France is one of Europe's largest mobile home markets, with over 200,000 units installed across Parcs Résidentiels de Loisirs (PRL) and campsites nationwide. Green Village, with its main store in Maia, Porto (Portugal), sells mobile homes delivered throughout France, from Brittany to the Côte d'Azur, from the Loire Valley to the Pyrenees. Units are imported from the UK and Netherlands; transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, the partner logistics company, of the same group, that transports Green Village homes, and is included in the delivered price. The French market is characterised by strong PRL regulation and high-quality tourism infrastructure. Prices start from 12,800 euros for used units and go up to €291,320 for luxury résidences mobiles. VAT in France is 20%. Green Village handles transport and PRL installation.
Regulations
In France, mobile homes (résidences mobiles de loisirs, RML) are regulated by the Code de l'Urbanisme (articles R.111-41 and R.111-42) and the Code du Tourisme. An RML can be installed without planning permission in a PRL or classified campsite, provided it retains its means of mobility (wheels, tow bar) and does not exceed 40 sqm. On private land, even buildable land, the wheels and towbar must be removed and a déclaration préalable (up to 20 m²) or a permis de construire (above) obtained; on non-buildable land it is prohibited whatever the duration. The RML must comply with NF S 56-410 (manufacturing) and NF EN 1647 (habitation vehicles). The applicable VAT rate is 20%. For UK imports, units have EU customs duty already included in the final price. Taxe de séjour may apply when the unit is operated as tourist accommodation.
Transport
Transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, the partner logistics company, of the same group, that transports Green Village homes, and is included in the delivered price anywhere in France.
Pricing
Mobile home prices in France range from 12,800 euros for used units to €291,320 for luxury résidences mobiles. The average price for a used unit in good condition is between 20,000 and 45,000 euros, including transport. VAT at 20% applies on the sale value. Transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, the partner logistics company, of the same group, that transports Green Village homes, and is included in the delivered price.
Installation
Mobile home installation in France is mainly carried out in PRL (Parcs Résidentiels de Loisirs) or classified campsites, where pitches already have water, electricity, and sewage connections. Green Village coordinates delivery, placement and levelling on the pitch, technical connections (NF C 15-100 electrical standards, DTU plumbing standards), and final inspection. On private land the unit can only stand as a construction (wheels and towbar removed), with a déclaration préalable up to 20 m² or a permis de construire above, and preparation is more complex. Recommended annual maintenance includes weatherproofing, chassis, ventilation, and heating system checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need planning permission for a mobile home in France? +
- In a PRL or classified campsite, no building permit is required as long as the mobile home is under 40 m² and keeps its means of mobility. On private land, even buildable land, it is prohibited with its wheels on, whatever the duration: once the wheels and towbar are removed it becomes a construction and needs a déclaration préalable (up to 20 m²) or a permis de construire (above). Note: a mobile home classified as a résidence mobile de loisirs (RML) generally cannot be used as a year-round primary residence — outside a campsite, PRL or holiday village it can only stand as a construction, subject to the commune's local plan (PLU).
- What is the VAT rate on mobile homes in France? +
- The standard VAT rate is 20%. Used units imported within the EU may benefit from the margin scheme.
- Does Green Village have a showroom in France? +
- Yes! Green Village has a showroom in La Séguinière (49280), Maine-et-Loire, open by appointment. Call +33 7 44 66 33 90 to schedule a visit. We also have showrooms in Maia/Porto (PT), Ribeirinha (Azores, PT), Vigo (ES) and Jundiaí (BR). SIREN 103005013.
- How does mobile home transport to France work? +
- Transport is included in the delivered price in France.
- Can I install a mobile home on private land in France? +
- Only as a construction: with its wheels and towbar, a mobile home (RML) is prohibited on private land whatever the duration. With them removed, on buildable land (zone U/AU of the PLU) you need a déclaration préalable (up to 20 m²) or a permis de construire (above); on non-buildable land it is prohibited. Check the PLU (Plan Local d'Urbanisme) of your commune.
