Sustainable vacations at Gollé Goulu: an eco-responsible escape in the heart of nature

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Publiée le
October 7, 2024

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Sustainable vacations at Gollé Goulu: an eco-responsible escape in the heart of nature

Located in the magnificent Lanaudière region, in the heart of Saint-Côme, Le Gollé Goulu is an ideal destination for those looking to combine relaxation, adventure, contemplation and an environmentally-friendly stay. In this article, we'll explore the many things to do at and near Gollé Goulu, while highlighting the principles of sustainable tourism, a mission Le Gollé Goulu has set itself. Here's a complete guide to responsible vacationing in and around Le Gollé Goulu:

Eco-responsible accommodation for sustainable tourism in Lanaudière
Car-free 4-season outdoor activities
Privileged access for Gollé Goulu guests: a new era for long-distance hiking
Exploration of the Gollé Goulu's nurturing forest
Local gastronomy and products
Paddle the Rivière L'Assomption
Visit the Chute-à-Bull and its cave
Mountain biking and fat biking
Active transportation
Responsible consumption
Education and awareness
In a nutshell...

Eco-responsible lodging for sustainable tourism in Lanaudière

Eco-responsible accommodation for sustainable tourism in Lanaudière
Le Gollé Goulu offers a range of unusual, eco-friendly accommodations, from mini-cabins to large canvas tents, yurts and teepees, as well as rustic campsites for tents and RVs designed to minimize environmental impact. These “ready-to-camp” accommodations and rustic campsites blend in with nature while offering optimal comfort and plenty of privacy!

In order to minimize its impact on the environment, Gollé Goulu has favored recycling and conversion in the construction of its gites (the yurt's Adirondack chairs happen to be made from the slats of an old floor!), handmade (our lovingly hand-sewn curtains!), and most of the furniture in the gites. And most of the furniture in the gites is designed and made by local people), local and ecological (compolettes and solar-powered lighting). We pay particular attention to lighting, which must be kept to a minimum to protect the sky and its stars, and to minimizing noise (listen to your music only in the gites, so as not to disturb other campers). We try to leave as little trace as possible on the land with efficient waste management.

To minimize your impact on the environment, Le Gollé Goulu invites you to recycle, compost, in short, manage your waste well, save water, use reusable containers and items (a water bottle, for example), take nothing from nature or around the sites, and eat local, home-grown produce (during the summer, take advantage of the self-service kiosk at reception or ask to visit Le Goulu's garden). Think of the campers who will come after you!

 

Car-free 4-season outdoor activities

Le Gollé Goulu is the focal point of several trails, including that of the municipality of Saint-Côme and the National Trail. Gollé Goulu's 200-acre site on Rang des Venne is surrounded by forest trails that allow visitors to discover the natural beauty of the region. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a more extreme hike or a multi-day trek across the national trail, there are options for all tastes and abilities. The trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, and are perfect for spotting local wildlife.

By following the marked trails, you can explore the biodiversity of the Gollé Goulu for over 10 kilometers without disturbing the natural habitats. Don't forget to bring binoculars to observe birds and other wildlife. On your way to the national trail, be sure to discover a former mining site for glittering mica stones.

Inspired by the natural surroundings, we've named the trails after local features such as the Rivière l'Assomption, the Pierre Blanches and the majestic maples.

The site lends itself to a multitude of outdoor activities all year round. In summer, visitors can enjoy pond fishing, pick-your-own fruit and vegetables or floating exploration at the Goulu pond. In winter, Gollé Goulu transforms into a winter sports paradise, with cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, skating and even tobogganing, all accessible from your gite. You won't even need your car!

The Lanaudière region also offers many activities close to Gollé Goulu. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at rock climbing or mountain biking on the Philippe-de-Grandpré trails or at the Val Saint-Côme ski resort, while those who prefer more leisurely pursuits can visit the Chute-à-Bull and its cavern, or stroll along the Matawinie national trail. In winter, the Val Saint-Côme ski resort is a must for skiers and snowboarders. Good to know: Val Saint-Côme offers several free climbing trails for an endurance sports experience.

