Camtar – Camping carisme en montagne et transition

2024-...

The mountains are a key destination for vans and motorhomes. All regions are confronted with this phenomenon, which is helping to reshape tourist mobility and destinations. Through analysis of cartographic data, field studies and a survey of users, our project questions the impact of these practices on the transition of mountain territories.

© Nicolas Senil

Motorhome tourism has been booming for the past thirty years, and its development has accelerated sharply since covid. All areas are now faced with this phenomenon, and mountain areas are particularly attractive destinations, especially in summer.

Yet while the practice is becoming increasingly visible and supported by managers of natural areas and local authorities, research work remains limited or even fragmented. The aim of this exploratory project is to study camping-car mobility, its spatial organization and its impact on mountain areas, particularly in terms of its impact on the socio-ecological transition.

This project will develop a methodology involving public and private players and ski federations, in partnership with various local authorities in the French Alps and Massif Central. Various results are expected:

  • an initial analysis of the system and its impact on the transition of mountain areas;
  • an evaluation of available voluntary geographical data and information and an initial statistical and spatial processing;
  • the creation of a research collective around the subject, the mobilization of interested players and the launch of a more substantial research agenda on the subject.

Also involved in this project are Hugues François (Lessem), Marc Langenbach (Pacte) and Mélanie Duval (Edytem).

Search Massif central Energy, mobility and environmental quality Planning, public policy and governance Tourism and recreational practices

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