Itteville

In France, a population of approximately 100,000 people choose to live in camping sites, located outside the city limits, because they can’t find a flat to rent in the city. High rental prices, especially in big cities, and security deposits or other guarantees required of renters discourage people who are looking for a place to rent. Those who find accommodation at camping sites usually stay in these holiday grounds for an average of four years. Residents of camping grounds work either in the public or private sector, and those who lose their jobs get unemployment benefits. However, although they pay their taxes like everyone else, they can’t enroll their kids in school, or renew any official documents like id cards, passports or driver’s licenses, because the French government does not recognize camping sites as permanent address. These photographs were taken at the Itteville camping ground in the Essone region during September and October 2006.