Is-sur-Tille: Motorhome area pays for itself in three years

A couple from Côtes-d'Armor says they have been repaying a loan for a Challenger motorhome bought in June 2025 for €42,000, which they claim broke down shortly after purchase. They are seeking to cancel the sale, but the dealership denies the allegations, stating the vehicle is in good condition and ready for use. No judicial proceedings have been initiated, and the dispute may go to court.

Esterel Caravaning, founded in 1974 on 12 hectares of scrubland in the Esterel massif, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The independent family business, led by Aurore Laroche for over 31 years, has become a leading European campsite in the premium outdoor hospitality sector. The final celebration, the 'White Night', is scheduled for August 17, 2026. The campsite, located in a Natura 2000 area, has been awarded annually since 2017 by industry bodies in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. It reports a 50% customer retention rate, double the market average, and attracts visitors from over 30 countries, accounting for 61% of its occupancy. The site features 280,000 planted plants, 100% solar-powered outdoor lighting, and a carbon-positive footprint: 58 tonnes of CO2 emitted versus 8,400 tonnes sequestered by vegetation.

France maintains its low-emission zones (ZFE) and Crit'Air stickers after the Constitutional Council's decision on May 21, 2026. Since January 1, 2025, 30 new permanent low-emission zones have been established in cities with over 150,000 inhabitants. Motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes are treated as passenger cars, while heavier ones follow truck regulations. Fines for missing stickers are €68 for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and €135 for heavier ones, rising to €180 and €375 if unpaid within 45 days. Paris has suspended fines until December 31, 2026, while Lyon will start fining Crit'Air 3 vehicles from July 1, 2026.

A family of six from Châteauroux has set off on a two-week European tour in a camper van converted by the father. The route takes them through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy, ending in Venice. By preparing their own meals and sleeping in the van, they keep costs to around 2,000 euros.

Randger has introduced the R595 camper based on the Fiat Ducato. The model has no permanent bed: the main sleeping area is an electrically operated pop-top bed measuring 132×197 cm. The rear section is divided into three zones: toilet, separate shower, and washbasin. The kitchen features a 150-liter drawer refrigerator. The price is €72,190 for the 140 hp version; the 180 hp version with automatic transmission costs an additional €4,800.

Marseille's only official motorhome area is Marly Parc in the 9th arrondissement, currently offering 80 to 100 standard parking spaces and just three with hookups. After the COVID-19 pandemic, 34 spaces with water and electricity were closed due to financial difficulties, according to manager Marc Busin. He also noted that tourist areas in the city are closing, leaving his park as the last option. Plans include opening 30 new spaces, but overall arrivals are declining.