There are places that seem designed to make us slow down, to remind us of the beauty of nature. The Domaine Le Vaxergues, in Saint-Affrique, in the south of France, is one of them. Nestled among the hills of the Aveyron and protected by the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this estate of over three centuries found new life in 2021: a family project combining tradition, nature, and sustainability.
Walking through its tree-filled gardens, you can feel a special harmony: that between the charm of a significant past and a modern rebirth, fully oriented toward ecotourism. The old buildings have been restored with respect, using natural and local materials; the roofs host solar panels that provide energy to the gîtes; rainwater is reused to irrigate the organic vegetable garden and the gardens; and mobility is gentle, with electric bikes ready to take guests along the French countryside paths.
But the heart of the Domaine is not only in its architecture or eco-friendly solutions. It is in its three-hectare park, a refuge for biodiversity, certified in organic farming and recognized as an “LPO refuge.” Here, century-old trees coexist with new orchards, organic vegetables are grown, and small natural guests animate the days: great tits taking shelter in the nest boxes, bees and butterflies in the insect hotels, bats at dusk, rabbits and squirrels crossing the meadows without fear.
The result is a place that not only welcomes visitors but also invites them to experience nature in a different way: authentic, respectful, and deeply rejuvenating.
Whether enjoying a swim in the eco-pool, a relaxing moment in the sauna, or a walk among century-old trees, every detail seems to remind us that the greatest luxury is often simplicity.
A three-century story: Lise’s account
It was in this context that we met Lise, who, together with her family, runs the Domaine Le Vaxergues project. With her, we traced the history of the place and discovered the philosophy driving this new sustainable hospitality adventure: sustainable hospitality.
Lise, can you tell us the story of Domaine Le Vaxergues?
“Domaine Le Vaxergues has over 300 years of history. It was once owned by Mazars de Mazarin, a textile entrepreneur, and then passed to General de Castelnau. During the war, the castle was occupied by the Germans and liberated by the maquis without resistance.
In the 1950s, the Vaxergues became a girls’ school run by nuns, then a rural studies center, and later an equestrian training center.
In 2021, our family acquired the property and started a complete renovation. We wanted to preserve its historical identity while giving it a new soul linked to ecotourism and sustainability. It was a true family adventure, father and daughters together, each contributing their vision and efforts.”
What sustainable practices have you implemented?
“Sustainability is at the heart of our project. We chose natural and local materials for the renovation.
The 3-hectare park is organic certified, LPO refuge, and Clé Verte 2025. We cultivate an organic vegetable garden and a “food forest” with over 40 varieties of fruit trees. We installed bird nests, insect hotels, and bat shelters, supporting biodiversity.
All the energy for our gîtes comes from solar panels. We provide electric bikes, a vehicle charging station, and promote gentle, responsible mobility.”
What kinds of experiences do you offer to your guests?
“At the Domaine, people come to truly disconnect: saltwater eco-pool, sauna, private spas… but also walks in the park and the vegetable garden.
We always suggest activities in contact with nature: trekking, cycling, via ferrata, caving, canoeing, yoga in unusual places. For local discoveries, we recommend visiting farms and agricultural estates, such as a beautiful nearby beekeeping farm.
Guests also greatly enjoy the surrounding villages, full of history, and of course our rich gastronomic tradition: we are in the heart of a “bons vivants” region!”
What does being part of Ecobnb mean to you?
“For us, Ecobnb represents a network of professionals and conscious travelers who share the same values of ecotourism and respect for nature. Being part of this community allows us to exchange good practices, promote a different kind of tourism, and contribute, each in our own way, to the protection of our planet.”
Between nature, history, and local flavors
Domaine Le Vaxergues is also the perfect starting point to explore a rich territory full of history, nature, and authentic flavors. Within a 15 km radius, there are many small treasures to enjoy with all the senses.
In Saint-Affrique, a peaceful town of 8,000 inhabitants, visitors can enjoy unique experiences: visit the l’Arc-en-Miel honey factory, taste craft beers at the Astrolabe Brewery, or meet local producers at Del Païs, Les Producteurs de Saveurs, and L’Effet des Mains shops. Don’t miss the traditional Saturday morning market, and in summer, the Thursday local producers’ market, where every corner tells the authenticity of the region.
For lovers of regional flavors, visiting the Roquefort caves is an unforgettable experience: discover the secrets of aging the famous cheese and taste the varieties on site. For panoramic walks, try the Échelles trail in Roquefort, with breathtaking views over the village and the surrounding region, or explore the geological cirque of Tournemire, perfect for a nature walk.
Between history and architecture, it is worth visiting the medieval village of Saint-Jean d’Alcas and the Château de Montaigut, near Camarès, offering a unique panorama of the Rougier de Camarès, a geological site with stunning ochre-colored earth.
For botany enthusiasts, the Hippolyte Costes area in Saint Paul des Fonts is a little paradise: wildflowers and protected orchids showcase nature’s delicate beauty.
Whether strolling through ancient villages, tasting local products, or enjoying unique panoramic views, the surroundings of Domaine Le Vaxergues offer authentic and surprising experiences. Between wellness, nature, and history, this Aveyron estate confirms itself as the new promise of green tourism in Occitania.
