Inauguration of Les Tamaris, our seaside campsite in Martigues: reopening in April 2025
On October 1, 2024, a beach on the Côte Bleue was celebrating, thanks to the inauguration of the new Tamaris campsite. New in organization, but not in name. Les Tamaris, the pride of Martigues for several generations, has risen from the ashes, four years after the fire of August 4, 2020, which devastated several hectares of the Martigues coastline. Now managed by the Pausado group, Les Tamaris has just entered phase 2 of its construction. Here’s a look back at an emotional inauguration, which augurs well for a grand reopening in April 2025.
Les Tamaris inauguration: a moment rich in emotion
On this October 1, 2024, smiles are on everyone’s faces at the inauguration of Les Tamaris. Olivier Giunti, President of the Pausado Group and new owner of this campsite in Martigues, is delighted to welcome journalists and partners, in the company of Thierry Lhermitte, the Group’s shareholder, and Frédéric Pappalardo, the previous owner.
After a few speeches mixing anecdotes and emotions, Olivier Giunti presented the plan for the future campsite. An ambitious project, without being colossal, entirely in keeping with the spirit and values of the Pausado Group. The project aims to re-vegetate the calanque, while preserving the family atmosphere of the campsite destroyed by fire in August 2020. This inauguration confirms the presence of a new campsite in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, even if it is built on old foundations rooted in the spirit of the Côte Bleue.
Once the action plan had been unveiled and the ceremonial moment completed in an atmosphere as warm as it was moving, those present were able to share a cocktail reception at the Cigalou restaurant. Le Cigalou being the neighbouring campsite. A fine demonstration of the convivial spirit that reigns in Martigues. Incidentally, there will be no restaurant at Les Tamaris this season, and the team will be happy to direct campers to Le Cigalou. Similarly, as there is a grocery store in the calanque, it was unthinkable for Pausado to compete with it. The campsite will therefore not be offering a bakery or grocery service, but will be inviting its residents to discover those of the establishment next door to the campsite.
Les Tamaris: the story of a rebirth
The people of Martigues will never forget the fire of August 4, 2020, which engulfed their beautiful town. Frédéric Pappalardo, the former owner of Les Tamaris, is one of them. He was proud to welcome so many tourists every year for unforgettable seaside vacations. So much so that the destruction of his campsite dealt him a fatal blow: he was prepared to fight the insurance companies, but not to reopen the family campsite.
It was his meeting with Olivier Giunti that changed the future of Les Tamaris. The president of the Pausado group had no intention of fighting to keep the land in a buildable zone, but he wouldn’t rule out reviving the campsite through his group. A handshake later, the two men went their separate ways. Four years later, their tacit agreement became official, with the inauguration of the seaside campsite in Martigues.
It’s worth noting that while the Tamaris renaissance was initiated by two men of their word, it couldn’t have happened without help. Many people and organizations have also contributed.
Among them, it is important to mention :
- the Martigues town council and its elected representatives, who did everything in their power to ensure that the safety commission validated the reconstruction;
- BNP Paribas, BPI and the Regional Council, who are financing the work;
- Hékipia for the sale of the chalets;
- Rideau for the mobile homes;
- Mezard for earthworks;
- Wifirst for the Wi-Fi installation.
The construction schedule for our seaside campsite in Martigues
Even though the inauguration has taken place, summer rentals with their feet in the water and unusual stays on the Côte Bleue are not just around the corner. In fact, only phase 2 of the work has just begun. After the necessary exposure of the land, it’s time to dig the trenches for the installation of the water, gas and electricity pipes.
When that’s done, 400 trees and shrubs will be planted, and the accommodation will be installed. In this respect, the Pausado group has decided to de-densify the campsite, reducing the number of pitches from 176 to 135. What’s more, whereas four years ago Les Tamaris offered mainly mobile-home accommodation, the current project includes chalets. As Olivier Giunti himself says: by starting from scratch, Pausado has the opportunity to rebuild a campsite that is more respectful of the environment. For the first season in 2025, Les Tamaris will offer 50 units, including 4 chalets and 78 pitches.
The opening of reservations
7 months. That’s how long the group has given itself so that Anthony and Mélissa, the campsite managers, can welcome holidaymakers to their waterside chalets and mobile homes. Reopening is scheduled for April 1, 2025. Don’t look any further for a place to stay in Martigues, you’ve found the perfect place to do just that.
📌 Be among the first customers to book your waterfront stay at Camping des Tamaris!
If you’ve opted for a vacation in the Bouches-du-Rhône in summer 2025, you know where to book. Les Tamaris, with its history as tragic as it is resilient, will offer you a unique welcome. Come and discover this campsite with swimming pool, with a strong tourist attraction, and which has kept the spirit of the vacations of yesteryear.
Sources : lamarseillaise.fr
pausado.com