Have you chosen the Pays d'Aubenas-Vals for your vacation? It's an excellent choice if you love nature, beautiful landscapes, and authentic villages! What if this stay in the Secret Ardèche was also beneficial for the environment, rivers, fauna, and flora?
Here is some reflexes to adopt to fully enjoy it while respecting this corner of Ardèche.
01
Favors soft transport
You can give the car a rest from time to time. Cycling, hiking, or even canoeing: here, getting around is often an adventure in itself. And for longer journeys, consider carpooling or public transportation. We haven't had trains for a long time, but we do have some wonderful buses 😉
02
Take care of the rivers
The rivers are beautiful, refreshing, translucent... it's hard to resist the urge to wade in them... But each river is home to a complex and fragile ecosystem.
So here are the good reflexes to preserve it:
- avoid walking at the bottom of the river as much as possible
- does not move stones and pebbles from the river bed
- don't build dams on the river
- do not use sunscreen before swimming
03
Manage your water well
In summer, water is precious in Ardèche. Take short showers, avoid running the washing machine half-empty, and don't water the plants in your cottage at midday. Every little helps.
04
Respect the trails
When out and about, stick to marked trails. This protects the local flora, prevents erosion, and also keeps you from getting lost. A double bonus: you can enjoy the scenery without damaging the terrain.
05
Zero waste
Always bring a small bag for your trash when hiking or picnicking. And if you want to go further, pick up other people's trash. Just like at home, remember to sort: many towns in the Pays d'Aubenas-Vals-Antraigues region offer recycling bins.
06
Consume local and seasonal products
Farmers' markets, farms, local grocery stores... Ardèche is brimming with delicious produce. By buying locally, you're supporting farmers and reducing unnecessary transportation.
07
Respect the flora and fauna
No wild picking, no excessive noise in the wilderness, no throwing stones into the river (yes, even for fun). Nature is beautiful, but fragile.
And of course, never forget that every animal, even ugly or scary, has its place in the Ardèche ecosystem.
08
Adopt responsible consumption
No need for plastic souvenirs or gadgets produced on the other side of the world. Instead, opt for handmade pottery, local soap, or a good bottle of Ardèche wine.
And if you want to offer a moment here rather than an object, think about Secret Ardèche Gift Box.
09
Choose committed accommodation
Certified lodges, eco-friendly campsites, responsible guesthouses... Many accommodations are committed to reducing their impact. Check before booking.
Snake in the water: no danger
No! Vipers don't like water! This is a misconception, a persistent belief that you'll finally be able to disprove after reading this. The reptile most often seen in lakes or rivers is the viperine snake. A completely harmless gray snake that's very useful in the ecosystem. This friendly snake has the unfortunate idea of having a triangular head, which leads it to be confused with its cousin, the asp viper.
Regardless, snakes are useful and protected. Killing them, including vipers, is strictly forbidden.
Local stakeholders in responsible tourism
They are hosts, restaurateurs, guides, producers... and they all have one thing in common: they do their part. Not because it's trendy, but because it seems obvious to them. These responsible tourism players aren't here to preach, but to show that we can welcome people differently: by respecting nature, promoting local know-how, and taking care of people. Going on vacation with them means choosing a gentler, fairer, more vibrant stay. What if you met them?
Preserve the Ardèche
Good practices, yes, but which ones? Each region has its own challenges, of course. So, if you want to stock up on good ideas, here's a little guide to keep in your back pocket.
