France Ecovillage Tour
12 DAYS | Max group size: 14
Discover sustainable communities in France's charming countryside.
Join us for a unique journey through the scenic Occitanie region to discover some of France's most inspiring intentional communities. This English-language tour is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable living, whether you’re dreaming of joining an ecovillage in France or simply exploring eco-friendly lifestyles.
You’ll learn how these communities implement regenerative systems while enjoying the cultural richness and charm of rural France. Engage in meaningful conversations with community members over local cuisine and participate in interactive sessions to deepen your learning. Take a sustainable vacation while taking the next steps on your community journey.
France Ecovillage Tour
Next tour dates:
May 25 - June 5, 2025
Early-bird sale now through March 16, 2025. Click “book now” to see pricing.
Tour Highlights
What you can expect to experience during your time in France.
Visit 6+ inspiring ecovillages: France is home to hundreds of amazing intentional communities. We’ve chosen some of the best for you to experience, showcasing a wide spectrum of community living models… perhaps there is one you may even decide to join!
Experience sustainable living in action: From unschooling to permaculture, cooperative ownership to group decision-making, this trip will help you learn through interactive workshops and quality time with residents.
Taste France’s cultural and culinary delights: No trip to France would be complete without time spent enjoying the pleasures of it’s food, wine, nature scapes, and historical landmarks. Bon appétit!
Itinerary
Get a taste for what awaits you on the tour. Itinerary subject to updates.
May 25 - June 5, 2025
Day 1 | Orientation near Toulouse-Blagnac
(plan arrival before 2pm local time)Day 2 | Visit Ecolieu Argoumbat
Day 3 | Ownership Workshop at Argoumbat
Day 4 | Visit Oasis de Poul'Art
Day 5 | Visit Ecovillage de Pourgues
Day 6 | Workshop on Democratic Education at Pourgues
Day 7 | Vist Sainte-Camelle Ecovillage, tour Montségur castle
Day 8 | Workshop: An ecosystem to embody our ideal of life
Day 9 | Visit Verfeil Eco-hamlet
Day 10 | Trip to Cordes-sur-Ciel for a hot-air balloon ride (optional at additional cost), wine tasting at Domaine de Revel
Day 11 | Visit AutonoVie and permaculture workshop
Day 12 | Wrap up near Toulouse-Blagnac airport (tour of Toulouse city center if time allows)
Featured Communities
Explore the communities we’ll visit on the trip. Subject to change.
Ecolieu Argoumbat
Location: Beaumont-de-Lomagne
Land: 50 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: argoumbat.org
Argoumbat is an ecovillage nestled in the picturesque countryside of Occitanie, France, dedicated to sustainable living and fostering a strong sense of community. Combining principles of permaculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly architecture, it serves as a model for harmonious coexistence with nature. The village hosts workshops, retreats, and educational programs, inviting visitors to learn about regenerative practices and intentional living. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling meadows, Argoumbat offers a tranquil environment where residents and guests alike can connect with the land and participate in collective efforts to build a resilient, eco-conscious future.
Oasis de Poul'Art
Location: Rieumes
Land: 20 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: oasisdepoulart.org
Poul'Art is an ecovillage located in Rieumes, in the Haute-Garonne department in the Occitanie region of southern France. The site is home to an organic farm, a campground, and various eco-friendly accommodations, such as yurts and mobile homes. It offers a range of services including a yoga room, outdoor spaces, a reading café, and workshops, all set within a natural environment. Poul'Art follows ecological and community-driven principles, aiming to create a sustainable lifestyle that aligns with agro-ecology, eco-construction, and collective governance.
Ecovillage de Pourgues
Location: Le Fossat
Land: 50 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: ecovillagedepourgues.coop
Ecovillage de Pourgues is a vibrant intentional community nestled in the rolling countryside of southern France. Framed by the majestic Pyrenees, this serene haven blends natural beauty with a way of life rooted in harmony with the land. Established in 2017, the community thrives on principles of freedom, equality, and connection, embracing permaculture, ecological living, and shared governance. Life at Pourgues is shaped by collaboration and respect for both people and the environment. The community opens its doors through regular visits, inviting guests to explore its unique way of living, learn about sustainable practices, and immerse themselves in its ethos of collective care and creativity.
Sainte-Camelle Ecovillage
Location: Saint-Victor-Rouzaud
Land: 18 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: ecovillagestecamelle.fr
The Sainte-Camelle Ecovillage is a warm and welcoming community nestled in the tranquil countryside of Saint-Victor-Rouzaud in southern France. Surrounded by a mix of open land and lush forest, it offers a peaceful retreat just a short distance from the town of Pamiers. This intentional community is a place for connection and growth, where up to 20 residents of all ages come together to share life, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships.
Sainte-Camelle is deeply rooted in values of mutual care, sustainability, and personal freedom. It integrates permaculture and ecological practices with a focus on mindfulness, solidarity, and creating a life that nurtures both the individual and the collective. Through shared activities and a commitment to collaborative living, the community strives to inspire a way of life that fosters freedom, respect, and connection to nature and each other.
Écohameau de Verfeil
Location: Verfeil-sur-Seye
Land: 14 hectares
Accepting new members: No
Website: verfeil-eco.over-blog.org
Nestled in the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne region of southern France, Écohameau de Verfeil is a vibrant and welcoming intentional community committed to sustainable living and ecological harmony. This inspiring village blends modern ecological practices with traditional values, showcasing innovative green building techniques, permaculture farming, and renewable energy systems. The community thrives on collective governance, where decisions are made collaboratively and in the best interest of all. Visitors are invited to explore a working example of sustainable, cooperative living, gaining insight into practical solutions for creating a more harmonious and resilient future. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions, Écohameau de Verfeil offers a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable lifestyles while connecting with nature and like-minded individuals.
