2023 La Mancelle Liberty caravan

Now here’s something different. Very different.

French flavour

La Mancelle is a new name to the UK touring caravan market, but its pedigree in France goes back to 1960 and today it’s part of the mighty Trigano empire. Which is just one reason why selected models are being imported to the UK by Marquis Leisure, part of the Auto-Sleeper Group that, in turn, is also a Trigano subsidiary.

Already in 2023, Marquis has introduced anglicised versions of two Fantaisy models and two even more individualistic designs under the Liberty name. The caravan model here is the island-bedded 490 SA – it’s standard width but there’s nothing standard about its looks with its streamlined bow front and mock wood panelling.

There’s a three-windowed front end and the usual Al-Ko chassis, but you wouldn’t otherwise call it traditional.

Do note this caravan review was carried out on one of the first imports. There are more developments to come – approval from UK trade body the NCC (National Caravan Council) is well underway and efforts are being made to bring down the 1,800kg MTPLM – hardly surprising, considering this example boasts a payload of some 365kg when most of its peers struggle to get near 200kg. Also, if you have an issue with the stable door being on the UK offside, it may pay you to bide your time and see what future La Mancelle models bring.

Inside the La Mancelle Liberty 490 SA caravan is just as radical as the exterior, albeit it conforms to a typical rear island bed floor plan, completed by a front lounge with kitchen and washroom over the axle mid-van.

All windows have concertina blinds and flyscreens – unusually, for the lounge’s side windows they open and close vertically –  while much of the internal walling is GRP. Note the high location of the front window, too.

There’s almost a circular effect to the lounge, with seating that goes all the way around the front and a fixed pedestal leg elliptic table, which comes with height as well as swivel and fore-and-aft adjustment.

A TV area is set up with two mains sockets and a double USB portal, plus there’s a locker above. Lockers throughout have flush-fitting catches and a two-tone finish.

The kitchen is along the offside. For the UK, a Thetford cooker has been squeezed in – three gas rings and a separate grill and oven – alongside a circular sink and swan neck mixer tap, with extractor over the hob.

Storage includes a suite of drawers (including one for cutlery directly under the sink) and two upper-level lockers, but worktop is somewhat absent, despite a low-level flip-up section.

On the plus side, the Thetford slimline fridge with freezer compartment is a large capacity (150-litre) model.

There’s a full-height tambour door to the La Mancelle Liberty 490 SA’s washroom, where you get a generous area of shower tray (but only the one drainage point) and an opening window.

A swing wall section, held in position for travel by two heavy-duty magnets, helps create a separate zone for showering. The shower itself is on a holder, with no riser bar. The main storage here is a high-level locker, along with a couple of fiddle rails for use once you’re on site.

Sitting proud at the back, the 1.90m x 1.50m island double is on a lift-up base you can also access for uncluttered storage from outside.

There are his and hers wardrobes plus a trio of lockers overhead. The former also have neat cubby holes at mattress level on each side – perfect for putting your glasses, books, drinking water etc at night where they won’t be knocked over.

Also in each are light switches, mains and USB sockets. Blackout is thanks to cassette blinds and flyscreens as well as curtains on domestic-quality rails.

Air con is one of a number of fittings that comes as standard inside the La Mancelle Liberty 490 SA caravan, while optional extras are at Marquis Leisure’s discretion, where you might well want to consider extra security – anything from an alarm, to a wheel lock, to a caravan tracking system.

Two-year manufacturing and seven year water ingress warranties complete what is otherwise a different take on a typical touring caravan – and one that doesn’t lack for quality, either.

To find out more about insuring a La Mancelle or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance page.

Verdict: Stylish newcomer to the UK challenges the norm

Plus: Dares to be different, well-made overall, generously equipped

Minus: Restricted kitchen space, probably too radical for traditionalists

In-a-nutshell: Ooh la la

Alternatives: : Adria Adora 623 DP Tiber, Coachman Laser 545 Xtra, Swift Conqueror 560