Since mid-May 2026, France has seen a surge in illegal encampments by travelling communities, affecting both rural and urban areas.
Timeline and scale
- 17 May, Châteaugay (Puy-de-Dôme): over 70 caravans occupied a municipal rugby field. The mayor filed a complaint; unauthorised water connections were recorded.
- 17 May, Perthes (Seine-et-Marne): more than 200 caravans (some sources say 250) settled on farmland. Owners filed three complaints; the mayor fears water network overload.
- 18 May, Toulouse (Haute-Garonne): about 30 caravans occupied the Argoulets green zone, illegally connecting to water and electricity. The city council sought a court eviction.
- 8 June, Ploudaniel (Finistère): 250 caravans set up on a farmer's field for an evangelical mission. An agreement was reached for a three-week stay.
- June, Plouharnel (Morbihan): about 30 caravans occupied a former campsite. A community member acknowledged the illegality but questioned where they could go.
- 18 June, La Crau (Var): the administrative court of Toulon upheld the eviction order for about 350 vehicles. The prefecture intends to complete the procedure.
Official responses
Measures range from negotiations and temporary agreements to lawsuits and forced evictions. In Toulouse, eviction can occur within 48 hours of a judge's decision. In Châteaugay, the municipality plans to charge for water and land use. In Ploudaniel, a three-week arrangement was reached.