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Our approach in the Cevennes
A simple, practical and progressive approach, rooted in the Cevennes.
Here, eco-tourism is part of everyday life — at your own pace.
The region
The Cevennes is a land of strong character and rugged landscapes, shaping a way of life that is both simple and resourceful.
For a long time, life here was demanding: steep slopes, erosion, and scarce water.
To cultivate these hillsides, generations of farmers built dry-stone walls by hand — known as bancels or faïsses — which still draw the outlines of Cevenol scenery today.
With mechanisation nearly impossible in the mountains, everything was done by hand, with constant attention to the resources available.
This history gave rise to a culture of restraint, respect for nature, and a deep attachment to the land.
Our commitment
Rooted in farming and originating from villages around Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the Mas Cauvy family naturally embedded these values in everyday life.
Respect for the environment and a careful use of resources are part of our heritage.
The Cevennes’ sustainable tourism approach clearly resonates here.
Because we know we can always do better, we chose to structure our commitment, track our progress, and improve our practices step by step.
This is a voluntary, evolving journey that we are fully committed to —
and we invite you to take part in it, simply, at your own pace.
Label & sustainable tourism in the Cevennes
An initiative led by Cevennes Tourisme
The tourist office for the Cevennes / Alès Agglomération area has created the Engagé(e)s Sustainable Tourism label.
The aim of this certification is to promote tourism that is more respectful of the environment, in line with the values of the Cevennes National Park.
Following a thorough audit, the committee awarded Mas Cauvy the “eco-motivated” level, recognising the efforts made so far.
Goals of the label
- Reduce the environmental impact of tourism through simple everyday actions.
- Support the development of eco-responsible tourism.
- Promote accommodation for guests who consciously choose eco-friendly habits.
- Reduce energy consumption.
Waste sorting & composting at Mas Cauvy
At Mas Cauvy, respect for the environment is part of everyday life.
To make simple eco-actions easy during your stay, I provide suitable equipment for sorting and composting.
Each pitch and accommodation includes:
- an eco-bucket for compostable waste (plant-based leftovers, peelings, coffee grounds, etc.),
- reusable bags for recycling and waste sorting.
This equipment helps reduce disposable bags and allows organic waste to be processed on site.
A €10 deposit is requested for the set (eco-bucket + sorting bags) and is fully refunded on departure once the items are returned.
A compost point and sorting areas are available on the campsite, with simple guidance to help you.
Our eco-actions
🌱 Waste reduction & responsible consumption
• Recycled toilet paper and printing paper
• Email communication preferred (rather than sending brochures)
💧 Water management
• Flow reducers on taps and showers
• Dual-flush toilets
• Rainwater collection for watering
• Night cover to keep the pool water warm
⚡ Energy & equipment
• Low-energy bulbs and outdoor lighting with motion sensors
• More energy-efficient washing machines
• Improved insulation of the reception building and guest rooms
🌿 Biodiversity & environment
• Planting local species suited to a hot, dry climate
• Active protection of biodiversity on site
🏡 Local products & know-how
• Natural and/or eco-responsible cleaning products
• Oeko-Tex certified bed and bath linen
• Homemade jams made with fruit from the garden
LPO Refuge – French Bird Protection League
Mas Cauvy is recognised as an LPO Refuge — a commitment to protecting local wildlife, especially birds.
This commitment translates into concrete everyday actions: preserving habitats, respecting biodiversity, and managing natural areas responsibly.
To help you explore nature even further, binoculars, games and educational books are available, so you can observe wildlife and learn more about the birds found on site and in the surrounding area.
Current projects
- Improve the management of recyclable waste, including composting.
- Install solar thermal energy for hot water at sinks and showers.
- Continue roof renovations with improved insulation.
- Highlight our actions with educational signs around the campsite.
- Encourage short supply chains for local products (wine, beer, etc.).
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How can you support sustainable tourism in the Cevennes?
Sustainable tourism starts with small actions.
Together, we can protect the Cevennes,
so that nature, peace and biodiversity endure —
today and for generations to come.
At the campsite
- Use water wisely (turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, take short showers…).
- Close doors, windows and shutters during the day to keep the heat out.
- Don’t leave the fan or lights on when you’re not there.
- Sort your waste using the bins provided.
- Please do not throw sanitary products or wet wipes into the toilets (wastewater is treated by plants).
During your visits & walks
- Don’t leave any litter in nature.
- Avoid loud music.
- Respect wildlife.
- Take an interest in the natural habitats around you.
- By the river: if you build a pebble dam, please dismantle it before leaving — otherwise some fish won’t be able to swim upstream.
- Use a reusable bottle instead of plastic bottles.
Local produce
The Cevennes can be discovered through local products, shaped by agricultural and artisanal know-how.
- the chestnut (fresh or processed),
- honeys and beekeeping products,
- olive oil, olives and tapenades,
- figs and seasonal fruit,
- Cevennes wines and local craft beers,
- goat and sheep cheeses,
- jams and artisan products.
Low-impact travel
- Bus line 60 St-Christol-lez-Alès ⇔ Alès (“Mas Cauvy” stop 600 m from the campsite).
- Navette des Gardons (summer shuttle).
- Bus or carpooling with Ales’Y.
- Regional trains and coaches with SNCF liO.
- Bike rental.
- Shuttles for the Stevenson Trail, etc.
Our partners
- CCI Gard, which helped us carry out a full environmental diagnosis to define our action plan.
- ADEME and France Relance, which enabled us to fund the necessary investments.
- Cevennes Tourisme (the Alès Agglomération tourist office), thanks to its 100% sustainable tourism support programme.
Want to know more about Mas Cauvy and the Cevennes?
Plan your stay: how to get to the campsite, what to see nearby, and how to contact me about our eco-tourism approach.
👉 Practical info: getting to Camping Mas Cauvy
👉 Things to do in the Cevennes around Mas Cauvy
👉 Contact me about our eco-friendly approach
