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On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in the afternoon, a vehicle towing a caravan caught fire on the A28 motorway in the Rouen-to-Abbeville direction. Traffic was temporarily closed and later reopened on one lane. No injuries were reported; four occupants exited the vehicle before emergency services arrived.
Many French municipalities install signs prohibiting motorhome parking, but these signs often have no legal basis. Under the French Highway Code, a motorhome is classified as a light vehicle, and municipalities cannot discriminate against it. The pictogram of a crossed-out motorhome is not recognized in official road signage regulations. If fined, drivers can contest the ticket by citing the sign's illegality and seek assistance from organizations like CLC or FFCC.
From September 10 to 13, 2026, the first regional motorhome show will take place at the Alpexpo exhibition center in Grenoble. Over 5,000 square meters will feature more than 120 new and used motorhomes, campervans, and converted vans. Admission is free with an invitation, otherwise 5 euros. Pets are not allowed.
From September 3 to 5, 2026, Lempdes will host the 'Rentrée du camping-car' event, organized by dealerships Evasion 63, Mozac Loisirs, and Cap Liberté. The show will feature over 60 new and used motorhomes and campervans, accompanied test drives, free training sessions, and special offers on end-of-series models. Clermont Loisirs will also be present with quads and three-wheeled motorcycles.
On Sunday afternoon, August 16, around forty caravans settled on agricultural land on Saint-Girod road, along the D211 in the Chaudanne industrial zone. The Grand Lac agglomeration has filed a complaint and initiated eviction procedures. The Albanais area in Savoy has become a regular stopping point for traveler groups, despite the existence of a regulated but capacity-limited parking area in Entrelacs.
The commune of Saint-Nic in Finistère, Brittany, has banned motorhome parking on Pentrez and Lestrevet beaches since the start of summer. The measure responds to overcrowded parking lots and repeated uncivil behavior, including dumping waste and defecating on the beach. The ban also covers coastal areas, including wetlands and dunes.
In Salles-sur-Mer (Charente-Maritime), a group of travelers settled on a private agricultural plot with the owner's consent, despite objections from the gendarmerie and a town hall representative. They connected to a fire hydrant and used the water to wash vehicles and caravans, violating a prefectural decree. The town hall has filed a complaint with the gendarmerie.
According to UniVDL, nearly 650,000 motorhomes, vans and camper vans were registered in France in 2025. However, the growing popularity has led to stricter rules: more and more municipalities are banning overnight parking, which angers owners. Camper Pascal told Le Monde du Camping-Car that such measures are 'nonsense' and 'discrimination', noting that at night parking lots are empty and there is no disturbance. He called for a service to represent campers' rights. Legally, a ban is only valid if it is justified by safety, size or environmental protection and applies to all vehicles with the same constraints.
The Pont de l'étang campsite in Fréhel (Côtes-d'Armor), France's largest municipal campsite (30 hectares, 900 pitches), remains true to its origins: no mobile homes or entertainment, no reservations, and pitches are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates start at €3.45 per night for a caravan or tent. Amid rising housing and fuel costs and inflation of around 2% in 2026, only 68% of French people plan to take at least a week of vacation, while demand for traditional camping grows as the number of pitches for caravans and tents in France declines.
Caravans evacuated on August 2 have returned to the Bois de la Sine in Vence. Mayor Anne Sattonet announced she will refer the matter to the prosecutor and the prefect.
Despite a 2014 municipal decree banning overnight parking and camping at Place Miot and other sites in Ajaccio, tourists continue to park there, causing frustration among locals. The municipal police have been instructed to ask vehicle owners to leave and issue fines if necessary. The park4night app lists these prohibited spots, but user comments suggest enforcement is inconsistent.
Around 230 caravans have illegally set up on a dune in Morbihan. The mayor can issue a formal notice to leave, then take the matter to court. The final decision on eviction rests with the prefect, who is authorized to deploy law enforcement.
The municipality of Wissant manages a motorhome parking area located 150 meters from the sea. There are four designated parking zones, with water, electricity, and waste disposal available at two of them. The municipal campsite offers additional amenities, including a children's playground and takeaway food. Travelers are advised to check available services in advance and be aware of local regulations, such as clearing spaces on market day.
On August 16, 2026, several dozen caravans and cars were set up on three plots in the Paleficat district of Toulouse, near the Paleficat college and along the Florence-Arthaud boulevard. Toulouse Métropole stated that one of the plots belongs to the local authority and that an eviction procedure will be launched shortly. This is not the first illegal installation in the area; a similar one occurred in 2025.
German tourist Ruth W. had to flee a wildfire in the Pas-de-Calais region of France on August 12. She criticizes the management of the Cristal d'Opale campsite for lack of organization and information during the evacuation. According to her, there were no announcements in English, and the emergency shelter indicated by authorities did not exist. Despite the incident, Ruth decided to continue her vacation but keeps her belongings ready in case of another evacuation.
An administrative court ruled that height barriers and signs restricting motorhomes in La Faute-sur-Mer and Longeville-sur-Mer are illegal. The communes must dismantle them.
On Sunday afternoon, 65 caravans occupied the football field in Saint-Lyé. Most occupants are local travelers who left official sites of Troyes Champagne Métropole. Mayor Karim Hellal chose dialogue over legal action, agreeing to a 15-day stay with access to water and electricity in exchange for promises to restore the site and pay compensation.
More French communes, including Chamonix and Saint-Coulomb, are banning overnight parking for motorhomes. This forces travelers to use paid campsites, increasing vacation costs. According to campingcarlesite.com, 25,629 new motorhomes were registered in France in the 2023/2024 season.
A new motorhome parking area has been opened in Dol-de-Bretagne, Brittany, France. The facility offers 16 spaces, including two for large vehicles, and is located near the historic center. It provides water, electricity, and waste disposal services, with an overnight fee of 11 euros. Management is delegated to Aire Services under a five-year contract, with 74% of revenues going to the municipality. The initial investment was approximately 140,000 euros. The project aims to encourage tourism in the city center and support local businesses.
On August 17, 2026 at 2:25 PM, M6 broadcast the documentary 'Un jour, un doc: Noirmoutier, l'île des camping-cars'. The 44-minute program focuses on families traveling in motorhomes, highlighting purchasing power and escape. A replay is available.
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