Sustainability & Environmental Consulting
Bio Regional
Full Credential Description
Les Villages Nature® Paris faced the challenge of creating a sustainable holiday resort that harmonizes human activity with nature. The project, initiated by Gérard Brémond of Group Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs in collaboration with EuroDisney, aimed to transform a low-biodiversity, intensively-farmed site into a thriving ecosystem. The resort's development was guided by the One Planet Living framework, which emphasizes sustainability across various dimensions.
To address these niche issues, a tailored solution was implemented that included the establishment of a major geothermal system, the largest of its kind in Europe, to meet the entire site's heating and hot water demands. This innovative approach not only supports the resort's zero carbon ambitions but also ensures that facilities like the Aqualagon maintain a comfortable water temperature year-round. The project also focused on biodiversity, resulting in the identification of 23 new protected species by 2017, showcasing the successful integration of wildlife conservation into the resort's design.
The quantifiable results of this initiative are significant. Les Villages Nature Paris is projected to attract approximately 900,000 visitors annually, changing perceptions of sustainable tourism on a large scale. The resort has been recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme as a leading example of sustainable tourism, highlighting its impact beyond just the immediate guest experience. This project not only serves as a model for future developments but also aims to inspire a broader audience about the possibilities of sustainable living and tourism.