Post autumn 2025

It’s already the end of October.

Have I been a little lazy? Probably.

It’s been almost a month since Paul hung up the little wooden sign saying “CLOSED”; that was on October 5. Phew! The very next day, we set off in a truck for a week or so, just to get away from it all.

The 2025 season was a good one; exceptional, like every season over the past four years, each one standing out for its own unique characteristics. From our perspective, this year was marked by the start of work on the central building (which is not yet finished!). There was some excitement, of course, but also a lot of worries. The opening of La Cambuse was a bit painful for us, it must be said, with the work not progressing as we would liked, inevitably. The first few months of the season were complicated, with the constant concern (among other things) of not making too much noise so as not to disturb our customers, who had been there since the beginning of April.

But as always, such kind words.

– “The work has to be done”;

– “No, it doesn’t bother us”;

Or even

– “We’re happy to see your project going on.”

Always these four-star customers who find the words to make it easier. Thank you.

The mental strain in the spring of 2025 was considerable, working conditions deteriorated, as had living conditions (notably the lack of laundry facilities); but we had to persevere, accept, carry on… and above all, never complain and keep things in perspective, because yes, we were not the unluckiest people in the world!

And the miracle happened. For me, the opening of the snack on Saturday evening, July 5, was indeed a miracle.

Paul filmed a video of the state of the construction site the day before; after sharing images with commentary on the state of each room in the building, he concludes: “There you go, we’re opening tomorrow. We believe in it, the nights are so long! We can’t wait to open!” A wry smile.

As always, memories of hard times (even relative ones) make us laugh. We forget (to mention only the final stretch) painting at night with headlamps (of course, there was no electricity yet) or the difficult night hours spent unpacking stainless steel furniture (even after the first few shifts at the snack bar) (with that damn plastic wrap that stuck to our fingers and ate away at our fingernails!).

On Saturday, July 5, we had almost no customers. I admit I didn’t believe in it, so I didn’t dare promote the fish and chips menu that evening! The next day, after the crêpes night, which went pretty well, I felt better. It’s going to work out after all. Now we’re off. I cried, it’s true.

Then we were able to forget about the work for the duration of the season. But we were already exhausted by early July; secretly, we were already dreaming of the end of the season. True. However, it wasn’t reasonable to start counting down the days so early.

And then the seasonal workers helped us out—thanks to Charline, Anne-Lise, and Estelle for their commitment to our cause. Campers also started arriving in large numbers in mid-July. Incredible. We undoubtedly benefited from exceptional weather in Brittany, which was unfortunately unbearably hot in the rest of the country. The campsite was full until August 25. Quite exceptional for the young white wolf; the season has been good, phew, which will reassure our largely creditor banker. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the future.

This year, we once again enjoyed reunions with our regulars, always a source of joy—thank you! The season also brought us wonderful new encounters—thank you. Once again, there was plenty of good cheer and good times, sometimes with a touch of magic, just as we like it, whether during a musical evening or a sunset.

For example, I remember the warmth of “Les voix de la mer” that carried us away with sailors’ songs, the circle of joyful children dancing during the Breton evening at the “Kenleur Tour”, and that all-too-brief moment of sweet madness at the end of the “Tyger Rose” concert.

Thank you to the artists, thank you to our friend Boubou who entertained you with his good-natured games, thank you to our visiting friends, thank you to those of you who were there, on vacation, always ready with your smiles and your kindness.

And then, damn it, it’s impossible not to mention it! A major problem arose at the beginning of August. Of course, at the peak of the season. As if we didn’t have enough to deal with, and hadn’t endured enough in the spring.

GRRRR, boiler breakdown!! “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for kindly using the upstairs bathroom for your showers. We promise we are doing everything we can to restore service as soon as possible.” ReGRRRR

One visit from Engie (maintenance company), unsuccessful, then a second, then a third… a first poster, a second poster, we’ll keep you informed, thank you for your understanding, you’re wonderful; I didn’t know what else to write to make easier enduring cold shower. We were frustrated. But of course, giving up was out of the question. The frustrating cycle, because no one could find the fault with our almost brand-new boiler, lasted almost two weeks, I think. An eternity. Enough to test the resilience (so fashionable these days) of all campers.

