Domaine EcÔtelia is located in the heart of the Bazas' forest in a beautiful green setting.
You will discover a diverse nature around : deciduous forests and pine forests, vineyards, meadows and fields.
An unusual stay in Domaine EcÔtelia is therefore the opportunity to discover this natural diversity, with the Landes de Gascogne's Regional Nature Park, the lakes of La Prade and Hostens, or even along the Ciron. A whole natural space opens its doors to you, whether to relax or to do various activities.
You will enjoy walking while admiring the various landscapes and the local wild fauna, or even ride with your bicycle around the wineries. EcÔtelia is an ecological outdoor hotel and offers glamping and ecological holidays, in perfect harmony with nature, to discover an interesting and natural heritage.
The Landes de Gascogne's Regional Nature Park
The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, close to Domaine EcÔtelia, in the south of Bordeaux, extends over 830 000 acres in the Landes and Gironde departments and includes 51 towns. It is one of the largest parks of Europe and the most forested one.
In fact, pine forests dominate the major part of the open spaces, but we can also find a diverse landscape typical from Gironde and the Landes, as lagoons, rivers, dunes, meadows. True safeguarding area of the natural heritage, the Landes de Gascogne's Regional Nature Park invites you to discover freely preserved natural sites where fauna and flora are pervasive.
Domaine EcÔtelia, close to the Regional Nature Park invites you to an original discovery of our traditional lodgings from all around the world, in the Gironde countryside. Thus, it's the opportunity to enjoy natural spaces of the Park and make your stay a real getawayin the heart of nature. For even more authenticity, we recommend staying in one of our Tree House, true reference to local traditions as for example the Tree House "Palombière" or the Tree Castle.
The house of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park is located in Belin-Beliet in Gironde, 40 kms away from the estate. Pedestrian or bicycle tours are possible inside the Park. You will have the chance to walk along the greeway from Mios to Bazas, accessible from our estate. Various activities allow you to enjoy the natural setting while respecting the biodiversity and the preservation of spaces, which is the Landes de Gascogne's Regional Nature Park's mission.
The Ciron
The Ciron is a river that connects the Landes to the Gironde over 97 kms. It is necessary for the region as it allows both the protection of the biodiversity and the development of various activities. Part of the river, classified as a Natura 2000 zone, is the habitat of animal species such as otters or turtles. The Ciron river invites you to discover the different landscapes through the Landes and the Bazas' plateaux but also along the Sauternes' hillsides.
Pedestrian trails allow you to feel the surrounding nature, such as the Ciron lookout in Bernos-Beaulac. You can also discover our local landscapes by riding on the bicycle paths thanks to the Ciron-Lubbon-Barsac route. The Ciron river is also a river where you can practice water sports. Many activities have developed around the river, such as the canoe, kayak, or even fishing. But the river also represents the cradle of a local treasure : the Sauternes.
In fact, the forest along the river allows the creation of moist conditions over a period of time, enabling the development of noble rot that settles on grapes and creates therefore the specific characteristics of the Sauternes wine. The Ciron river invites you to discover the natural treasures of the region as it flows.
La Prade's lake
Situated 3 kms away from Bazas and 15 minutes away from Domaine EcÔtelia, this natural reserve is a protected ornithological sanctuary that shelters exceptional fauna and flora.
There, a pedestrian marked trail and educational facilities enable the observation and discovery of numerous recorded species. With cameras and binoculars, hikers will discover wonders while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the place.
The prevailing silence will also please the fishing lovers.
Hostens lakes
In Hostens, in Gironde, five lakes are reunited to form the Lakes of Hostens Estate (Domaine Départemental Gerard Lagors).
This one is classified as "Sensitive Natural Space" and "Natura 2000 zone". It shelters therefore many endangered species and offer to its visitors the opportunity to see a preserved natural setting. Around the five lakes, you will find numerous activities.
In fact, the Lamothe lake invites you to swim with its beaches and the nautical activities available. As for the Bousquey lake, it is a safe haven where you will enjoy a walk on an interpretive trail and an equestrian path all around the lake.
The Estate also includes many bicycle paths for all levels. An "accrobranche" park ("Climb in the trees Adventure Park") will please young and old and will give you the chance to admire the Landes de Gascogne's forest.
