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Blue and green pearl beetle on the pool deck The awakening of life: the magic of spring in Aveyron With the arrival of spring, the Lot Valley gently awakens under the rays of a milder sun. Hedges bud, meadows are adorned with wildflowers, and a familiar buzz reappears: that of bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Here, nature never truly sleeps, but in spring, it speaks again. Our eco-lodge, nestled in the heart of this unspoiled landscape, is a privileged witness to this seasonal renewal. Every year, we joyfully welcome this return to life, in harmony with the natural rhythms of the valley. Pollinating insects, discreet but essential allies Did you know that more than 80% of flowering plants depend on insects to reproduce? Wild bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and even beetles adorned in a thousand colors (a veritable fashion show): these unseen actors ensure pollination, thus guaranteeing plant diversity and the production of fruits, seeds, and food for the entire life chain. In the Lot Valley, their presence is a source of wealth. But it is also fragile. The gradual disappearance of their habitats, the use of pesticides, and climate change are endangering this balance. For those over 20, remember car trips and your dad complaining about the windshield being covered in crushed insects. Today, this is no longer visible, and it's not the fault of your father who took too many vacations! It's the use of various plant protection products (insecticides, pesticides, fungicides) and the disappearance of the hedged fields and varied landscapes of yesteryear. An eco-lodge committed to local biodiversity At our lodge, every action is designed to respect living things: Zero pesticides: the areas around the lodge are managed without chemicals. Honey-producing flowers: we sow and preserve plants that favor pollinators, such as lavender, phacelia, and clover. No insect hotels here; the garden is integrated into the wild areas and shelters biodiversity. Responsible mowing: some areas remain natural meadows to allow insects to live in peace. We believe that by creating a direct connection with nature, even within tourist accommodation, we can inspire our visitors and contribute to the preservation of our environment. Observe, learn, marvel We invite our guests to take the time to observe. In spring, the spectacle is everywhere: a solitary bee nesting in a tree trunk, a butterfly fluttering above the flowers, a bird singing at dawn. The hornet is impressive but certainly not malicious. We'll try to show it the emergency exit if it gets lost in our home. Responsible tourism, for tomorrow Staying in an eco-lodge means choosing a responsible form of tourism. It means accepting to slow down, opening your eyes, sharing a space with living things, and participating in its preservation. Here, the beauty of the place isn't limited to the view or the comfort: it also lies in the ethics that support it. By staying with us in spring, you become, for the duration of your stay, the discreet guardians of a precious ecosystem. Pink, purple, yellow, and green pearl beetle 🌼 Come experience spring differently: close to nature, in the heart of biodiversity.

Tympan de l'abbatiale de Conques avec illumination et mapping A village steeped in history: Located in the picturesque valleys of the Aveyron, Conques is a true treasure of French heritage. Ranked among the “most beautiful villages in France”, this medieval village owes its fame to its religious and cultural past. A key stop on the road to Santiago de Compostela since the Middle Ages, Conques attracts pilgrims captivated by the richness of its architecture and the timeless atmosphere that reigns there. Its history is closely linked to the Abbey of Sainte-Foy, built in the 11th century and a masterpiece of Romanesque art, where the relics of Sainte Foy, a 4th century Christian martyr, rest. Remarkable architecture: The village of Conques is an open-air museum. Its cobbled streets meander between half-timbered houses and ochre-coloured stone facades, witnesses to a rich medieval past. The heart of the village, the Abbey of Sainte-Foy impresses with its sculpted tympanum depicting the Last Judgement, a work of remarkable finesse that attracts art and history lovers. Inside, the contemporary stained glass windows by Pierre Soulages provide a unique light and reveal a harmonious dialogue between the past and the modern. An exceptional natural landscape: Beyond its built heritage, Conques is striking for its preserved natural setting. Located on the banks of the Dourdou, almost at the mouth of the Lot, this village blends perfectly into a green setting of forests, hills and rivers. Nature lovers will appreciate the numerous hiking trails that allow you to explore the surroundings, in particular the GR65, which connects pilgrims to other stages of the Way of St. James. The wild beauty of the landscapes gives Conques a peaceful and restful atmosphere that invites reflection. A lively and welcoming village, 5 minutes from the accommodation: Despite its historic character, Conques is a very lively village. Its small craft shops, designer workshops and local markets reflect the dynamism and authenticity of the region. Gastronomy also has an important place: visitors can taste Aveyron specialties such as Aligot, Fouace or Roquefort. Whether you are passionate about history, a nature lover or simply curious, Conques promises an unforgettable experience where the Aveyron art of living mixes with cultural richness.

