Marcel and Ingrid rooms: 5 years ago to France
After years of living together in Schiedam, cells Marcel and Ingrid moved to France. They have now lived there for five years. Ingrid talks about their life as campsite owners in France. “We could never have found a place like the one we have now in the Netherlands.”
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“It may sound bad, but I don’t miss Schiedam. I don’t miss the Netherlands anyway. I like to visit every now and then, but when I drive back I’m glad to be back in France. The people here are more relaxed than in the Netherlands, perhaps too relaxed at times. In addition, we now live in a nature reserve. We could never have found one like this in the Netherlands.”
Schiedam nostalgia
For the last 28 years in the Netherlands, Marcel and Ingrid lived in the Tuindorp district. “I really liked our neighborhood. We liked going to the Oude Raedthuys. Great food and walking distance from our house. And we also lived almost next to the Beatrix Park; very nice for walking.”
Motorcycle Camps in France
Marcel and Ingrid started a motorcycle campsite in the Auvergne in 2017. They have been on holiday on their motorbike for years in the summer. “We then visited the existing motorbike campsites in France ourselves. When we dreamed about leaving the Netherlands, we are equivalent to a motorcycle campsite. The atmosphere at a motorcycle campsite is very different from a “normal” campsite. Very friendly and there is much more contact with the other guests. It’s like a big family and you have the same hobby: motorcycling.”
The couple deliberately chose France. “The country has a lot to offer for motorcyclists. The climate and the space we have here to make it complete.”
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At the camping
Running from an office job to a campsite was a big step for Ingrid. “I can say with full conviction that neither my husband nor I regret this step for a moment.” They no longer have to think about sitting behind a desk. “Despite the fact that I have always had very nice employers. Also in Schiedam, near Irado.”
Ingrid is now completely in her element in the outdoors with people around her. “What I like about our campsite are the guests from different countries. Now after five years we have had guests from the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Latvia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Romania, France and even one from China. During the season it often happens that different languages are spoken at the dinner table.” Marcel and Ingrid have already had several Schiedam residents as guests. “Also friends of Marcel who ride motorbikes.”
We have already had several Schiedammers as guests
Ingrid and Marcel feel spoiled in France. “We have so much space here. Our campsite is open five months a year and we have the entire site to ourselves for seven months. Our dogs love it here. So now I say: never to the Netherlands again. But that’s now. Of course I don’t know how things will go in the future.”