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Welcome to paradise…
Did you know that holidays can easily go hand in hand with environmental respect? Who hasn’t dreamed of a haven of peace where nature and man are one, and where you can contemplate the abundant local flora and fauna from your tent, cabin, or mobile home? Nestled between the dune separating it from the ocean and the famous Phare des Baleines lighthouse, this is what the campsite of the same name offers, in Saint-Clément on Île de Ré.
We met with Séverine and Bastien Trouvé, the managers of this accommodation, who introduced us to the virtuous actions they have implemented within their establishment, officially committed since 2013 to the European Ecolabel. They shared with us their vision of camping, which has become a true “art of vacation living.” The term “outdoor hospitality” takes on its full meaning here, as the campsite transforms into a Garden of Eden. Séverine and Bastien explained their approach by offering us a tour of this 4.6-hectare site, which includes 185 pitches, 24 of which are rental accommodations.
Landscape Integration: the Secret to Happiness!
Upon arrival, it’s initially difficult to find the entrance, as the infrastructure blends perfectly into the green landscape. “To live happily, let’s live hidden!” exclaim Séverine and Bastien. “Let’s be as discreet as possible in this dominant nature. It’s not up to the environment to adapt, but rather the campsite that must adapt perfectly to its surroundings.”
Far from idyllic clichés, the first impression is that of a wooded park, a botanical garden. The species present are mostly local, such as the holm oak or tamarisk, found on our coastline. The plane tree mulberry is also present, this time for historical and practical reasons. This tree was planted en masse following the storm that hit France in 1999. It has the advantage of being a natural, fairly low parasol with limited wind resistance. Furthermore, it requires little water and also offers delicious sweet fruits to birds, and even to guests.
“You have to think long-term when choosing all installations by asking the right questions: how and why am I buying? What will become of what I’ve installed on site?”
From pastel-toned signage to avoid visual aggression, to the choice of natural wood cladding, and even curved tiles for a more discreet roof, these are the tricks for successful integration. Outdoor lighting is also considered, with solar twilight beacons that allow for autonomy in case of evacuation and light intensity that increases as daylight fades. This lighting system, which activates when guests pass nearby, helps avoid disturbing nocturnal wildlife.
Nothing is Lost, Everything Transforms!
Campsites are the ideal place to raise public awareness about waste-related issues. This awareness can even be part of activities dedicated to children. An action that is both educational and useful. There are many recycling or even reuse channels, often unknown to everyone. Many campsites in Charente-Maritime, for example, collect cork stoppers, which then get a second life by being transformed into insulation for homes. Les Baleines campsite is one of those committed to this approach, supported by the FDHPA 17.
Bio-waste is also a major issue, as its composting represents organic matter that does not go to the incinerator. Specifically, all food scraps, whether vegetables, cake, etc., are composted and returned to the earth, thus avoiding unnecessary CO2 emissions released by their combustion. Furthermore, this organic matter amends and fertilizes the soil. Séverine and Bastien explain that after training on bio-waste composting, they are implementing this system this year at their campsite for voluntary guests. The waste area also includes a plastic cap collector and a used battery collector, in addition to the glass bin. Simple and clear communication quickly guides guests to the various collection bins.
Some waste is directly fed to Bastien’s brave poultry, permanent residents of the campsite! True purifiers, the hens “Roulma,” “Culd’,” and “Nid'” not only limit the amount of bio-waste but also offer precious eggs! What a bonus, they have it all!
Finally, to complete this picture beautifully, a “free zone” has been set up at the campsite. The principle is simple: unwanted items are gathered, and everyone helps themselves freely. No more waste, just items that are endlessly exchanged, lightening some people’s load and bringing joy to others. The book caravan installed on the grounds is also a place for bartering and exchanging books, in addition to being a truly welcoming and comfortable small third place.
My Campsite, a Biodiversity Haven
In this coastal and, moreover, migratory zone, the presence of all kinds of birds is remarkable. The soundscape attests to this, with its restful calm, gently punctuated by the symphony of birds. Labeled an LPO sanctuary, the campsite hosts many species such as the blackbird, house sparrow, kestrel, and chaffinch. A pair of cattle egrets had even taken up residence within the campsite, Bastien tells us, as well as a colony of pipistrelle bats, which had settled under the mobile home cladding. Feeders and watering holes are placed near the reception, allowing both guests and staff to enjoy this spectacle of nature. “I have the feeling there are more and more birds around here. They nest in the nests we provide.
In addition to being on a migratory route, the immediate proximity of the beach allows us to observe a large number of them,” Séverine and Bastien tell us. Animals are never far away, and all have a purpose in this perfect symbiosis. Plants also play their part. Mowing is managed, certain plants stabilize the dune, which also provides a protective role by cutting down on wind and noise. Furthermore, these plants, among which viper’s bugloss can be recognized, offer ideal nectar to pollinators. With the ocean just a few steps away, one can say that here, life’s simple pleasures are fulfilled beyond all expectations: beach, seashells, birdsong, nourishing trees. We indulge ourselves and take care of ourselves with this return to basics. Furthermore, Les Baleines campsite is involved with the 1% for the Planet collective, which consists of donating 1% of its turnover to environmental organizations. “We are only 2 campsites in France committed to this approach,” confides Bastien.
Right down to My Plate!
To start the day right, there’s nothing like a good breakfast! Between fair-trade coffee, jams made in Ars-en-Ré, butter from Deux-Sèvres, and organic milk from Loire-Atlantique, it’s clear that great care is taken in selecting products! “We try to source as locally as possible, as long as it’s feasible, of course,” specify Séverine and Bastien, keen to make food the basis of ‘conscious consumption’. The snack bar also takes on the appearance of a local produce market, with a desire to offer simple but quality dishes: “We feature oyster platters from Le Martray, organic crudité platters from Ars, ‘surf and turf’ platters with Charente-Maritime pâtés, as well as seafood and oysters from the area. The fries are also homemade, obviously with potatoes from Île de Ré.
When it’s time for a drink, the mindset is the same: all beverages come from the local area! A beer brewed in Rivedoux or another from La Rochelle. The famous American soda is banned from the snack bar menu, giving way to a local lemonade made in La Rochelle. “We strive for consistency. We must maintain this conduct to remain credible. For example, people come to the counter with their salad bowls to get their fries! Leftovers go to the chickens, there’s no packaging, and it’s better for everyone that way. We’ve also revised our communication to limit paper usage. Our guests are often regulars. They come precisely because the campsite operates this way, and they thank us for it.”
Always more Environmental Projects!
Séverine and Bastien don’t rest on their laurels. Always seeking more consistency, outdoor hospitality is also a laboratory for innovative ecological projects. Among those to come, Les Baleines campsite will soon implement bulk sales of Charente-Maritime products in its small grocery store, and a solar structure for recharging electric cars is under study.
Upcoming initiatives that inspire essential-minded holidays! We leave Séverine and Bastien with our heads full of optimism and serenity.
