The story of Domaine de la Trille
Ecotourism, Animal Welfare, and Sustainable Development
Located at the border of Aude and Ariège, the Domaine de la Trille welcomes guests on its farm raising Limousin cattle. Florence and her brother Benoit, now settled for around twenty years in Sainte Foi, work their land by raising a herd of about a hundred animals. Their challenge with the cows is the selection of a hornless breed to avoid accidents between them first, and then with humans.
Their second challenge is finding a balance between sustainable agriculture and organic farming by obtaining the HVE (High Environmental Value) label. To achieve this, they minimize the use of sanitary products, monitor water management, respect wild animals, and ensure animal welfare in their farming. It is by practicing in this manner that they have obtained the HVE level 3 label, which validates these imperatives. They will be delighted to give you a tour of their farm and share their passion with you.
The business is primarily a family affair. Florence and Benoit both have a thirst for nature and perfectionism. Their idea is to offer quality accommodation while respecting the surrounding environment. The estate is part of the Bienvenue à la ferme network and has been awarded the 3 keys label by CléVacances.
Their ecotourism offering is part of a true sustainable development project that they implement at every stage of their operation. Florence and Benoit aim to practice agriculture that respects animals and land. To this end, they use their manure for fertilization and their own hay to feed the animals. As for the waste produced in the trailers and gîtes, composting is recommended in a provided bin. Selective sorting is, of course, in effect for the trash cans.
The farm is on its way to electrical self-sufficiency, with a large portion of the electricity you'll use already being produced on-site by photovoltaic panels.
Additionally, you'll find local products from short supply chains at the farm store, originating from the farm's livestock or neighboring farms, as well as products from the regional NOU brand promoted by the Chamber of Agriculture, and products from the Sud de France brand managed by the Region.
Nature & Heritage
Our accommodation is located in Ariège on the border with Aude, with our lands actually spanning both departments. This ambivalence allows our guests to enjoy the advantages of both sides, one more oriented towards the sea and the other towards the mountains. In Aude, you can visit the city of Carcassonne and the Cathar castles, ending up in Narbonne while stopping at the abbeys of Fontfroide or Lagrasse. Ariège, on the other hand, is renowned for its authentic nature, with skiing or mountain hiking depending on the season, natural sites such as prehistoric caves like Niaux and Mas d'Azil, or the underground Labouiche river. There are opportunities to practice numerous outdoor sports. Calm and serenity are guaranteed. And if you thirst for culture and heritage, you will be delighted by the medieval city of Mirepoix, the numerous Romanesque or fortified churches such as Sainte Foi, Vals, Besset or Manses...
Not to mention the many festivals organized in the department as soon as the good weather arrives: the Swing in Mirepoix, roses and music in Camon, Opera with Castel Artes, lyrical songs in Mirepoix, puppetry with MIMA, Medieval festivals and many more...
The Domaine de la Trille, located in a setting of hills and meadows where Limousin cows graze, embodies the authenticity of its department. Authentic yet comfortable, because on-site at the farm, you'll have the choice between two modern air-conditioned gîtes and four traditional 27m2 trailers with a kitchen, individual bedroom, bathroom with shower and dry toilets, plus two additional child beds in the living room. These unusual dwellings are veritable tiny houses, with traditional decorations that allow you to immerse yourself in nature and recharge. Completely independent from the farm, you'll be the master of your trailer with an arranged outdoor space around it, garden table, lighting, and flower beds. If you'd like a larger environment for dining, come use the summer kitchen with an open room where you can cook as you like and settle comfortably at long tables.