Le Club Alpin Français et les Glénans: Nature Conservation in French Mountaineering and Water Sports Associations, 1950–1990

Abstract

Sports associations have a special relationship with natural landscapes. In the second half of the twentieth century, a number of organizations positioned themselves as defenders of the natural environment against the development of tourism and sports leisure facilities. They attempted to tackle the problem of over-equipment of natural areas. This research is based on a study of two outdoor institutions, the Centre Nautique des Glénans (CNG) and the Club Alpin Français (CAF). Despite their different pasts and proposed activities, both have been involved in landscape and environmental protection throughout their history. This can be seen in the way both associations integrate their facilities into the landscape, as well as in the work they do to raise their members’ awareness of environmental preservation as part of their sporting activities.