WHAT HAPPENS AT MARINA PLAGE AFTER SUMMER? DISCOVER LIFE AT A YEAR-ROUND CAMPSITE

When summer vacation ends, do campgrounds close until the following spring?

At Marina Plage, the answer is no.

Located in Vitrolles, on the shores of the Étang de Berre and near Marseille, Marina Plage is a campground open year-round. After the hustle and bustle of July and August, the campground simply enters a new phase of its season.

The pace is changing, some summer activities are winding down, the days are becoming quieter, but life at the campground goes on.

Welcoming guests, maintaining the mobile homes, servicing the facilities, tending to the green spaces, carrying out repairs, and preparing for the coming seasons: fall and winter are an essential part of life at Marina Plage.

We'll take you behind the scenes at the campground after the summer.

After the peak season, Marina Plage shifts gears

July and August are, of course, a special time of year at Marina Plage.

There are plenty of vacationers; families are enjoying the beach; and the days are filled with activities, entertainment, shows, circus classes, animals, and evening events.

As September and then October roll around, the atmosphere gradually changes.

The campground is getting quieter, and the big summer events are giving way to another side of the campground.

But "quieter" doesn't mean "closed."

Marina Plage continues to welcome guests and operate on a daily basis. The staff remains on site, and the various departments at the campground continue their work, with priorities that change depending on the season.

It is also during this period—which is less visible to the public—that some of the work needed for the next season begins.

A campground open year-round in Vitrolles

The annual opening is one of Marina Plage's key features.

Mobile homes continue to accommodate guests outside the summer season, subject to availability and the terms and conditions set by the facility.

The types of visitors and their reasons for staying may therefore differ from those seen in the height of summer.

Some come to spend a few days in the region, others are looking for temporary lodging in the Vitrolles and Marseille area, while the Marina Plage also welcomes guests who are here on business trips lasting several weeks.

This year-round activity necessarily requires ongoing organization.

The reception, upkeep, maintenance, and day-to-day management of the facility do not, therefore, come to an end when the school holidays are over.

The staff continue to keep the campground running

Behind a campground that’s open year-round are men and women whose work changes with the seasons.

During the summer, much of the work naturally revolves around welcoming vacationers and the day-to-day operations of a facility during peak season.

In the fall and winter, certain tasks take up more of our time.

The staff continues to welcome guests at the campground, but this time of year also allows them to devote more time to general maintenance of the grounds, the accommodations, and the various facilities.

Each profession thus helps keep Marina Plage up and running.

Reception, upkeep, maintenance, outdoor areas, or general operations: running a campground doesn’t stop when the last summer vacationers leave.

Maintaining mobile homes throughout the year

Mobile homes are the centerpiece of Marina Plage’s lodging options.

Maintaining them is therefore an ongoing task.

After a particularly busy summer season, the fall is a good time to inspect the accommodations, carry out any necessary repairs, and prepare the mobile homes for the next guests.

Technical teams can address various issues related to the proper functioning and comfort of the accommodations.

This regular monitoring is all the more important given that Marina Plage remains open during the fall and winter.

Unlike a facility that would close completely for several months, the campground must remain open to continue welcoming guests under good conditions.

Fall and Winter: The Time for Maintenance and Home Improvement Projects

A campground is like its own little world.

At Marina Plage, 11 hectares must be maintained throughout the seasons.

Green spaces, roadways, facilities, buildings, utility networks, and infrastructure require regular maintenance.

When attendance drops after the summer, certain activities become easier to organize.

The off-season thus allows the staff to carry out maintenance work, repairs, and various other tasks designed to maintain or improve the campground's facilities.

Some tasks are immediately visible to visitors. Others are much less so, but remain essential to the day-to-day operations of the facility.

This period is therefore an important time to take care of the campground and gradually prepare for the coming months.

Nature, too, is changing its face

Fall also changes the atmosphere at Marina Plage.

After the long, sunny days of summer, the park is gradually entering a new season.

The vegetation is changing, temperatures are getting milder, and the overall pace of life at the campground is slowing down.

