Vanlife Destinations for Long Weekends

Over 2.8 million motorhomes in Europe, owners spend an average of 72 nights per year on the road. In France, about 30% of 10,000 motorhome parking areas have dedicated dog zones. Recommended destinations include Brittany (Camaret-sur-Mer, Pen Hat beach), Vendée (Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Brétignolles-sur-Mer), Landes (Biscarrosse, Mimizan), and the Mediterranean (Gruissan, Grau-du-Roi, Port-la-Nouvelle). The CAMPING-CAR PARK network offers about 500 sites with 24/7 access and a booking package for €29 per year.

On June 16, the 10,000th motorhome was recorded at the intercommunal service area in Choisel, Châteaubriant. To mark the milestone, the local community offered welcome bags with tourist information to the visitors. Open since August 3, 2020, the paid facility operates year-round, averaging 4 motorhomes per day last year. The steady tourist flow boosts local businesses, especially during winter festivities and Christmas lights.

From June 25 to 28, 2026, the Studio 120 in Clermont-Ferrand will host the Summer Motorhome Show. Over 90 leisure vehicles will be displayed outdoors, including motorhomes, campervans, and converted vans, both new and used. Visitors can compare 2026 models and receive advice on selection, financing, and trade-ins. Entry costs €2, free with invitation.

CaraMaps, an app aggregating over 110,000 locations for motorhomes, campervans, and caravans across Europe, now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GPS navigation accounts for vehicle dimensions, warns about low bridges and speed limits. The feature is available via Premium subscription (€6.99/month or €24.99/year).

Experts from the Touring Club Suisse (TCS) tested 129 motorway service stations in France, Spain, and Portugal, covering 10,000 km. France ranked first due to a high density of fast charging stations and well-developed facilities for motorhomes. Portugal came second with good food and charging infrastructure, while Spain ranked third due to a lack of charging stations (only one in ten) and frequent malfunctions.

A group of caravans has set up on the grounds of the Lycée du Chesnoy in Amilly. A spokesperson stated that stopping there was not originally planned. The reasons and circumstances of the occupation are being clarified.