Le Bourget (France) (AFP)
"Vanlifers" addicted to social networks and more traditional "motorhomes" do not always go on holiday together; but their common thirst for freedom and the enthusiasm enjoyed by the vans benefit the entire sector.
"As the best marketing expressions", its meaning is "both precise and vague," wrote the American magazine New Yorker in April 2017: "vanlife", a nomadic and minimalist lifestyle in a converted vehicle, makes dream of lovers of nature and open spaces.
It even invites itself to the venerable leisure vehicles show, whose 54th edition is held until October 6 at Bourget (Seine-Saint-Denis) for the second year and at the initiative of the French Federation of Campers, Caravaneers and campers (FFCC).
"We try to bring an entertainment side, the exchange, with travelers who will talk about their tour of Europe van," says Caroline Matichard, the FFCC. And in a world where "we start from the idea that the traditional customer is 57 and over," according to the president of the show, François Feuillet, the "vanlife" is blowing a wind of youth.
- Sales up sharply -
Tuesday, it is a small Norman company, the Craftsman of the trip, which was invited to present his activity, the arrangement of vans personalized, vans of smaller size than the often massive motor homes. Ubiquitous wood, recycled materials, the need for recycling ... Their customers are most often between 29 and 35 years old, explains Nathanael Moreau.
Their services are particularly interesting "travelers in the long course, either for travel projects in particular, or for life projects," he explains. However, "29-35 years is a little when we say we can take a turn" before returning to a more "normal" existence.
However, "the equation is not + you're young, you have a van, you're old, you take a camper +", nuance Marion Woirhaye, the general manager of Wikicampers, a kind of Airbnb vehicle Hobbies. "Pre-retirees and pensioners are increasingly interested in vans", perceived as more manageable and more discreet.
"Those for whom a motorhome becomes too big" when the view down are also converted, abounds François Feuillet, also managing director of Trigano, the European leader of the motorhome.
Sales are suffering. The number of registrations for vans and vans rose by more than 15% in the 2018-19 season (just over 9,500 units) while that of motorhomes rose by 3% (around 24,000 units). Over the same period, the number of new caravans was down slightly (-1.8% to around 8,000 units).
Retired people eager to post their "vanlife" on Instagram? "It is true that there is a public + a little camper + which is moving towards the vans, but it remains something other than people who live in their truck", observes Camille, Bretonne working in Marseille and holder since a few months, a converted truck.
- Divergences and similarities -
"Motorhomes often like gastronomy, visit tourist sites or travel to several crews, while" vanlifers "are more people in motion, who work in their van, will enjoy local activities, consume local ... ", observes Caroline Matichard. The distinction is not so much on age as on "the state of mind".
In addition, developed vans offered by large manufacturers are sold almost as expensive as motorhomes, about 50,000 euros. A sum not within the reach of all.
Pamela Fontaine and Paul Bienaimé - "pam_et_paul" on Instagram - "vanlifers" from the north of France, "wanted something discreet, that goes everywhere, not expensive," says the young woman, who works in the catering. Used vehicle, spartan development: global bill of about 20,000 euros, the same level of investment by Camille.
"Vanlifers" and "campers", however, use the same services, such as reception areas, or the "Park4Night" app that lists where to spend the night. "The common denominator is that they want freedom and feel good about their vehicle," says Caroline Matichard (FFCC). Whether they share it or not on social networks.
© 2019 AFP