Located on the shores of the Étang de Berre and set in a largely shaded park, Marina Plage offers a different atmosphere than what vacationers are used to seeing in July and August.

Outdoor spaces, however, remain at the heart of our daily work.

Maintenance of the vegetation and various areas of the campground continues throughout the year to ensure a pleasant environment and to prepare for the return of warmer weather.

And what about the animals at Marina Plage after the summer?

Animals are part of Marina Plage’s identity and, of course, they don’t just disappear when the vacationers leave!

Animal parks continue to be a part of daily life at the facility during the off-season.

Camels, ponies, and other residents of the campground require regular care and contribute to the unique atmosphere of Marina Plage.

In the summer, they play a central role in some of the activities offered to families.

In the fall and winter, their presence also serves as a reminder that Marina Plage remains a lively place even after the summer events have ended.

For the teams responsible for them, their well-being and care are a natural part of the campground’s day-to-day operations.

Plan tomorrow's vacation today

When vacationers enjoy Marina Plage in the middle of July, they don't necessarily see all the work that went into it during the previous months.

However, preparations for a new summer season begin well in advance.

Fall and winter provide an opportunity to take stock of the past season, identify necessary actions, and gradually prepare for the coming months.

The accommodations, facilities, and various areas of the campground must be ready to welcome future vacationers.

This period also provides an opportunity to think about the upcoming season and the arrangements that will be in place for the resumption of summer activities.

Behind every summer at Marina Plage, then, lie several months of preparation.

Can you stay at Marina Plage in the fall and winter?

Yes, because Marina Plage is open year-round.

However, the experience is different from a trip taken in July or August.

Major events and certain activities are tied to the summer season. During the off-season, the campground takes on a quieter atmosphere.

This period may also cover other needs: a stay of a few days in the Bouches-du-Rhône, temporary lodging, travel in the Vitrolles area, or a business trip lasting several weeks.

The proximity to Marseille, Marignane, and the Marseille-Provence Airport is also an advantage for some people who need to stay in this part of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.

Since the available services and their hours may vary depending on the time of year, we recommend checking with the front desk before your stay.

Another Way to Explore Marina Plage

After all, life at a campground isn't limited to the two months of the high season.

At Marina Plage, summer is definitely the most spectacular time of year: the beach, entertainment, the circus, animals, activities, and evening events all contribute to the campground’s summer atmosphere.

But fall and winter tell a different story.

The teams that continue to welcome guests, maintain the accommodations, take care of the campground facilities, carry out necessary repairs, and are already preparing for the coming seasons.

That’s exactly what it means to be a year-round campground: continuing to welcome guests, maintain the facilities, and keep Marina Plage alive, even after the summer vacation season is over.

And as fall settles in along the shores of the Étang de Berre, one thing is already certain: behind the scenes, preparations for next summer are already underway.

FAQ

Does Marina Plage close after the summer?
No. The Marina Plage Campground in Vitrolles is open year-round. However, its operations and certain services vary depending on the season.

Can you rent a mobile home at Marina Plage in the fall or winter?
Marina Plage offers mobile home rentals outside the summer season, subject to availability and the terms and conditions applicable to the desired period.

Are activities offered year-round?
No. A significant portion of the activities program is offered specifically during the summer season, particularly in July and August. Operations outside the summer season are therefore different from those during summer vacation.

What do the campground staff do during the winter? Since the
campground remains open, the staff continues to handle day-to-day operations. The off-season also allows them to devote time to maintaining the accommodations and outdoor areas, as well as to preparing for the coming seasons.

Are the animals still there after the summer?
Yes. The animals are a part of life at Marina Plage beyond just the summer season.

Can I stay at Marina Plage for a business trip?
Yes. Marina Plage welcomes guests who are in the region for business trips lasting several weeks. Please check with the hotel for specific stay details.

Why choose a year-round campground near Marseille?
A year-round campground offers an accommodation option beyond just the summer vacation season. Located in Vitrolles, Marina Plage is a great place to stay near Marseille, Marignane, and the Marseille-Provence Airport.