France: fines for missing environmental sticker for campers

Petra and Rüdiger Erbslöh from Lank-Latum again took part in the WDR series 'Wir werden Camper'. They traveled by motorhome along the Côte d'Azur between Grasse and Monaco. The episode airs on Wednesday.

A motorhome owner towing a caravan in Brittany, France, 1000 km from home, experienced a left rear air suspension hose burst. A temporary repair failed due to heat, and the system now fails to level: the right side stays at maximum pressure, the left rises only 3 cm before the compressor shuts off. An official Mercedes dealer cannot offer a service slot for two weeks but will provide a new hose tomorrow. The owner suspects the compressor stops because the right side is at maximum, not due to a leak, and asks about recalibration or reset options.

A Citroën Chausson motorhome was stolen in Soncourt-sur-Marne overnight from Sunday 26 to Monday 27 July, between midnight and 5 a.m., on Rue du Pont. The vehicle, registered AR-796-CJ, had no batteries at the time of the theft, according to its owner, and was therefore likely towed. A surveillance camera in front of the home did not provide usable footage. Anyone who sees the vehicle or has information is asked to contact the Bologne gendarmerie.

Winemakers in the French department of Nièvre are actively attracting motorhome owners by offering overnight parking on their vineyards. The initiative, supported by local authorities, includes equipped parking areas with wine tasting opportunities. According to the winemakers' association, over 500 motorhome tourists visited such sites in 2025, boosting rural tourism.

About 80 caravans have occupied the two main pitches of the Mouton stadium in Marseille's 11th arrondissement, blocking access for the 650 licensed members of Marseille Rugby Méditerranée. Physical training was scheduled to begin in August. Police confirmed the intrusion, which was made possible after protective boulders installed during recent municipal works were moved. Club president Augustin Marie expressed frustration over a recurring situation that threatens the club's activities and jobs. The local mayor's office has filed a complaint and is demanding a swift evacuation. On Monday, tensions near the sports complex escalated into an altercation involving a journalist, requiring additional municipal police intervention. The club's sporting calendar remains uncertain.

Challenger has introduced the S114 Sport Edition camper van, priced at €51,490. The vehicle is 5.99 meters long and 2.05 meters wide, based on the Citroën Jumper. It features swivel front seats, a multifunctional table, a kitchen with sink and hob, and a transverse double bed. The main innovation is the Vario bathroom with a sliding wall that creates a larger shower cabin. Standard equipment includes a diesel heater, compressor fridge, and premium mattress. The body uses a wood-free IRP construction.