Les Galets, an ecological campsite in Argeles in the Pyrénées Orientales

An Eco-Friendly Campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer

Camping Les Galets in Argelès-sur-Mer has held the Clef Verte (Green Key) label since 2007 – a European certification that rewards our commitment to sustainable environmental practices. This is a major priority for us and plays a role in all our decisions, whether related to our facilities, equipment, or services.

A Green Campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer

With over 1,000 trees spread across 6 hectares, the lush, wooded grounds of Camping Les Galets form a small ecosystem in themselves. Naturally, we stopped using plant protection products (pesticides, Round-up, etc.) long ago, allowing us to benefit from mineral-rich soil full of insects. Located on rich, moist former farmland, we don’t use automatic watering systems, except for flower boxes and newly planted vegetation. Shrubs and trees typically establish roots in the water table within 1–2 years – which lies only about 3 meters deep in our region – helping us reduce water consumption.

New: We’ve created a completely car-free zone, where you can enjoy peace and quiet without the noise of vehicles! We’ve also been awarded the Camping Qualité label.

Energy and Waste Management

Our guests are encouraged to sort their waste. The main sanitary building is equipped with efficient solar panels, which supply over 80% of the hot water! Our water park’s pool is also partially heated using solar energy.

Since 2018, we’ve been actively communicating with our holidaymakers to raise awareness of simple everyday actions that help protect the environment during their stay. All our accommodations (mobile homes, chalets, etc.) and the sanitary facilities are fitted with water-saving equipment: pressure regulators, quick-heating systems, and more. We’ve also replaced high-energy-consuming items (like traditional bulbs and outdoor lights) with efficient, energy-saving alternatives.

We are regularly audited by a company that helps us monitor and reduce our water consumption. We’ve installed submeters that are read regularly to quickly detect any leaks in our network.

The Le Lagon bar-restaurant minimizes the use of disposable plastic products. Metal or paper straws have replaced plastic ones, and eco-cups have taken the place of disposable plastic cups.

Park and Mobile Home Maintenance

Our mobile homes and shared spaces are cleaned exclusively with environmentally friendly (certified) cleaning products. Our cleaning staff is trained in how to use them properly. The packaging is reusable: we buy the products in 30-liter recyclable containers and refill 1-liter spray bottles for daily use. These products are effective, environmentally safe, and protect the health of both guests and staff.

We’ve also invested in electric equipment, which is both more eco-friendly and more pleasant to use. You’ll be able to sleep peacefully even while we’re maintaining the grounds! We’ve added electric golf carts, hedge trimmers, bush cutters, and blowers. This keeps the campsite tidy all season long, without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Bird Protection – A Key Focus at Camping Les Galets

Our campsite is recognized as a bird sanctuary by the LPO (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux) and is home to around 100 birdhouses that are installed and maintained across the site. This “LPO Refuge” label rewards our efforts to welcome and protect birdlife. Every year, the birdhouses are cleaned to prepare for new arrivals the following spring. Since we no longer use pesticides or herbicides, birds benefit from our natural grounds as a rich food source.

Swallows naturally build nests in communal areas: buildings, restrooms, the entertainment area, and the bar. Rather than remove the nests, we protect these spaces by placing wooden panels underneath.

As a result, about ten species of birds live and nest on the campsite: tits, hoopoes, swallows, hawks, blackbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows… Their beautiful songs will make your breakfast and afternoon siesta even more enjoyable.