French town hall demands declaration for caravan left in garden for three summers

Trigano brand Panama is expanding its lineup with two camper vans based on the Renault Trafic: the R10 and R10 Limited Edition. Both models are offered in two pre-configured variants without a configurator. The R10 measures 5.08 m long, 2.05 m high, 2.28 m wide and has a kerb weight of 2450 kg. It is powered by a 2.0 dCi engine with 130 hp and manual transmission, and includes a reversing camera, lane keeping assist, 16-inch steel wheels, a lead-acid battery, a 185 W solar panel and an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Limited Edition adds 150 hp, automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, a lithium battery, a 370 W solar panel, an inverter, a hot water boiler, a portable toilet, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and a premium Java Black interior. Both models feature polystyrene floor insulation and rock wool in the walls and tailgate, plus under-seat drawers and a side rear cabinet. Sales start in the 2027 season.

In 2026, a series of motorhome, caravan and camper van shows will take place across France. Key events include shows in Narbonne (5–8 March), Biarritz (5–8 March), Le Havre (12–15 March), Plouay (12–16 March), Angers (26–29 March), Bordeaux (26–29 March) and Saint-Brieuc (27–30 March). The main event is the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs in Le Bourget from 26 September to 4 October. The shows allow visitors to compare new and used models, view equipment and consult professionals before buying.

The TV programme Homes on Wheels features French van repair specialists Marie-Sophie and Mikaël and mechanic Stéphane, who joined forces amid a surge in van popularity in France. They buy, restore and convert vans. Marie-Sophie and Mikaël spent six years travelling worldwide, including Oceania, where they converted their first van; they have been operating in France for the past five years. The team follows two rules: reliability and originality.

A French resident placed a caravan in his garden to temporarily house his son, but after four months received a notice from the municipality. Under French law, a caravan may be parked and used as a dwelling for no more than three months per year, after which a declaration to the town hall is required. Violations can lead to fines, and if mobility is altered (e.g., removing wheels), authorities may order restoration or demolition with a fine of 500 euros per day.

According to an Ipsos study for Uni VDL, owners use their leisure vehicles on average 10–11 weeks per year. A Banque des Territoires survey of 9,619 European owners conducted in May 2026 found that 83.3% own motorhomes, 12.5% campervans, and 3.7% vans. The average daily budget per person has dropped to €39, and the impact on local economies is estimated at €1.6 billion for the summer 2026 season.

Jean-Claude and Christiane, retirees from the Gard department, have lived in an 8-meter, 5-ton motorhome purchased for €95,000. They travel through France, Spain, and Morocco, returning to Gard in March and September to visit relatives and doctors. The couple notes that this lifestyle offers freedom but requires expenses for fuel, maintenance, and parking.