Camper Vans: A Return to More Affordable Prices?

Retirees Fernando and Ana from France sold their house and moved into a 27-year-old Fiat Ducato Maxi motorhome, which they renovated themselves for €1,631. Previously, they struggled financially, running out of money by mid-month. Now they have savings left over, as they no longer pay mortgage, utility or garage costs, and use solar panels for energy.

The 60th Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs (SVDL) will take place from 26 September to 4 October 2026 at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. Around 650 vehicles and 150 exhibitors will be on display across nearly 70,000 sq m. Motorhome visitors can stay overnight at a dedicated parking area for approximately €8 per night, with service points for fresh water and waste disposal; vehicle access is allowed from 8:00 to 19:00. Entry is free for visitors with reduced mobility upon presentation of a disability card. Camping-Car Magazine readers can get a discount using the promo code SVDL60CCMAG when buying tickets online.

Tourism platform Visit.Alsace and France's national tourism agency listed campsites in Alsace located near water. Camping Municipal des Mouettes in Lauterbourg offers 161 pitches and published 2026 season rates: pitch for motorhome or caravan at €13.50 or €7.30 per day, tent pitch from €6.50, adults €5.80, children aged 6–15 €3.50. Camp Au Clair Ruisseau in Gerstheim is open from 3 April to 6 September 2026 and has a heated pool, chalets and mobile homes. Camping Caravaning Ferme des Tuileries in Rhinau is open from 1 April to 30 September, has about 150 pitches, a lakeside beach and six chalets; in high season adults pay €7 per night, children €5, and a pitch €7. Travel time from Karlsruhe to Lauterbourg is under an hour, from Offenburg and Freiburg to Gerstheim and Rhinau 45–60 minutes, and from Stuttgart about 2.5 hours.

From 24 to 27 September 2026, the Libertium dealership in Pamiers, Ariège, France, is hosting a four-day open house. The event will feature 2027 model year novelties and special prices on a selection of motorhomes, campervans and converted vans. The programme includes discounts on accessories and on-site catering. The venue is 9008b Route de Toulouse, 09100 Pamiers.

Gérard, a former Swiss pastor, and his wife Nicole travel across Europe in a motorhome displaying their faith in God and their convictions. The couple was encountered in Drumettaz, Savoie.

For the 2027 season, Pilote has revised the front-end styling of its motorhomes and reworked the 690D layout without a floor-level bed. The models will be presented at the Paris-Le Bourget show from 26 September to 4 October. The garage has been enlarged by 25%, and the length is 7.11 m for the integral and 7.02 m for the low-profile. The layout is available in Evidence and Expression trims.