than 80% of countries

GPL

$1.19 /l

€1.04 · £0.89/l

47 of 55

pricier than 84% of countries

Superéthanol-E85

$0.97 /l

€0.85 · £0.72/l

4 of 6

cheaper than 50% of countries

Cheapest on the map

Popular route

Distance

Fuel cost

~

Est. time

~

Quiz: test yourself
Guess the vanlife lingo — 3 quick questions
1 / 3
Q1 A French sign says "Aire de service camping-car". What should you expect first?

Best regions in the coming days

Brittany +23°·45 km/h
91
Normandy +22°·60 km/h
86
Hauts-de-France +23°·58 km/h
83
Pays de la Loire +25°·52 km/h
78
Avoid now
Corsica +32°·30 km/h
44
Centre-Val de Loire +30°·46 km/h
61

You May Be Interested

All News
JP Japan

Japanese company unveils limited Star Wars-themed motorhome

Toy Factory has presented a limited-edition motorhome with a Star Wars-themed interior, created in collaboration with Lucasfilm. Only five units of the Fiat Ducato-based camper will be produced, with a starting price of 21.87 million yen, and purchase rights will be allocated via lottery. The vehicle is equipped for four passengers and two sleepers, featuring a kitchenette, refrigerator, and air conditioning.

Nizhny Novgorod company converts six-wheel KamAZ truck into luxury motorhome

A Nizhny Novgorod company has presented a motorhome conversion based on a six-wheel KamAZ-43118 truck. The 2025 model features a 300 hp V8 turbo-diesel engine, all-wheel drive, and a living module equipped with a bathroom, kitchen appliances, and a projector. The complete vehicle is priced at over 30 million rubles, with the living module alone costing 18.161 million.

News from France

All News

Van life market gains traction in Corsica

An economy is emerging around van life in Corsica, encompassing not only vehicle sales and rentals but also a range of related services. Entrepreneurs like Camille Istria with I Picculi Combi rent out restored Volkswagen Combis, promoting authentic tourism. Campsites report an increase in van visitors, who spend money at local restaurants and shops, boosting the economy of less frequented areas.

Family with children evacuated from campsite in France due to wildfires

A Swedish family with four children was forced to flee the Les Viviers campsite on the Cap Ferret peninsula in southwestern France due to spreading wildfires. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from the tourist area, and French authorities also ordered the evacuation of Bordeaux airport. The family cut short their holiday and drove back to Sweden.

Retro camping in Banassac: vintage motorhomes and caravans on display

The Galets campsite in Banassac (Lozère) hosted the second edition of Rétro Camping from 24 to 26 July 2026. About 20 vintage vehicles, including motorhomes and caravans, were exhibited by their owners. Highlights included a Mystery Machine van styled after Scooby-Doo and an Austin Mini Clubman with a trailer that converts into a tent. Vintage clothing stalls and a flea market were also set up.

Install OpenVan.camp

Get quick access and offline reading.

Install on iOS

  1. 1 Tap Share in Safari.
  2. 2 Choose "Add to Home Screen".
  3. 3 Confirm by tapping Add.

Already installed

The app is already installed on this device.

Install from browser menu

Use your browser menu to install or add to home screen.

→ Glossary