The history of Les Écureuils campsite
For three generations, the TETARD family has welcomed you to a family treasure trove.
The first generation
Guy, a visionary at Camping Les Écureuils
In 1958, Guy Tetard, then a pastry chef in Arès, decided to realize an ambitious dream: to create a campsite. With determination, he bought a wooded plot of land well away from the town, selling his rifle, Vespa and radio to raise the 200,000 old francs needed.
For two years, with the help of his family, he cleared the land. In 1959, he transformed an SNCF refrigerator wagon into a welcoming home, which also became the campsite’s first reception area. “You could say we inaugurated the first cottage on the Bassin,” recalls his son Michel.
The campsite began with bare pitches. In 1963, its family management paved the way for a number of important collaborations, notably with the Renault works council and then with Lyonnaise des Eaux.
The second generation
Édith et Michel, a new lease of life for Les Écureuils
In 1995, Édith Tetard took over management of the 2-star campsite and was soon joined by her husband Michel, a former aeronautical electrician and son of Guy Tetard. Together, they modernized the site, adding a swimming pool – a rarity at the time – and welcoming the first cottages.
After the devastating storm of December 1999, which ravaged the Gironde region with gusts of 170 km/h, everything had to be rebuilt. “All the trees were on the ground, but fortunately no one was hurt,” says Michel. Solidarity and insurance made it possible to reopen in June 2000.
Edith redesigned the pitches, which were surrounded by hedges, and the campsite became semi-pedestrianized. “The ban on cars was very much appreciated, especially by families,” says Michel. This configuration marks the current face of the campsite, a family-friendly, forward-looking place.
The third generation
Charlotte, modernity and refinement
Charlotte Tetard, born in 1982, joined the family business in 2007 after completing a law degree. Having grown up on the campsite, she took over its management in 2015, becoming manager-owner after buying the business from her mother.
With passion, she transformed the campsite, modernizing it with top-of-the-range facilities and premium accommodation. Today, the campsite offers 30 cottages, 2 chalets, 3 T2/T3 apartments, and an unusual cabin with private wellness area (sauna, hammam and breakfast included).
True to her values, Charlotte guarantees a peaceful setting with no entertainment, privileged rest and conviviality. Supported by her husband Quentin, who joined the adventure in December 2023, and by a warm and dynamic team, she makes sure to offer a warm and caring welcome to every customer.
The fourth generation
With Nolhan (19), Lou (11) and Emy (9), the next generation already looks promising.
Perhaps one day they too will carry on the family legacy by writing a new chapter in the history of Camping Les Écureuils.