 

Privileged access for Gollé Goulu customers: A new era for long-distance hiking

For several years now, Le Gollé Goulu has offered snowshoers and cross-country skiers privileged access in winter to the national trail (Swaggin and Chute-à-Bull sectors) and the Philippe-de-Grandpré municipal trail. The municipality has developed and maintains a relaxation area in the heart of the Saint-Côme forest, a well-kept secret for outdoor enthusiasts. Located less than 30 minutes by snowshoe from Le Gollé Goulu, La Halte à Gérard promises to be a great place to meet people and enjoy a picnic. Everything has been designed to help you relax around a roaring fire, regularly fanned by passers-by.

Discussions are currently underway with Plein Air Lanaudière and the municipality to extend this access to Gollé Goulu customers during the summer. This ambitious project promises great hiking opportunities across the Matawinie National Trail, including mountain biking on the municipal trail.

We look forward to telling you more about these exciting initiatives, for a complete and rewarding tourism experience!

 

Exploring the Gollé Goulu rainforest

At the heart of Gollé Goulu is the Jardin du Goulu, a veritable food forest brimming with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Visitors can take part in pick-your-own workshops and discover sustainable farming practices. This experience offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and understand the importance of ecological agriculture.

For an even more interactive experience, try pond fishing. This activity brings you closer to nature, while offering campers the chance to cook the produce harvested on site, thanks to the equipment available in all Gollé Goulu ecogîtes. A unique agrotourism advantage for environment lovers. Everything you'll find at our self-service kiosk is lovingly sourced directly from our land. For fans of non-timber forest products, several varieties of edible plants are available at the Goulu garden. Please do not pick anything in the Gollé forest.

 

Local gastronomy and products

Visitors to Le Gollé Goulu can also enjoy local products from Le Jardin du Goulu: goulumiel, preserves and jams, and jellies made from berries grown, picked and cooked on site. They can also buy products from local artisans: Le miel d'Alexis et Propolis, Tante Agastache products. This approach supports the local economy while offering an original and sustainable culinary experience.

 

Paddling on the Rivière L'Assomption

Just a short drive and ten minutes by bike from Le Gollé Goulu, the Rivière L'Assomption offers canoe and kayak excursions. Local company Le Canot Volant offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as guided excursions. Paddling the river is a great way to discover the region while minimizing your environmental impact. Keep an eye out for a few refreshing beaches on your way down and when you arrive at Le Canot Volant!

 

Visit Chute-à-Bull and its cavern

Also a 10-minute bike ride from Le Gollé Goulu, the Chute-à-Bull regional park is another natural gem nearby. With hiking trails, views of an 18-metre waterfall, a canyoning course and wildlife interpretation programs, this park is perfect for a day of exploration. Use the promo codes available for Gollé Goulu customers and benefit from discounts on park access by supporting local conservation initiatives.

Mountain biking and fatbiking

The region's mountain bike trails are accessible in both summer and winter. These activities are not only fun, but also environmentally friendly, as they require no fossil fuels. The Philippe-de-Grandpré mountain bike trails are a 10-minute bike ride from Le Gollé Goulu.

Active transportation

Choose active modes of transportation like walking and cycling for your local trips. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but it also lets you discover places off the beaten track and meet friendly, warm and caring citizens. Don't forget to take public transit with our Bonjour Nature package, or to carpool to the Gollé Goulu.

 

Responsible consumption

Support local businesses by buying artisanal products and locally grown food. Visit the Boutique du Vieux Presbytère at the tourist office to discover handcrafted and local products, or take a tour of the Trécarré microbrewery to sample a craft beer. Savour local Lanaudière products at On s'gâte and find the perfect gift at La Maison du bonheur. When in season, enjoy Gollé Goulu's ecologically grown and environmentally friendly fruits and vegetables.

 

Education and awareness

Le Gollé Goulu organizes occasional workshops and conferences on sustainable practices, such as beekeeping workshops, and every Wednesday afternoon in summer, volunteer activities in the Goulu garden. These events are an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about environmental issues and discover concrete ways to reduce their ecological footprint.

 

In a nutshell...

Le Gollé Goulu is much more than just a vacation destination. It's a place where you can reconnect with nature, discover sustainable practices and enjoy authentic experiences. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, gourmet pleasures or learning, Gollé Goulu and its surroundings offer a multitude of activities for an unforgettable vacation with the utmost respect for the environment. By choosing to visit sites like Gollé Goulu, you're helping to preserve the environment and support local communities, while enjoying unforgettable moments in nature. Have a great vacation!

For more information on sustainable tourism and eco-responsible initiatives, visit Tourisme Durable Québec and Gollé Goulu.

Activities at Gollé Goulu