Domaine EcÔtelia, about 30 minutes away from the Hostens lakes, offers you to discover original sites with exceptional green settings. You will therefore be able to discover the Estate while enjoying a refreshing swim which will please the whole family.
Gât Mort lagoons
Lagoons are one of the typical landscapes of the Landes de Gascogne. They are round water bodies next to forests and are a specific characteristic of the region.
We offer you to discover the lagoons formed from a river crossing the South West region, the Gât-Mort. This natural heritage, in the Landes of Gascogne's Regional Nature Park, is visible next to Louchats and Hostens, in the South Gironde area.
A 3-kilometer-path invites you to discover the flora thanks to vantage points spread all along the walking trail. You can also book a 20- kilometer-guided tour.
Gat-Mort lagoons form a sensitive natural space, true symbol of the Aquitaine's landscape. Moreover, we can observe the changes over the centuries through vast areas of land. In fact, lagoons and lakes feature among the inevitable sceneries of the Southwestern France.
Fauna and flora are very common and important and are often observed. The whole site is a natural space with well-known environmental resources. During your stay in EcÔtelia, visiting the lagoons will be a discovery that will perfectly complement your original and ecological holidays. We invite you to soak up the surrounding nature, our regional treasure, to decompress and therefore leave with wonderful images in mind.
Cazalis Doucs
Doucs, name given to the sand dunes in Gascon, are a special feature of the Landes de Gascogne's natural heritage that we invite you to discover during your glamping stay in South Gironde.
This wild and preserved landscape is due to the territory's evolution over the centuries. Thus, dunes were formed and are now visible in the heart of the Gascogne's nature. When walking through the forest, we can see that doucs offer an exceptional setting. Some dunes are very high and will give you the chance to discover impressing views from their top. It is also the opportunity to meet the local fauna and flora, while spending a peaceful moment in the wilderness.
From Cazalis, you will be able to follow a marked trail that leads through the pine forest to the doucs. You will also have the chance to take full advantage of an observatory to see cranes. For the walking lovers, nature lovers and spectacular landscape lovers, meeting the doucs will be an inevitable moment during your stay in the South West of France.
If you love nature and altitude, we invite you to rent a Tree House in Domaine EcÔtelia. The Tree House "Palombière" in particular offers you an impressive view of the canopy from its perch. You will therefore have the chance to observe the top of the pine trees or even the stars from your perched house.
Enjoy the pedestrian and bicycle paths in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne's natural heritage in order to embrace nature in our exceptional and natural setting.
Fauna and flora
Domaine EcÔtelia is located in Gironde, characterized by an ocean climate and is composed of various natural environments. In fact, sand dunes give way to lakes and forest inland where different plant and animal species develop. Thus, we can observe many natural phenomenons.
In fact, forests represent a particular example of the Gironde's flora. These ones are mainly composed of deciduous trees that develop in the undergrowth, along the streams.
Thus, depending on the moisture content, a noble rot is produced and settles on the grapes which makes the Sauternes wine so special.
Gironde is known for its forest environment. It is ranked second among the french departments for its forested land. During your glamping stay in Domaine EcÔtelia, you will have the chance to discover the famous pine forests of the Landes and Gironde which represent the largest forested area in Europe.
Maritime pines gave the opportunity to control the moisture and also to strenghten the economy by exploiting the forest. The forest environment is still fragile and needs a constant monitoring because of wildfires, storms or even diseases development.
Pines do not represent the whole forest area, we can also find other species such as oak trees, sundews, etc...
Forest also gives way to other kinds of ecosystems formed by different types of landscapes, in particular lagoons or rivers. The Gironde department has many ecological treasures thanks to its forested area and the diversity of the ecosystems.
During your stay in EcÔtelia, you will also have the chance to discover the surrounding fauna. It is the opportunity to observe the cranes.
In fact, the Landes de Gascogne's territory is a natural reserve appreciated by these birds during wintering. From your glamping lodging, you will be able to see, during the migration time, many flights of cranes passing over the Estate.
Different mammal species live in the forests and undergrowth of Gironde. We can see in particular deers, squirrels or even boars.