Fanny, a local child, founded Cevennes Immersion to showcase the Cevennes differently. With a long background in tourism and a genuine passion for her territory, she takes you to meet authentic people: winemakers, producers, artisans, and the discovery of the most remarkable natural sites.
Could you introduce us to Cevennes Immersion and what inspired you to create this activity?
I was born in the Cevennes and I have always had a deep attachment to the territory. My brother took me on trails to discover the Cevennes, and then I wanted to do my first internships in Tourist Offices in Ganges. I oriented my entire university curriculum towards tourism and rural territory development. I have worked in this field for 5 years as a tourism project manager in local authorities. But my deepest dream was to create my own structure and guide people through my story and my passion for these authentic places. I listened to myself and left my job 2 years ago to create « Cevennes Immersion ».
A variety of activities is offered: bus excursions to meet producers and winemakers as well as iconic sites (off the beaten path). Nature walks themed according to the seasons and astronomy evenings aimed at introducing people to astronomy and sky observation. I have been an Astronomy facilitator since 2018.
What is the philosophy or DNA of Cevennes Immersion? What experience do you seek to provide to your participants?
Everything is in the name of Cevennes Immersion, the idea is to create immersive experiences in the Cevennes and in the surrounding territories (notably the Buèges Valley) with a passionate local guide. It was important to me to do immersions in small groups, to take the time and care for the people who want to experience a full day of this experience. The idea is to reconnect with nature and see the importance between nature and the women and men living in this territory.
It is also about making accessible what seems inaccessible through encounters with producers, winemakers, and artisans.
What makes your immersion outings in the nature of Grand Pic Saint-Loup so unique compared to other outdoor activities?
My outings are distinguished by their intimate and immersive dimension. I favor small groups, especially for excursions, to ensure a quality and authentic experience.
Each outing is conceived as a privileged moment: a sunset with an astronomy evening, a meeting with a local producer. It's not a standardized activity but a carefully constructed experience to reveal all the richness of the Cevennes and the Pic Saint Loup territory.
How do you choose the itineraries or locations for your outings, and what types of landscapes do your audiences discover?
I choose my itineraries based on where the producers and winemakers are located for the thematic mini-bus excursions, but also based on the territories I want to showcase, away from the crowds. This creates very different destinations with narratives that adapt to the landscapes: Gorges of the Hérault, Buèges Valley, Mont Aigoual, Cevenol Piedmont. It's fascinating… With a variety of craftsmanship: honey, wine, chestnuts, silk, sweet onions from the Cevennes…
For the astronomy evenings, I choose passes where I know that no light pollution will hinder the beauty of the Milky Way, mainly in the heart of the Cevennes. I also do private evenings, so I bring my equipment and can move to unusual places where the sky is clear, of course.
What are the profiles of people who generally participate in your outings? (families, athletes, nature enthusiasts, etc.)
I have different themes of outings that adapt to everyone. Astronomy evenings are very suitable for children, especially since I have developed games to make these activities interactive and fun.
As for the mini-bus excursions, depending on the themes, they can be adapted for all. The bus is comfortable and air-conditioned, ideal for all seasons!
Having a good knowledge of the territory with a network of stakeholders, I can adapt my outings, whether by bus or on foot, to meet the visitors' expectations.
How do you integrate environmental awareness and respect for natural environments into your outings?
As a former tourism project manager, I have worked with many environmental stakeholders: Grand Site de France Gorges de l'Hérault, Cevennes National Park, Natura 2000. My challenge has always been to find this balance between tourism development and preservation of the territories.
My discourse necessarily includes awareness by mentioning the actions of local authorities, valuing the various protection/preservation zones that we may traverse, and the gestures to adapt (either at nighttime, and yes, there are gestures to adapt! Or regarding our practices in nature).
As a former technician, I regularly strive to train with local stakeholders such as the Cevennes National Park or the Grand Site of France of the Gorges de l'Hérault and to work together.
Can you tell us about a significant experience or memorable encounter during an outing?
During an astronomy evening, several young people came. They told me they had never seen stars or very rarely because they lived in the city with significant light pollution. On the one hand, I was very moved by this admission, and on the other hand, I felt very fortunate to be able to admire the stars and the Milky Way whenever I want, living so close to the Cevennes National Park, which is also an International Dark Sky Reserve!
What is your favorite spot in the territory of Grand Pic Saint-Loup?
I have a special connection to the Buèges Valley. Through my practice of climbing and hiking, I have discovered a preserved nature, a beautiful river that winds between limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. The medieval village remains authentic and preserved at the foot of the Séranne. The Buèges Valley is truly a place of rejuvenation.
What collaborations with other local stakeholders (winegrowers, artisans, service providers, etc.) have you developed in the context of your immersions?
In the context of mini-bus excursions, I have developed partnerships with two winemakers. We explore the northern part of the Grand Pic Saint Loup territory with a variety of landscapes and wines in Terrasses du Larzac. It's a magical discovery where geological explanations, craftsmanship, and varied landscape readings blend, not forgetting the preservation of the environment, which is very present in this area!
I have also been able to develop partnerships to offer astronomy events with accommodation providers and vineyards, allowing for the discovery of the territory in all its forms!
Do you have any new projects in mind, and if so, what are they?
I am in the full phase of launching; I have many development ideas, but I prefer to keep them confidential for the moment, each thing at its time?
