La Caravane délurée: Unusual caravan draws attention in France

Multiple regions in France report illegal caravan setups. In Castres, the mayor cut water and electricity. In Ain, mayors are filing complaints. Additionally, a motorhome driver died in a crash in Sarthe.

Bürstner has announced the upcoming release of its Signature series motorhomes on the Mercedes Sprinter platform. Previously, the model was only available on the Fiat Ducato AL-KO. The manufacturer released a teaser video on Facebook showing a partially concealed vehicle. The new models are expected to debut at the Düsseldorf trade fair from August 28 to September 6. Two versions are anticipated: one with a central bed and one with twin beds. The price is likely to exceed €100,000.

Owners of camper vans in France can use motorhome parking areas if their vehicle is equipped with a shower, toilet, and waste water system. Legally, these areas are treated as regular parking lots, so setting up camp is prohibited.

Michel Letraveler, a regular contributor to Le Monde du Camping-Car, traveled to La Roche Courbon Castle (Charente-Maritime, 130 km from Bordeaux) by motorhome. The castle grounds offer free overnight parking for motorhomes with no services. Entrance to the gardens and museums costs €12, guided tour of the castle €16.

Using a caravan as a permanent guest room on a property may be classified as illegal construction. Under French law, if the caravan loses mobility (wheels removed, placed on a concrete base) and is used for more than three months a year, it is treated as a building. The fine for such a violation can reach €90,000, and the court may order demolition with a daily penalty of up to €500 for non-compliance.

According to an Ipsos/Le Monde du Voyage survey (May 2025), 62% of vanlife enthusiasts in France choose routes under 300 km, and 73% prefer visiting one region per trip. Leading destinations are Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (over 540 spots on Park4Night, 80% rated above 4/5), Finistère (28% increase in natural area visits since 2022), and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, where temporary agricultural parking for up to 2 nights has been tested since March 2025.