Dreaming of that little slice of freedom—a caravan (or mobile home) in your garden for weekend escapes, visiting relatives, or those « I need five minutes alone » moments? Tempting as it is to hitch a portable paradise just outside your door, the rules aren’t exactly “park and play”—French law has plenty to say on the matter, even when it comes to your own backyard.
Caravans and Mobile Homes: What’s the Legal Difference?
Let’s set the record straight: both caravans and mobile homes are legally considered habitable terrestrial vehicles meant for temporary or seasonal leisure occupation, and crucially, they retain the means to be moved—either under their own power or by being towed. But here’s the twist: only caravans are permitted on public roads. So, if you like the thought of shifting your dwelling along the byways, a mobile home won’t get you far—at least not legally.
Parking a Caravan in Your Garden: The Ground Rules
Yes, you can park a caravan in your garden for personal use, but it’s not a wild west out there; there are clear rules:
- If you’re just thinking of a short stay—less than three months in total (whether consecutive or not)—you’re off the hook in terms of administration. According to article R421-5 of the Urbanism Code, no paperwork is needed, no local council authorisation, nothing. Just make sure your caravan is covered by liability insurance.
- If you want to keep it longer than three months (again, consecutive or not), the fun is over: you must submit a prior declaration of works (article R421-23 of the Urbanism Code). Get that paperwork in (digitally, directly at the town hall, or via registered mail). Then you’ll wait a month for instruction.
- If you hear nothing from city hall in that month, you are blessed with a “non-opposition” decision—so, green light if they keep quiet.
- Oh, and you can only store your caravan on land where there’s an existing building that’s your main residence (article R111-50 of the Urbanism Code). Sorry, random field owners—no dice.
Mobile Homes: The (Much) Tougher Rules
Mobile homes—legally known as “residences mobiles de loisirs”—look like caravans but are bound by much stricter rules. Like caravans, they’re designed for temporary or seasonal usage and can be transported (by being towed), but they are strictly forbidden from public roads according to article R111-41 of the Urbanism Code.
If your dream was just to wheel a mobile home into your backyard, time for a reality check. The law does not allow you to install a mobile home in the garden of your private residence, regardless of duration. In fact:
- Creating a campsite through a simple prior declaration, or basic town hall notification, won’t cut it. Those sites aren’t legal grounds for a mobile home.
- Natural camping areas can’t accept mobile homes either.
Mobile homes may only be stored for future use on:
- Designated collective garages for caravans and mobile leisure residences
- Official public parking areas (article R111-45 of the Urbanism Code)
So unless your backyard is officially registered for that purpose, your mobile home is out of luck—or at least, out of legal possibilities.
Final Thoughts: Can You Just Do as You Please?
Now, you might be tempted (as one opinionated commentator put it) to ignore the rules entirely, especially given perceived property rights issues in the country. There’s some frustration about responses to squatting and how the law hasn’t changed. But for the rest of us looking to avoid trouble, sticking to these rules is strongly advised.
Key takeaway: If you fancy a caravan in your garden, you can, but check the timeline. For under three months, you’re in the clear. For longer, paperwork awaits. Mobile homes? They’re generally for proper, authorised locations—your average garden doesn’t count. Compliance is a lot easier than dealing with legal headaches! So before you roll anything with wheels onto the lawn, check those rules, sort the admin, and enjoy your space (and peace of mind).
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
