Vanlife Expo: camper van show in three French cities

In November 2025, a couple's motorhome was deliberately set on fire outside their home in Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine. The vehicle was completely destroyed, and the house suffered smoke and heat damage, forcing the couple to live in a neighbor's home, then in a motorhome lent by their son, and later in a replacement motorhome purchased by their insurance. The suspect's trial, scheduled for September 3, 2026, was postponed because his lawyer was hospitalized and the defendant has psychiatric issues. The new hearing is set for May 27, 2027. The couple hopes to return home by Christmas, but electrical and heating repairs are still pending.

The second edition of the 'Sur la Route' festival will take place from September 11 to 13 at the municipal campsite of Rouvran in Le Tour-du-Parc. The event combines concerts and the vanlife scene. The lineup includes Vanupié, The Sunuizors, Radio Byzance, Ben Armessen, Archimède, La Cafetera Roja, Mary May & Balaphonics, La Charcuterie Musicale, Le Mange Bal, and Saïra. The Expo Vanlife village will feature artisans, converters, major van brands, and equipment suppliers. A food area and a bivouac space facing the ocean will be available.

The motorhome and camper van festival opened in Carhaix on September 4 and runs until September 7. Visitors are split between those seeking more spacious and comfortable models and those considering compact vans for their lower cost and ease of use as daily vehicles. Around 150 models are on display.

From September 10 to 13, 2026, the Parc des Expositions in Chalon-sur-Saône (1 Rue d'Amsterdam) will host the first edition of En Route ! Chalon Camping-Car, an event dedicated to leisure vehicles and outdoor activities. More than 85 motorhomes, campervans, and vans will be on display, along with advice on vehicle selection, financing, and personalized support. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00 non-stop, parking is free, and a food truck will be available on site.

Martine and Fernand, who traveled from Vendée to the Lille flea market in a motorhome, found a lack of dedicated motorhome parking in the city. They said there are no motorhome service areas in Lille, and campsites are full for the weekend. They eventually found a spot at a private property and plan to cycle to a train station to reach the market. The couple said they will not return to the event.

Since the evening of September 2, around forty caravans from the travelling community have been parked on the park-and-ride at the Yvours railway halt in Irigny, owned by the Lyon Metropolis. Mayor Nathalie Sanlaville visited the site with gendarmerie and municipal police to document the situation and initiate proceedings. The Lyon Metropolis has filed a complaint, and authorities including the Rhône prefecture have been notified. An offer to relocate to a large transit area was communicated to the community.