Renault and Dacia present new vanlife models

French singer Daniel Guichard has been using a motorhome for tours for about ten years to avoid hotels and dressing rooms. His current vehicle is a German Niesmann + Bischoff motorhome weighing 5.5 tons, which he says costs as much as a house. Guichard drives it with an old category B license issued before 1976.

Police in Chambéry arrested a 52-year-old woman suspected of thefts from parked vehicles. She confessed to three thefts, including breaking into one car, and was released pending a court appearance in October.

LifeStraw has introduced a glass filtering bottle designed for use in motorhomes. The 590 ml bottle features a two-stage filtration system that removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, and odors. The microfilter has a lifespan of up to 3,785 liters, while the carbon filter can handle up to 98 liters. The product is priced from 75 euros.

Living in a motorhome allows avoidance of property tax and residence tax, but requires mandatory administrative registration. Expenses include specific insurance, regular maintenance, fuel, and paid parking. Singer Daniel Guichard uses a 9.27-meter motorhome during tours.

A motorhome rental subscription service has been introduced in the Sarthe department. The Camping-Quart service offers seven weeks of rental per year, while local enthusiasts with over 20 years of experience share trip planning advice.

The Volkswagen California won the leisure vehicle category at the 33rd Trophées de L’Argus ceremony. It scored 111 points, ahead of the Citroën Holidays (83 points) and Dacia Bigster Pack Sleep (81 points). The victory is tempered by the absence of specialist journalists in the jury and the exclusion of conversion van brands from the competition.