A family story, rooted in the land and the Mediterranean
Les Méditerranées is, above all, a family story rooted in Marseillan for generations.
Long before welcoming holidaymakers, the Bardou family had longstanding ties to the world of wine. First through growing vines, then, over the generations, through the wine trade. In fact, the land on which the Charlemagne campsite now stands has belonged to the family for eight generations.
It all began with Villa Charlemagne, a holiday home built among the vineyards by Pierre Charlemagne for his wife Iphigénie. Passed down from generation to generation, it would become the starting point for a new family adventure.
1976: from vineyards to the first holidays
In the 1970s, Anne-Marie and Jean-Marie Bardou made a bold choice: to uproot some of the vines and create a campsite on their family land.
On 1 July 1976, a year marked by severe drought, the Charlemagne campsite welcomed its first holidaymakers.
The following years reflected the changing face of camping holidays. The first mobile homes appeared in the early 1980s and, in 1984, the creation of a swimming pool and shopping centre marked a new stage in the development of the establishment.
In 1986, Jean-Marie Bardou gave up his wine-growing activities to devote himself fully to tourism.
1994: the adventure grows
Eighteen years after Charlemagne was created, the family acquired the Nouvelle Floride campsite in 1994.
That same year, Jean-Marc Bardou joined the family business at the age of 28. Trained in management and tourism development, he learned the business hands-on alongside his father and gradually became involved in the company’s development.
A new generation thus became part of the adventure.
2000: Les Méditerranées is born
In 2000, the two establishments were brought together under one banner: Les Méditerranées.
A brand was born, with an idea that remains at the heart of our identity today: to offer several different holiday experiences while sharing the same commitment to hospitality, quality and conviviality.
2011: Beach Garden completes the story
In 2011, Jean-Marc Bardou acquired the Les Sirènes campsite, then rated one star and comprising nearly 600 pitches.
The challenge was considerable. Following major works and investment, the campsite was reborn under the name Beach Garden and was awarded four stars as soon as it opened in 2012.
In 2014, the acquisition of the neighbouring Europ 2000 campsite made it possible to expand the site. Innovation continued with new aquatic areas and then, in 2015, the creation of the Spa Bulle des Sables, an offering that was still relatively uncommon at the time in the outdoor hospitality sector.
In 2016, Beach Garden was awarded its fifth star in turn, joining Charlemagne and Nouvelle Floride among Les Méditerranées’ 5-star establishments.
A story that continues to be written
Today, Charlemagne, Nouvelle Floride and Beach Garden form three campsite villages with distinct personalities, united by the same identity and freely accessible to holidaymakers staying at any of the three establishments.
Since 1976, the original family campsite has been transformed, accommodation has evolved, services have developed and generations have succeeded one another. But the spirit remains the same: that of an independent family business, deeply attached to its local area, the Mediterranean and the art of hospitality.
In 2026, Les Méditerranées celebrates 50 years of history.
A story shaped by passing things on, bold choices and holiday memories… and one that now continues to be written with you.
“We are farmers of tourism.”
Jean-Marc Bardou - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
