When discovering the Cevennes, you will notice the strong attachment of the inhabitants to their lands and nature.
Over the centuries, life has always been hard in the Cévennes.
The reliefs of the mountains are steep and the erosion strong. In order to be able to cultivate these lands, generations of peasants have erected dry stone walls (“bancels” or “faïsses”).
Everything was done by hand because mechanization was not possible in the mountains. Water was scarce too.
The result is thrifty, proud, hard-working Cévennes inhabitants who are fully aware of the nature that surrounds them.
Stemming from agriculture and originating from villages around Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the Daumet family from Mas Cauvy has always, by nature and quite naturally, respected its environment and used the resource-saving techniques advocated today.
However, it is always possible to question yourself and do better. To do this, it is now necessary to structure our approach and measure our progress.
We are supported by ADEME (Agency for Ecological Transition) and Cévennes Tourisme (the tourist office of Alès Agglomeration).
It is a virtuous path in which we are committed and in which we invite you to participate at your own pace.
The Cevennes Tourism Office has set up a label for Sustainable Tourism.
The objective of this certification is to promote tourism that is more respectful of the environment, alongside the Cevennes National Park.
Following a thorough audit, the commission awarded Mas Cauvy the “eco-motivated” level, which rewards our efforts made so far.
The goal :
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Reduce the impact of tourist activity on the environment through simple actions
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Develop eco-responsible tourism
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Promoting accommodation for a clientele increasingly concerned about eco-gestures
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Reduce energy consumption
Our actions for ecology
- selective sorting with recovery of food waste for our hens
- low consumption bulbs and exterior lamps with presence detector
- water consumption reduction system (flow reducer for taps and showers, double flushes, pipe insulation)
- rainwater harvesting for irrigation
- bed and bathroom linen with the Oeko-tex label
- sanitation by phyto-purification
- recycled toilet paper
- electronic correspondence favored rather than sending a brochure
- planting of local species adapted to the hot and dry climate
- protection of biodiversity
- enhancement of local heritage
- use of recycled printing paper
- natural and/or eco-responsible cleaning products
- use of a night cover for the swimming pool to keep the heat of the water
- investment in more efficient washing machines
- renovation of the roof of the reception building with the installation of insulation to keep it cool
- construction of a vegetated pergola source of shade and freshness
- compost for the campsite
- installation of insulating French windows for guest rooms
- own homemade jam with fruits from the garden
- official LPO refuge (bird protection league)
Our current projects
- improve the management of recyclable waste according to the new instructions of the Agglo (container paper/cardboard)
- feasibility study on solar thermal energy
- roof renovation with improved insulation
- highlighting our actions by posting
- promotion of short circuits for local products
How can you help the sustainable tourism in Cevennes?
You too can participate in this process with simple gestures.
On site :
- have economical water management
- close the door, window and shutters during the day to prevent the heat from entering
- do not leave the fan or lamps on in your absence
- sort your waste according to the bins available to you
- do not throw sanitary pads or wipes down the toilet
During your touristic visits:
- do not leave waste in nature
- no loud music
- respect the animals
- take an interest in nearby natural environments
- at the river, if you make a dam of pebbles, destroy it before leaving, otherwise some fish will not be able to come up
- prefer local and artisanal products
- use a gourd instead of plastic bottles
Testing sustainable ways to get around :
- Bus line 60 St-Christol-lez-Alès ⇔ Alès (“Mas Cauvy” stop 600m from the campsite)
- Navette des Gardons
- Shuttle, bus or carpooling with Alesy
- train or coach with SNCF lio
- bike rental with Davalade Cycles
- shuttles for the Stevenson path, etc…
Our partners:
- The Gard Chamber of Commerce, which has allowed us to carry out a complete environmental diagnosis to identify our action plan.
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The ADEME and France Relance, which enabled us to finance the necessary investments.
- Cevennes Tourisme (our local tourist office) thanks to its 100% sustainable tourism personalized support.
