Mass illegal caravan encampments across France: from Puy-de-Dôme to Toulouse

About a hundred caravans of travelers have illegally occupied the rugby stadium in Châteaugay (Puy-de-Dôme) since Sunday, May 17. The municipality has filed a complaint for illegal occupation and plans to establish a convention to regulate the stay and cover utility costs. Gendarmerie has reinforced controls, and access to the site is restricted.

On May 17, over 70 caravans from the traveling community illegally set up on the municipal rugby field in Châteaugay (Puy-de-Dôme). Mayor Olivier Mallet filed a complaint, and gendarmes documented unauthorized water connections. The municipality plans to charge for water consumption and land use if the group does not leave by the end of the month.

Around 140 caravans of travelers (gens du voyage) occupied a site by the Royal Lake in Longvic after the Dijon metropolis revoked a previously agreed permit for an official stopping area. The mayor of Longvic called the occupation illegal and reported damage to a gate and a fire at an electrical substation during an attempt to connect to the power grid. The opposition and the travelers themselves point out that the municipality, with a population over 5,000, is legally obliged under the law of July 5, 2000, to provide a stopping area, but it was closed due to vandalism.

On May 17, 2026, over 200 caravans illegally occupied an agricultural plot in Perthes (Seine-et-Marne). Three complaints were filed with the gendarmerie. The mayor fears water supply overload. Negotiations with traveler representatives are ongoing.

Around 30 caravans of travelers illegally set up on the green zone of Argoulets in Toulouse over the weekend, connecting to municipal water and electricity without authorization. The city council has filed a court request for eviction, typically decided within 48 hours. Toulouse and its metropolitan area have 18 permanent sites with 217 spaces, plus a large gathering area at La Mounède.