Campervan and Vanlife News

🇫🇷 Lifestyle 26.12.2025

Provence Tour in the Forster T 669 EB: Test Living & Travel Tips

A report details a motorhome trip through Southern France in a Forster T 669 EB Coupé during the off-season. The vehicle, a semi-integrated motorhome with a 165 PS diesel engine, 100L fresh water, and a 142L fridge, facilitated stays away from crowded tourist centers. The article provides practical advice for such trips, including the need for pre-booking in certain areas and specific vehicle regulations for France.

Source: autozeitung.de ↗

🇫🇷 Law & Regulations 26.12.2025

Converted van vs. motorhome: parking, insurance... what you are (really) allowed to do

The article clarifies the regulatory differences between converted vans and motorhomes, focusing on homologation, insurance, and parking. In France, over 15,000 new vans were registered between August 2024 and 2025, surpassing motorhome registrations. Key distinctions include the mandatory VASP homologation for vans with fixed living amenities, stricter insurance requirements, and different toll and parking rules, where vans often face fewer restrictions than motorhomes.

Source: sudouest.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Law & Regulations 26.12.2025

Neighbor leaves motorhome in front of my house year-round: is it legal? The law decides

French law strictly regulates long-term parking of motorhomes on public roads. A vehicle cannot be parked in the same public spot for more than seven days without special permission, with violations incurring a €35 fine. For stays exceeding three months, a declaration to the town hall is mandatory to avoid the vehicle being considered an illegal deposit.

Source: lapauseinfo.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Openings 26.12.2025

Petite-Rosselle. Tourism: The Forbach Agglomeration Community is setting up a motorhome area near the mining museum

The Forbach Agglomeration Community is constructing a new motorhome service area in Petite-Rosselle. The site, located at the Wendel pithead near the mining museum, will have capacity for eight vehicles. This addresses a local shortage, as the territory currently has only one service area in downtown Forbach.

Source: republicain-lorrain.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Builds 26.12.2025

Basque Country: The 'Osteomobile' Reaches Out to Remote Patients

An osteopath in the Basque Country has converted a motorhome into a mobile clinic to treat patients in remote areas. The vehicle, modified by removing its kitchen and seating to fit a treatment table, operates from Tuesday to Saturday. The practitioner has secured permission to park in specific towns like Ayherre, from where she serves surrounding villages.

Source: sudouest.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Incidents 26.12.2025

Dordogne: Manager sells 70 owners' motorhomes and leaves with the money

The manager of Horizon Dordogne, Thomas Demarthe, has been placed under judicial control following approximately 70 complaints for fraud. He is accused of selling clients' motorhomes without ever paying them, causing an estimated damage of 2 million euros. The judicial investigation, initiated by the Périgueux prosecutor, is examining charges of breach of trust and fraud.

Source: 20minutes.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Openings 26.12.2025

Former Montbron Camping Site to Be Revived as Motorhome Park

The municipality of Montbron has approved a partnership with Camping-Car Park to convert a long-disused campsite into a managed motorhome area. The company will handle the complete operation of the 25-pitch site, while the local authority will fund the initial €250,000 in infrastructure works. The project, expected to generate around 3,000 overnight stays annually, aims to recoup the investment within five to ten years.

Source: charentelibre.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Builds 26.12.2025

Forget the motorhome: Kodiak, a giant French-made expedition truck launched by a traveling Toulouse couple

A Toulouse-based company has presented the Kodiak, a luxury expedition vehicle it describes as the first of its kind manufactured in France. The 11-meter-long, 26-ton truck has a range of 2,500 km, 18 m² of living space, and is equipped with solar panels and a 1,000-liter water reserve. It is currently offered for sale at a price of 1.2 million euros.

Source: leparisien.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Industry 26.12.2025

Potential damages could reach 2 million euros: multiple complaints against a motorhome dealership in Dordogne

Multiple owners have filed complaints against the dealership Horizon Dordogne for not receiving payment after their motorhomes were sold. The lawyer representing some victims states over 45 similar cases exist, with potential total damages reaching 2 million euros due to vehicle values between €30,000 and €110,000. The manager acknowledges cash flow problems but pledges to repay all clients, while a criminal investigation has been opened by the public prosecutor's office.

Source: sudouest.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Exhibitions 26.12.2025

Since we got it, we haven't spent a weekend at home: why these Bretons chose a motorhome

The Rennes motorhome and caravan show opened on Friday and runs until next Tuesday, featuring over 400 recreational vehicles. The event, expected to draw around 5,000 visitors, serves as both an exhibition and a meeting point for enthusiasts to discuss their experiences.

Source: letelegramme.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Industry 25.12.2025

New Renault Trafic Escapade camper to compete with Volkswagen California

Renault will unveil the Trafic Escapade camper van at the Van Life Expo in Bordeaux, France, on November 8-9, 2025, with European sales starting in early 2026. Based on the current third-generation van, it features a seven-seat layout, an integrated kitchen module in the trunk, and is powered by 2.0-liter diesel engines. Unlike key rivals, it lacks a pop-up roof for additional sleeping space, offering only an in-cabin folding double bed.

