Morning fellow campers. My wife and I have been traveling France a few times and have always wanted to know what the go was with these folks. They seem to be able to camp where ever they want. So I have some questions for you. 1 what's there status, are they french. 2 they all seemto drive flash cars towing even flasher ccaravans. 3 what do the French people think ov them. We have never had any drama's but have come across them in muni park's. Mick.
------------- Aussie mick
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Some are French, some other nationalities. They generally term themselves 'Roma' but, as in this country, there are lots of inter-group disputes about nationality, true status, etc.
They were, more tolerated by the French, in the past, as they provided (and still provide) a lot of the itinerant labour involved in harvest, grape picking etc. In an attempt to discourage wild camping there are sites reserved exclusively for them - 'Aires des Gens de Voyage' which have good clean facilities. However, perhaps because of increasing numbers from Eastern Europe, their presence is now being resented more and more and they are less welcome than they were.
In municipal sites you may come across them, but the white vans and caravans you see often belong to market traders who ply their trade from town to town, staying overnight on the municipal sites. Increasing numbers of municipal sites are trying to discourage the 'real' travellers by introducing 'No twin axles' rules or levying much higher charges for a twin.
Some do have flash cars and caravans, but equally some have very decrepit vans and tiny old caravans. Some of the biggest outfits you may think are travellers are actually 'Circus folk' and they would resent being put into the same category - so if there is a circus in town you may well see huge fifth wheelers, motorhomes bigger than coaches, and long extravagant looking caravans towed by huge Mercedes.
They sometimes have mass gatherings, such as their pilgrimage to St Maries de la Mer in the Camargue every May, where they celebrate the disembarkment of the three biblical Mary's on the coast of the Camargue. At such times there may be many thousands on the road, and again at such times, campsites may try to shut their doors to them with higher prices and more stringent rules and regulations.
If they are in an area they are often blamed for every single crime. We were on a site where bikes were stolen, and the travellers across the river were blamed. In the event the culprit was the son of the local Mayor, and his friend, who were trying to get home after a rather late night party!
Thanks Val that has explained it perfectly. We actually were in St Maries last year in May and they were everywhere. My wife didn't want to stay so we went back to Arles and found a nice camp just on the outskirts. Cheers Val.
On your comment Val A "We were on a site where bikes were stolen, and the travellers across the river were blamed. In the event the culprit was the son of the local Mayor, and his friend, who were trying to get home after a rather late night party!"
A long time ago when I was little we were at a campsite in the south of France. The playground flooring was sand, and as such I always took my sandals off to play. My Sandals disappeared one day and my Mum was very cross with me. next thing a "Traveller" mum came over to my Mum and gave my sandals back apologising profusely that one of her children had taken a fancy to them! I'd hate to have been that child afterwards the Mum seemed very fiesty as my Mum recalled.
As you say I think things have changed alot, we've been at some sites where there have been hundreds of them, sometimes really noisy other times keeping themselves to themselves.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We have stayed on sites where they stay, we have not had a problem with them, in fact the opposite, we found them friendly and helpful at every site that we have come across them over the years, they would not put us off staying with them on a site, after all they are business people
Have only occasionally seen Travellers on Munis, they generally have their own sites as in this country.
You do see working people or tradesmen camping on Munis while they work on a nearby job. I always thought this was climate-related ... but this year I found someone tent camping on a site near Bristol and commuting into the city.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Travelers in France?