And once again, oh miracle, what a performance by our customers. There were around 300 of us on the campsite, with perhaps 250 using the sanitary facilities, and I only had one person complain seriously. Incredible. And above all, thank you again for your understanding and adaptability; “oh, it’s part of camping,” some said, which was a great comfort to us in this difficult situation. You are truly incredible.

What else to say?

• Another season just the way we like it, shared with our wonderful guests.
• Exceptional weather (I know I’ve already mentioned that). After two consecutive seasons (23/24) that were less than ideal, even downright awful, this was a well-deserved gift from heaven for all of us. Yes, everything seems so much easier when the sun is shining; and yes, camping in the rain is much less charming, even in Brittany.

Anecdotes:

Something we’ve never seen before: an 11-meter camping-car at the campsite! Um, I think the pitch 7 should suit you, let me check… But it’s a bus!!? No, no, it’s definitely a camping-car!

A touching first in the stuffed toy section: – “Oh, how nice is your white wolf, my child! What’s his name?” – “Saga.” – “Of course! So cute.”

• And finally, more generally: 2025 was a pivotal year in terms of infrastructure, with a new Cambuse and new kitchen, even if the whole project was not completed; a new laundry room (super?) and new utility room which, even if they were not finished, significantly improved our working conditions.

On attend avec impatience le grand saut de 2026 qui va apporter la dernière pierre à l’édifice : le déménagement de l’accueil/réception dans le nouveau bâtiment. Terminés les AR systématiques entre l’accueil et le bâtiment au moindre (petit) besoin (ai-je utilisé le bon mot ?) Vivement les services de cafés à toute heure!

A ce sujet, merci à tous les contributeurs qui ont posté dans la boîte leur suggestion pour le devenir du bungalow de l’ancienne réception. Certains n’ont pas manqué d’imagination comme on pouvait s’en douter (…) Quel sera le choix des gérants ? Surprise ! Voilà fait pour le teasing.

J’oubliais, pour ceux qui ont suivi ; nous avons 3 nouvelles poules depuis le mois de juin !

Je raconte un peu:

Paul un matin printanier se rend au marché de Pont-Croix, pour la troisième fois, à la recherche du vendeur de poules ; cette fois bingo, le monsieur est bien là avec ses cocottes.

Paul :  – « Bonjour j’aimerai vous acheter 3 poules. Qu’est-ce que vous avez à me proposer ?

Le vendeur :  – « J’ai des marrons, des blanches et des grises. »

P : – « Ah, mais c’est quoi comme poules ? »

V : – « Des marrons, des blanches et des grises. »

P : – « Je vois ; mais je voulais dire c’est quelle race de poules ?

V : – « Des marrons, des blanches et des grises je vous dis !

P :  – « Bon ben ok, vous me mettrez une marron, une blanche et une grise. »

Voilà. Fin de l’histoire. Bienvenue à Cacahuète (la marron), Tartine (la blanche) et Brioche (la grise).

Je termine un billet un peu long, merci à ceux qui n’auront pas décroché.

Encore un grand merci à vous qui rendez notre aventure possible et si agréable.

L’automne au loup blanc est paisible, poétique et tranquille.

Saga récupère de sa saison on dirait; oh Saga, notre mascotte si sage; merci d’avoir cette année encore, été (globalement je crois) si gentille avec tout le monde et tous tes congénères, congénères également si affectueux (globalement toujours).

Quant à Paul et moi, chacun à notre rythme, nous coulons une récupération dynamique au gré des occupations de maintenance du camping (taille et tonte toujours, ménages, compta et commercialisation aussi,…) Et puis surtout il s’agit de relancer et poursuivre le chantier du bâtiment central. Le grand saut de 2026 sera aussi notre déménagement au printemps dans la maison en bois à l’étage. C’est encore un rêve, celui d’une soirée au coin d’un feu. On y travaille et on reste patients.

Nous pensons toujours à vous, amis, campeurs, voyageurs, touristes, passants, avec toujours cet objectif joyeux de rendre notre camping le plus accueillant possible pour tout le monde. Il y a encore beaucoup à faire mais on ose croire que l’on tient le bon bout… ?

All the best et à bientôt si vous le voulez bien.

Sylvie