French camper van accommodates four people despite compact dimensions

French company Hanroad, part of the Pilote group, has introduced the next-generation Switch camper van built on the Renault Trafic platform. The 2027 model features a modular interior with up to seven seats and a pop-up roof bed. Starting price is €46,900, comparable to a used motorhome or a new premium SUV.

Catherine and Pierrot, who have been living in a motorhome for eight years, parked for two months at Lake La Thuile in the French Savoie region to spend summer near their daughter. They gave up their permanent home and travel in their vehicle.

French manufacturer Challenger has relaunched the short version of its twin-bed profile, the 337. The motorhome measures 7.19 m in length, 10 cm shorter than the Challenger 317 from last year, which has been discontinued. It features a face-to-face lounge, a kitchen opposite the entrance, a transverse washroom with separate shower, and a bedroom with twin beds (190x85 cm) that can be joined. The model is available exclusively in Graphite Edition trim on a Fiat Ducato 140 hp or Ford Transit 130 hp chassis.

Trigano's third-quarter sales rose 1.6% year-over-year to €1,162.2 million, with nine-month sales up 4.3%. Caravans posted strong growth, while motorhomes faced supply chain challenges. The company maintains a positive full-year outlook, supported by robust market fundamentals and ongoing share buybacks.

On the morning of June 24, a car towing a caravan crashed on the A11 near Cormes, Sarthe. Three people sustained minor injuries, and traffic was halted for nearly an hour and a half.

Due to extreme heat, only two motorhomes are parked at the municipal site in Château-Gontier (Mayenne) instead of the usual 50. Most motorhomes lack air conditioning in the living area, and parking areas offer no shade. Owners complain about high camping fees (around €40 per night) compared to parking areas (around €15).