French Camping and Vanlife Trends Surge This Summer

Interest in vanlife and camping is rising in France as summer approaches. Guides advise first‑timer renters to budget €60‑130 per day, meet age and licence requirements, and carry essentials such as a first‑aid kit, tools and an extra‑long power cable.

An estimated 9 million French have booked camping trips for July‑August, contributing to a sector turnover of €4.7 billion in 2025—up from about €1 billion in the early 2000s. French visitors still account for roughly 70 % of overnight stays, but foreign tourists are growing fast, up 5.4 % and expected to represent about 30 % of the clientele by 2026, led by visitors from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Premium sites are seeing higher occupancy, with 4‑star camps at 47.6 % and 5‑star camps at 56.1 %.

Entrepreneurs are also launching vintage‑style camps that blend modern comforts with a nostalgic atmosphere, attracting urban families seeking authentic outdoor experiences.