By Benoit
What is Ecoland?
In our article on advice for spending an eco-holiday , we told you about Ecoland, an eco-place offering slow-tourism (note: Slow tourism is the art of taking your time and enjoying your holidays in complete disconnection and authenticity with human and environmental respect) rather original. It is therefore quite natural that this summer, I decided to try the adventure and become a slow-tourist for 2 nights.
Located less than 30 minutes from Cambrai in the small town of Palluel (62), the arrival at the eco-place is with a breathtaking view of the Marais du Grand Clair de Palluel, it is a real corner of nature and tranquility. Swimming is not authorized there, but a whole bank is available so you can relax or picnic there while watching the coots and swans paddling peacefully.
An idyllic setting that surrounds the eco-place from which you can quickly see the main building of Ecoland: The Adobe.
Ecoland Adobe
It is the first "stone" of Ecoland which was laid in 2021 as part of a participatory project. I say stone in quotes, because Adobe is made entirely from a much simpler material: earth. The principle of construction of the adobe is simple, we fill bags that we stack on top of each other to form the building. Then everything is covered with a natural coating.
First super Adobe in France , it is around this point that your stay will revolve. Reception, children's play area, terrace, but also an information point where Thomas BREMBOR, the founder, will be happy to chat with you. It is also here that the restaurant has been set up, which has a terrace on the roof of the building allowing you to taste local products while admiring the sun setting over the marsh. The dream !
Much more than just a campsite
On the internet, we find Ecoland in the middle of campsites, yet beyond a simple nature vacation spot, Ecoland is, in reality, much more than that.
Extending over more than one hectare, Écoland is in fact a veritable window on the world of tomorrow. Obviously equipped with all amenities, it can accommodate all types of holidaymakers ranging from motorhomes to tents and caravans, but also offers you the opportunity to stay in one of these 6 alternative accommodations.
The accommodations of tomorrow
Tiny House, Container, Kerterre, Wigwam Bubble, Tipi or Yurt. These 6 accommodations are all reasons to see your stay in a completely original way. Ecoland also offers you to take a tour and talk about their constructions as part of guided tours. A way to share and discover these construction methods that will make up the world of tomorrow.
A natural moment
In the middle of the camp, you will find a natural vegetable garden, whose vegetables are used for catering, but are also available for sale, a micro farm where the animals roam at will in the middle of the camp.
Always in a spirit of sharing, Ecoland also offers discovery workshops which can complement your stay and which will delight young and old alike.
We can only invite you to discover their site: https://parc-ecoland.fr
The stay
Now that the framework is set, it's time to share my experience with you on one of these ecological accommodations.
The choice of accommodation
Fascinated for several years by this method of construction composed of lime and hemp, I spent countless hours on the internet to discover the many testimonials of those who have chosen a different house.
Very often carried out in self-construction or in a collaborative project, I saw these multiple bubbles appear, fitting perfectly into landscapes that are just as different from each other.
The conquered were full of praise: isolation, integration into the environment, accessible, etc. So when I had to choose, I didn't think about it very long! I opted for the Kerterre .
Discovery
The accommodation may seem small, but the whole concept of Kerterre is to operate "by module", we build a bubble, then another, in short, we make as many rooms as we want! Here, there is therefore only one module with a capacity of two people.
5 m², so it's a bit cramped, especially when you have two little monsters. Fortunately, being on a camping pitch, you can come and set up an extra tent there and as we had chosen 2 nights, we shared it in turn!
But even before setting up our little camp, I had to discover Kerterre for real! Clearly, I am not disappointed and neither are the children. No structure maintains the whole, this natural bubble fits perfectly into its environment and immediately gives off a magical side.
When the door is opened, we finally discover the interior. It has electricity, perfect for our electric cooler, this will allow us to keep water and some food cool during our stay.
At nightfall, the two armchairs will unfold to form your bed, all you have to do is sit in your little cocoon and admire the starry sky through the roof window. Far from the light pollution of big cities, I can tell you that it is a real pleasure to look up to the sky and have fun with the children identifying the constellations.
And you will have the chance, when you wake up, to see the animals from the educational farm wandering around your pitch.
Conclusion
Beyond this discovery, I was able to enjoy my stay by visiting the historic mining center of Lewarde and doing some hiking in the middle of the marshes. In short, I disconnected! Of course, these are also things that I could have done throughout the year. But that, in my opinion, is the whole concept of slow tourism. To be able to disconnect, for a moment, and enjoy doing what the rhythm of life prevents me from doing. Ecoland knew how to bring me a magical moment, for two nights it became my cocoon which allowed me to enjoy a moment in nature.
I can only recommend Ecoland. Whether young or old, the wonder and change of scenery of the accommodation is there. My children can't wait to go back there to spend a night in the Wigwam bubble. And honestly, I, too, already want to go back.
