Case Study: Alpine Campsite Work
This article on working on a campsite in the French Alps was written by Alex who retired from the Royal Navy Dockyards of the UK and went to work under the Alpine peaks of the Oisans instead.
Being employed by the ministry of defence in the Royal Naval Dockyards all of my working life, you can imagine after 40 years of Naval Marine History, Nuclear submarines and the odd minor war campaign my trepidation as I ventured into the unknown.
Camping ‘La Rencontre du Soleil’, a small campsite set in a valley at the base of Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps, was to be home for the summer. It’s in a stunning location, with fantastic views, with lots to explore, each day an adventure, but after work of course.
As a life-experienced courier for Canvas Holidays, the customer was always the first priority so cleanliness, availability, friendliness and helpfulness always came first. Cleaning and completing paperwork were major tasks and our standards were high.
However, ‘Via Ferrata’ (Rock Climbing, harnessed to the mountain), ‘Parascending’ (Flying from the top of Alpe d’Huez 10,000 ft), ‘White Water rafting’ in icy rivers, walking through meadows of stunning flora, viewing cascades and waterfalls, visiting small villages in the locale, eating their local produce and tasting their wine didn’t seem a bad second!
Certainly being a courier is a life experience. It was fantastic as my wife and I shared time and experiences we could not have dreamed of.
We met so many lovely people, both couriers and customers.
I would certainly encourage anyone with an outgoing disposition to give it a try, meet new people, do different things and experience life in its fullness.
Alex Semple
(Please mention Caravan Jobfinder if you contact an employer)
Job vacancy
| Park Name: Canvas Holidays |
| Location: France, Italy, Spain... |
Campsite Courier
We are looking for approachable, well mannered, friendly and helpful individuals to join our overseas team this summer. All successful applicants must have previous customer service experience as your main focus will be ensuring that our customers return home having had ‘the' best holiday they have ever had. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, develop customer service skills and improve your language skills.
Your duties will mainly involve preparing customer accommodation for their arrival, welcoming them onto the campsite and ensuring that all the customer’s needs are attended to during their stay.
You will need to have initiative and be a quick thinker, able to resolve any problems that may occur on site efficiently and effectively.
As a Courier you will also be involved in montage (putting up tents) and démontage (taking down tents) at the beginning and end of the season.