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In Brief
French companies offer van conversion solutions, while retirees increasingly sell homes for mobile living. The Van Life France Facebook group has 152,000 members.
The vanlife phenomenon in France has moved beyond the margins. The Facebook group "Van Life France" has 152,000 members, and sales of converted vans have been steadily rising since 2020. Adopting this lifestyle requires addressing legal issues such as mandatory domicile registration and involves daily practical challenges.
More retirees are selling their homes to embrace a nomadic lifestyle in motorhomes or campers. This trend is driven by a desire for freedom, lower fixed costs, and rethinking daily life after a career. Studies show that people over 55 make up a significant share of such vehicle users.
French companies offer various solutions for converting cars and vans into mobile homes, including removable kits, luggage modules, kitchen boxes, and roof tents. Prices range from 349 euros for a kitchen box to 45,000 euros for a full van conversion.
Aggregated by OpenVan.camp from the public sources listed below, with AI-assisted translation and summary. We always link to the original source. Machine translation may differ from the original -- check the source for important details. Images and content remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright information
French companies offer various options for converting cars and vans into mobile living spaces. These include removable kits, luggage modules, kitchen ...
French companies offer various options for converting cars and vans into mobile living spaces. These include removable kits, luggage modules, kitchen boxes, and roof tents. Prices range from €349 for a kitchen box to €45,000 for a full van conversion.
An increasing number of retirees are selling their homes to adopt a mobile lifestyle in motorhomes or camper vans. This trend is driven by a desire fo...
An increasing number of retirees are selling their homes to adopt a mobile lifestyle in motorhomes or camper vans. This trend is driven by a desire for freedom, lower fixed costs, and a rethinking of daily life after a career. Studies indicate that people over 55 represent a significant share of users of such recreational vehicles.
The vanlife phenomenon in France is no longer marginal. The "Van Life France" Facebook group has 152,000 members, and sales of converted vans have bee...
The vanlife phenomenon in France is no longer marginal. The "Van Life France" Facebook group has 152,000 members, and sales of converted vans have been steadily increasing since 2020. Adopting this lifestyle involves legal requirements, such as mandatory domiciliation, and comes with daily practical challenges.
Updated: 18.07.2026
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€1.99 · £1.70/l
132 of 141
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€2.09 · £1.79/l
83 of 94
pricier than 87% of countries
Gazole
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€2.05 · £1.75/l
132 of 142
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Gazole premium
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€2.09 · £1.78/l
34 of 40
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€1.05 · £0.90/l
44 of 52
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4 of 6
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Best regions in the coming days
Country overview
Avg. score
65
Top city
Brittany 93
On 27 July Germany checks motorhomes and trailers on the A31 and A30. Also: a diesel tax in Finland has left motorhomes parked up for most of the year.
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France
4
The French vanlife market offers options for every budget: from removable kits starting at 349 euros to custom setups up to 45,000 euros. Volkswagen unveiled the electric ID. Buzz from 59,450 euros.
Traveling in a camper van requires preparation, particularly regarding legislation and equipment. Parking and wild camping rules vary greatly between countries, for instance, they have tightened in Portugal. Achieving self-sufficiency requires planning water supplies, electricity from solar panels, and compact kitchen equipment.
Camper vans have become a popular vacation choice in France, attracting various age groups. New models in 2026 range from €35,000 to €90,000, with additional costs for insurance and fuel. Key selection factors include energy autonomy, insulation, and legal certification.
Tickets for the 2026 Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs are now on sale. Readers of Camping-Car Magazine can get a discount using promo code SVDL60CCMAG. The show runs from 26 September to 4 October at Paris-Le Bourget, featuring over 650 motorhomes, campervans and caravans from 150 exhibitors.
On Thursday, July 23, a caravan caught fire and exploded in Le Revest-les-Eaux (Var department), spreading flames to the nearby forest. About 90 firefighters were dispatched, including two water-bombing helicopters. By 4 p.m., the fire had burned one hectare.
From 27 to 30 August 2026, more than 50 motorhomes, campervans and converted vans will be displayed at the Haras national du Pin in Orne. Dealer Auto Camping-car Service 14 is organising the event, offering personalised assistance, trade-in valuation, food truck, free parking and a horse show for the first 50 registrants.
A wildfire in the Bordeaux region of France has forced the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people, mostly tourists. The fire started on July 23 in the town of Saumos and has spread to 2,400 hectares. Authorities ordered the evacuation of campsites and holiday centers. No injuries have been reported. Tourists, including many from Germany, have been relocated to temporary shelters. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which is fueled by strong winds and temperatures up to 34 °C.
Wildfires are raging in France, Spain, and Italy, affecting campsites. In France, over 12,000 people were evacuated, including tourists from six campsites near Bordeaux. Two firefighters died. In Spain, fire destroyed 32,000 hectares near Madrid, and in Italy, over 100 people were evacuated in Sicily. Travelers are advised to use monitoring systems EFFIS, DWD, and NASA FIRMS, check insurance, and plan evacuation routes.
French manufacturer Tibi House has unveiled the tiny house Maurice, built on a two-axle trailer. Priced from €30,000, it features slanted wooden walls, a pyramidal facade accent, and an interior with two bedrooms, an open kitchen, and a custom stained-glass window.
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