For several years now, the van has been a real hit and now occupies several halls at the show. This year, however, the influence of vans seems to have spread to motorhomes and vans. And even to caravans. In fact, the folding roof, which is typical of converted vans, is now appearing on a number of larger vans as well as on some motorhomes. Bürstner, for example, used the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon to present its new Lyseo Gallery motorhome. The latter had already been successful, as the prototype that was to be presented at the CMT in Stuttgart last January (cancelled due to Covid) won several awards for its innovative design. It was the first official release for the newcomer of the Franco-German brand. And judging by the queues to visit the interior of the two models presented, the latter seems to have seduced the German public. Thanks to a system of pneumatic cylinders, the Lyseo Gallery folds and unfolds. When driving, this reduces the vehicle’s wind resistance and increases its aerodynamics. When stationary, the canopy can be folded up and provides a real “upstairs” extra room.

Luxury motorhome with pop-up roof from Hymer premieres at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon

Hymer also brought a motorhome concept to life at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. Visitors to the show were able to see the first models of the Venture S, a luxury two-person motorhome based on a Mercedes Sprinter off-roader. With its living room that opens up to the outside world via the tailgate, this Hymer motorhome offers an attractive design. Like the Lyseo, it also has a pop-up roof. Here the pop-up roof is made of a pneumatic fabric that inflates in a few minutes. This has the advantage of protecting against noise, light and temperature fluctuations. Once in place, it offers a pleasant sleeping area that can be accessed via an integrated staircase. The two Venture S motorhome models presented at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon were a great success with the Germans who queued up to see them. However, there must have been more curious people than buyers in the queues. The Venture S is indeed offered for sale at more than €200,000!

A pop-up roof on the Hobby Beachy Air caravan

Last year, it seduced us at the Düsseldorf show. The Beachy from Hobby is still as nice as ever. And this year, the German caravan brand has taken its dynamic-looking caravan a step further with the prototype of the new Beachy Air. Very similar to the other models, with an opening at the rear that opens the living room to the outside, this one also has the originality of having a folding roof. However, there is no question of sleeping here. The pop-up roof “just” increases the height of the caravan inside. It must be said that this caravan has been specially designed for electric vehicles. It is therefore lighter (500 kg) and less high than the traditional Beachy (1.98 m compared to 2.65 m). These dimensions allow it to be towed by an electric vehicle. At the Düsseldorf show, it was presented with an ID Buzz, VW’s electric combi.

Small is beautiful: mini caravans are becoming increasingly fashionable

While the Düsseldorf show is still all about XXL motorhomes with a hall dedicated to luxury vehicles that you can park a car inside, at the other end of the market, mini-caravans are increasingly present in the aisles of the Düsseldorf exhibition centre. While some brands have been around for years, this year’s edition of 2022 has seen some newcomers such as the surprising mini caravan from Latvian company Forma Campers. We will have the opportunity to take a closer look at this model in the coming months.

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OUR CAMPSITES AROUND THE GULF OF MORBIHAN

The Gulf of Morbihan extends over a little more than 40 km² between Vannes to the north and Arzon and Sarzeau to the south. Its chiselled granite shores form as many capes, points and outcrops from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the sumptuous landscapes of the gulf. To discover this enchanting spectacle, a cameo of blues and greens changing with the light, a hundred kilometres of marked paths are as many threads to play the tightrope walker between sea and land. Dozens of hours of iodised walks are in prospect. For cycling enthusiasts, a cycle route links Vannes and Arzon. Eventually, this will be connected to the cycle route that will lead from Roscoff to Nantes. For water sports enthusiasts, the Gulf of Morbihan has a lot to offer. Sailing, kite-surfing, scuba diving, sea fishing, kayaking, etc. The list is long. No chance of getting bored during your camping holiday in the Gulf of Morbihan.

Boat tours also take you to the Gulf of Morbihan. This is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate all its charms. There are day and half-day cruises.

