Pyrenees mountains luxury hotel, France
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
For Basecamp, responsible tourism is a question of global empathy. Therefore, at Can Rigall Pyrenees we decided to protect the local cultural heritage while embracing hybrid eco technology.
Looking to the future, the estate sources 70% of its energy from renewable sources, combining solar panels, biodeisel and a wind mill. Can Rigall has the largest privately owned solar park in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Looking to the history, we restored stone by stone a 300 year old mountain farmstead. It was painstaking manual labor--each and every stone used in rebuilding Can Rigall is original and was hand-picked from the Can Rigall site. This place would be returned to its former glory, but with an added touch of modern design. Today, we can enjoy the soul and positive energy surrounding this old heritage.
We built a natural swimming pool carved from the existing rock. A reforestation plan involving the planting of indigenous trees, plants and flowers is in the process of being developed. A variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits are grown on-site and combined with locally sourced organic food and wine to create the delicious meals on offer. We make our own all-natural cleaning supplies and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals property-wide.
Community
Though we rely heavily on our organic kitchen garden and fruit orchards we don't produce all that our chef requires. For all other ingredients we've created a network of local organic suppliers insuring nothing on our table has traveled very far. We're in the process of telling each supplier's individual story on our blog and website. From olive oil and winemakers to almond and citrus growers, we find every way possible to support local livelihoods and organic ethics.
We've outfitted the estate with the same individualized attention, commissioning local artists to create hand forged iron fixtures, artwork for our rooms, furniture pieces, trail markers, kitchen dishes...its easy to stumble on locally made artistic additions around every corner at Can Rigall. Employing local artists and artisans is top priority at Can Rigall, providing work as well as a public showcase.
Though the local population benefits from a Western economy, our particular department suffers from the the highest rate of unemployment in France. We take pride in creating well-paid jobs in a team environment where employees are proud of the work they do.
We're taking these efforts a step further and aiming to be the leader in sustainable tourism, an under developed economy in a region rich with natural and cultural history. We're working closely with our local municipality to help pave the way for many more quality jobs.
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