Camping Les Templiers : a family story
A small, independent campsite in the heart of the Vésubie valley
Located in the heart of the Vésubie Valley in the Alpes-Maritimes region, Camping Les Templiers has been welcoming travelers since the 1970s.
Nestled at the foot of the Mercantour mountains, this small, independent campsite has stood the test of time while maintaining a simple, family-friendly atmosphere.
Here, you won’t find a standardized holiday village or constant entertainment. We’ve chosen a human-scale campsite, focused on nature, tranquility, and welcoming both passing travelers and long-time regulars.
For over 50 years, several generations of owners have contributed to the life of this place, each in their own way, adapting to the evolution of the campsite and the valley.
“We wanted to build a life project in line with our passion for the mountains and nature.”
Who are we ?
We are originally from western France, and nothing predestined us to work in the world of mountain camping.
It was through our professional experiences that we discovered mountain life, particularly in the Jura region, where we lived for several years. It was there that we developed a deep connection to nature, hiking, and unspoiled landscapes.
Gradually, the idea of a life change took hold: to build a project together, something more tangible, more rooted, and directly linked to what inspires us.
Taking over a small, independent mountain campsite then became the obvious choice. A place where we could both welcome guests, share our passion for hiking, and commit to a simpler, more environmentally conscious form of tourism.
In 2023, our encounter with Camping Les Templiers marked a turning point. Beyond the location itself, it was its history, its surroundings, and its people that convinced us to invest in taking it over.
Today, we are simply trying to bring to life a place that reflects who we are, in harmony with the rhythm of the valley and the seasons.
More than 50 years of history in the valley
Since its creation in the 1970s, Camping Les Templiers has had several generations of owners, each contributing to shaping the place over the decades and the evolution of the Vésubie valley.
Founded in the 1970s by the Castelli family, Camping Les Templiers emerged at a time when tourism in the Vésubie Valley remained very simple and focused on nature.
Initially, the campsite primarily welcomed campers in tents and caravans, as well as travelers passing through who came to enjoy the river, the mountains, and the cool summer air of the Alpes-Maritimes region.
Over the years, the campsite continued to develop under the guidance of the Leroy family, who helped to gradually structure the site and its infrastructure.
This period notably marked the campsite’s transition to a 2-star rating, with several improvements designed to enhance the guest experience while preserving the natural character of the area.
The first flood protection dikes were installed to better protect the land from the Vésubie River’s floods, a reality with which the valley’s inhabitants have always had to contend.
Despite these developments, the campsite retained its identity: a simple, family-friendly place deeply rooted in its mountain environment.
With the evolution of mountain tourism and the increase in summer visitors, Camping Les Templiers continues its transformation under the leadership of the Leclercq family.
The campsite is moving towards a 3-star rating, accompanied by new facilities and additional services designed to improve holidaymaker comfort.
It is also during this period that the first rental accommodations appear, with the installation of bungalows and mobile homes to meet the growing demand for more comfortable lodging, while still maintaining pitches for traditional campers.
In October 2020, Storm Alex struck the Vésubie Valley, causing considerable damage in numerous towns and villages.
Like much of the infrastructure located along the riverbank, Camping Les Templiers was severely affected by the flooding.
Part of the facilities was damaged, and the future of the campsite became uncertain as the entire valley was rebuilding.
In the months that followed, many discussions took place regarding the future of the site, balancing the natural constraints, safety, and the need to maintain tourism in an environment deeply scarred by the disaster.
Camping after Storm Alex in 2020 vs. camping in 2026
Why “Les Templiers” ?
Camping Les Templiers takes its name from the Church of Saint-Michel de Gast, located near the campsite. A listed historical monument, this ancient Gothic church is an iconic part of the Vésubie Valley’s heritage. Linked to the history of the Knights Templar, it has naturally given the campsite its identity.
A revival and a new life since 2023
In 2023, we took over Camping Les Templiers in a context still marked by Storm Alex and the transformations it left in the Vésubie Valley.
Upon our arrival, the campsite required significant restoration and reorganization to continue welcoming holidaymakers in good conditions.
Beyond the technical aspects, it was above all a place steeped in history that we chose to take over and develop.
Our objective is simple: to breathe new life into this small, independent campsite, gradually, without altering its character, respecting its identity and its environment.
Since then, each season has been a step in the process of rebuilding. We are moving forward step by step, with sustainable choices and particular attention to the vegetation, the spaces, and the welcome.
Even today, the campsite is evolving. It is not static: it is rebuilding and adapting to the rhythm of the valley.
