Eco-responsible tourism in Gironde and around Bordeaux

Eco- responsible tourism is a subject that interests more and more visitors. It must be said that ecological concerns are very strong and that distant travel considerably increases our carbon footprint. To remedy this, various solutions are available to us. Slow tourism, which has the principle of taking your time and enjoying the simple things in life on vacation. Micro-tourism or micro-adventure, to get away from it all while staying close to home. But there are many other responsible practices that you can put in place during your holidays… Discover responsible and sustainable tourism in Bordeaux and Gironde!

Opening photo: Get on the bike for a greener holiday! Here in the Médoc - Photo credit © Guide Bordeaux Gironde

Slow tourism or micro-tourism

Slowtourism, what is it? Literally, it 's “slow tourism”… We land in a nice place, we rest and we relax. We use soft mobility modes of transport, we move slowly and we stop to admire the landscapes. In short, you will take advantage of your holidays to slow down the pace!

Micro-tourism encompasses several concepts, with the basic principle: staying close to home. Less travel means being able to leave for a shorter period, pay attention to your carbon footprint, but also discover your region or the departments bordering your home. In addition, as you do not waste your budget on transport, you will have more to fill up on activities on site. Depending on the situation, these will therefore be “micro-vacations” over a few days or even a weekend; or the "micro-adventure", to live a very exotic experience...

Ecological or alternative accommodation

Alternative accommodation allows you to stay differently. You will discover new ways of life. Often they offer an eco-friendly hosting solution. To identify them, there are eco-labels: NF environment, Cygne Blanc, FSC, PEFC… We offer the following ecological or unusual rentals:

• The Potabilis eco-place
• Domaine EcOtelia
• Parenthèse Nature Educational Farm

"Soft mobility"

Soft mobility is the possibility of moving around with little or no ecological impact. The most ecologically efficient is walking. Among the means used to pay attention to your carbon footprint, there is cycling or public transport.

To go from one village to another, the paths of the Gironde countryside are at your disposal. We have selected the most beautiful hikes in the Gironde.

By bike, take the cycle paths, the greenways and the cycle routes: Routes for riding in Gironde (fr).

For public transport, be sure to find out about the lines that criss-cross the department and around Bordeaux (fr).

Seaside resorts with the “blue flag” label

The Blue Flag is an environmental label from 1985. It is a reference in sustainable tourism because it identifies and promotes the municipalities of the coast, which work to preserve a qualitative environment and to protect their maritime domain. They are essentially marinas and seaside resorts.

Here are the municipalities classified as “Blue Flag”

• Verdon-sur-Mer: Beach of the small room, Ocean beach of Saint Nicolas
• Naujac-sur-Mer: The Dry Pine
• Soulac-sur-Mer: L'amélie, the Naïades beach, the central beach
• Vendays-Montalivet: Montalivet, ACM
• Hourtin: The jetty, the port beach, Piqueyrot
• Bordeaux: the beach of Bordeaux-lac

The preserved villages of the Gironde Estuary

The Gironde Estuary is a unique environment. The villages that border it are mobilizing to preserve it. You will appreciate these exceptional natural spaces, authentic villages and an atmosphere between land and sea, very exotic. We advise you :

• The Citadel of Blaye
• Bourg-sur-Gironde and its troglodyte dwellings.
• Macau, to admire the Bec d'Ambès.
• Pauillac, the wine capital and its Maison du Vin.

Bordeaux, a green city to visit

Bordeaux is what is called a "green city", that is to say that it implements many initiatives for sustainable development and ecological transition. It offers you, among other things, more ecological and economical ways to get around. For example, you can find terminals for renting a bike or carpooling areas. If you are interested in this subject, here is our article on the Darwin eco-district, a pleasant interlude in Bordeaux.

The Dune du Pilat, a Girondin “Grand Site de France”

The “Grands Sites de France” are territories highlighted for their beauty. These are emblematic landscapes that are labeled! They are in fact very well preserved and protected by this label. In Gironde, the most famous major site in France is the Dune du Pilat. The ideal is to go there in the early morning, when the sand is not yet too hot! Paid parking will allow you to park right next to the site. You can climb the dune freely in the sand or take the stairs. Once at the top, a very beautiful view of the Banc d'Arguin and the Bassin d'Arcachon await you.

Girondin eco-responsible tourist sites

To continue in this eco-citizen approach, what better than to visit some eco-responsible tourist places:

• The Barails Ecological Reserve : Created in May 2018, this reserve responds to the challenges of protecting biodiversity. It extends over nearly 160 hectares of meadows and wetlands.
• The Fond de l'Or garden is an inspiring and exotic place, on the theme of Japan, maintained by the ceramist Jacques Lubet, in the town of Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay. It is classified as a “remarkable garden”.
• The Marais de Bruges Nature Reserve protects the remains of the old marshes around Bordeaux.

Go boating on the Girondin lakes or in the open sea, in eco-friendly mode

Want to escape but not at any cost for the planet? There are all kinds of ecological solutions for practicing water sports or boat trips, while being eco-responsible:

• Take a walk on the Bassin d'Arcachon, with the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais.
• Test the navigation of electric boats thanks to the Ecoplaisance du Delta.
• Learn about the Hawaiian Canoe at YAK Océan.

Short circuits and markets in Gironde

The market is the perfect place to taste local products and meet passionate producers . You will be warmly welcomed by Girondin farmers and peasants. The atmosphere there is incomparable. By supplying yourself through short circuits, you remain faithful to your ecological approach.

Wine tourism in Bordeaux

How to visit Bordeaux without learning about wine tourism? From a simple walk on the wine-growing hillsides to an escape game on the theme of wine, there is something for everyone. Do not miss an unusual outing in the Bordeaux region.

Eco-friendly shopping spree in Bordeaux

To bring back a little souvenir and have fun, we offer you a shopping spree. But not just any… Here it's about remaining ecologically responsible and consuming with discernment. But don't worry, between local crafts and second-hand shopping, there's plenty to do.

We just have to wish you a good holiday in eco-responsible mode!

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