September 1, 2017
Designed by the Euro Disney S.C.A. and Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Groups and based on the quest for harmony between Man and Nature, Villages Nature, located near Disneyland Paris, is Europe’s leading ecotourism destination.
It integrates the application of the most advanced sustainable development standards into its concept and its operation, primarily due to the use of a local source of renewable energy: the deep geothermal energy of the Dogger aquifer of the Ile-de-France region, which will meet 100% of the site’s heating requirements.
This innovative holiday destination is in fact ushering in a new generation of tourism and land use planning projects, combining transport accessibility, proximity to cities and local energy.
This approach is the result of a Sustainable Action Plan drawn up with the Biorégional association in application of the objectives of “One Planet Living”:
- Zero carbon
- Zero waste
- Sustainable transport
- Local and sustainable materials
- Local and sustainable food
- Sustainable water
- Natural habitats
- Culture and community
- Equity and economic development
- Quality of life and well-being
The artistic direction of all the components of Villages Nature® Paris was overseen by Joe Rohde (Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering) and Thierry Huau (landscape architect and urban planner). The three architects Jacques Ferrier, Jean de Gastines and Lionel de Segonzac, together with landscape architect Thierry Huau, have come up with an original vegetal city.
The Aqualagon is one of the largest covered aquatic spaces in Europe. Designed by Jacques Ferrier, its origami structure is embellished with glass. The interior space opens onto a lagoon. The Aqualagon won the A+ popular choice award for best architectural project in its category in the 2017 Architizer international architecture competition. Its use of geothermal energy, with water at 30°C, means that the Aqualagon and the outside lagoon can be used for bathing throughout the year.
Jacques Ferrier, architect of the Aqualagon, explains that water is at the basis of the architectural design of the building: “Water is everywhere and in all its forms at Villages Nature® Paris. The Aqualagon is the destination’s emblem, celebrating it both inside and out. Water is at the heart of the architectural project. This new landscape is created by mists, water vapours and aquatic plants.”
With cows, goats, ponies and other farmyard animals, the BelleVie Farm provides full immersion in the world of the farm. Its architecture, designed by Lionel de Segonzac, is typical of the farms of the Brie region. Surrounded by high walls and a moat, its huge porch opens onto a courtyard, the ideal place to find out all about farm activities.
“It’s a unique place to work” says Clara, manager of the BelleVie grocer’s shop at the heart of the farm. For Nature animator Christophe, the interactive workshops, such as beekeeping, cooking or handicrafts, and work on the farm allow people to refocus on the essential. For example, visitors learn to make their own bread that they can then enjoy in their comfortable, well-equipped accommodation. Nearby, the Les Délices de la Ferme restaurant and tea room, made of precious natural materials, decorated in soothing colours and offering tempting local products, is a sheer delight.
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