GO GREEN IN FRANCE.

DESPITE the recession, the ec0-tourism industry in France's LanguedocRoussillon is thriving. The drive to embrace a greener way of life in this picturesque spot of south-eastern France has more to do with preserving the indigenous way of life by restoring buildings and enjoying regional produce, than saving the polar bear.

Food in the Languedoc-Roussillon is a fundamental part of life.

Delicious goats' cheese grilled on crusty bread drizzled with balsamic vinegar can be found everywhere from budget accommodation in restored farm buildings to the finest gastronomy restaurants in cosmopolitan Nimes.

Chestnuts are another delicacy and come in treats from cake to liqueur - the latter, mixed with white wine as an aperitif, comes highly recommended.

Roger Peylic, high up in the Gard mountainside, is working hard to preserve the traditional method of farming chestnuts. While modern industry has overtaken the production levels of traditional producers like Roger, he has opened up some of the farm buildings as self-catered gte accommodation for walkers (www.cheminschataigne.com).

Supporting small, local businesses is central to the ethos of sustainable travel, and with so many fantastic family-run guest houses to choose from, going green does not mean forgoing luxury.

Mas Nouveau (www.masnouveau.com; double room incl breakfast from EUR60), 90 minutes from Nime, is simply a delight. The lovingly restored 12th and 15th century buildings are beautifully and come complete with spa facilities and a hill-top Jacuzzi. It caters for honeymooners and ramblers alike, with fabulous food and a warm welcome awaiting guests.

The nearby Mas du Coupetadou (www.coupetadou.fr; double room incl. breakfast from EUR45) provides a similarly bijous experience. Romantic interiors, roaring fires and some of the best cooking in France can be found at this retreat. And with chickens roaming and fresh greens from the garden, a stay won't prick your eco-conscience.

To work off the pounds, the Languedoc-Roussillon has something for all the family. The Mas de la Barque centre in Lozere is open year-round, offering activities with a low environmental impact - from guided walks and mountain biking in the summer to Nordic skiing and husky rides in the winter (www.lemasdelabarque.com).

Being dragged along across the snow by a troupe of huskies is a definite thrill. With prices for a family of four starting from just EUR17, it's perfect for a credit crunch getaway.

Nordic skiing, available November-March, could be the perfect way of entertaining those not drawn to steep Alpine slopes and pricey lift passes.

Comfortable and affordable gte accommodation is available on-site (double bedroom for three nights from EUR89), but there is little chance of off-piste action here for partygoers and no Michelin stars are awarded here for the basic canteen meals.

As small guest houses and producers work hard to protect the Cevennes national park, no visit would be complete without a walk in the woods. Its hillsides, kept free of intensive farming and protected from over-development, have become a refuge for wildlife like otters, owls and woodpeckers.

Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson enjoyed a two-week ramble here, alone but for his donkey, Modestine. Make sure you stop off, like Stevenson himself, in the rustic village of Pont-de-Montverfor a coffee, or tie in your visit with the annual arts festival from July 11 to 13.

However, the LangugedocRoussillon isn't all sleepy villages and isolated farms. If you are keen for a bit of culture, Ales is a thriving town undergoing a green revolution. Its tourism office was the third building in Europe to have power from its solar panels connected to the national grid and the town's roundabouts and verges are adorned with beautiful floral displays.

Nimes is the gateway to the region, but with its Roman aqueduct, amphitheatre and temple as well as designer boutiques and superb food market, it is worthy of a visit in its own right.

With four flights a week from Liverpool to Nimes, getting there is easier than ever. But for a truly ecofriendly trip, let the train take the strain. Visit www.sunfrance.com for more information.

TRAVEL INFORMATION seven . Liverpool-Nime flights from pounds 60 return, including tax (www.ryanair.com).

Or check www.eurostar.com for rail travel from London to Paris or Lille.

For local trains to Nimes or Genolhac, go to www.raileurope.co.uk. Prices vary. Drive with P& O Ferries Dover-Calais (www. poferries.com)

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Pondu Gard leads from Nimes to the mountains, where you can enjoy husky rides at The Mas de la Barque centre in Lozere