UK caravan owners warned about new number plate rules for travel in France

The vanlife phenomenon in France is no longer marginal. The "Van Life France" Facebook group has 152,000 members, and sales of converted vans have been steadily increasing since 2020. Adopting this lifestyle involves legal requirements, such as mandatory domiciliation, and comes with daily practical challenges.

French craftsman Maxime Morel has introduced a simplified version of the Bouriquette mini caravan. The wooden model weighs approximately 430 kg, features a double bed measuring 140×190 cm, and has natural wood wool insulation. Customization options include a sliding kitchen unit, a cooler, and a water tank.

The compact Ari 458 Camper motorhome, measuring under 4 meters in length, has been introduced. It is based on a heavy quadricycle platform with an electric motor delivering approximately 20 hp, a top speed of 70 km/h, and a claimed range of 120 to 230 km.

Over twenty caravans have illegally occupied the football pitch of a sports complex in Fonbeauzard, north of Toulouse. The travelers gained entry by cutting through a fence and connected to utilities, halting all sporting activities. The town hall has filed a complaint with the gendarmerie for illegal occupation of public land and damage.

Bridgestone has introduced its first tire specifically designed for motorhomes. The Duravis Camper All Season model is all-season, features increased load capacity, and will be available from June 2026 in four sizes for 15- and 16-inch rims.

A family with three children is living in a caravan in the Forêt de Roumare in Normandy after being forced to leave their previous home due to significant structural defects. Authorities have issued an ultimatum to vacate the parking spot, or the caravan will be towed away. The family has accumulated debts of 7,000 euros, which blocks access to social housing, and the end of the winter eviction truce on April 1st threatens an estimated 140,000 people across France.