Fuel Price Surge Reshapes Camper Van Travel in France

Diesel prices in the Kaysersberg Valley (Alsace) have exceeded €2 per liter, significantly increasing travel costs for motorhome tourists. A couple from Brittany, who annually drive about 1,000 km to the Kaysersberg campsite, reported a €120 increase in fuel expenses (€60 each way) due to consumption of 12 L/100 km. Other campers also noted higher fuel costs, forcing budget adjustments.

With fuel prices exceeding €2 per liter, motorhome renters are reducing travel distances. Rental companies in Maine-et-Loire report a decline in bookings and are adjusting their services. Since 2026, Camping-Quart has introduced a monthly subscription for shared motorhome rental.

The rise in fuel prices (over €2 per liter) is reshaping the motorhome rental market in France. In Maine-et-Loire, rental companies report changes in bookings. Camping-Quart, which has offered shared motorhome rental since 2018, introduced a monthly subscription in January 2026.

Despite warm spring weather, campsites around Saint-Brieuc report a notable decrease in visitors, particularly among motorhome owners. Some professionals attribute this to rising fuel prices. Booking numbers have dropped by three to four times.

Motorhome owners in France are reducing travel distances as fuel prices exceed €2.40 per liter. Despite the increase, they continue to take holidays but opt for closer destinations. The report dates from April 23, 2026.

Owners of motorhomes and camper vans are adapting to rising fuel prices, even though a full tank can cost up to 230 euros. According to a survey of 800 readers, they are reducing travel distances, staying longer at campsites, and bookings at sites in some French regions have increased by 30%. In response, the municipalities of Caen and Biarritz have limited parking at dedicated areas to 48 hours.

In the Hautes-Pyrénées region, motorhome sales are declining, and nationwide rentals have dropped by 17%. Travelers are opting for shorter trips (average distance 770 km) and compact models: 51% of bookings are for vans and campervans, and 60% rent within their own department. Wikicampers has launched a promotion offering up to €100 in fuel reimbursement to boost demand.

Rising fuel prices and general economic uncertainty have reduced demand for motorhomes and caravans. Motorhome rentals have fallen by 17%, and the average travel distance has decreased by 600 km. Renters now more frequently choose compact campers and travel within their own department.

Motorhome owners are changing habits due to rising fuel prices. In April, occupancy at sites in Brittany and Pays de la Loire increased by 30%, while in Provence and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes it fell by 15%. Users are traveling less frequently and shorter distances, with some operators offering fuel cost compensation.

Rising diesel prices to 2 euros per liter are forcing motorhome owners to shorten routes and reduce expenses. A 1000 km trip in a motorhome consuming 11 l/100 km now costs 220 euros instead of 176 euros at 1.60 euros/l. According to a survey, 82% of travelers consider fuel price increases a limiting factor.

Despite rising fuel costs, the motorhome market in France continues to grow. The 2026 exhibition in Limoges attracted around 2000 visitors over three days, and registrations for such vehicles have increased by nearly 50% over a decade. Industry professionals note that the cost of motorhome travel remains competitive amid general price increases in the tourism sector.

Visitors to the Limoges motorhome show are showing increased interest in more compact and fuel-efficient models due to rising fuel prices. Sellers report higher demand for smaller diesel motorhomes and caravans, as well as for electric vehicles as base vehicles.

Motorhome owners are adapting their trips due to rising fuel prices and potential shortages linked to the Middle East situation. A survey of 800 readers revealed that most are shortening trip distances, choosing local destinations, and cutting ancillary costs, but not abandoning travel plans. Some are considering trips to Spain or Italy where fuel prices are lower.