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Why Campers and Hybrid SUVs Are Prime Targets for Theft in France

19.03.2026 07:30 1 min 1 source РУС
Autobahn NLD
Why Campers and Hybrid SUVs Are Prime Targets for Theft in France
Original source: Autobahn

Motorhome thefts in France have increased by 30% over the past year, with approximately 300 such vehicles stolen annually. Hybrid SUVs account for 45% of all vehicle thefts in the country. More than half of stolen vehicles later located via trackers are found in Belgium, with about 5% discovered in the Netherlands.

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Why Campers and Hybrid SUVs Are Prime Targets for Theft in France

19.03.2026 Autobahn NLD Original source

FR France — fuel prices

Updated: 22.08.2026

SP95-E10

$2.37 /l

€2.05 · £1.75/l

133 of 142

pricier than 93% of countries

SP98

$2.46 /l

€2.12 · £1.82/l

84 of 94

pricier than 88% of countries

Gazole

$2.60 /l

€2.24 · £1.92/l

132 of 142

pricier than 92% of countries

Gazole premium

$2.43 /l

€2.10 · £1.80/l

31 of 40

pricier than 75% of countries

GPL

$1.20 /l

€1.04 · £0.89/l

45 of 54

pricier than 81% of countries

Superéthanol-E85

$1.00 /l

€0.87 · £0.74/l

4 of 6

cheaper than 50% of countries

Cheapest on the map

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Distance

Fuel cost

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Reference data, not legal advice. Rules change without notice — check with the consulate or at the border.

Quiz: test yourself
Guess the vanlife lingo — 3 quick questions
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Q1 A French sign says "Aire de service camping-car". What should you expect first?

Best regions in the coming days

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté +21°·44 km/h
92
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes +22°·17 km/h
92
Grand Est +23°·37 km/h
91
Île-de-France +24°·58 km/h
90
Brittany +23°·61 km/h
89
Avoid now
Corsica +29°·47 km/h
55
Occitania +25°·27 km/h
82

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Motorhome owners face significant hidden costs beyond the initial purchase. As of January 1, 2026, the Netherlands changed its taxation system: private campers now pay a half-rate instead of the previous favorable quarter-rate. Annual expenses include insurance (€700–2,500), maintenance (€750–1,500), and storage, while fuel consumption is significantly higher than that of passenger cars.

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A judge at the administrative court of Bordeaux ordered a man who had illegally set up a caravan, chickens and a barbecue on the sports field in Saint-Sauveur (Gironde) to vacate the premises. The neighboring commune of Pauillac, which owns the land, filed a complaint on July 17, 2026, arguing that the site was intended for sports activities and that the camp posed a fire risk. The judge noted the presence of fire pits, unauthorized electrical connections, and unsanitary conditions, including chickens and a vegetable garden. The occupant, who did not appear in court, must leave immediately and pay 288 euros in legal costs.

Éric Brouard, 63, from Haute-Marne, after 40 years of a career where 'everything had to be fast', decided to travel by tractor with a caravan attached. His average speed is 30 km/h. On Saturday, he was seen on the parking lot of the Verdun citadel, where he chatted with passers-by, including a Swiss couple in a vintage Traction car who drive at 60 km/h.

The municipality of Fleury-d'Aude is considering converting its municipal campsite Rive d'Aude into a naturist establishment by 2028. This has sparked opposition from permanent residents, who have launched a petition and formed a collective against the project. Mayor André-Luc Montagnier said the project aims to boost tourism and the local economy, but no final decision has been made.

Facing rising fuel prices, motorhome owners in France are adjusting their holiday plans. They are seeking cheaper fuel stations, shortening trips, and reducing travel distances. Diesel prices have risen 37.8% year-on-year to €2.235 per liter, while SP95-E10 petrol increased 19.2% to €1.97. Some campers have canceled planned legs, such as a couple from Saône-et-Loire skipping Finistère, while others are cutting their vacation short.

On Sunday, August 23, around 150 caravans with an estimated 250-300 travelers illegally occupied private land in the commune of Krautergersheim (Bas-Rhin), 20 minutes from Strasbourg. Mayor René Hoelt said they would stay for two to three weeks, noting no damage so far. He added that complaints are ineffective and called for state action, citing a lack of suitable land.

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