Some ecologically friendly things about le Moulin du Chemin

Moulin guests are able to enjoy the delightful countryside, to visit the local places of historical, cultural and natural interest and to indulge in an abundance of wholesome local food and wine in a convivial atmosphere, with minimum adverse affect to the environment.

Carbon Holiday The carbon footprint of city dwellers could well be greater at home than when away on holiday at le Moulin. This is because le Moulin is a rural idyll that has no need for a significant carbon emitting infrastructure. The premise obviously depends on what kind of city-life is under consideration, and where. However, bearing in mind that on holiday individuals are pottering about on foot, on a bike or just pottering about, it’s difficult to see why the premise should not be true.

It is also significant to note that the CO2 emitted in France (in 2006) was 6.2 tonnes per person, whereas in USA the figure was 19.0, in Germany 9.7 and UK 9.4 tonnes per person (source: CDIAC July 2009).

Food Miles We pay attention to the provenance of the food we provide for ourselves and our guests, with reference to quality, including production methods, and food miles.  As far as possible ingredients are local. Non-local produce comes from other parts of France and unavoidably imported food is generally from not too distant Spain and Morocco.

Wine Miles The copious quantities of wines served at le Moulin (and included in the price) are local, from Loire Valley, Anjou, Fiefs Vendéen and other wine producing areas within France. Thus the wine-miles may also be considered to be quite favourable.

Portable Water Small bottles of mineral water are provided for guest's convenience, to carry on walks and cycle rides, although we don't entirely condone drinking water in plastic bottles, for reasons of pollution and excessive use of energy. As a compromise, we propose guests should refill the bottles with our very drinkable piped water supplied from the barrage at Mervent. This water has been recycled by Nature, not by Lyonnais des Eaux (if you didn't already know, it Lyonnais des Eaux is a French multi-national water treatment and distribution company). Refilling the bottles saves energy and pollution in plastic manufacture, disposal and transportation. 

Sustainability The maximum number of Moulin guests is limited to ten and few other tourists make use of the hundreds of miles of delightful paths, tracks and country lanes in the region. The impact of Moulin guests on the countryside is therefore negligible and consequently, natural habitats are not under pressure from tourism. The balance of good soil fertility, plenty of sunshine and enough rainfall ensures that any minor upsets to local nature are rapidly reconciled.

Other Little Things Little green things will make a difference if enough people make an effort. Here are some more small environmentally friendly things at le Moulin.

-  Food waste arising from the holiday operation is fed to the free range chickens on site, or if they won’t eat it, it is composted or recycled in conformity with the stringent requirements of the French Authorities.

-  Winter heating is mainly by logs (ie renewable energy) cut from woods on the site, thereby eliminating the environmental impact of transporting the energy source.

-  The post-lady collects as well as delivers mail, thus eliminating the need for numerous individual journeys to the village post office.

-  Packed lunches are provided in bio-degradable bags.

-  The pool is heated - when heating is necessary - to 29°C, by an energy efficient heat pump.

ancient sweetchestnut tree

humming-bird hawk-moth photo Maxwell Roche

flowers of the quince fruit

hedgerow berries

we hope that you will choose an environmentally friendly holiday at le Moulin du Chemin