Eure. In Lyons-la-Forêt, summer is lively at the Saint-Paul campsite

After two years marked by health restrictions and major renovations, the efforts are paying off for Marjorie Hourdet et Rudy Lebrunowners since January 2020 of the Saint-Paul de Lyons-la-Forêt campsite (Eure).

Since April 1, 2022, tourists abound at the gates of the campsite.

This year, travelers from across the Channel are the most numerous due to the reopening of the borders. “We have 70% foreigners and 30% French”, lists Marjorie Hourdet.

The Returning Aliens

Amber Widdett et Chris Gliddena London couple and their daughter Summer arrived in France by connecting Calais by ferry aboard their scarlet red van. In search of Norman calm, they landed in Lyons-la-Forêt after a detour via Le Touquet.

“We were looking for a place in the countryside, not far from the forest near Lyons-la-Forêt and the campsite lends itself well to it, it’s a relaxing place”, admits the young Englishwoman.

With good weather, the season got off to a good start. “We are almost above the results we obtained at the end of the season last year”, reveals Marjorie Hourdet.

Last minute visitors

On the ground, a few steps from the Lieureand placed in one of the 164 most beautiful villages in Franceone hour from Paris, the campsite attracts last-minute visitors: “People often come at short notice, they arrive in the evening to leave in the morning and sometimes stay for several days”.

The 70 pitches delimited by hedges shelter the tents, camper vans and caravans of passing visitors. They have a common sanitary block that has been refurbished. The campsite also has twelve fully equipped mobile homes and chalets, Canadian tents as well as two canvas habitats: the “cocosweat” for rental accommodation. In another configuration, twenty-five residents own a mobile home year-round.

For all tastes

By buying the campsite a little over two years ago, the new owners wanted to diversify the offer of games and entertainment for young and old. Now there is a games room, with table football, billiards, punching bag, shuffleboard, archery targets, a trampoline and many board games.

The campsite also has a minigolf course, an inflatable structure, a bowling alley, a volleyball and badminton court and two play areas for children. At the end of the central alley, behind the pitches, an animal park encloses the 20-hectare site. Here, six goats, two billy goats, two ponies, two roosters, two geese and a hen quietly wait to be fed.

Already ideas for 2024

After the demolition of the municipal swimming pool which adjoined the campsite, so much regretted by the campers, the construction of a new pool is one of the managers’ desires. “It will probably be for the 2024 season”.

In the meantime and in the face of the high temperatures, “we have installed a small inflatable pool for the children”, informs Marjorie Hourdet.

To explore the many hiking trails in the surrounding forest, eight rental bicycles are available. At lunchtime and in the evening, the owners with multiple hats put on their aprons to serve gourmets at the snack bar. “The pizzas have been homemade since the start of the season,” says Rudy Lebrun.

During the summer, the Saint-Paul campsite offers musical dinners. After the paella evening on July 9, it’s time for French gastronomy. Sunday August 14, grilled piglet will be on the menu, followed by fireworks and a DJ set to liven up the festive evening.

For pétanque enthusiasts, the campsite is organizing a tournament on Sunday 28 August. Entertainment and entertainment galore which, as the owners hope, will bring tourists back next year.

Camping Saint-Paul, 2, route Saint-Paul in Lyons-la-Forêt. Open until November 8. Information on 02 32 49 42 02 or on campingsaintpaul.frGrilled piglet evening with musical entertainment and fireworks on Sunday August 14, from 8 p.m. (Full meal at 25 euros per person, reservation with the campsite until August 10, open to people outside the campsite).

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