French municipalities seek eviction of illegal caravan settlements

Multiple municipalities in France are taking legal action following the unauthorized settlement of approximately 40 caravans in separate locations.

In Châtellerault, a group of travelers occupied a private plot in the La Bergerie district. The occupants reportedly made unauthorized connections to the electrical grid and a local fire hydrant for water. Mayor Anne-Florence Bourat has denied claims that local authorities granted permission for the settlement and has contacted the prefecture to initiate emergency eviction proceedings. The property owner has filed a police complaint.

In Irigny, near Lyon, about 40 caravans have been stationed on a relay parking lot owned by the Métropole de Lyon since September 2. Mayor Nathalie Sanlaville, accompanied by police and gendarmerie, has engaged local authorities and the Rhône prefecture to resolve the situation. The Métropole de Lyon has also filed a complaint, and officials are exploring the possibility of redirecting the community to a designated transit area.