Meet us at Le Château de Chanteloup, a Les Castels Campsite
Could you introduce yourself ?
My name is Dominique Souffront, son of Michel Souffront, who created the Chanteloup campsite in 1972.
When was your campsite created, and how would you describe it?
Chanteloup was created in 1972 and immediately received a 4-star rating. It moved up to 5 stars twelve years ago. We are one of the smallest 5-star campsites in France, with no chalets and no mobile homes, which makes Chanteloup a truly unique and atypical family campsite. One of its greatest strengths is its size: only 110 pitches spread across 21 hectares.
What are your values and ambitions for the future?
The well-being of our guests. Respect, attentive service, and the desire to respond to every request so that their holidays become unforgettable memories.
Do you have an anecdote or a favourite memory?
My best memory is the celebration of the estate’s 200th anniversary in 2015 — an unforgettable “white party” shared with our most loyal guests and friends. And then there are the simple moments too: the big smiles on families’ faces when they arrive at Chanteloup.
What is your favourite spot on the estate?
The little island in the middle of the pond. It’s where I built my first hut when I was ten years old.
What is your favourite moment depending on the season?
Every morning, when the village baker arrives with her delicious pastries, and I share a coffee with the earliest risers. And of course, the famous Chanteloup barbecues — moments filled with friendliness and togetherness.
If you had to describe your campsite in three words?
Nature, Space, Forest.
What are three things people don’t realise about running a campsite?
Firstly, the amount of stress it can generate. Then, the range of skills required: you have to know a bit of everything — plumbing, electricity, management, team leadership… it’s truly multi-skilled work. And finally, the idea that we’re “on holiday” when the campsite is closed couldn’t be further from the truth. The off-season is when we prepare for the next one: marketing, sales, recruitment, and much more.
Have you ever hosted a well-known personality?
Yes, the actress Héloïse Martin stayed here with a group of friends who had rented the gîtes for her 25th birthday.
What has been your best season so far, and why?
After two challenging seasons, I think our best season is actually the one coming next. Bookings are full — it looks very promising.
What is your next project?
We plan to install small glamping-style rentals at the entrance of the campsite, in the oak woodland area.
What is your greatest fear?
During severe storms, the idea that a tree could fall onto a tent — that is something that worries me a lot.
And your greatest pride?
Maintaining the level of excellence and the atmosphere that already existed under our predecessor — the very atmosphere our guests loved. We have preserved it while adding our own touch. Keeping that spirit alive is something I’m proud of.
What is your greatest achievement?
Developing the business while respecting its identity. Introducing rental accommodation — which did not exist before — met a real demand from guests. It has been a great asset for Chanteloup.
What is your passion?
Sculpture — and horses.
What is your craziest anecdote?
Last year, a woman arrived who had worked here 20 years earlier. She told us about an older gentleman who once asked her if she lived in the château. She replied yes, and he told her that he had stayed there as well. It turned out he was German, and the château had been requisitioned during the Second World War.
In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Castels campsite?
It means offering French-style luxury camping — a certain art of living and behaving, a uniquely French sense of hospitality and refinement.
