Nestled in the heart of a preserved forest between Vittel and Contrexéville in France’s Vosges region, Vit Tel Ta Nature offers a unique eco-lodge experience through its collective interest cooperative model. This sustainable retreat features semi-buried, ground-based, and perched cabins integrated seamlessly with an educational farm and pristine woodland.
The park pioneers environmental sustainability through solar power, phyto-purification, and methanization systems, while showcasing local products and permaculture practices. Built using recycled and bio-sourced materials, this participatory project brings together diverse expertise and community involvement to create a harmonious blend of nature and hospitality.
Their story
Vit Tel Ta Nature is built on a community-driven model that fosters collaboration between individuals and organizations passionate about sustainable tourism. Operating as a Collective Interest Cooperative Society (SCIC), it continuously evolves through shared expertise and local engagement. More than just a retreat, it serves as a living example of eco-conscious hospitality, where visitors can actively experience and contribute to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The eco-lodge demonstrates strong environmental consciousness in both construction and operations.
- The cabins are built using recycled and bio-sourced materials from local forests, seamlessly integrating with the natural surroundings.
- The site employs solar panels for power, phyto-purification basins for greywater treatment, and methanization for waste management. Their dry toilet system separates waste efficiently, while permaculture gardens provide sustainable food for guests, animals and insects.
- The cooperative promotes local products and maintains a zero-pesticide policy to protect nearby mineral water sources.
- Through tree planting initiatives and wildlife protection programs, they actively contribute to biodiversity preservation while offsetting their carbon footprint.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The eco-lodge utilizes solar panels for power generation and implements phyto-purification basins alongside methanization systems for processing greywater and dry toilets.
- The facility’s environmental commitment extends to water conservation through specialized 15-liter shower tanks and advanced waste separation systems.
Pioneer in waste management
- Vit Tel Ta Nature implements a comprehensive waste management system to minimize its environmental impact. By prioritizing local products, it reduces transportation waste, while its permaculture garden creates a closed-loop system that nourishes humans, animals, and insects, eliminating food waste. This integrated approach maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes waste generation.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- Their permaculture garden produces fresh vegetables, plants, and flowers in harmony with natural cycles, feeding both guests and animals. They maintain zero-input gardening methods, create their own natural cleaning products, and utilize phyto-purification basins for water treatment. The park sources organic and local products for their restaurant and shop, emphasizing sustainable consumption.
Actively protects nature and community
- The retreat’s commitment to nature extends to supporting local producers, organizing eco-activities, and fostering a deep connection between guests and the surrounding environment through mindful tourism practices.
- They partner with wildlife protection organizations and maintain an educational farm that rescues animals.
Most Popular Activities Near Vit Tel Ta Nature
- Educational farm visits with chickens, goats, pigs, rabbits and donkeys.
- Animal care and feeding workshops daily.
- Hiking on 200km of marked trails accessible from the site.
- Wellness activities including yoga, dance and Ayurvedic massage.
- Escape games in forest and cabin settings.
- Permaculture garden tours and workshops.
- Thermal spa access in nearby Vittel and Contrexéville.
- Wildlife and bird watching in the LPO protected area.
Best Time To Visit Vit Tel Ta Nature
- The best time to visit Vit Tel Ta Nature is from late spring through early fall, between May and September, when the forest setting is most vibrant and accessible. During these months, visitors can fully enjoy the educational farm, outdoor activities, and permaculture garden. The eco-lodge’s cabins are available year-round, but summer offers optimal conditions for exploring the 200 km of hiking trails and participating in outdoor workshops. Winter stays are also possible with heated accommodations, though some outdoor activities may be limited.