The campsite's history

Today's subject is pretty exciting. You'll learn how Le Caussanel turned from farm into campsite. Just a quick reminder before starting: Pareloup lake, to which the campsite has direct access, is an artificial lake and property of France's electricity compagny.

So... once upon a time the Singla Family had a peaceful existence on their farm and lived happily in this house:

It was destroyed when France's electricity compagny made plans for a dam.

The dam's construction

In the aftermath of World War II reconstruction was the population's main ambition. Charcoal industry which had revived during the war now proved to be inefficient and hydroelectricity was developing very quickly. That is why on 21 June 1946 the construction of a dam was declared an urgent public necessity. It took at least 2000 workmen to construct this 43.5m high barrier.

At last, after 5 years of continuous work, the designated area was inundated for the first time. This initiative would denote the end of the numerous farms ans mills which were flooded as was the farm Le Caussanel.

Dam in 1991

Two stone buildings have been preserved. They are now the main buildings of the campsite (encircled in red on the picture below). France's electricity compagny financed the reconstruction of a new home to the Singla family.

The first signs of the campsite

In 1970, the firm committee of Crédit Agricole, a local bank compagny, rented both of the remaining buildings and part of the site to start a campsite.

In 1985, the Singla family decided to run the campsite themselves.

Slowly the campsite expands

In the five years that follow, the campsite doubles in capacity! At first, reception is located at what is now our on site shop. Throughout the years will be added the swimming pool (100 m²), the tennis court as well as the first accommodations (starting with a range of chalets).

Later, on both of the stone buildings will be subject to change. Against the building, at the entrance of the campsite will be built a 120 m² extension which is now our reception. The other building will be transformed at ground level facing the lake, what is now know as our Grill.

The ground level of the entrance building (picture below) remains undevelopped until the family will make plans for a 150 m² bar. At the left of the latter will be the on site shop (70 m²), which is still its present location nowadays.

From the years 2000 onwards the campsite developments include the modernisation and extension of the children's playground, the addition of the paddle pool and slides to the swimming pool as well as the creation of a mini farm.

The campsite never stops growing

Every year,  at the end of the season, plans are made for both small and big(ger) projects. We often base this kind of decisions on the results of the campsite user's questionnaires. Our latest big project, however, was purely based on improving the campsite's activity during low season. This way the room used for the mini club in July and August was renovated, which took two years to completely finish. This transformation brings a particularly big success for the celebration of weddings.