Eco-Travel in France: Sustainable Tips for Responsible Explorers

France is world renowned for its food, wine, art and romantic cities like Paris. It's also a great destination for eco-conscious travellers who want to explore responsibly. Here are some tips for sustainable eco-travel in France that will help you tread lightly and reduce your environmental impact

Eco-Travel in France: Useful Tips!

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

One of the best ways to "go green" in France is to stay at eco-certified hotels, B&Bs, hostels or vacation rentals.

Look for establishments with sustainability certifications like Green Globe or European Ecolabel.

These lodgings implement environmentally friendly practices like energy and water conservation, recycling programs and locally sourced foods. 

Pack Lightly and Rethink Single-Use Items

Travel light to minimize your carbon footprint.

Limit yourself to a carry-on bag if possible and avoid checking luggage.

Packing light means your flights will burn less fuel. 

It also makes getting around via public transit easier.

Rethink single-use plastics and unnecessary products.

Bring reusable water bottles, bags, straws and utensils.

Choose solid shampoo and conditioner bars over small plastic bottles. Ditch disposable razors for reusable safety razors.

If you need sunscreen, buy brands in recyclable aluminum or tin tubes instead of plastic.

Eat Locally and Choose Sustainable Restaurants

One of the joys of visiting France is getting to sample authentic regional cuisine and wines.

You can make your culinary experiences more eco-friendly by choosing restaurants that prioritise locally sourced ingredients.

Look for menus that highlight seasonal, local produce as well as sustainably raised meats and responsibly caught seafood.

Trying local specialties at small family-run establishments is a tasty way to get insight into regional food cultures.

Seek out farmers markets to sample artisanal cheeses, fresh baked goods and produce while supporting local businesses.

Opting for tap water instead of bottled water will also reduce plastic waste.

Use Eco-Friendly Transportation

Using trains to travel between France's cities and regions is much more sustainable than flying or driving.

France has an extensive and reliable high-speed rail network that makes trains a convenient option for domestic travel.

You can also travel green within cities by walking, biking or taking advantage of public transportation like bus, tram and metro networks.

If you do need to drive, try renting electric or hybrid vehicles which have lower emissions.

Using the best eSIM for Europe will help you access data for navigation anywhere without swapping physical SIM cards.

Choose Sustainable Activities and Tours

Once you arrive at a destination, you can make sustainable choices in your activities.

Opt for walking tours over bus tours so you can get to know a place at street level without vehicle emissions.

Renting bikes is another green way to explore sights at your own pace.

Look for outdoor recreation outfitters and tour companies that emphasise environmental stewardship.

For example, some kayak tour operators use electric-powered boats instead of gas-powered ones.

Choose whale watching excursions that follow responsible viewing guidelines to avoid disturbing marine wildlife.

Sustainable Souvenirs

When buying souvenirs and gifts, choose locally made products that support artisans and small businesses.

Buy vintage items or products made from recycled materials.

Foodstuffs like wine, honey and lavender products make great eco-friendly mementos.

Just make sure to pack them carefully so you don't have to discard anything at airport security.

Final Words

With some planning, it's easy and rewarding to be an eco-conscious traveller in France.

Follow these sustainable tips to tread lightly, support local communities and protect France's natural beauty for future generations.