1. Rural tourism in Midi-Pyrénées

2. Thanks to its varied landscapes, preserved nature and heritage, the Midi Pyrénées region attracts many tourists choosing different types of accomodation. tourisme-en-regions.fr https://twitter.com/Rando_MidiPy http://www.kamaxx.com tripadvisor.fr http://devterritoire.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/ vignes-madiran-gers-image keldelice.com

3. ACCOMMODATION Different types :  Camping  Hotels  Bed and breakfast  Cottages  Holiday villages

4. Bed & breakfast  Equiped room accommodation with a local family to welcome tourists for one night or more, with usually breakfast provided and possibly « table d’hôte » (common meal for all the guests) http://www.les-chambres-d-hotes.com charme-traditions.com http://www.midipy.visite.org/files/Phototheque/GF/HEBERGEMENT/C hambre-d-hotes

5. Cottages  Independent rented house (studio, apartment or house), most of the time listed according to a prefectoral decree. gites-nature.com gites-de-france.com

6. Tree huts cabanes-de-france.com les-cabanes-dans-les-arbres.com

7. Horse-drawn caravan http://www.france-voyage.com/chambres-hotes/chambre-roulotte- cuzac-51293.htm gites.monescapade.fr

8. UNUSUAL LODGINGS http://www.insolithome.com/fiche_1.asp?ID=1217-65 http://www.pour-les-vacances.com/site-11016/ Tepees Yurt Bubble travelandchic.com

9. Referencing  National labels officially recognized by the ministry of tourism : Accueil paysan, Bienvenue à la ferme, Clévacances and Gîtes de France  Or classification set up by the prefectures  Or no classification, only advertisement on the Internet

10. Midi Pyrénées and sustainable tourism  Commitment in favour of the Environment and the protection of natural resources. European Ecolabel, Earthcheck, La Clef Verte, Tourisme & Handicap … over 15 initiatives in Midi-pyrénées internationally recognized.  Specially in regional natural parks which have developped several types of accommodation in perfect harmony with nature : Panda cottages, Hôtels au Naturel, cottages and B&B Terre et Nature, Accueil Parc. http://www.tourisme-midi-pyrenees.com/accueil/dormir-et- sejourner/hebergements/les-hebergements-tourisme-durable

11. CHARTER FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM  In harmony with its natural environment and use of healthy materials.  Giving priority to local crops and the integration of landscape.  Highlighting the diversity of the local flora and the use of local produces.  Banning the use of weedkiller and pesticide in favour of natural techniques.

12. ACTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM  Better waste management, setting up of selective sorting and awareness for holiday makers.  Use of biodegradable or recyclable cleaning products – European Ecolabel.  Energy savings and use of renewable energy (solar, wood, wind and water…)  Reducing water consumption, best management of water resources.

13. Panda cottages  Being located in a quality natural environment  Including an observation equipment about nature and specific information documents in order to discover the wealth of the natural and cultural heritage of the territory  Being managed by owners concerned with the protection and the promotion of the natural environment and species. http://www.gites-panda.fr/

14. Hotels « au naturel »  Located near a regional nature reserve, surrounded by nature or in a village with easy access to nature.  Building well integrated in its environment and representative of local architecture.  Respect for the environment http://www.hotels-au-naturel.com/