From 1967 to 1982
In 1967, 55 years ago, the lake at Esparron-de-Verdon was created.
It was at this time that Mr Dujardin and his wife decided to ask the commune for a plot of land to create a campsite on the shores of the lake.
The Dujardin family thus inaugurated one of the first naturist campsites in the Verdon, the Verdon Provence campsite, which they opened at Easter 1967. Surprisingly, it was the first campsite to open in the commune, closely followed by Camping du Soleil.
In the early 70s, the campsite’s success led to its expansion to over 100 pitches. We’re even told that, in those days, if you arrived and the site was full, you were provided with a shovel and pickaxe so that you could dig your own spot wherever you liked! At first, there was only a cold shower next to the bar, and one or two toilets. Then the big sanitary block was created in the 80s, with cold showers too. The campsite has always had a small bar, then a pizzeria and a grocery store.
From 1982 to 2012
It was taken over in 1982 by Lothar Heinemann, previously employed by Mr Dujardin. He continues to improve the estate, surrounded by a good core of friendly regulars. But in 1999, a storm toppled many trees, and the département intervened and withdrew many of the campsites, including those closest to the lake. Then, in 2005, a fire ravaged the campsite and 2400 hectares of forest. Following this disaster, Lothar, who was already ill, died in the winter and handed over the campsite to his son. Cleaning up and maintaining the campsite required a lot of energy and funds, and a large team of volunteers helped Yohanna get the site back on its feet. Some of them are still there at certain times of the year, and you’re bound to come across them: Claude and Christiane, Sandra, Thibaut, Bernard and Monique, Jean-Claude and Françoise, Christiane, Popo and his son Jean-Pierre, Uli and Suzanne… and many others! But despite all their efforts, the campsite went bankrupt in 2012 due to a lack of funds.
From 2013 to today
That’s how we were able to take over the campsite. We’re Mélanie and my parents Bertrand and Sophie. In 2013, we took over the campsite and invested to get it back on its feet. My parents already had a campsite in the village (Le Flower Camping la Beaume, textile campsite). The town council supports us in our modernization of the site. There was just one condition: we had to keep it naturist! I must admit that it was difficult for us at first! It was so strange to see people naked everywhere… But now, we wouldn’t want to run another textile site! Naturism has conquered us! Anthony joined us in 2018 after meeting me. He was already practically a naturist, so his integration was very easy. My parents hardly ever come during the opening period, as they already have their own campsite to manage. But in winter, we work as a family to maintain and embellish both establishments. This winter, we’re working a little less with the birth of Victor, our 2-month-old son.