California VW Festival bivouacs Huttopia in the heart of the campervan scene

An extraordinary gathering at the California VW Festival

A look back at the California VW Festival, where we had a stand for three days to present Bivouacs, our concept and our philosophy. 

From 4 to 6 July 2025, the Bivouacs team attended the California VW Festival, an extraordinary gathering of camper van enthusiasts, nomadic adventurers and wonderful people. Over three days, more than 200 legendary vehicles took over the Huttopia Lac d’Aureilhan campsite in Mimizan in the Landes region, transforming it into a veritable living museum of van life.

A family-friendly and passionate atmosphere at the California VW Festival

The first thing that stands out about this event is the atmosphere. A general atmosphere of kindness, shared passion, technical discussions, as well as travel memories and road stories. Whether they come alone, with their families or in clubs for those who renovate old combis, festival-goers all share the same love for their combi, from the vintage T1 to the brand new California T7.

Inspiring encounters at the California VW Festival

For the entire Bivouacs team, who had a stand at the festival, the event was punctuated by numerous encounters. Indeed, with our magnificent ‘Wheel of Fortune’-style wheel, we were the attraction of the Festival after the combis. It was a success! The stand was constantly busy, which led to many encounters. We will long remember, for example, the highly motivated soldier who loved the Bivouacs concept and wants to become an ambassador. Or the gentleman who jumped for joy when he won a night in a Bivouac on the wheel of fortune. And above all, we will remember all those who came to discuss our offers, their road trips, mechanics (yes, the T4 vs T6 debates were very much present!) or the equivalent weight between a campervan and a motorhome. It just goes to show that every detail counts when you live on the road.

A highlight: the big winner of the 7 Nights of Bivouacs

At the awards ceremony, the suspense came to an end: we finally discovered the big winner of our competition. She leaves the festival with 7 nights in Bivouacs, for an exotic adventure in a natural setting. It was a beautiful, emotional moment, shared by an enthusiastic audience. Even though the hope of winning the brand-new VW campervan remained unfulfilled for many, including us who were unable to enter, the stars in the participants’ eyes were worth all the speeches. It was a beautiful promise of travel and freedom, and for that alone, the game was well worth it.

The little details that will be remembered at the California VW Festival

Finally, it would be impossible not to mention the little details that make the California Festival so special: from the flock of wild swans crossing the field to the empanadas shared between conversations, not to mention the campsite transformed into a temporary village. All this in a natural setting, between blue skies, colourful campervans and stretched canvases. In short, three days of passion, sharing and freedom, where Bivouacs was right at home. Thank you to everyone who came to meet us, chat, laugh, try their luck, or simply share a moment. We leave with our hearts full… and already looking forward to doing it all again.

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