Family campervan trip in France: free farm stays via France Passion

The municipality of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is strengthening regulations on the parking of motorhomes, caravans and other camper vehicles. A municipal decree signed in early August governs their presence in the area from May 1 to October 31. The authorities justify the decision by the high tourist influx in the valley during summer, which leads to saturated parking lots, disturbances for residents and cleanliness issues, and can also hinder emergency vehicle access. The decree prohibits overnight parking in natural areas, wooded zones, and on all public roads and parking lots in the commune, including the city center, Bossons and Pèlerins sectors, Les Praz and Les Bois, Argentière, and the upper valley up to Le Tour. For accommodation, visitors are directed to campsites, as well as two dedicated parking areas: Parking Grépon Bus for vehicles over 7 meters and Parking Camping-car for vehicles under 7 meters, plus intercommunal areas in Passy, Grand Chauvilly, and Sallanches.

In France, the number of motorhomes with a permissible maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes is growing, requiring a C1 licence. According to UNI VDL, the new motorhome market grew by 10% over three years in 2025, reaching 26,328 registrations. Driving such vehicles requires a C1 licence, which involves a medical examination, a theory test, and a practical driving test. A European reform plans to extend the B licence to 4.25 tonnes under strict conditions, but for heavier models, the C1 licence will remain mandatory.

Rémi Boukli, a 35-year-old building energy efficiency engineer, bought a used Renault Trafic and spent about eight months converting it into a camper for travel without booking accommodation. The project, including the van purchase, cost around €20,000. Work included removing tile adhesive, installing windows, insulation, furniture, solar panels, and obtaining French VASP certification.

Traffic was interrupted for several hours on Wednesday evening on the A28 towards Abbeville after an accident involving a motorhome. The highway was closed from junction 6 at Callengeville, with drivers diverted via RD920 and RD928 to Blangy-sur-Bresle. Traffic resumed around 10:30 p.m.; no details on casualties were provided.

Farmers Laëtitia and Pascal Dehosse from Grigneuseville, Seine-Maritime, have started renting out camper vans. They acquired two vehicles equipped with a kitchen, hot water shower, solar panels, and options such as a toilet and bike rack. According to the owners, the vans are no larger than a big car, making parking easy and avoiding extra toll costs. Rentals are available for couples, friends, and families.

Around 1,200 people were evacuated from a beachside campsite in Pas-de-Calais, northern France, due to two wildfires. One fire is under control, the other not yet stabilized.