4 ideas for an ecological stay in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Want to get away without leaving France? Discover 4 inspirations for an ecological stay in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. A night in an eco-hotel, a city-trip with a charming eco-responsible hotel or a sports trip in a Green Key youth hostel: imagine your next stay in the Alps, the Drôme, the Ardèche or the Auvergne!
#1 Escape in an ecological gite in the Gorges de l'Ardèche
What to see in the Ardeche Gorges?
The Natural Reserve of the Ardeche Gorges is an exceptional natural site, offering beautiful landscapes, mythical hikes and amazing historical discoveries.
Here are some ideas of excursions to plan during your ecological stay in the Ardeche Gorges:
- Contemplating the iconic natural arch of Pont-d'Arc. This popular natural site is well worth a visit, as long as you discover it in the early morning before the crowds arrive. For a unique experience, treat yourself to a canoeing trip in the area;
- The visit of the Chauvet cave, dating from the Paleolithic period. The original cave is closed to the public but its replica, only 3 km away, is worth the detour for an authentic trip back in time to the prehistoric era.
- Labastide-de-Virac. Don't miss its charming medieval center and the castle of Roure, an imposing fortress of more than 600 years.
When to go to the Gorges de l'Ardèche ?
The Ardeche Gorges can be visited in any season. However, we recommend you to avoid the months of July and August. The region is a victim of its own success and suffers the inconvenience of mass tourism during the summer, creating safety, environmental and social problems.
Discover an alternative to the Gorges de l'Ardèche on our blog, to consider for the summer months.
Where to sleep around the Ardeche Gorges?
For your stay in the Ardèche, discover the ecological gîte 1000 Pailles. 2 warm and self-constructed accommodations are waiting for you:
- The ecogîte for 4 people. This small ecological house made of wood and straw has an insulation which makes it pleasant in any season. Its private exterior allows you to enjoy the surrounding nature without moderation;
- The unusual cabin. This cosy and comfortable 16 m² accommodation is perfect for a stay for two in complete privacy.
Good news : the gite is open all year round and allows you to discover the Gorges de l'Ardèche outside the high season !
#2 Nature tourism in the Drôme
What to see in the Drôme ?
For this Drôme escapade, go to the surroundings of Saillans, a charming village of the region. Discover Die, the Roanne valley or the Vercors regional natural park.
If you go in winter, head to the Vercors for 100% snow activities. Enjoy for example ski slopes, marked snowshoe trails and dog sled rides at the Col du Rousset resort.
In summer, the lush nature of the Drôme becomes your endless playground, with :
- Hikes, on the banks of the Drôme, the heights of the Vercors cliffs or in the Saoû forest, to the assault of the Trois Becs;
- Horseback riding, road biking or mountain biking;
- For thrill seekers, a climbing or paragliding session.
When to go to the Drôme ?
The Drôme can be discovered in summer and winter ! The activities are not the same depending on the season, but the region keeps its charm.
Where to sleep in the Drôme ?
For your ecological stay near Saillans, welcome to the Gîte du Haut de Pierron. This ecological gite for 2 people with a surface area of 40 m² has everything you need for a comfortable and pleasant getaway: a fully equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom, a living room open to nature and a 17 m² terrace for sunbathing.
The icing on the cake: the cottage was built with natural materials of straw, earth and wood.
#3 Ski vacations in an eco-labelled family resort: Chamrousse
What to do in Chamrousse ?
Chamrousse is a family winter sports resort in the Isère department, 30 km from Grenoble. Awarded the Flocon Vert label, it is committed to the preservation of resources. In particular, it has set up a collection of used equipment at the end of the season to recycle the materials into fuel or raw material for other uses.
For your vacations in Chamrousse, take advantage of the alpine and cross-country skiing areas, and of the marked routes for snowshoeing and ski touring. In summer, there is no shortage of hikes from the resort to admire the beautiful views of the Oisans, the Chartreuse and the Vercors.
Read also: discover how to choose an ecological ski resort.
When to go to Chamrousse ?
Chamrousse is a destination of choice for your ecological stay in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, summer and winter. However, beware of mid-season, when many shops are closed.
Where to sleep in Chamrousse?
For your stay in the ski resort of Isère, discover HI Chamrousse, a youth hostel at the foot of the ski slopes. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere in this accommodation offering rooms from 1 to 5 beds.
A relaxation area with a bar and a garden with a terrace are waiting for you to enjoy relaxing moments with the other travelers.
#4 An unforgettable city-trip to Clermont-Ferrand
What to do in Clermont-Ferrand?
Who said that the cities of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region were not interesting? Away from the hustle and bustle of Lyon, treat yourself to a few days or more in Clermont-Ferrand, a charming city at the foot of the Auvergne volcanoes.
Take the time to explore the historic center and its cultural treasures, including :
- Notre-Dame du Port Basilica, a Unesco World Heritage Site;
- Notre-Dame-de-l 'Assomption Cathedral, the tallest volcanic stone cathedral in France;
- Place de Jaude, Clermont-Ferrand's must-see landmark;
- The Salins flea market, a Clermont institution on Sunday mornings.
If you go between April and November, take the shuttle to the Panoramique des Dômes train station. You can then board the famous cogwheel train that takes you to the top of the Puy de Dôme or put on your hiking boots to explore the Puys chain.
Accessible from several cities in France by train, Clermont-Ferrand is an ideal destination for a railroad getaway.
Also read: discover 3 original ideas for a train vacation.
When to go to Clermont-Ferrand?
The city is perfect to discover regardless of the season. If you want to explore the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park without renting a car, choose the high season for your stay in Auvergne.
Where to sleep in Clermont-Ferrand?
Located in the city center on the Place Delille, discover the Hôtel Littéraire Alexandre Vialatte. This 4-star hotel with an atmosphere inspired by the world of the author Alexandre Vialatte offers comfortable rooms nicely decorated, as well as a 60 m² apartment. Take advantage of the 6th floor terrace, offering a magnificent view of the city and the Puys mountain range.
Which ecological stay in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes tempt you for your next vacations ?
Browse the catalog of ecological accommodations in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes on Ethik & Trips.
