Have you ever wondered, while setting up your tent or enjoying a meal at our restaurant, what secrets lie within the walls of Château le Verdoyer? “What is the history of the castle?” is undoubtedly the question we are asked most often. Today, we invite you to step back in time, from the knights of the Middle Ages to the adventurous journey of the Ausems family.
A royal beginning in the heart of war
It all began in 1385, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War. The estate was then merely a simple farmhouse gifted to a deserving squire, Hélie de Pindray. It was to celebrate the union of his daughter Jeanne with Joseph Camain that the first stones of the castle were laid around 1450. At the time, the atmosphere was quite different: defensive towers and arrow slits were essential to protect the family!
Feuds, the Renaissance, and a connection to Montaigne
Over the centuries, the castle expanded and transformed. Did you know that Le Verdoyer has a familial link to one of the greatest French writers? Thibaud Camain married Éléonore Eyquem de Montaigne, the sister of the illustrious Michel de Montaigne! The philosopher, in fact, frequented the estate for nearly thirty years.
The Renaissance also brought its share of drama: suspicious fires, family rivalries over a shared inheritance, and even a mysterious “cursed fireplace plaque” engraved with alchemical symbols… A true historical saga worthy of a novel!
1987: The bold bet of the Ausems family
After centuries of adventure, the castle began its “modern life” in 1987. Richard and Ineke Ausems, a Dutch couple who arrived in France with few resources but plenty of energy, fell in love with the estate. Stone by stone, they transformed the historic building into a warm and welcoming 4-star campsite.
Today, it is the new generation, Flo and Véro, who keep this legacy alive. By staying here, you aren’t just camping: you are becoming part of a story that has spanned more than 600 years.
Read the full story written by Raphaël Grangier.
And you, have you spotted the mysterious symbols on the fireplace plaque yet? Come and discover them during your next stay!
