At Château du Gué aux Biches, we have been dedicated for many years to nature, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
This work was recognised in September 2023, when we – as one of five selected partners – were certified by Bagnoles de l’Orne as part of the destination’s Green Profile initiative.
We are proud to announce that we have achieved **Engagement Level 3 out of 3**, the highest possible level.
This certificate is an official recognition of our efforts to promote environmentally responsible tourism and is valid for a period of three years.
One of our most important sustainability initiatives is our heating system. Today, the château is heated with wood chips from Normandy, produced through the management of the living hedges that characterize the landscape. These hedges play a crucial role in the area’s biodiversity, as they provide habitats for both animals and insects.
When the hedges are trimmed for preservation, the wood is converted into chips, which are then used in our renewable heating system. In this way, our heating is not only CO₂-saving, but also an active contribution to preserving the richness of nature.
As a signatory of the joint agreement on sustainable tourism, we actively contribute to a responsible, social, and environmental approach to tourism.
The agreement is built on six key areas of action that help us integrate sustainability into everything we do:
For us, sustainability is much more than certificates and systems – it is a matter of the heart. We feel a deep responsibility to protect the nature and cultural heritage that surround us: the quiet forests, the pure waters, the proud Norman gastronomy, the elegant Belle Époque architecture, and the gentle landscapes that have shaped generations.
“When guests visit Château du Gué aux Biches, we want them not only to see nature – but to feel it. To hear the birdsong in the hedgerows, to smell the forest floor after the rain, to taste the region’s produce, and to sense the echoes of history in every corner of the château. We believe that no one can do everything – but that everyone can do something when it comes to creating our shared, greener future.”
– Søren Rasmusen & Klaus Batin
Our promise is simple: to preserve and share all of this – with respect for the past, care in the present, and hope for the future.
At Château du Gué aux Biches, responsibility, integrity and respect form the foundation of our operations.
We conduct our business in accordance with a clear ethical framework, where compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is a given. Our relationships with guests, partners, suppliers and industry peers are built on trust, transparency and accountability.
We value diversity and actively promote equal opportunities for all. We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. Fair working conditions, safety, well-being and environmental responsibility are integral to our daily practice.
We strive to be an attentive and engaged establishment, where open dialogue with guests, partners and the local community supports our continued development.
We expect our partners to share these principles and uphold the same high standards of compliance, respect and responsible employment practices.
– a global organisation that supports sustainable destinations, local businesses, and their communities. The organisation works to promote responsible tourism and development, where the environment, culture, and local communities go hand in hand.
Environmental responsibility has been an integral part of the renovation of Château du Gué aux Biches. In every decision, we have prioritised the preservation of original features, energy-efficient solutions and reuse of materials wherever possible.
All toilets, showers and taps are water-saving in order to minimise consumption. All electrical equipment and appliances are high energy-rated, and all lighting is LED. The property has been insulated to the extent possible while respecting the architectural and historical integrity of the château.
With the installation of our new heating system, oil has been replaced with locally sourced wood chips from surrounding hedgerows. This supports local value creation and contributes to biodiversity preservation. Heating is now CO₂-neutral.
In daily operations, we actively work to reduce food waste. Breakfast is portion-served, and we do not use plastic bottles or single-use packaging. All bed linen is washed in-house to minimise transport and ensure the use of environmentally responsible products.
We encourage our guests to contribute by turning off lights when leaving their rooms and regulating heating rather than opening windows. Small actions make a meaningful difference.
All waste is carefully sorted to maximise recycling.
We actively promote biodiversity within the estate’s parkland. Local beehives provide honey for breakfast, and only a limited area of grass is cut; the remaining meadow is harvested by a local farmer for hay used in regional dairy production. The park has been opened with walking paths, allowing guests to explore nature and experience the rich wildlife surrounding the château.
We continuously set new goals and pursue further improvements.
We are exploring the installation of solar panels designed to respect the architectural values of the château.
We plan to further enhance insulation by preserving the original window frames while upgrading to modern, energy-efficient glazing.
Our hot water systems already operate on low-carbon electricity, and we are working towards transitioning to thermodynamic hot water tanks that can reduce electricity consumption by up to 75% compared to conventional systems.
We also invite the local community and our guests to contribute ideas that can bring us even closer to achieving fully CO₂-neutral operations.
We record our electricity, water and heating consumption on a monthly basis. Data is analysed in relation to occupancy rates and degree days to ensure an accurate assessment of performance and the impact of our initiatives.
We conduct ongoing optimisation trials to further reduce consumption while maintaining the highest level of guest comfort.
We are progressing towards the implementation of more standardised measurement models and digital monitoring systems. In collaboration with Green Destinations, we follow developments related to the Good Travel Seal requirements and will adopt relevant tools as they become available.
In addition, an annual summary of our electricity, water and heating consumption is published on our website to ensure transparency and accountability.
Château du Gué aux Biches is a listed heritage property where historic architecture and authenticity have been carefully preserved. This unique character naturally entails certain limitations in terms of modern accessibility adaptations.
There are five steps at the main entrance to the château, and all rooms and suites are located on the first floor. Unfortunately, there is no elevator.
We are committed to offering all our guests the finest possible experience and remain at your disposal to discuss any individual requirements. If you have reduced mobility or use a wheelchair, we warmly invite you to contact us prior to your stay.
We will gladly explore the possibilities and do our utmost to accommodate your needs within the architectural framework of the property.
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