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Two French camper van stops slammed by travelers

05.06.2026 10:05 1 min 1 source РУС
Camping-car Magazine FRA

The motorhome service area in Arcachon (Boulevard Mestrezat) has been criticized by travelers for poor hygiene and maintenance. Users report potholes, urine and grey water odors, and long-term parking of non-motorhome vehicles. Local media and Park4Night reviews confirm low ratings, leading many motorhome owners to avoid the site.

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Arcachon motorhome area faces criticism from users

05.06.2026 Camping-car Magazine FRA Original source
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FR France — fuel prices

Updated: 12.09.2026

SP95-E10

$2.45 /l

€2.13 · £1.82/l

158 of 168

pricier than 93% of countries

SP98

$2.57 /l

€2.23 · £1.91/l

87 of 102

pricier than 84% of countries

Gazole

$2.65 /l

€2.30 · £1.96/l

155 of 167

pricier than 92% of countries

Gazole premium

$2.66 /l

€2.30 · £1.97/l

39 of 46

pricier than 83% of countries

GPL

$1.20 /l

€1.04 · £0.89/l

49 of 55

pricier than 87% of countries

Superéthanol-E85

$1.01 /l

€0.87 · £0.75/l

4 of 6

cheaper than 50% of countries

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Arcachon: Free motorhome parking area remains poorly maintained Lifestyle © SudOuest.fr
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The free motorhome parking area in Arcachon (Aiguillon district) suffers from neglect: potholes, mud, and abandoned vehicles. Mayor Yves Foulon has previously stated that the municipality 'hunts' motorhome tourists. Despite a convenient location (near Lidl, bakery, beach), the site offers only water, no electricity, and some facilities are broken. In September 2025, the city council approved a redesign project for the city entrance, which may include this area, but no specific decisions have been made.

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SVDL 2026: practical information for visitors with or without a motorhome Exhibitions © Camping-car.com
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SVDL 2026: practical information for visitors with or without a motorhome

The 60th Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs (SVDL) will take place from 26 September to 4 October 2026 at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. Around 650 vehicles and 150 exhibitors will be on display across nearly 70,000 sq m. Motorhome visitors can stay overnight at a dedicated parking area for approximately €8 per night, with service points for fresh water and waste disposal; vehicle access is allowed from 8:00 to 19:00. Entry is free for visitors with reduced mobility upon presentation of a disability card. Camping-Car Magazine readers can get a discount using the promo code SVDL60CCMAG when buying tickets online.

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Pilote updates 690D layout and integral design for 2027 season

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October 2026: motorhome trip ideas in Normandy

French magazine Camping-Car Magazine has published a list of events in Normandy in October 2026 suitable for motorhome owners. The list includes the Planches Contact festival in Deauville (17 October to 3 January 2027), the scallop festival in Villers-sur-Mer (23–25 October), which attracts over 25,000 people annually, and apple and cider festivals in Touques (11 October), Beuvron-en-Auge (25 October), Conches-en-Ouche (25 October) and Vimoutiers (17–18 October). Granville will host 'All the Sea on a Plate' on 3–4 October, and Le Havre will hold the Ouest Park music festival on 16–17 October. Nearby campsites and motorhome parking areas are listed for some events; a night in Beuvron-en-Auge costs €10.

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