Phone while driving: immediate license suspension becomes reality in 4 French departments

On Friday, June 19, the Gap court sentenced a man for thefts from cars and motorhomes in Briançon. The crimes occurred on the nights of June 14–15 and June 16–17. The defendant stated he had returned to France and needed money. Stolen items included phone chargers, lamps, food, a jacket, shoes, an action camera, and a drone. The sentence was eight months suspended imprisonment.

French company Cellule Boréale has developed an ultralight camper shell for pickup trucks. The unit is designed for overlanding and features enhanced durability and equipment.

Sales of used camper vans in France rose nearly 3% in 2024–2025, reaching 67,637 units. The average price of a used camper is around €34,200, compared to €63,000 for a new one. Buyers should be aware of potential overpricing for compact models, the need to verify VASP status, and restrictions related to low-emission zones (ZFE).

Renault, in partnership with French startup Carapate Aventure, has developed the R4 Carapate mini caravan for the Renault 4 E-Tech electric vehicle. The caravan weighs approximately 560 kg, within the car's towing capacity of 750 kg. It features a convertible sleeping area, an outdoor kitchen, and a retro design. The caravan starts at €17,600, while the Renault 4 E-Tech in Greece starts at €24,400 after subsidies.

Perpignan Camping Cars, operating in the Pyrénées-Orientales since 2010, has navigated 15 years of market upheavals: a post-COVID demand surge, vehicle shortages, price spikes, and a subsequent sales slowdown. Site director Franck Mialou notes that after 2020, the customer base shifted from mostly retirees to include families and young couples. The company, with three locations (Saleilles, Perpignan, Narbonne) and 11 employees, maintains a strategy of limited stock, which helped weather market volatility. Buyers now increasingly opt for used vehicles and take longer to decide due to rising interest rates, inflation, and fuel costs.

Authorities in Launaguet (Haute-Garonne) ended an illegal occupation of a private plot by about 30 caravans that had been parked since June 7. The mayor personally cut unauthorized water and electricity connections. Insults and threats were directed at officials during the operation; the municipality plans to file a complaint. The caravans have left, eliminating fire risks from barbecues near a wheat field.