Coucoo Grands Cépages is an idyllic eco-domain of floating and stilted cabins set on the tranquil Lac de la Lionne, amid Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s famed vineyards in Vaucluse. It offers 20 ingeniously designed wooden cabanes that seem to drift in the reeds or perch over the water’s edge, each providing a private slice of nature and complete escape from modern bustle. These cabins are built with sustainability at their core: they feature Mediterranean-inspired designs that blend into the landscape, and are constructed with untreated timber and natural insulation for minimal environmental impact. Many are 100% off-grid and autonomous – meaning they use solar panels for basic electricity, have dry composting toilets, and use filtered lake or rain water for sinks and showers. (One special cabin, aptly named Utopie, has no spa or grid connection at all – a pure immersion in eco-responsible living.) By day, large windows and skylights flood the cabins with natural light, reducing the need for electrical lighting. By night, solar lanterns cast a gentle glow. There is deliberately no Wi-Fi and essentially no cell signal – a conscious choice to encourage guests to unplug and sync with nature. Every cabin boasts a panoramic terrace – some with their own Nordic bath or heated plunge tub – perfect for sipping local organic wine as swans glide by. Sustainability and comfort go hand in hand here: cabins are outfitted with breathable eco-textiles, pellet stoves for warmth in cooler months, and evaporative air coolers in summer (no energy-guzzling AC needed thanks to clever design and the lake’s microclimate). The domain holds the European Ecolabel for its rigorous environmental standards across all five Coucoo sites. Waking up at Grands Cépages, expect a breakfast basket delivered to your dock by an electric boat – inside you’ll find fresh croissants, juice, and local jams, all in glass jars or kraft paper (zero plastic). Days are blissfully simple: paddle a canoe or rowboat provided with your cabin to explore lily pads and hidden coves, fish from your deck (it’s a catch-and-release preserve), or venture on a nature walk around the lake’s perimeter to spot birds. The estate works closely with local conservationists to maintain the lake’s delicate ecosystem; for instance, motorboats are prohibited and quiet hours are observed to keep wildlife undisturbed. There’s also a partnership with a nearby organic winery, so guests can arrange tastings or have a bottle delivered as a picnic. In the evening, the lack of light pollution means incredible starry skies reflected on the lake’s surface – truly magical. Coucoo Grands Cépages epitomizes “tourisme durable” (sustainable tourism) in a fun, innovative way. As one of France’s most extraordinary glamping destinations, it shows that living gently with nature can be an extraordinary adventure – with the rustic romance of sleeping in a floating tiny house, lulled by frogs and crickets, far from concrete and crowds. Whether for a romantic retreat or a family adventure (yes, some cabins are family-sized and kids adore the novelty), guests leave with memories of a profound connection to water, sky, and earth – and perhaps a newfound commitment to simple, sustainable living.