10 Green, Eco-Friendly Destinations in France

“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 are bang on trend. Why not choose one of our getaways promoting green, sustainable tourism in France? They offer something both for lovers of unspoilt areas and open spaces with an abundance of biodiversity or sports activities in tune with nature, as well as for those looking for towns committed to recycling, eco-friendly transport and providing green spaces.

### 1- Les Rousses, the first ski resort in France to be given the “Flocon Vert”.

Lac des Rousses – Photo credit: Alexey M. under CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

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, thanks to the development of green modes of transport and local energy sources, recycling and anti-waste campaigns, and even solar-operated composting toilets. This destination is popular both in winter for skiing and in summer for its many other activities, such as hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails and water sports.

Choose your hotel in Les Rousses from our wide range of accommodation.

### 2- En route to Angers, the greenest city in France

Enjoy a getaway in Angers, a city where nature takes pride of place. The city of Angers is the greenest city in France. Whether you’re on foot, cycling, running or even enjoying a picnic in one of the many 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 organic garden, overflowing with different varieties of plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs. You can also find out more through guided tours and hands-on workshops.

### 3- WWOOFing: a farm promoting sustainable tourism in thenCévennes region

Does WWOOFing mean anything to you? This termnrefers to a trend in sustainable tourism that involves living on a farm tonlearn more about organic lifestyle and helping farmers in exchange for foodnand board. Visit the Cévennes Natural Park where there are a number of farmsnwilling to provide a guaranteed eco-friendly change of scenery! For the lessnadventurous, the region also offers less unusual accommodation! To find thisnthen take a look at our offers to find the Cévennesnhotel that best suits you.

_WWOOF = WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms_

### 4- Green Cycle Route along the Canal du Midi

En route to Sète ornPort-la-Nouvelle? Covering 250 km from Toulouse to thenMediterranean, via Carcassonne, the Green Cycle Route along the Canal dunMidi offers travellers in search of green tourism a cycle routenallowing them to cycle safely whilst admiring plane trees, barges andnpicturesque villages. For your stopovers in this UNESCO world heritage site,nyou can find accommodation,nrestaurants and shops offering regional products alongside the Canal.

### 5- Strasbourg, France’s leading cycling city

Another city promoting sustainable tourism andnfavouring green modes of transport is Strasbourg. It has nearly 600nkilometres of cycle routes, making it France’s leading cycling city. Fromnyour Strasbourgnhotel complete with your “Vélhop” – the name given to the city’sn6,000 shared bicycles – you can meander through the streets and visit ornrevisit the must-see attractions of the Alsatian capital such as Notre-DamenCathedral or “La Petite France”, a picturesque district of oldnStrasbourg with its half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17thncenturies.

### 6- La Réserve de Biosphère denFontainebleau et du Gâtinais

For those keen on climbing, hiking, cycling or horsenriding, it is impossible not to be seduced by the richness of the fauna andnflora of the Fontainebleau forest, an exceptional setting mindful of itsnconservation. France’s 10th largest biosphere reserve is a popularndestination for nature tourism and leisure activities in the Île-de-France. Whynnot stay in a hotelnin Seine-et-Marne in one of the “characterful villages”nfrequented by artists since the middle of the 19th century and enjoy the charmnof cobbled streets, museums, art galleries and shops.

### 7- Vannes, the best air quality in France

Vannes, the capital of Morbihan, a marina, a medieval citynand a city of art and history, has another major asset for aficionados of greenntourism: clean air. According to the ATMO index measuring air quality in majorncities, Vannes has the best air quality in France. Take a deep breath andndiscover this city in Brittany, with its half-timbered houses that are thenpride of its inhabitants, as well as 13th-century ramparts, the port districtnand the Promenade de la Rabine. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine in one ofnthe city’s many restaurants. Crepes, fresh fish and the famousn”kouign-amann” cake will delight those with both a savoury and sweetntooth.

Take advantage of your tripnto Vannes and plan a family excursion in the Gulf of Morbihan.

### 8- Brittany, the “green” region

Won over by Vannes? Let’s continue with our green tourismnthrough the rest of Brittany: a region of eco-friendly tourism parnexcellence! It is the only region in France in which its eco-tourism isnrecognised by the Green Destinations standard. It owes this recognition to thensubstantial development of green trails and cycle paths, as well as to itsnprotected coastline and numerous energy-saving and recycling initiatives. It isnhard to choose between rural Brittany, the coast, its islands or its cities!

### 9- The Landes de Gascogne RegionalnNatural Park

Here, original and varied nature-related activities willnpique your curiosity: eco-museums, canoe or kayak trips on the river, lagoons,nbird sanctuaries or a forest of contemporary art! Located in an exceptionalnnatural setting, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park isncommitted to an ambitious sustainable development approach, combining thenpreservation of its ecosystem with tourism.

### 10- In the heart of the traditions of Camargue

An essential aspect of green tourism is a deepnunderstanding of regional traditions and customs. In the Camargue,n”manades” are herds of bulls or horses, driven in the open air bynherdsmen on horseback. Discover horse and bull rearing, estates andnherdsmen through a variety of activities on offer in the region:n”manade” tours, traditional Camargue evenings, tasting of localnspecialities or hayride trips! Are you ready for this experience?

Whether you prefer an urban getaway, a change of scenery innthe countryside, an escape to the mountains or the sea, France is home to manyneco-friendly destinations dedicated to green tourism. So, which one will takenyour fancy?”