Used camper van market in France: sales growth and buyer risks

Renault, in partnership with French startup Carapate Aventure, has developed the R4 Carapate mini caravan for the Renault 4 E-Tech electric vehicle. The caravan weighs approximately 560 kg, within the car's towing capacity of 750 kg. It features a convertible sleeping area, an outdoor kitchen, and a retro design. The caravan starts at €17,600, while the Renault 4 E-Tech in Greece starts at €24,400 after subsidies.

Perpignan Camping Cars, operating in the Pyrénées-Orientales since 2010, has navigated 15 years of market upheavals: a post-COVID demand surge, vehicle shortages, price spikes, and a subsequent sales slowdown. Site director Franck Mialou notes that after 2020, the customer base shifted from mostly retirees to include families and young couples. The company, with three locations (Saleilles, Perpignan, Narbonne) and 11 employees, maintains a strategy of limited stock, which helped weather market volatility. Buyers now increasingly opt for used vehicles and take longer to decide due to rising interest rates, inflation, and fuel costs.

Authorities in Launaguet (Haute-Garonne) ended an illegal occupation of a private plot by about 30 caravans that had been parked since June 7. The mayor personally cut unauthorized water and electricity connections. Insults and threats were directed at officials during the operation; the municipality plans to file a complaint. The caravans have left, eliminating fire risks from barbecues near a wheat field.

Camping resorts with large water complexes are gaining popularity in Europe. In France, Italy and Germany, facilities with wave pools, slides and lagoons have been opened and modernized. For example, the "Speedy Island" water park was launched in 2025 at Italy's "Union Lido Mare", while the "Südsee-Camp" in the Lüneburg Heath (Germany) features an indoor tropical area with real palm trees.

A metal barrier has been installed at the Salines parking lot in La Rochelle to block trucks and caravans over 2 meters high. The structure cost around €20,000 and was ordered by the previous municipal administration but retained by the new team under Mayor Olivier Falorni as part of a security policy. Two other entrances to the lot have been blocked with concrete barriers.

In the commune of Seignelay, France, the football pitch of the local club was occupied by caravans of travelers. The municipality filed a complaint and negotiated, resulting in the caravan owners agreeing to leave by the upcoming Sunday. The incident occurred ahead of scheduled tournaments, requiring a swift resolution.