AutonoVie
Location: Saint-Marcel-en-Marcilla
Land: 4 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: autonovie.fr
AutonoVie is an eco-community located in the Creuse department of France, near Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat. It serves as both a residential eco-living space and a permaculture micro-farm. This project emphasizes resilience, minimalism, altruism, and self-confidence through hands-on learning and community living. Certified as a training center, AutonoVie offers workshops and seminars in a natural setting, providing opportunities to learn about permaculture, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. The community also hosts WWOOFers who assist with various agricultural and ecological tasks.
Trip Details
Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.
Included
All ground transportation from tour start and end point
All lodging in shared rooms (Private surcharge for single room upgrade)
All meals, except when you choose to eat separately or purchase extra drinks
All entrance and tour fees
Not Included
Transportation to/from country
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages (except during wine tours)
Optional gratuities to guides
Laundry fees and items of a personal nature
Travel Planning
Flights
We recommend booking a flight that arrives at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The better deals are often found in advance so we encourage you to book as soon as possible.
Start
Our tour will begin at 2pm local time on the start date at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. Please plan to arrive by 2pm or earlier that day, in order to be picked up at the airport along with the rest of the group.
We will spend the first night of the tour at hotel Domaine de Peyrolade about a 30 minutes drive from the airport, so you are welcome to meet us at the hotel if you are arriving early in France. Hotel website: https://64d007e568937.site123.me/
End
Our tour will will end back at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport where the journey began. We will arrive in the morning on the last day of the tour, so participants can book a flight out anytime that day after noon local time or we can drop you off at a nearby location.
Lodging
Lodging varies from shared dorm-style rooms to simple private rooms, depending on availability. Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. We will separate male and female rooms, while couples and families are placed in private rooms whenever possible.
You can upgrade to a private room when booking (select the $800 single room supplement). Upgrades to private rooms are not always guaranteed due to the nature of some locations.
Whenever possible we arrange for overnight accommodations at the ecovillages and communities we visit. This allows for a more immersive experience of what it’s like to live in a community. When the community doesn't have enough accommodation space or a scheduling conflict, then we stay at nearby lodging. We strive to stay at accommodations that are values aligned, such as small family businesses or eco-lodges. Accommodations are often rustic, emphasizing sustainability over luxury. Some may include composting toilets, limited Wi-Fi, limited air conditioning, and communal facilities.
Meals
As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.
Weather
Late May to early June is a delightful time to visit France, as spring transitions into summer, offering pleasant weather for our ecovillage tour. We will travel in the Occitanie region of France, situated in the southern part of the country, which is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical towns, and a blend of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences in its culture and climate. Expect daytime highs ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with cooler evenings, dipping to around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This season brings lush greenery, blooming flowers, and vibrant countryside landscapes—an ideal backdrop for our journey through France’s inspiring ecovillages.
Packing
A full packing list will be provided after booking the tour. Laundry service will be available at some of our locations. We ask that you only bring a day pack and one carry-on sized luggage due to limited space in our vehicle.
While generally sunny, occasional light rain showers are possible, so it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella. Comfortable layers will be essential for adjusting to varying temperatures, particularly in the evenings.
Physical Requirements
This trip will include walks up hills and on uneven terrain. We may visit waterfalls and rivers with slippery footing. Some of our accommodations have narrow stairs and no elevators. You will be responsible to carry your luggage to and from your rooms, which will not always be paved surfaces.
Unfortunately, due the nature of the tour we cannot accommodate anyone with mobility requirements. Please consider your physical fitness before registering for the tour. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Traveling with Children
It is possible to bring children on this tour, however not all children and families may be suited to this adventure. For children 15 and under, please contact us to discuss suitability on your specific tour. We will supply you with a discount code to use to receive child discounts:
Ages 3 and under: Free
Ages 4-7: 50% off
Ages 8-15: 20% off
Families with children should note that tours generally include long periods of sitting for presentations, strenuous walking, uneven terrain, some long car rides, and moving among multiple locations for sleeping. Laundry services are limited.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
A refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 60 days before the departure date.
At the time of booking you can choose to make your payment in full, just pay the deposit, or pay the deposit and make your remaining payments in three auto-payment installments.
Cancellation and Refunds
Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received unless noted otherwise. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become non-refundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days. A credit towards a future tour is possible in the event of a medical or family emergency. Please read our Tour Conditions for more information.
Reviews
Read authentic reviews to make informed decisions about your journey.
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.
— Adam Bates
Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.
—Megan Zimmerman
It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.
— Edward Bryce
Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.
— Nathan Oxenfeld
Meet Your Guide
Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guide.
William Wadoux
William is the author of a comprehensive book on ecovillages and intentional communities, “La voie des écovillages” - The Path to Ecovillages (Regrettably, available only in French).
He has visited many countries and communities, and works on environmental and social issues as a consultant after having founded an NGO. He is French by birth but is living in Ecuador for almost 20 years. His passion for sharing and traveling led him to found his own agency for travels in consciousness, with which Ecovillage Tours is a partner.
William is an adventurer at heart. His curiosity has led him to take an interest in fields as varied as geobiology, permaculture, Amazonian spirituality, degrowth solutions and prospective. Although he has worked in a variety of sectors, but William always has a view towards transforming himself and those around him.
Is this tour right for me?
On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.
Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.
Still unsure?
Explore if this tour is right for you…
This tour ideal for those who want to:
Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.
Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.
Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.
Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.
Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.
Why choose this tour?
Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities.
Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.
All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.
Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.
Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.
What’s the alternative?
You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…
Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.
Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around the country is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.
Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.
It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!
Still have questions?
We are happy to help! Sign up below to book a discovery call with one of our team members.
Ready to go?
The communities are excited to welcome you. Let your adventure begin.