Source: kolesa.ru ↗

🇫🇷 Festivals 26.12.2025

Belley. Motorhome enthusiasts celebrate with the Travel Forum

The French Federation of Motorhome Associations and Clubs is organizing the Travel Forum in Belley this weekend. The event features travel agencies presenting itineraries, seasoned travelers sharing advice, and numerous professionals including outfitters and tourism offices. It will be held at the Intégral hall on November 9-10, 2025.

Source: leprogres.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Openings 25.12.2025

In Vannes, a first motorhome parking area in a school

A school in Vannes, Brittany, is the first in the region to test a concept allowing motorhomes to park on its private lot during weekends and school holidays. The initiative, launched by Camping-car Park, offers nine spaces at a flat rate of €12 per 24 hours, with 50% of the booking revenue going back to the school for educational projects. The service is self-contained, with no access to water or electricity, and bookings are managed exclusively online.

Source: letelegramme.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Exhibitions 26.12.2025

Camping-Car, Van, and Camper Van Show in Gard Draws Crowds Seeking Freedom

A motorhome, van, and camper van show is being held at the Méjannes-lès-Alès exhibition park in Gard, France, until the evening of November 2nd. The event features over 150 vehicles, with visitors citing the desire for freedom and flexibility as key motivations for potential purchases. Retirees and families are among those considering self-contained motorhomes for their amenities and capacity.

Source: midilibre.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Builds 26.12.2025

Young Dentist Converts Old Rapido Camper into Mobile Dental Clinic

A young dentist from Pas-de-Calais plans to launch a mobile dental practice in 2026. His 1996 Rapido Capucine camper is being converted for this purpose in Mayenne with support from local companies.

Source: larochesuryon.maville.com ↗

🇫🇷 Lifestyle 26.12.2025

Fans at any cost of van holidays: 'We've already driven with underwear drying behind our heads'

A French couple in their late 60s and early 70s switched from a caravan to a Renault Master XS van in 2017 for greater travel freedom. They report that family obligations and the need for frequent breaks have limited their travel, often keeping them in France. Their van life experience is described as involving improvisation, occasional odors, and constant unpredictability.

Source: nouvelobs.com ↗

🇫🇷 Exhibitions 26.12.2025

Caravan Enthusiasts Remain Loyal: 300 Models of Motorhomes, Camper Vans, and Caravans Displayed at Plouay

A motorhome and caravan show featuring 300 new and used leisure vehicles is being held in Plouay until October 20. The event occupies 10,000 square meters of outdoor space at the Esplanade des Championnats du Monde. Caravans have been included in the exhibition for the past two years due to sustained market demand.

Source: letelegramme.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Lifestyle 26.12.2025

They live in a motorhome while waiting for their sea-view apartment in La Ciotat

A retired couple is living in a motorhome due to significant construction delays on their pre-purchased apartment in La Ciotat. They bought a 65 m² apartment for €600,000 in May 2024, with an initial delivery date of June 2025, but water ingress issues have pushed the estimated completion to around 2027. The couple, now 76, expresses frustration over the prolonged wait and lack of communication from the developer.

Source: laprovence.com ↗

🇫🇷 Industry 26.12.2025

Sud Alsace. Used or rental motorhomes, a market that rode the post-Covid wave

The independent dealership Camping-car 68, taken over by Raphaël Pinaire in March 2023, has specialized in used vehicles. The post-Covid surge in demand for freedom and travel led to a 50% increase in motorhome and van registrations in France between 2015 and the end of 2024.

Source: dna.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Lifestyle 26.12.2025

How to rent out your van or motorhome to other individuals

Owners of infrequently used motorhomes can generate supplemental income by renting them out through peer-to-peer platforms. Services like monhangar.fr offer full-year management, handling insurance and tenant selection, for vehicles under 10 years old and with less than 90,000 km, with potential earnings up to €5,000 annually.

Source: francebleu.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Lifestyle 26.12.2025

Recreational Vehicles: Freedom, Practicality, Comfort, and New Trends and Technologies

The recreational vehicle sector is evolving, with a trend towards shorter, more frequent trips and increased accessibility. Industry expert Stéphane Morin notes a shift in usage, with vehicles now featuring technologies like lithium batteries and solar panels for greater autonomy. Rental options are growing, and compact vans or sub-€6,000 roof tents are attracting younger buyers, while apps facilitate trip planning.

Source: francebleu.fr ↗

🇫🇷 Exhibitions 26.12.2025

Motorhome, Camper, and Van Exhibition Opens at Lanester Expo Park

An exhibition featuring motorhomes, campers, and vans is being held at the Lanester Expo Park in Morbihan. The event, organized by Bonjour Caravaning, runs until October 12, 2025, and showcases approximately 120 new and used vehicles. Around fifteen company staff are present on site for the duration of the show.

Source: saint-brieuc.maville.com ↗

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