Our eco-friendly holiday cottage in the Dordogne: our eco-responsible approach
At La Cabane du Castanet, we have made a simple choice: to welcome our visitors while preserving the living world around us.
In a world where everything is often controlled, pruned, cleaned, or artificially altered, we wanted to create a place where nature retains its space. Here, trees grow freely, wild grasses have their purpose, birds find refuge, and insects contribute to the balance of the place.
Our approach does not aim for ecological perfection. It is primarily guided by common sense, respect for living things, and the desire to offer a gentler, more conscious tourism that is closer to what is essential.
Preserving biodiversity on a daily basis
Biodiversity is at the heart of our project.
We have chosen to let certain areas of vegetation develop naturally in order to create habitats favorable to local wildlife.
This spontaneous vegetation attracts a multitude of species: butterflies, wild bees, birds, lizards and many other small inhabitants that contribute to the ecological richness of the site.
Some visitors are sometimes surprised to see nature less "domesticated" than in a classic garden. Yet, this plant diversity plays an essential role: it nourishes, protects, and shelters life.
Every wildflower, every shrub and every preserved area helps to make La Cabane du Castanet a small refuge for local biodiversity.
Accepting that nature is not always perfectly ordered
We are convinced that the beauty of nature also lies in its authenticity.
That's why we favor a reasoned approach to managing outdoor spaces. Not everything is mowed to the millimeter, not everything is perfectly aligned, and that's intentional.
This approach allows nature to follow its cycles, to bloom, to produce seeds, to welcome pollinators and to maintain a precious ecological balance.
The vegetation also helps us keep the terrace shaded and the house cooler.
Why did we choose dry toilets?
Dry toilets are among the most visible choices in our approach.
Each conventional toilet flush uses several liters of drinking water to flush away what nature knows how to manage in other ways. On our scale, we wanted to reduce this waste.
Dry toilets save a valuable resource while offering simple and effective comfort.
For many visitors, it is also an opportunity to discover that there are other ways to manage our resources on a daily basis, without loss of comfort.
This installation is part of a broader reflection on our water consumption and our environmental impact.
More respectful tourism
Travel has an impact. We are aware of that.
Our goal is not to claim to be perfect, but to reduce our footprint as much as possible while offering an authentic and comfortable experience.
We favour simple, sustainable solutions that are adapted to our environment.
We also encourage the discovery of local heritage, local producers, markets and know-how that make up the richness of Périgord.
Staying at La Cabane du Castanet also means participating in a different way of travelling: more local, more respectful and more connected to the territory.
Renovating with sustainable materials and meaning
To renovate La Cabane du Castanet, we prioritized natural, sustainable, and high-quality materials as much as possible. Linen curtains, a hemp shower curtain, furniture sourced from flea markets or restored – every choice was carefully considered to combine comfort, authenticity, and respect for resources.
We also wanted to showcase local and French craftsmanship by incorporating creations from artisans and objects made in France. This approach allows us to give a second life to many objects while supporting more responsible consumption.
Because for us, ecology is not just about equipment or a label, but is also built in the details of everyday life.
Small, everyday gestures that make a difference
At La Cabane du Castanet, we strive to make eco-friendly choices simple and accessible. You'll find washable sponges and paper towels, bulk bags, jars, and an egg carton available to help you shop without packaging.
We also provide locally sourced soaps and prioritize natural household products such as white vinegar and baking soda. These alternatives help limit the use of chemicals in the environment while contributing to a healthier living space.
The idea is not to impose a way of doing things, but to offer concrete solutions that take care of both the planet and our health, while naturally integrating into the daily life of the guesthouse.