Le Garanel campsite in Sommières, France, has been named among the Top 100 ACSI France campsites for the second consecutive year, a recognition that places the 60-pitch property among more than 3,600 campsites listed by the European camping guide organization.
The distinction for 2026 reflects ongoing operational and infrastructure improvements made since Chloé and Maxence Raynal took over management of the campground in 2023.
Located near the historic center of Sommières, Le Garanel has positioned itself as a small-scale, family-oriented campsite with a focus on walkability and local tourism access.
The managers said the property’s urban location allows visitors to access nearby attractions and services without relying on their vehicles once they arrive.
“It’s a real strength to have a campsite in the centre of a city. Once settled, holidaymakers no longer need to take their vehicles back,” the managers said.
Since assuming operations, the Raynals have invested in upgrades aimed at bringing the campsite in line with current standards, particularly in electrical infrastructure and sanitation systems.
According to the operators, much of the work was completed directly by the management team in an effort to control costs and maintain affordability for guests.
“We have done a lot ourselves, to keep prices affordable,” they explained.
The landscaping of the property has also been expanded, including the planting of 32 trees and approximately 650 feet of hedges. The improvements come as many campground operators across Europe continue to balance guest expectations for upgraded amenities with rising operational and maintenance costs.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, Le Garanel’s recognition highlights the growing importance of modernization projects, environmental enhancements, and location-driven experiences in attracting guests.
Smaller independent campgrounds, particularly those in urban or walkable tourism destinations, may increasingly benefit from positioning themselves around convenience and local access rather than large-scale resort-style amenities.
Chloé Raynal described campground ownership as a long-term personal ambition and said the business continues to emphasize guest interaction and atmosphere as part of its identity.
“Owning a campsite was my dream. The spirit of Le Garanel is based on the atmosphere, the human contact, the fact of being close to the holidaymakers,” she said.
The operators also acknowledged that the tourism market remains challenging due to travel costs and weather-related uncertainties affecting seasonal demand.
However, Sommières’ local events calendar, including its Saturday market, exhibitions, concerts, cinema programming, and festivals, continues to support visitor activity throughout the season.“This 2026 distinction motivates us to continue on the path of excellence,” Chloé Raynal told Midi Libre.