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In pictures. We were at the California Festival, the event reserved for Combi owners.

In pictures. We were at the California Festival, the event reserved for Combi owners.

  • In the automotive pantheon, only a few models are capable of achieving unanimous acclaim, both among collectors and the general public. We could cite certain Citroën models, such as the 2CV or the DS, the Renault 4 or the FIAT 500, or perhaps the Ford Mustang. But none of these models symbolizes the spirit of vacation, discovery, or freedom as much as the Volkswagen Combi. Photo Volkswagen media
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  • A festival organized by Volkswagen! A special place in automotive history with a story that continues to this day. At a time when a new version of its legendary California, a camper van version of the Transporter, is being marketed, and at the time of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Combi, the German manufacturer has decided to give its fans a nice gift. Combi owners from different generations form a large, close-knit community, and very proud of their vehicle. Volkswagen France has therefore decided to offer them a festival. After an exceptional first edition in 2021 in Lacanau, then a second in July 2023 in Hanover, the California Festival made its grand return on July 4, 5, and 6. Volkswagen van travel enthusiasts gathered at Lake Aureilhan (Huttopia Lac d'Aureilhan) near Mimizan. Photo Volkswagen media
  • 500 Van Life Fans As soon as we arrived on Friday afternoon, Volkswagen Combis formed a small traffic jam at the entrance to the Huttopia campsite. Around 200 vans, mostly Californias from T5 to T7, turned out. There were also many older Combis and even a few Caddy Californias and Grand Californias. Here, the model or year doesn't matter. Everyone is driven by a single passion, vanlife, and by a single god: the Volkswagen logo, present on all the vehicles present. 500 people made the trip, of all ages and from all regions. Photo Volkswagen media
  • Everyone here loves the Combi. Photo Volkswagen media
  • Any variation is possible, as long as it's Volkswagen. Photo Volkswagen media
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  • Plenty of activities: Set up 500 Van Life fans at a campsite, come back two hours later and you'll find them playing pétanque, swimming, or having a drink. In these conditions, friendships are formed faster than at the office. Here, everyone has come to have fun, and that's a good thing. Volkswagen has everything planned: water sports, yoga classes, an open-air
  • And an anniversary evening dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the legendary Combi. Each evening, each participant receives an “aperitif box” and a free aperitif at the bar. Photo Volkswagen media
  • A friendly atmosphereAfter a successful first evening, we set off to meet festival-goers: “We were present at the first California Festival. It’s truly a unique event, because it’s organized by Volkswagen for its customers. It certainly strengthens the already very strong relationship between Volkswagen van owners and the brand. And the atmosphere is great, everyone is relaxed,” explains Audrey, who came with her partner Cédric, aboard a Volkswagen T4.Photo Volkswagen media
  • Outdoor life: Cooking enthusiasts can meet at the culinary workshop specially designed for van life. The more adventurous can head to the surf simulator, offered by Nomad Surfing, or to the lake for various water activities such as paddle tennis or canoe rides. Photo: Volkswagen media
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  • But let's not forget that these holidaymakers are, above all, fans of the brand, with a stand dedicated to merchandising, accessories and VW Classics Parts. Festival-goers can also take the wheel of the new California and discover the entire range of Volkswagen leisure activities. Photo: Volkswagen media
  • The Giant Blind Test After another successful day at the festival, Saturday night is the night not to be missed. The first mission is to win the giant blind test organized by the brand. The concept is simple: a giant screen, a sound system that blasts a series of hits from different eras, and a smartphone app that allows festival-goers to guess the artist who's singing. In this little game, Leslie and Pierrick, two visibly very trained festival-goers, are positioned as favorites after just a few songs.
  • A California for €50 Before handing over the stage to the Boulevard des Airs group and the Combi's 75th anniversary celebrations, the organizers will hold the long-awaited draw: a new Volkswagen California, worth €90,000, is up for grabs! Not only is the cost of the festival (€50 participation per van with free aperitifs all weekend, and a campsite) very affordable, but the deliberately limited number of participants offers a unique chance to leave with the vehicle of your dreams. When the draw is made, the entire festival holds its breath. The person's name is called over the microphone, a young woman steps forward with tears in her eyes; she has just won a California.

After its first edition in 2021, the California Festival made its grand return from July 4 to 6, 2025, to Lake Aureilhan in the Landes region. This event, organized by Volkswagen, is reserved for owners of the Combi or its descendants, such as the Transporter, or the California, its camping version. It's an opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of a legendary model, synonymous with travel. We were there, and we'll tell you all about it.

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