10 green, eco-friendly destinations in France
France’s eco-friendly destinations will take you on a journey through picturesque villages, photogenic canals and dramatic national parks
Are you looking for an eco-friendly holiday to France this year? Good news! Sustainable tourism is on the rise and environmentally-friendly destinations coupled with escape, relaxation and conservation of cultural and natural resources offer a more guilt-free type of holiday. Why not choose one of our getaways promoting green, sustainable tourism in France? They offer something for lovers of unspoilt areas and open spaces along with an abundance of biodiversity and activities in tune with nature. Our list of destinations will also satisfy those looking for towns committed to recycling, eco-friendly transport and providing green spaces.
01
Les Rousses - the first ski resort in France to be given the “Flocon Vert”
This resort, located in the Jura, is focused on green tourism and has been awarded the “Flocon Vert” (Green Snowflake) label for its commitment to the environment. The resort is famed for its development of green modes of transport and local energy sources, recycling and anti-waste campaigns, and even solar-operated composting toilets.
This beautiful destination is popular both in winter for skiing and in summer for the many other activities available, such as hiking, cycling, mountain biking trails and water sports. Choose your hotel in Les Rousses from our wide range of accommodation.
02
Angers - the greenest city in France
Enjoy a getaway in Angers, a city where nature takes pride of place. The city of Angers is known as the greenest city in France. Whether you’re on foot, cycling, running or even enjoying a picnic in one of the many lovely parks and gardens, you can delight in the beautiful flowers, landscaped scenery and the conservation of the area’s biodiversity.
We should give a special mention to the Jardin Biologique (organic garden), overflowing with different varieties of plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Here, you can discover more about eco-friendly cultivation through guided tours and hands-on workshops.
03
WWOOF - farms promoting sustainable tourism in the Cevennes region
Does WWOOF mean anything to you? This term refers to a trend in sustainable tourism that involves living on a farm to learn more about organic lifestyle and helping farmers in exchange for food and board. (WWOOF = World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.)
Visit the stunning Cevennes National Park where you’ll find a number of farms willing to provide a guaranteed eco-friendly change of scenery. For the less adventurous, this beautiful region also offers more conventional accommodation. To find what Cevennes hotel is right for you, take a look at our offers.
04
Canal du Midi – a green and gorgeous cycle route
En route to Sete or Port-la-Nouvelle? Covering 155 miles (250 km) from Toulouse to the Mediterranean, via Carcassonne, the Green Cycle Route along the Canal du Midi offers travellers in search of green tourism a cycle route allowing them to cycle safely whilst admiring plane trees, barges and picturesque villages.
For scenic stopovers in this UNESCO world heritage site, you can find great accommodation, restaurants and shops offering regional products alongside the canal.
05
Strasbourg - France’s leading cycling city
Another beautiful city promoting sustainable tourism and favouring green modes of transport is Strasbourg. The city and its suburbs boasts nearly 372 miles (600 km) of cycle routes, making it France’s leading cycling city.
From your Strasbourg hotel, complete with your “Velhop”—the name given to the city’s 6,000 shared bicycles—you can meander through the streets and visit the must-see attractions of the Alsatian capital such as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg or “La Petite France”, a picturesque district of old Strasbourg with photogenic half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
06
La Reserve de Biosphere de Fontainebleau-Gatinais
For those keen on climbing, hiking, cycling or horse riding, it is impossible not to be seduced by the richness of the fauna and flora of the Fontainebleau forest, an exceptional setting mindful of conservation. France’s 10th largest biosphere reserve is a popular destination for nature tourism and leisure activities in the Ile-de-France.
Why not stay in a hotel in Seine-et-Marne in one of the characterful villages frequented by artists since the middle of the 19th century, and enjoy the charm of cobbled streets, historic architecture, museums, art galleries and shops.
07
Vannes - the best air quality in France
Vannes, the capital of Morbihan, is also a marina and a medieval city of art and history. It also boasts another major asset for aficionados of green tourism: clean air. According to the ATMO index measuring air quality in major cities, Vannes has the best air quality in France. Take a deep breath and discover this lovely city in Brittany, with its half-timbered houses that are the pride of its inhabitants, as well as 13th-century ramparts, the port district and the Promenade de la Rabine.
Don’t forget to try the local cuisine in one of the city’s many restaurants. Crepes, fresh fish and the famous ”kouign-amann” pastries will delight those with both a savoury and sweet tooth. Take advantage of your trip to Vannes and plan a family excursion in the Gulf of Morbihan.
08
Brittany - the “green” region
Won over by Vannes? Then continue with your green tourism through the rest of Brittany: a region of eco-friendly destinations “par excellence”! It is the only region in France where its eco-tourism is recognised by the Green Destinations standard.
It owes this recognition to the substantial development of green trails and cycle paths, as well as to its protected coastline and numerous energy-saving and recycling initiatives. It is hard to choose between rural Brittany, the coast, its islands or its cities, so perhaps plan a trip that covers them all.
09
Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park
Here, original and varied nature-related activities will pique your curiosity: eco-museums, canoe or kayak trips on the river, lagoons to explore, bird sanctuaries and even a forest of contemporary art.
Located in an exceptionally beautiful oceanfront setting, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park is committed to an ambitious sustainable development approach, combining the preservation of its ecosystem with tourism.
10
In the heart of the traditions of Camargue
An essential aspect of green tourism is a deep understanding of regional traditions and customs. In the Camargue, you’ll find ”manades” (traditional family-run ranches) and will likely witness their herds of bulls or horses being driven in the open air by herdsmen on horseback.
Discover horse and bull rearing, expansive estates and herdsmen through a variety of activities on offer in the region, such as ”manade” tours, traditional Camargue evenings, tasting of local specialities or hayride trips. Are you ready for this experience?
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