Summer camps in France attract tens of thousands of women to participate
Not everyone who wants to apply can guarantee a place at the Camp Château summer camp in France, as the waiting list for summer 2025 already exceeds 11,000 people.
Strolling the grounds of her French chateau on a summer evening in 2023, Philippa Girling felt relieved to hear the laughter of women enjoying their vacation. This laughter is exactly the goal Girling, CEO of Camp Château, had in mind when she founded this women-only summer camp.
Although Camp Château has only been open for two years, it has quickly become a sought-after destination. Nestled atop a hill in the Quercy region of southwestern France, this year’s campsite is fully booked. Demand for summer 2025 has skyrocketed, with waiting lists already reaching 11,000. Philippa is delighted by the fame but also feels sorry for those waiting, some of whom may have to wait up to 20 years for their turn. She is currently exploring expansion options to serve more guests. According to Philippa, the purpose of Camp Château is simple: to provide women with a fun experience.
Having worked in the banking industry for 30 years, Philippa understands the pressures that women face today. This insight motivated her and her co-founders to create Camp Château, a space designed for relaxation, mental and physical wellness, and an opportunity for women to recharge energy before returning to daily life. The six-day, five-night stay offers a range of activities, including candle making, cheese tasting, horseback riding and yoga. While some women are eager to participate in all the activities, others prefer to spend the day relaxing by the pool. Each round of welcoming guests is only about 50 people.
Girling, who grew up in the south of England, often holidayed in Quercy and now lives in California. “Women are amazing when they come together,” she commented. The women at Camp Château share this sentiment, bonding over communal meals in the grand dining room, relaxing in double tents or bunk beds in the chateau rooms, and enjoying dedicated drinks hours. The camp’s ethos focuses on empowering women to make their own choices, do what they love, and simply be kind to each other. The entire setup is designed to promote natural conversations and connections.
At Camp Château, the only decision guests need to make is whether to relax or participate in activities. Women of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Before July, most guests were Americans, but since August the camp has hosted a more diverse group, including women from Andorra, Canada, Egypt, England and Nigeria, ranging in age from 19 to over 70. Many women arrived alone, describing the camp as “a safe environment for their passion for travel,” while others arrived in small groups, such as mothers and daughters.
A stay at Camp Château costs €2,178, including accommodation and activities but excluding airport transfers and massages. Philippa admits this is a significant sum of money but she and her team have worked hard to keep the price as accessible as possible.
Despite growing demand, Philippa is committed to keeping prices affordable to ensure more women can access the experience rather than targeting a wealthy clientele. As more and more women seek out this unique retreat, Camp Château remains dedicated to providing an inclusive, empowering environment for all of its guests.
