France village self catering accommodation
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
As we live in a "Natura 2000" area (the Natura 2000 network is a set of natural European land and sea areas, identified for the rarity or fragility of wildlife, animal or plant, and their habitats. Natura 2000 combines nature conservation and socio-economic concerns. In France, the Natura 2000 network includes 1753 sites), we respect and uphold their mission. For all visitors, we provide information about the local fauna and flora. Just a short walk around the village provides an opportunity to observe harriers and sea eagles and discover a wealth of different varieties of wild orchids. Further exploration will wet any nature lover's appetite from the crayfish and Fario trout in our river to the smell of wild thyme and almond laden trees.
We happily facilitate day trips with our local experts in ornithology, organic farming and 'what grows around us plant and herb uses'.
We renovated the gite with eco-friendly building materials guaranteeing efficient insulation of the gite in order to minimize the use of gas.
We were careful to plant greenery and flowers which are drought resistant thus not requiring more water than the rain we have (mainly in autumn and spring) to prosper.
We are strict and careful on recycling and all information on the what to, the where and the why is available in our welcome book as well as displayed on our bins.
Community
We belong to several local associations and charities and are keen to participate in the development and well-being of our village and its surroundings.
Locally, you will find an association organising activities throughout the year in order to create a sense of community as well as some support and friendship. In the summer, we organise 3 big "soirees dansantes" with aperitif, main meal and drinks as well as music and dancing until the wee hours. This is what we call "convivialite" in French. The object of this is to ensure that people have a good time and to facilitate community interaction.
Twice a year, the village convenes for the river "Sou" clean-up operation. Volunteers and friends come together with tools and equipment to clear the waterways as well as pick up the occasional rubbish followed by the traditional drink and/or meal together.
In the gite, we offer on arrival a welcome basket which contains local pate, goat's cheese, honey and wine. All come from local producers who visitors can meet and visit during their stay. A trip to the organic goat farm has been, we have been told, one of the highlights of visitors' stay in Laroque de Fa.
A fishmonger, a butcher, a fruit & veg producer,a cheesemonger and 3 bakers trade at the "Place de la Mairie" throughout the week. Our local grocery store in the village, open 6 days a week, provides local delights as well as the basics.
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