Lalalandes Aveyron: Review of our First Season in the Heart of Aveyron, near Conques and the Lot Valley The first season of Lalalandes, our wooden cottage located in Grand Vabre is coming to an end. This year marked the beginning of an adventure that combines passion, comfort, and an exceptional natural setting in Aveyron. Built by my own hands, this cottage was designed as a place to recharge your batteries and enjoy the calm and beauty of the surroundings. A cottage with swimming pool, jacuzzi, and soon a sauna Designed to offer a relaxing and comfortable stay, Lalalandes is equipped with everything you need for a complete relaxation experience. The swimming pool is perfect for cooling off under the Aveyron sun, while the jacuzzi offers an ideal space to relax at the end of the day. We are also working on adding a sauna, to further enrich the wellness experience of our future visitors during the cold season. The combination of the sauna and the swimming pool allows a beneficial practice of alternating between hot and cold. Switching from the hot sauna to the cool water of the swimming pool stimulates blood circulation, improves tissue oxygenation, and helps eliminate toxins. This thermal contrast is ideal for relaxing muscles, releasing tension, and promoting general well-being. Whether you are looking to relax after a day of sightseeing in the Lot Valley, to revitalize your body thanks to the benefits of heat and cold, or simply to enjoy a well-deserved moment of rest, Lalalandes welcomes you with all the comfort necessary for a restorative stay. Located near the must-see sites of Aveyron, such as the medieval village of Conques, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", and the magnificent landscapes of the Lot Valley, our cottage is an ideal base for exploring the region. Hiking, cultural visits, and gastronomic discoveries are on the agenda, all a few kilometers from Lalalandes. A first season rich in exchanges and beautiful encounters This inaugural season was an opportunity to welcome visitors from all walks of life, attracted by nature, heritage, and the charm of Aveyron. Seeing families and friends enjoying this space, sharing moments around the pool or relaxing in the jacuzzi, was a great satisfaction for me. Their feedback and opinions encourage me to continue to develop Lalalandes and make it an essential place to stay in northern Aveyron A big thank you to our first visitors, and welcome to those who wish to discover Aveyron Thank you to all our first visitors for their trust and encouragement. Your opinions and feedback are invaluable in helping us improve and promote Lalalandes. If you dream of a vacation in a cottage surrounded by nature, with all the comforts to relax, come and discover Lalalandes, our wooden eco-cottage in Grand Vabre. Take advantage of the proximity of Conques and the Lot Valley to explore the magnificent landscapes and exceptional heritage of Aveyron. The Lalalandes adventure is only just beginning, and I look forward to continuing to share this unique place with you for the seasons to come!

I regularly watch tutorial videos to understand certain construction principles, the why and how. I didn't find anything very exciting about the tubes and company so I told myself that it was exactly like building a smaller house. With zero plumbing and less electricity that said. Burning the exterior cladding appeals to me for several reasons, the first is the treatment of the wood. It is with a blowtorch, therefore propane gas, but a single gas bottle allows you to burn a very large quantity of wood and therefore avoids buying petrochemical products or products that have to be reapplied every year or two. The longevity of burnt wood is very important, the fungi pass their way when they come across a layer of carbon, their food being lignin. There is no case even the Norwegian cathedral that still stands between carbonization and resin. Why the Sauna? The sauna is part of anti-fragility. I wanted to build a sauna because I like it. But I also like it when after the sauna it's a cold shower. I feel alive, awake, lucid, in shape! It's also playing with your limits, knowing how to feel your body, being attentive to the signs, it's taking the time to listen to yourself, taking the time for yourself (something I do too little). So I built it next to the pool to be able to fully enjoy the outdoors even in the middle of winter. Make a fire in the stove as a nice little routine then in rainy weather melt in the enveloping warmth of the heat radiation and the vaporization of eucalyptus essential oils added to the water. WHAT A JOY! I built it first for myself but also for my friends, my family and my seasonal tenants if they want to discover or rediscover this pleasure for a moment. Pierre - Lalalandes Aveyron

This house is the second house I built from scratch.    I was a flight attendant for 10 years at Air France and I slowly changed my mind. I wanted to work with my hands and my head in building a life more in line with my values. We moved to Aveyron in the Lot valley in 2014 as a family and since then we have felt at home here, far from everything but close to the real thing. A friend trained me and informed me everything about my first house. So I learned my lessons like a good padawan and decided to roll the dice again on a new, bigger project. I am selling the first one to buy new land. The bank does not follow me on a small loan because I quote: "you are a handyman! " Either, I would really do my second like a grown-up on my own!!!! Here we are after two years of intense work! The house was completed in February 2024. Rented about 40 times and the comments in the guest book cheer me up as soon as I open it. I have a lot of gratitude for my family and friends who helped me on this mammoth project.  Great Love!