Discover the islands and islets from your campsite in the Gulf of Morbihan

One of the specificities of the Gulf of Morbihan is the numerous islands and islets that make up its landscape. Take advantage of your stay on the campsites of the Gulf of Morbihan to discover them. Legend has it that these are the tears of fairies driven out of Broceliande. There are more than 30 of them. If the majority of these islands are private and cannot be visited, some of them welcome you for beautiful walks. The islands of Sept Îles and Berder are accessible on foot at low tide. The tour of each of them takes about an hour. Several of the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan are inhabited. The Ile aux Moines is only 5 minutes away from the Port-Blanc pier (Baden). It is the largest of the islands in the gulf but also a real natural paradise. The scents of the sea mingle with the essences of camellias, fig trees, mimosas and fuchsias. With its 7 km length and 3 km width, it is ideal for cycling or walking. There are no less than 14 hiking trails. During your walks, you can see many migratory birds nesting on the island. Off the coast of Vannes, the island of Arz is in fact an archipelago made up of 8 islands. The largest one, crossed by coastal paths, is also worth a visit. It is accessible from Vannes and Séné. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.

The heritage of the Gulf of Morbihan

If the Gulf of Morbihan seduces above all by its natural beauty, one should not forget to visit the charming towns and villages that dot its shores. Vannes in particular is worth a visit. This city built in an amphitheatre at the bottom of the gulf has a beautiful old medieval town built around the cathedral of Saint-Pierre. It is surrounded by ramparts. You will be able to admire very beautiful coloured half-timbered houses and elegant private mansions.  In addition to Vannes, Auray is one of the towns to visit in the gulf. The port of Saint-Goustan has a real cachet with its old buildings and restaurant terraces. It has preserved its authenticity and its medieval architecture. It is very pleasant to walk around, but you can also admire it from the heights.

Gulf Week

Every odd year, more than a thousand traditional and classic boats from all over Europe meet for the Semaine du Golfe. A beautiful spectacle not to be missed during your camping holiday in the Gulf of Morbihan. As the tides change, elegant riggings and other boats call in at around fifteen ports where festivals, exhibitions, entertainment for children, etc. are organised. Don’t forget to book your stay at a campsite in the Gulf of Morbihan so that you don’t miss out on the event.

Our campsites in the Gulf of Morbihan

A selection of campsites in Brittany for caravans, tents and motorhomes around the Gulf of Morbihan.

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Lakeside campsites for swimming

On most of the lakeside campsites on the We Love Camping website you can dive into the lake waters to swim and cool off on hot summer days. Some lakeside campsites even have private beaches and gently sloping beaches. Something for the children to enjoy! From campsites in the Vosges to campsites in the Landes, via the Charente or Brittany, there is something for everyone. So let yourself be tempted.

Lakeside campsites for fishing

On some lakeside campsites you can enjoy fishing. Whether you prefer fishing from the lake shore or fishing from a boat, there’s always a lakeside campsite to suit you.

Water activities on a lake

Some lakes are large enough for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. If you like water sports, choose a campsite from our selection of lakeside campsites to practice your favourite sport. You will find campsites on the shores of Lake Biscarosse, which is famous for sailing, or campsites where you can use the campsite’s canoes to go for a ride on the lake. All you have to do is choose the lakeside campsite that best suits your needs.

Our selection of campsites by a lake

A selection of lakeside campsites for your caravan, tent or motorhome holiday.

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The Duö Hussarde roof tent on the road

The Duö roof tent was installed on the roof of our vehicle (a Citroën Berlingo) by the NaïtUp teams at the Alès factory. The Berlingo offers only three possibilities to position the roof bars. Two of them at the front of the vehicle, separated by only 70/80 cm. Fortunately, the tent requires roof bars separated by at least 70 cm (and 120 cm maximum). It is attached to the roof bars with a system of clamps that are tightened with a tool provided by NaïtUp (see photo). The first thing to notice, once in place, is that the tent is not that bulky. Even though it is 28 cm high at its thickest part, it is rather well shaped and does not take up more space than a simple roof box.

As soon as the tent is set up, it undergoes its first tests on the road. The main concern with this type of material is the increase in consumption. In addition to its weight of 55 kg, it also offers an additional wind resistance. On a country road, we are pleased to see that the average consumption hardly varies. On the motorway, even though strong winds and rain showers on the return journey slightly distort the comparison between the outward journey without the tent and the return journey with the tent, there is an increase in consumption of around 10%. This increase can be almost completely eliminated by driving at around 120 km/h instead of 130 km/h. It should be noted, however, that the test was carried out on a Berlingo, which is not the most profiled car on the market. The second concern was noise. Depending on the roof bars and what you load on the roof of the vehicle, sometimes vibrations or the whistling of the air can produce very disturbing noises. Nothing like that here. The tent is securely fastened, does not vibrate and there is no air whistling. In short, you quickly forget that you have a tent on the roof. Be careful, though, because between the roof bars and the tent, your vehicle has just gained almost 40 cm in height. It would be a shame to smash your tent against a gantry.

