With global warming and its harmful effects on the planet, more and more travelers are paying close attention to how they spend their vacations. Ecotourism is a sector that is becoming more and more popular. There is no doubt that those for whom the preservation of the environment is essential wish to reach corners of nature where they can escape mass tourism. They enjoy the preserved spaces through soft and green activities such as cycling and hiking. There are also cities in France that focus on ecology. Yes, you can enjoy an urban getaway and limit your carbon footprint. Here are 10 destinations in France where you can enjoy an eco-friendly vacation
1- The Brenne Regional Natural Park
In theIndre department, the Brenne Regional Nature Park is a small paradise for lovers of authentic natural spaces. This preserved territory counts no less than 3,000 ponds, which stretch in the middle of landscapes of moors, meadows, heaths and woods. The ecologists in the soul can rent a bed and breakfast nearby, and take advantage of their free time to explore the Regional Natural Park on foot or by bike. Don't forget to take binoculars with you. In the middle of the numerous plant species live 267 species of birds. The place is a real ornithological paradise. You can also observe the European cistude, a small turtle threatened on the Old Continent.
2- Arz island, Gulf of Morbihan
In the Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany, the island of Arz is the little sister of the island of Monks. The place seduces for sure the ecologists, who will cross there very rarely a car, locals and tourists taking advantage of the small surface of the island to move easily by foot or by bike. There is also a 17 km long coastal path which reveals beautiful marine landscapes. The island of Arz, it is also superb small creeks where it is good to bathe under the summer sun. The village has beautiful stone houses, very typical. The place is perfect to slow down time and enjoy the pleasures of life: walks, gastronomy and idleness, far from the tumult of the cities.
3- The Larzac plateau
The Larzac plateau covers an area of 1,000 km2 in the south of theAveyron. The landscapes are composed of steep valleys, wild gorges and huge natural ramparts that dominate the land. During a bike or horse ride, eco-friendly visitors will come across natural watering holes built by man, sheepfolds and farms restored in the respect of traditions. Larzac is nature at its purest. A place where one takes the time to observe plant species with continental and Mediterranean influences and to greet the ewes, roe deer and other birds of prey. Of course, you can't miss the opportunity to stop in charming villages like la Couvertoirade, to have the feeling of going back in time and to appreciate the local specialities
4- The Dordogne
The Dordogne is another favorite place for an ecologically oriented vacation. Nature is exhilarating, as in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, a territory offering multiple hiking possibilities. The department also allows you to commune with exceptional places, such as the Roque-Saint-Christophe, a 1 km long limestone wall that dominates the Vézère River from its 80 m height. The panoramas offered on the valley and the river are breathtaking. Nature has many surprises in store in the Dordogne. In the Gardens of Marqueyssac, one walks in the middle of kilometers of hand-cut boxwoods surrounding a superb castle. Underground, remarkable crystallizations of exceptional density and beauty catch the eye, in a place that remains full of legends
5- The Morvan Regional Natural Park
Do you want to get away from it all, leave the car behind and enjoy the peace and quiet? Then head for the Morvan Regional Natural Park in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Without necessarily knowing it, we joined the smallest mountainous area of France. For a stay under the sign of ecology, we discover magical places like the gorges of Narvau. Hiking trails among the trees, climbing along steep walls and waterfalls, the place is perfect to recharge your batteries and practice. The itineraries also lead to the heart of the Croix Montjoie domain, famous for its vineyards and its chardonnay grapes. The Morvan Regional Nature Park also has peaceful lakes where you can sit by the water and walk the surrounding trails. At an altitude of 500 m, the lake of Chamboux invites you to discover its fauna and flora.
6- The Lot
Located in the south-west of France, the Lot is a department that deserves a visit. Especially if you wish to spend a sweet vacation under the sign of ecology. You can visit villages from another time, with a rich heritage and overlooking a beautiful nature. Let's mention the unavoidable Rocamadour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. You can also take advantage of this opportunity to awaken your taste buds to the good taste of local specialties such as truffles, foie gras and cheeses. 3 Véloroutes, 2 voies vertes: the Lot also seduces cycling enthusiasts, with rides that take place in the heart of preserved natural landscapes. At another time, one can follow the stages of the road to Santiago de Compostela in the Lot, and thus enjoy the nature, the villages, the medieval bridges and the places of worship.
7- The city of Amiens
In 2020, the Observatory of Green Cities placed Amiens in4th position. In Amiens, trees are part of the landscape and the city also has several green spaces. The Saint-Pierre and Hotoie parks are places not to be missed to find nature in the city and cross the path of animal species, swans and other ducks. The hortillonnages are former marshes that have been converted into floating gardens. Locals and visitors alike enjoy rowing along the canals, enjoying the calm, the flowers, the bridges and the carefully laid out gardens. A city on a human scale, it is easy to move from one neighborhood to another in Amiens. Brick and half-timbered houses, there is plenty to do for photo enthusiasts.
8- The Catalan Country
If the coastline around Perpignan attracts a lot of tourists, especially in summer, many are unaware that the hinterland is home to sublime nature spots. The Catalan country is a place of choice for ecologists eager to discover a grandiose and surprising nature. How can you not fall in love with the Gorges de Galamus first of all? A classified and protected natural site, this canyon reveals breathtaking views, until you reach the Hermitage of Saint-Antoine, dug into a natural cavity. On another day, a trip to Arles-sur-Tech is an opportunity to follow a path leading to the Maria Valenta waterfall, a magical place perfect to recharge your batteries. In nature and beautiful village mode, another beautiful walk in the Pyrenees-Orientales leads to the Sant Marti cross. You will enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Tautavel below and the mythical Agly valley.
9- The Gironde estuary
It's not the place you hear most about, but the Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe, is a jewel for eco-friendly vacationers. It has three preserved islands that can be visited: Ile Nouvelle, Ile Margaux and Ile de Patiras. You can also reach the ports to photograph the "carrelets". There are nearly 600 of them on the shores. In Vitrezay, the nature center highlights the richness of the estuary, with its fauna, its flora, its traditions and its history. Inland, you will cross prestigious vineyards. The producers await the wine lovers in their domains for tastings, as around the marvelous historical city of Blaye for example.
10- The Loire by bike
The Loire by bike is one of the most beautiful bike routes in France. An 800 km itinerary that attracts in number the lovers of cycling, countryside, heritage, wine and gastronomy. The itinerary is rather flat and very suitable for families. In addition to opting for a green way to travel, we follow the banks of the royal river, the wildest in France. We cross bucolic countryside, between forests, vineyards and fields. We stop at the foot of ancestral monuments, the inevitable castles of the Loire. We also discover unusual places like the troglodytic valley of Goupillières, a farm dug in the tufa stone, before stopping in a village perched on the Loire island, that of Béhuard. At the end of the route, the Atlantic Ocean awaits the cyclists, as the most beautiful reward.
