Les Bois du Bardelet: the story of a family-run holiday estate
Yet, before welcoming visitors eager to explore the Loiret, this holiday estate began life as a farm. Its story is one of gradual transformation, while remaining firmly connected to the surrounding countryside.
From a working farm to a holiday destination
Just over 50 years ago, Les Bois du Bardelet looked quite different from the holiday estate visitors know today.
The site was originally a farm in Poilly-lez-Gien, surrounded by woodland and agricultural land, not far from the River Loire. It was subsequently converted into a residential park with 40 pitches.
This first transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter. Little by little, the former farm became a place where guests could experience the tranquillity of the French countryside.
Around a decade later, the residential park evolved into a dedicated holiday estate. For more than 40 years, Les Bois du Bardelet has welcomed families, couples and travellers looking for a relaxing break in natural surroundings.
A family story passed from one generation to the next
The story of Les Bois du Bardelet is also one of family continuity. Béatrice Pigeon, the estate’s current director and owner, is the daughter of its founder. Today, she continues the work her mother started while preserving the qualities that give the estate its distinctive character.
Her approach is guided by several core values: care for the environment, family, diversity and tolerance. When asked to describe the campsite in three words, her answer is straightforward: “Switching off, nature, family.”
Maintaining this peaceful atmosphere also requires considerable work behind the scenes. Looking after the grounds, planning improvements, updating accommodation and introducing new services all demand year-round attention, including outside the main holiday season.
Some projects take several years to complete. Guests may never see this work, but it helps to maintain the quality and harmony of the estate.
As for Béatrice’s favourite spot? The lakeside at sunset, when the campsite grows quiet and the last light of the day settles over the water.
A five-star campsite set in 18 hectares of countryside
The estate has changed considerably since its early days. What began as a residential park with 40 pitches has developed into a five-star campsite set across 18 hectares of green surroundings.
Les Bois du Bardelet now offers 245 pitches and accommodation options, including 160 touring and camping pitches alongside 85 holiday rentals. There is something for every type of stay, whether you prefer traditional camping or the added comfort of a chalet or mobile home.
Guests can enjoy:
- spacious camping pitches, generally measuring between 100 and 180 square metres;
- chalets and mobile homes designed for family holidays;
- two lakes, including one popular with fishing enthusiasts;
- outdoor swimming pools and an indoor water play area;
- a wellness area with a spa and sauna;
- activities and a children’s club;
- facilities suited to cyclists and guests travelling with their dogs.
The lakes remain central to the estate’s atmosphere. Some chalets overlook the water, while anglers can settle along the banks and try their luck fishing for carp.
Despite its modern facilities, the campsite retains a distinctly rural feel, with mature trees, landscaped gardens and plenty of open space. Here, comfort does not replace nature: it simply makes it easier to enjoy.
Poilly-lez-Gien: a village shaped by the Loire
The story of Les Bois du Bardelet also belongs to Poilly-lez-Gien, a village on the southern bank of the Loire, around five kilometres from Gien.
The area was already inhabited during the Gallo-Roman period. Its name may derive from “Polliacum”, a term associated with an old raised roadway that would have helped protect the settlement from flooding. For centuries, local life revolved around the Loire, farming and the smaller waterways flowing through the countryside. The Notreure river, in particular, was once lined with mills and washhouses.
During the 19th century, the village had 18 mills. Some produced flour, while others crushed stone used to prepare glazes for the Gien faience factory. This small detail reveals how closely agriculture, craftsmanship and industry were connected across the area. According to local records, the origins of Saint-Pierre church date back to the 12th century. Partly destroyed during the 16th century, it was rebuilt and later restored during the 19th century.
The village also records that Joan of Arc passed through Poilly in 1429. It is a reminder that this peaceful place has a much richer history than a first glance might suggest.
Gien and its faience: more than 200 years of craftsmanship
Just a few kilometres from Les Bois du Bardelet, Gien is a natural next stop when exploring the surrounding area.
The town stretches along the Loire beneath the silhouette of its château. Its riverbanks, bridges and old streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll before discovering one of its most celebrated traditions: faience production. Founded in 1821, the Faïencerie de Gien has been creating finely decorated ceramics for more than two centuries. Plates, dinner services and ornamental pieces tell a story that combines artistic creativity, industrial history and traditional craftsmanship.
The museum, located on the site of the still-operating factory, explains the different stages of production and displays historical collections. Guided tours and workshops may also be available, depending on the programme.
A visit provides an engaging introduction to the skills and resources that helped shape the character of Gien and its surrounding countryside.
Châteaux, canals and riverside walks near Les Bois du Bardelet
One of the estate’s greatest advantages is its location between Sologne, the Loire Valley and the Berry region. Several rewarding outings are within reach, each revealing a different side of the Loiret.
The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is an excellent choice for anyone interested in French history. Surrounded by moats, this medieval fortress is closely associated with Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully and chief minister to King Henry IV.
In Briare, the famous canal bridge offers a different perspective on the area’s past. Built between 1890 and 1896, with the participation of the Eiffel company, this remarkable structure carries boats across the Loire. Measuring 662 metres in length, it can be explored on foot, by bicycle or during a boat trip.
Cyclists can also join La Loire à Vélo, the Loire Valley’s celebrated cycling route. Between Gien and Briare, the scenery alternates between riverbanks, small ports, towpaths and historic waterways. The forests and lakes of Sologne add another dimension to the surrounding landscape. Together, these destinations make it easy to combine cultural visits, countryside walks and relaxed afternoons by the water.
More than 50 years of hospitality, with the story still unfolding
From the first pitches created on a former farm to today’s five-star holiday estate, Les Bois du Bardelet has evolved over more than half a century without losing its local roots.
Its story is about far more than modern facilities or the number of accommodation options. It is also a story of family commitment, carefully maintained landscapes and a region shaped by rural traditions, the River Loire and generations of skilled craftspeople.
Today, this former farm remains guided by a simple ambition: to offer guests a welcoming place to unwind, close to nature and the many attractions of the Gien area.
Frequently asked questions about Les Bois du Bardelet
Where is Les Bois du Bardelet campsite?
Les Bois du Bardelet is located in Poilly-lez-Gien, near Gien, in the Loiret department of central France. The estate lies between the landscapes of Sologne, the Loire Valley and the Berry region.
What is the history of Les Bois du Bardelet?
The site was originally a farm before becoming a residential park with 40 pitches. Around ten years later, it developed into a holiday estate. Today, its history spans more than 50 years.
Who runs Les Bois du Bardelet?
The estate is managed by Béatrice Pigeon, its owner and director. She is the daughter of the campsite’s founder and continues the family tradition, with a strong focus on nature, hospitality and family holidays.
What can you visit near Les Bois du Bardelet?
Nearby attractions include Gien and its faience museum, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, the Briare canal bridge and the La Loire à Vélo cycling route. The villages, forests and lakes of Sologne also offer excellent opportunities for walking and exploring.
What activities are available at the campsite?
The campsite offers swimming pools, an indoor water play area, two lakes, a wellness area and activities for children. Guests can also go fishing, stay in a lakeside chalet or enjoy spacious camping pitches surrounded by greenery.
