For you

Les Chevaliers de l’Astrée

Chevalier de l’Astrée Charter

Receive · Protect · Pass on

Preamble

You are about to receive a rather unusual gift.

It is neither a simple object nor a title deed. It is a connection—symbolic, yet real in the commitment it represents—with a piece of nature that others have chosen to preserve, tend with respect and pass on.

By becoming a Chevalier, Dame Chevalier or member of Les Chevaliers de l’Astrée, you join a community that believes in one simple idea: we care for what will outlive us.

1. The symbolic connection

Article 1 — What you receive

One or more plot references, located within one or more estates—including Les Eaux de Velours, Les Mille Légendes or Les Terres d’Aragon—may be symbolically associated with your name or that of the person receiving the gift.

Each reference is a symbolic, community and commemorative marker: a way of saying “this one matters to me” among all the others, without changing its nature or ownership.

Article 2 — What we ask of you

• Receive this gift with an awareness of what it represents, rather than as a simple object.
• Protect, in your own way, the spirit that gives it life by respecting the places and the people who care for them.
• In turn, if you wish, pass on an idea, a gesture or an act of care for the living world.

What is entrusted to you is more than what was purchased. Above all, what we share is an act of care.

Article 3 — What this is not

In particular, plot references do not constitute:

• a title deed or real property right;
• a sale, rental, lease, concession or right of use;
• any right over the land, plantings, harvests or resources;
• an exclusive, permanent or irrevocable right of access to the estates.

The title of Chevalier or Dame Chevalier is purely honorary. It is neither a title of nobility nor an official distinction: it is a way of naming a commitment.

2. Discovering the estates

The estates of Les Chevaliers de l’Astrée are living, fragile and evolving places. Discovering them is based on trust, respect for nature and consideration for others.

Article 4 — Scope of the Charter and ownership of the estates

This Charter applies to all estates presented or supported by the Association. Acceptance is required to access restricted information concerning the precise location of plots and, where applicable, access arrangements or codes.

The estates remain private property. Their access conditions are jointly defined by the owner and the association under an availability agreement. They also remain subject to the laws applicable in the country where the estate is located.

Article 5 — Visiting conditions

When access is shown as open in the Chevalier’s personal space, visits may take place without an appointment, from sunrise to sunset. A location, map, QR code or access code does not constitute permanent permission to enter.

The association or owner may restrict, postpone, suspend or temporarily prohibit access, particularly in the event of:

• severe weather or natural hazards;
• work or agricultural operations;
• danger to people, animals or crops;
• ecological, health or safety requirements;
• or any other legitimate reason.

Any temporary instruction communicated in the personal space or displayed on site must be followed.

Article 6 — Access on foot only

The estates may be explored on foot only. Visitors may not enter with any motorised or non-motorised vehicle, including a car, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter or similar device.

A request for adapted access may be considered in advance. Written permission may be granted by the owner or the association when the site and safety conditions allow, although adapted access cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance and emergency operations also remain authorised.

Article 7 — Companions, minors and animals

A Chevalier may be accompanied by family members or friends. They must be made aware of this Charter and ensure that it is followed. Each companion remains personally responsible for their own actions.

Minors remain under the supervision of the accompanying adult.

Dogs are allowed when kept on a lead and under their handler’s constant supervision. Their access may be temporarily prohibited to protect wildlife, crops, animals on the estate or visitor safety.

Article 8 — Respect for the estates

Every visitor undertakes to respect the wildlife, plants, soil, crops, equipment and tranquillity of the estates.

Unless an activity is expressly organised or authorised by the Association, it is prohibited to:

• pick, harvest, remove, uproot or move any natural element;
• feed, chase or disturb animals;
• cross a fence or enter an area marked as prohibited;
• light a fire, smoke in an at-risk area or use any device liable to cause a fire;
• leave any waste behind;
• plant, alter or install anything;
• damage crops, trees, paths or equipment.

Every visitor must take their waste away and leave the estate as they found it.

Article 9 — Caution, insurance and liability

The estates are natural spaces without permanent supervision. They may contain uneven ground, plants, branches, animals, insects, tools, structures, wetlands or other hazards inherent to their nature.

Every visitor must:

• assess their abilities before visiting;
• wear suitable clothing and footwear;
• remain on authorised paths where indicated;
• refrain from visiting when conditions appear dangerous;
• follow all communicated safety instructions.

Every member must hold suitable personal liability insurance and remains responsible for damage caused through their fault, carelessness or failure to comply with this Charter.

These provisions are neither intended nor effective to exclude any liability imposed by law on the Association or the owners.

Article 10 — Confidentiality of locations and access

Precise plot coordinates, access routes, padlock codes and information about sensitive areas are reserved for authorised members.

They must not be:

• shared with unauthorised persons;
• published on the Internet or social media;
• made identifiable through geotagged photographs;
• reproduced in a directory, public map or online service.

At Les Eaux de Velours, the gate must be closed and the padlock properly secured after every visit. The code may be changed at any time. Only the code shown in the Chevalier’s personal space is valid.

Article 11 — Incidents and dangerous situations

Any incident, damage, deterioration or hazard observed must be reported promptly to the non-profit organisation using the contact details provided in the Chevalier’s personal space.

In an emergency, the visitor must contact the appropriate emergency services directly, including 112.

Article 12 — Organised activities

Meetings, planting, picking, harvesting or other activities organised by the non-profit organisation may be subject to specific instructions. These instructions supplement this Charter and take precedence for the activity concerned when they are more restrictive.

No individual planting, picking or harvesting is permitted outside an expressly organised or authorised activity.

Article 13 — Failure to comply with the Charter

If this Charter is not followed, the non-profit organisation may suspend the member’s access to the estates, locations, codes and restricted spaces.

In an emergency or where there is a risk to people, property or the estates, this suspension may be immediate and precautionary. Any final sanction or exclusion is imposed in accordance with the Articles of Association and Internal Rules, after the member has been informed and given an opportunity to submit their observations.

Article 14 — Recording and renewal of acceptance

Acceptance is recorded together with:

• the member’s identity and the relevant membership;
• the date of acceptance;
• the version of the Charter accepted;
• the technical information strictly necessary to retain evidence.

This data is processed in accordance with the non-profit organisation’s privacy policy. Acceptance may be requested again if the Charter is materially amended.

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