They can be big, small, long, compact. Taking us to the end of the world or a few miles from home. We are talking here about recreational vehicles (i.e. motorhomes, vans, low-profiles, caravans or mobile homes). Their high mass is taking place until October 15 at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center, in Seine-Saint-Denis. Every year, the Leisure Vehicle Show, or SVDL for enthusiasts, brings together the biggest manufacturers in the sector, who unveil their new products and some of their most iconic models. This is an opportunity for us to take a tour and reveal the vehicles that have marked us the most.
To discover
- Discover the new Figaro Voyage magazine special to Canada
Read alsoAfter the "vanlife" boom, the recreational vehicle sector at a crossroads
The most vintage: the Type Holidays van
The Type Holiday van
Access slideshow (3)
As in furniture or fashion, retro is gaining its letters of nobility in the leisure vehicle sector. At Stellantis (which includes Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat), we want to highlight an iconic model: the Citroën Type H, which was a great success in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2023. With the Type Holidays van, the big star of the Leisure Vehicle Show, we assume this little touch of nostalgia. The Citroën network is based on converted Spacetourers, which can therefore be transformed into an H-Type thanks to the Italian coachbuilder Caselani. Grey, dark green, white and even beige models will go on sale in Citroën dealerships from the first half of 2024. The price, which has not yet been revealed, is expected to be between €85,000 and €90,000.
What we like: its vintage style and this assertive reference to a mythical vehicle.
Read alsoAt Camper Van Week-End, meet the followers of "vanlife"
The largest: the Concorde Liner 1095 GI
The Concorde Liner 1095 GI
Access slideshow (3)
While the van is gradually gaining ground in the world of recreational vehicles, up to representing 60% of new vehicle sales in 2023, behemoths still have their place in the SVDL. The Liner 1095 GI, presented by the German brand Concorde, impresses with its size. More than 11 meters in length, almost 4 meters in height and 2.50 meters in width. And it is better to be equipped with a truck license to drive this colossus, whose weight varies between 12 and 26 tons (for a Centurion model). The interior (25 m² of living space) competes with state-of-the-art equipment (dishwasher, microwave oven, 8000w generator, fridge, two flat screens). A vehicle far from being within everyone's reach: count on at least €600,000 for the Liner model, and up to €1.2 million for the Centurion, even more upscale.
What we like: the assumed excess of this kind of vehicle. Not to mention the garage at the back, where you can easily park a small classic car.
Read alsoIn a motorhome as well as in a hotel: five models that caught our eye at the Recreational Vehicle Show
Coziest: the Touring 430 caravan
The Touring 430 caravan
Access slideshow (3)
What if we took a trip down memory lane, while keeping a dose of modernity? This is what Eriba - a caravan brand that operates under the umbrella of the Hymer Group - offers with the Touring 430, one of its flagship models. The latter combines rather modest dimensions and real comfort with its double bed, its double living room and its toilet. The brand offers several levels of finishes, to stick as closely as possible to the desires of travelers. We fell in love with the yellow color, which gives us a kind of nostalgic breath. The price starts at 28,210 euros, but it can quickly rise depending on the options chosen.
What we like: the traveller spirit that this caravan model exudes, on the road since 1957.
Read alsoToo heavy, too polluting... What if we revisited our preconceived ideas about the motorhome?
The most outdoor: the Habiton hybrid
L'Habiton in photos
Access slideshow (3)
It is a hybrid model, which describes itself as half van, half motorhome and allows you to combine urban needs with desires for freedom. The Micro Camper Habiton concept car, developed by the German brand Bürstner, is intriguing at first glance once its roof tent is deployed, which causes a real "wow" effect. Inflatable in 15 minutes, it has a hardtop function (in other words, a removable roof). As for the vehicle, it is mounted on a Renault Kangoo chassis. It is also equipped with a removable kitchen module and offers an optional outdoor tent, ideal for lunches and dinners under the stars. Still in the prototype phase, the vehicle is not currently on the market.
What we like: the camping spirit fostered by the roof tent, but also the possibility of using the vehicle in an urban context.
The most all-rounder: the Hymer Venture S motorhome
The Hymer Venture S in pictures
Access slideshow (3)
When you're walking around the SVDL, it's hard to escape the Hymer Venture S. At first glance, its off-road wheels are impressive. The vehicle, which belongs to the motorhome category, adapts to any type of road and is distinguished by a platform at the rear of the vehicle that can support up to 350 kg of load. The interior is designed with the use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as bamboo, and a bathroom that appears once one of the interior walls is deployed. Despite its size (6.40 m long and 3.05 m high), this vehicle is only approved for two people. So it's impossible to take your toddlers with you.
What we like: the fact that the vehicle adapts to all roads and offers a real spirit of adventure.