The NaïtUp Duö tent at the campsite

As we saw at the factory with the Quattrö, the Duö tent is very easy to unfold thanks to a jack system. It takes less than 30 seconds to open. On your own. And it doesn’t take much longer to fold it up. That’s a real advantage, especially when you’re staying at a campsite and use your car for sightseeing or shopping. It’s quick and easy enough to do so that it doesn’t feel like a chore every time you move the car. A cover is offered as an option by NaïtUp. It allows you to cover the mattress and the duvet if your tent is wet when folded. So you can go for a ride after a rainy night. I have not yet had the time to test the tent in these conditions, so plan a little addendum in a few days.

One of the advantages of the tent is its multiple openings, equipped with mosquito nets. Ideal for breathing in hot weather. We also opted for the cotton version, made by Cabanon. It’s a not cheap option (+350 €), but it gives a real touch of extra comfort to the tent which breathes much better this way.

Inside you have a space of 2.1 m x 1.2 m. On its own the tent is spacious enough. It can also be used by two people up to a maximum of 200 kg. You do have to be a couple in love, because two people are very close to each other on this 120cm mattress. But it works very well with two people. However, if there are two of you and both of you like to have space to sleep, you should opt for one of the Quattrö or Family models. A mattress option is offered by NaïtUp. We didn’t take it, opting for our Duvalay mattress which fitted perfectly in the tent as you can see on the video. A small padlock is supplied with the ladder when the tent is delivered. This allows you to attach the ladder to the tent to prevent a prankster from stealing it during the night.

first night of camping in the roof tent

The first night in the tent was really conclusive. In combination with the Duvalay mattress, the tent is very comfortable and the large openings are particularly appreciated, allowing you to enjoy the views from the high position. Once up, it even attracts curious onlookers and becomes a topic of discussion with the neighbours.

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the trendy rooftop tent

Among the new trends, there was a great deal of interest in roof tents, which were much more present than in previous years with, among others, the Germans from CampWerk or the French from iKamper. Used alone on cars or combis, they were also used on fully equipped trailers (kitchen, storage, battery, etc.). No doubt we will see them next year on French and European campsites. We are preparing a dossier on iKamper, so we will have the opportunity to tell you about it again soon. This trend is accompanied by a desire to go camping with “normal” vehicles that can be used on a daily basis. We have thus seen many developers offering vans equipped on the basis of small utility vehicles such as Berlingos for example. Mercedes, in particular, presented its Citan in its camping version at the show.

Some new features at the fair

The Düsseldorf Caravan Salon was the occasion to discover some new and original vehicles. First of all, the Beachy caravan and van from Hobby. If the originality is mainly due to the very light layout and the interior decoration for the van version (successful), the small caravan with a rear door that allows to enjoy the landscape and the fresh air from the bed is very attractive. Perfect for couples. At Hünerkopf, we really liked the “convertible” van on a Mercedes base which allows you to sleep under the stars without giving up the comfort of your bed. It is not certain that this model is the most functional on the market, but it may appeal to a niche audience who, like the author of these lines, love to sleep under the stars when possible. We also discovered a nice 4 season Tear Drop from Iceland, from Mink Campers.

Hippie Chic inspired Renault van

Next to a van with a good 60’s flavour, Renault presented on its stand the “Hippie Caviar Hotel” van (I would like to meet the person in charge of the communication who chose this name!!!). This electric concept van with its pure decoration based on natural materials and pastel colours is very attractive. It offers a roof terrace with two seats and a coffee table. Ideal for enjoying the view when camping by the sea or in the mountains. When the tailgate is opened, the bed at the rear of the vehicle can be extended outwards if desired. The concept van is also designed to be connected with five-star services. For example, guests of the Hippie Caviar Hotel can have a container with a shower delivered to their holiday location. They can also order products online and have them delivered by drone. I don’t think these VIP services will be successful. At least in the short term. However, if Renault markets this van, which is still a concept, it will undoubtedly find an audience.

luxury motorhomes

Although vans and roof tents are attracting a new clientele in search of small vehicles that can also be used in everyday life, the luxury motorhome still has its fans. In the hall dedicated to XXL motorhomes, it was probably the Volkner Performance S that attracted the most attention. Both the motorhome and the car that was associated with it: a Bugatti Veyron that seemed to have been designed to be parked in the boot of the motorhome. Probably one of the most expensive combinations at the show.

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