Renescure’s Bloemstraete campsite has been ranked as the 5th best in France by the Pitchup website, despite slipping from 4th place in 2022. The campsite, managed by Julie and Nicolas Donnadieu since 2014, earned a remarkable rating of 9.7/10 in 2023. Pitchup’s ranking criteria include factors such as location, value for money, accommodation quality, activities offered, and cleanliness of the site.
Julie and Nicolas expressed surprise and modesty at their ranking, given the small-scale nature of their operation. “We were pleased but also a bit stressed to hear the news. We’re a small structure; there are only two of us working here. We want to keep things simple,” shared Julie. She added, “Our proximity to guests is something they appreciate. Plus, we’re well-positioned, nestled in the heart of the region and close to the Monts de Flandres.”
Despite the absence of a swimming pool, the couple offers a host of activities. “I’ve converted a bike storage area in the blockhouse, thanks to the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label, allowing for bike rentals. I also provide routes for discovering the beautiful spots in the region; guests don’t even need to visit the tourist office,” explained Nicolas.
The campsite’s rural charm attracts city dwellers seeking a nature retreat, with a variety of animals on-site, including rabbits, a peacock, and numerous birds—not forgetting the resident rooster named Patrick. Nicolas emphasizes that “one guest was delighted to mow the lawn of their pitch; it really highlights the privilege we have of being in the countryside.”
Each morning, the Donnadieus purchase fresh bread from a local baker in Noordpeene, reselling it to guests at cost and delivering it directly to their campsites. “They tell us they’ve never experienced anything like it before,” noted Nicolas.
This year, Julie has set up a small souvenir shop offering homemade mugs, balms, soaps, and local apple juice. Plans are also underway to install a wooden City Stade. An upcoming European ecological project will finance the installation of photovoltaic panels, a water collector, and a composter, demonstrating the campsite’s commitment to sustainability.