In November 2025, a couple's motorhome was deliberately set on fire outside their home in Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine. The vehicle was completely destroyed, and the house suffered smoke and heat damage, forcing the couple to live in a neighbor's home, then in a motorhome lent by their son, and later in a replacement motorhome purchased by their insurance. The suspect's trial, scheduled for September 3, 2026, was postponed because his lawyer was hospitalized and the defendant has psychiatric issues. The new hearing is set for May 27, 2027. The couple hopes to return home by Christmas, but electrical and heating repairs are still pending.
Campervan, RV & Vanlife News
The second edition of the 'Sur la Route' festival will take place from September 11 to 13 at the municipal campsite of Rouvran in Le Tour-du-Parc. The event combines concerts and the vanlife scene. The lineup includes Vanupié, The Sunuizors, Radio Byzance, Ben Armessen, Archimède, La Cafetera Roja, Mary May & Balaphonics, La Charcuterie Musicale, Le Mange Bal, and Saïra. The Expo Vanlife village will feature artisans, converters, major van brands, and equipment suppliers. A food area and a bivouac space facing the ocean will be available.
Irish journalist Conor Power rented a Cozy Cottage motorhome on a Volkswagen base for 234 euros per night and spent a week traveling around Ireland. He praised the vehicle's ease of handling and the sense of freedom, but criticized the country's inadequate infrastructure for motorhomes, including limited overnight spots and difficulties finding water and sanitation services. As a result, he often had to stay at campsites, adding 20–25 euros per night to his costs.
The motorhome and camper van festival opened in Carhaix on September 4 and runs until September 7. Visitors are split between those seeking more spacious and comfortable models and those considering compact vans for their lower cost and ease of use as daily vehicles. Around 150 models are on display.
Martine and Fernand, who traveled from Vendée to the Lille flea market in a motorhome, found a lack of dedicated motorhome parking in the city. They said there are no motorhome service areas in Lille, and campsites are full for the weekend. They eventually found a spot at a private property and plan to cycle to a train station to reach the market. The couple said they will not return to the event.
Since the evening of September 2, around forty caravans from the travelling community have been parked on the park-and-ride at the Yvours railway halt in Irigny, owned by the Lyon Metropolis. Mayor Nathalie Sanlaville visited the site with gendarmerie and municipal police to document the situation and initiate proceedings. The Lyon Metropolis has filed a complaint, and authorities including the Rhône prefecture have been notified. An offer to relocate to a large transit area was communicated to the community.
In Noues-de-Sienne (Calvados), Maxime Morel has built the 'La Bouriquette' wooden mini caravan. The model, inspired by American teardrop trailers of the 1930s, includes a bed, table, bench and shower. The handcrafted unit was shown at the Made In France trade fair in Paris.
The leisure vehicle show at the Montpellier exhibition center runs until September 6, showcasing luxury motorhomes. The most expensive model, a Mercedes Sprinter nearly nine meters long, outfitted by French company Le Voyageur, is priced at €221,090. Dealers note that the price reflects not only accessories but also hidden features like insulated double floors and special shock absorbers. Some models reach €300,000.
Serres Crysland, based in Coray, Finistère, manufactures metal-framed, tarp-covered shelters designed for motorhomes. The shelters are 4 meters wide and range from 6 to 12 meters in length, with custom sizes available on request. Prices start at €2,045 for a 6-meter shelter and go up to €3,767 for a 12-meter model. Delivery is offered across mainland France and to some neighboring countries, with pickup available at the factory.
Kate Benson, recovering from long COVID, moved into a motorhome placed in her grandfather's garden in a rural area. The arrangement helped her regain independence and confidence while reducing her grandfather's isolation following the deaths of his wife and dog. During three months in the motorhome, she rebuilt her social life and strengthened their bond.
At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Toyota presented the Daihatsu Kayoibako-K concept, a compact kei van under 340 cm in length that seats up to four people. The model evolves the 2023 Kayoibako concept and serves both commercial purposes (deliveries, mobile retail) and leisure: the modular interior can carry sports gear or a roof tent. The vehicle features autonomous driving capabilities, including self-driving to the owner and returning to a parking spot. Toyota plans a family of modular vans, with smaller models sold under the Daihatsu brand and larger ones under Toyota.
At the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Concorde unveiled the new Carver 900 GI, a 9.25-meter motorhome with a car garage and a gross weight of 7.49 tons. Based on the Iveco Daily chassis, the model features a side-mounted bed and an optional system to recharge an electric car from the alternator. Prices start at €336,000; the displayed unit costs €487,440.
The second motorhome show is being held at the Châteauroux racecourse from September 3 to 6, 2026, featuring about sixty models from dealers Cap 36 and Berry Camping-Cars. Organizers report a price decline after a period of increases caused by raw material shortages following the pandemic. Models are priced between €35,000 and €100,000. Smaller motorhomes and air conditioning as an option are in highest demand. Admission is free with online reservation, €5 on site.
Fiona Lauriol and her parents continue their mission to combat isolation among the elderly after traveling 15,000 km in a motorhome with Fiona's grandmother, Dominique Cavanna, who was 100 at the time, from 2018 to 2020. They hold conferences in nursing homes, schools, and training institutes, and have met with parliamentarians. The family arrived in Bagnols-sur-Cèze on September 3, staying at the Les Genêts d'or campsite.
A protective cover for motorhomes has been introduced to shield the body from moisture and corrosion during prolonged storage. The cover measures 570 cm in length, 235 cm in width, and 275 cm in height, fully covering medium-sized models. Made of water-repellent polyamide with UV protection, it features side zippers for access and is secured with Velcro straps and elastic bands. Sizes range from 5.7 to 9.7 meters. Price: 199 euros on Amazon.
In the commune of Budelière (Creuse department), there is a year-round free motorhome parking area. It offers four pitches surrounded by trees and a pond, as well as services: waste disposal, drinking water, electricity, picnic tables and public toilets. The area is popular with travellers who use it as a stop before visiting nearby villages and castles.
From September 11 to 13, 2026, the Angers-Marcé airfield in France will host the 'La Rentrée de l'Évasion' show, aimed at enthusiasts of motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans. The event is organized by local leisure vehicle professionals and is open to all independent exhibitors. Admission is free, and visitors can also explore the Espace Air Passion museum at no cost. On-site catering and a bar will be available.
French manufacturer Antilope Van has unveiled the Flex 2, a camper based on the Renault Trafic, designed for two people. The vehicle is under two meters high, making it easier to access parking garages and reducing toll costs (Class 1). The base price is €44,900, while the Comfort package version costs €47,900. Standard equipment includes lithium batteries, an awning, camping furniture, and a parasol. The absence of a pop-up roof is compensated by large side windows and light-colored furniture. The bed measures 130×200 cm. An optional extra seat is available for €690.
Truma has expanded its accessories range with a condensate deflector for the new-generation Combi D (E) and Combi (E) heaters. The device channels water away from the vehicle's exterior wall, reducing visible streaks and ice formation in winter. It is compatible with the specified heaters, does not affect their certification, and can be installed without tools.
From September 9 to 13, 2026, the Marennexpo exhibition-sale will take place at the Château de la Gataudière in Marennes, featuring 2027 motorhome models and a wide selection of new, end-of-series, and used vehicles. Exhibitors will offer special deals, including €5,000 worth of accessories with the purchase of a new model and a 24-month warranty on used vehicles. The event also includes oyster tastings, a live concert on September 12, and a prize draw. Entry is free with prior registration on marennexpo.fr, otherwise €3.