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 Topic: Travelers in France?
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
14/6/2016 at 6:56am
Location: West - North Yorkshire
Outfit: Swift Speedbird 490 Mondeo Estate
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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!
Post last edited on 14/06/2016 07:01:45
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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