Our history
Welcome to Domaine de Mépillat, our campsite in the Ain! Soak up the spirit of the surroundings and discover the unique history that has shaped your future holiday destination!
A desire to return to our roots, which lies at the heart of our project
Before we opened the estate’s doors to you, our lives were like an exhausting marathon.
Valérie managed her division at a large multinational drinks company. Valentin ran a subsidiary specialising in the distribution of industrial products, juggling 40 staff across two sites. By the end of 2019, the weight of their responsibilities had become overwhelming. Valentin was on the verge of burnout and decided to walk away from it all to find a new lease of life and a daily routine that felt meaningful. For her part, Valérie wanted to devote herself to our family and pursue a more authentic way of life.
We made so a decision to take drastic action! Gone are the days of frantic growth and excessive industrialisation. We wanted to build a project on a human scale so that we could savour a slower pace, but above all to share it with you. Our ambition takes on its full true dimension and we begin to imagine a haven of peace where we will personally look after your precious a39> precious moments of rest..
Our favourite pick: a sleepy estate
After having visited a dozen or so establishments, our heart is won over by this former community project. We are instantly charmed by the charm of its large trees and of its pond peaceful, nestled in the absolute calm of the countryside. There where time had gently erased the soul of these places, we felt a deep-seated desire to re-enchant everything and to make the most of this extraordinary potential.
We then took over the running of the campsite in 2020, exactly two weeks before the first lockdown! Needless to say, it looked set to be a colossal challenge. Driven by a deep love of a job well done, we rolled up our sleeves without a moment’s hesitation to get the transformation underway.
Our sole obsession becomes therefore clear! We want to create a small bucolic estate designed with attention to every the smallest details, a place where nature and humankind coexist harmoniously.
The chapters of the revival of our campsite
- Late 2019: left my job to avoid burnout and start looking for a family project.
- Year 2020: purchase of the estate before the lockdown and renovation of the pond.
- Year 2021: removal of thirty old mobile homes, installation of the first two new mobile homes.
- Year 2022: Manufacture of pods and purchase of 8 new mobile homes
- Year 2023: Installation of 2 lodge tents
- Year 2024: refurbishment of the entrance and redevelopment of the surrounding area of the swimming pool.
- Year 2025: planting of 250 trees to enhance the natural environment.
- 2026: refurbishment of the communal toilets, relocation of the reception area and refurbishment of the snack bar.
Our philosophy
Here, you’ll be a world away from huge, overcrowded resorts and noisy, mass-market entertainment. Our approach to hospitality focuses on the essentials and a return to tranquillity. We sometimes choose to compromise on profitability to guarantee you a luxury that is rare these days: namely, complete privacy, absolute comfort and genuine warmth.
You can also rest assured of our daily commitment to the environment to preserve the purity of your surroundings. Sustainable management, waste sorting, energy saving, quality certifications and the protection of biodiversity guide everything we do. Come and stay in a range of accommodation options that blend seamlessly into the landscape of our campsite with a fishing pond.
Enjoy the good life in our cosy new cottages, our wooden chalets, our yurts, our pods or even our safari lodge tents. Plan your stay with us now and finally experience what it means to truly switch off!
