Mass caravan occupation across France: fields, parks and airfield paralyzed

A reader reported that the motorhome stopover in Bar-le-Duc (Meuse department) is in a state of neglect. No services, including waste disposal and water supply, are available on site. Motorhome owners are advised to use the municipal campsite a few meters away, where all necessary services are provided.

Estérel Caravaning in Saint-Raphaël, opened on July 14, 1976, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Over 50 years, more than €40 million has been invested in the site. The 19-hectare campsite offers 495 pitches, including 331 mobile homes and 164 pitches for motorhomes and caravans. In 2025, it hosted 22,478 guests, with annual revenue of €7.4 million.

Cartage, a French startup offering daily car insurance, has acquired Assurlib, a solution for temporary insurance of motorhome, camper van, and caravan rentals between private individuals. The service lets owners rent out their vehicle without affecting their personal policy or no-claims bonus. Coverage starts at €27 per day and includes liability, property damage, a replacement vehicle, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Founded in 2022, Cartage reported 40,000 insured vehicle loans in 2025 and expects a threefold increase in 2026.

A neighbor cannot unilaterally force the removal of a motorhome from your property if it remains a mobile vehicle. However, if the motorhome becomes a fixed structure (on blocks, with permanent connections) or causes abnormal neighborhood disturbance (over 30% loss of sunlight, noise, odors), the neighbor can take legal action. Fines for planning violations can reach €6,000 per square meter, up to €300,000.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at around 6:40 a.m., a motorhome caught fire at La Mégrière in Mulsanne. The fire caused no casualties. Eighteen firefighters were deployed to extinguish it.

French insurers deny compensation for motorhome theft if parked illegally. Under Article L113-1 of the Insurance Code, this is considered intentional risk aggravation. It is advised to park only on official sites and document location with GPS and photos.