380 caravans in a field: baron blocks travelers' path

Experts from the Touring Club Suisse (TCS) tested 129 motorway service stations in France, Spain, and Portugal, covering 10,000 km. France ranked first due to a high density of fast charging stations and well-developed facilities for motorhomes. Portugal came second with good food and charging infrastructure, while Spain ranked third due to a lack of charging stations (only one in ten) and frequent malfunctions.

In spring 2026, the Touring Club Schweiz (TCS) evaluated 129 highway rest areas in France, Spain, and Portugal. In France, 86% of the 52 tested sites received 4 or 5 stars; in Spain, only one of 60 reached 4 stars, and nine of the ten lowest-rated sites were in Spain. In Portugal, 11 of 17 sites were rated as recommendable. The test found non-functional charging points at several Spanish locations.

On June 14, 2026, about 170 caravans of an evangelical community from Cavaillon arrived in Oraison, blocking roads and attempting to occupy the racecourse. The mayor banned entry, citing a dedicated site. Simultaneously, a group of caravans illegally occupied land in Corbas (Lyon Metropolis).

On the night of June 13, 2026, an individual entered a couple's motorhome parked at the Champoux rest area on the A36 highway and stole several personal items. According to the Doubs gendarmerie, similar thefts have occurred in Côte-d'Or and Saône-et-Loire. An investigation is underway.

French traveler Michel Le Traveler interrupted his week-long motorhome trip on the first day because his TV stopped working. He returned to Bordeaux, where he resolved the issue himself by replacing the satellite TV access card. The incident led to a dispute with a dealer who failed to diagnose the fault.

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, a group of travelers will leave the Stade Gien in Talant. The city hall has warned residents of possible traffic disruptions from late morning until the end of the day. The departure follows a protocol signed on June 4 between the mayor and group representatives. Drivers are advised to avoid the area or plan for longer travel times.