Nestling in the Nivernais countryside, the Donzy Camping-Car Park is located in a dynamic commune of 1,575 inhabitants. It acts as a town center, with nearly 80 shops and businesses. Crossed by two rivers, dotted with ancient bridges and mills, it attracts visitors in search of authenticity. Its geographical location is also an asset: just 180 km from Paris, at the gateway to the prestigious Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyards, it offers a rare quality of life in an unspoilt region.
After the health crisis, Donzy saw the arrival of new residents, attracted by the gentle way of life, local cultural offerings and affordable housing. Today, this Nièvre commune also welcomes a new population: motorhome travelers.
Before 2025, Donzy had a former municipal campsite. Little used, it generated barely €600 a year, despite its wooded setting. The aging infrastructure was no longer adapted to today's needs, particularly those of motorhome users. The municipal team therefore decided to give it a second life by collaborating with CAMPING-CAR PARK.
In just three and a half months, the site has been totally transformed to meet the standards of modern itinerant travelers: large, stabilized pitches, services available 24 hours a day, and immediate proximity to the town center. As Sonia Millant points out, "the project very quickly brought together shopkeepers, local residents and municipal staff". And it was an immediate success.
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As soon as it opened, the site welcomed its first travelers. Since then, it has never been empty. Nearby businesses are benefiting from a new clientele, curious to discover local products. Restaurants, cafés and bakeries all bear witness to the direct impact. The area also attracts an international clientele: Germans, Italians, Spaniards and even Dutch now stop off in Donzy.
"Campervanners didn't know our commune, let alone our region. Today, they're discovering our heritage, our landscapes and our shops", enthuses Sonia Millant. The site has become a real lever of economic and tourist attraction, while promoting the local art of living.
This positive dynamic is accompanied by a commitment to continuous adaptation. The site evolves in line with user feedback: new pitches have been stabilized, sanitary facilities have been improved, and night lighting has been added. Thanks to our partnership with CAMPING-CAR PARK, feedback from the community is rapidly taken into account, reinforcing the quality of our welcome.
Services such as the Pack'Privilègeswhich allows you to reserve and guarantee your seat on arrival, or the Access Card and the Digital Passwhich offer total freedom of access and special offers from partner retailers, all contribute to a smooth, trouble-free experience.
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Initially, some residents and elected representatives had reservations. But transparency and education have paid off. Today, everyone agrees on the benefits of the project. The regular presence of motorhomes livens up the village, creates links and supports the shopkeepers. "Even some of our political opponents recognize the positive spin-offs," confides Sonia Millant.
Donzy now embodies an inspiring model for rural communities wishing to enhance the value of their territory while welcoming respectful, self-sufficient tourism. A wonderful story of successful conversion and encounters between visitors and residents.
Situated in the heart of a region full of character, Donzy has found its place on the camping-car map. Its CAMPING-CAR PARK makes it a warm, practical and charming stopover. Whether you're on your way to the vineyards or looking for a peaceful spot for a night or several days, don't hesitate: stop off at Donzy!
