Eco-responsible tourism in Gironde and around Bordeaux

Eco-friendly tourism is a topic that is increasingly attracting visitors. It's true that environmental concerns are very strong and that long-distance travel significantly increases our carbon footprint. To address this, several solutions are available. Slow tourism, which is based on the principle of taking your time and appreciating the simple things in life while on vacation. Micro-tourism or micro-adventures, for getting away from it all while staying close to home. But there are many other responsible practices you can implement during your holidays… Discover responsible and sustainable tourism in Bordeaux and the Gironde region!

Slow tourism or micro-tourism

What is slow tourism ? Literally, it's " slow travel "... You settle down in a nice place, rest, and relax. You use sustainable modes of transport, travel slowly, and stop to admire the scenery. In short, you'll take advantage of your vacation to slow down!

Microtourism encompasses several concepts, with the basic principle being: staying close to home. Less travel means shorter trips, a reduced carbon footprint, and the opportunity to explore your own region or neighboring areas. Plus, since you're saving on transportation, you'll have more money to enjoy local activities. Depending on the situation, these can be " micro-vacations " lasting a few days or even a weekend; or " micro-adventures " for a truly unique and immersive experience.

Eco-friendly or alternative accommodation

Choosing alternative accommodation in the Gironde region transforms your stay into an immersive and meaningful experience, far removed from the standards of traditional hotels. Whether you opt for a treehouse in the Landes de Gascogne forest, a yurt in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region, or an ecolodge on the Arcachon Bay, these dwellings invite you to slow down and embrace new lifestyles in harmony with nature.

Often built with bio-based materials and prioritizing local sourcing, these accommodations offer a low-impact solution. To guide your choice, look for recognized ecolabels such as the European Ecolabel, the Green Key, or FSC and PEFC certifications, which guarantee sustainable management of wooden structures. By choosing these options, you support responsible tourism that preserves the richness and biodiversity of the Gironde region's heritage.

" Soft Mobility "

Opting for soft mobility means choosing modes of transport with zero or very limited ecological impact to explore the treasures of the Gironde.

• Walking remains the most virtuous and rewarding solution, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Bordeaux quays or the coastal paths.
• For longer journeys, choose cycling : with its 700 km of cycle paths, including the famous Vélodyssée and the Canal des Deux Mers, the department is a true paradise for cyclists.
• To reduce your carbon footprint, supplement your journeys by using the public transport network (TER, trams and buses) which efficiently covers the territory, or try original alternatives such as river shuttles on the Garonne.

Traveling in an eco-responsible way has never been easier to serenely enjoy the diversity of our landscapes, between vineyards and ocean.

Seaside resorts awarded the " Blue Flag " label

The Blue Flag is an environmental label established in 1985. It is a benchmark in sustainable tourism because it identifies and promotes coastal municipalities that work to preserve a high-quality environment and protect their maritime domain. These are primarily marinas and seaside resorts.

Here are the municipalities classified as " Blue Flag "

• Verdon-sur-Mer: Chambrette beach, Saint-Nicolas ocean beach;
• Naujac-sur-Mer: Le Pin Sec beach;
• Soulac-sur-Mer: Amélie beach, Naïades beach and the central beach;
• Vendays-Montalivet: Montalivet beach and ACM square;
• Hourtin: pier beach, port beach and Piqueyrot beach;
• Bordeaux: the Bordeaux-Lac beach.

The preserved villages of the Gironde Estuary

The Gironde Estuary is a unique environment. The villages along its banks are working together to preserve it. You'll appreciate its exceptional natural spaces, authentic villages, and a truly refreshing atmosphere where land meets sea. We recommend:

• The Citadel of Blaye ;
• Bourg-sur-Gironde and its troglodytic dwellings;
• Macau, to admire the Bec d'Ambès ;
• Pauillac, the wine capital and its wine house.

Bordeaux, a green city to visit

Bordeaux is what is known as a "green city," meaning it implements numerous initiatives for sustainable development and the ecological transition. Among other things, it offers more environmentally friendly and economical ways to get around. For example, you can find bike rental stations or carpooling areas.

The Dune du Pilat, a " Grand Site de France " in the Gironde region

The " Grands Sites de France " (Great Sites of France) are areas highlighted for their beauty. These iconic landscapes have been awarded the label! They are, in fact, very well preserved and protected by this designation. In the Gironde department, the most famous Grand Site de France is the Dune du Pilat. The ideal time to visit is early morning, when the sand isn't yet too hot! A paid parking lot allows 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 stunning view of the Banc d'Arguin and the Arcachon Basin awaits you.

Eco-friendly tourist sites in the Gironde region

To continue this eco-friendly approach, what better way than to visit some eco-responsible tourist sites:

• The Barails Ecological Reserve : Created in May 2018, this reserve addresses the challenges of protecting biodiversity. It covers nearly 160 hectares of meadows and wetlands.
• The Fond de l'Or garden is an inspiring and exotic place, themed around Japan, maintained by the ceramist Jacques Lubet, in the commune of Lugon-et-l'Île-du-Carnay. It is classified as a "Remarkable Garden".
• The Bruges Marsh Nature Reserve protects the remains of the ancient marshes around Bordeaux.

Go boating on the lakes of the Gironde region or on the open sea, in eco-friendly mode.

Want to get away without leaving a trace on the marine ecosystem? Gironde offers a multitude of solutions for sailing in an eco-responsible way, whether on the calm waters of the great Médoc lakes (Hourtin, Carcans, Lacanau) or on the waves of the Atlantic.

• For a silent immersion, opt for kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing, perfect for exploring marshes and nature reserves without disturbing wildlife.
• If you prefer pleasure boating, consider sailing, electric boats or solar boats, which are increasingly present on the Arcachon Basin and the Estuary.

By adopting these gentle modes of transport, you limit noise and chemical pollution of the waters, while enjoying a pure gliding experience, in total harmony with the wild beauty of the Gironde landscapes.

Short supply chains and markets in Gironde

The market is the perfect place to sample local produce and meet passionate producers. You'll receive a warm welcome from the farmers and producers of the Gironde region. The atmosphere is truly unique. By buying directly from local producers, you remain true to your eco-friendly approach.

Wine tourism in the Bordeaux region

It's impossible to explore the Gironde without immersing yourself in its world-renowned winemaking heritage. Far more than just a tasting, today's wine tourism invites you to experience the vineyards in an active and fun way: from hiking or cycling on the hillsides of Saint-Émilion to themed escape games in the heart of the châteaux, each estate competes to surprise you. Indulge in an unusual outing, such as an introduction to biodynamic viticulture, a blending workshop to create your own cuvée, or a horseback ride through the vineyards of Graves.

Whether you are a novice or an informed enthusiast, these experiences allow you to understand the precious link between human work and the preservation of the land, while enjoying the Gironde way of life in often exceptional architectural settings.

Eco-friendly shopping trip to Bordeaux

To bring back a little souvenir and treat yourself, we suggest a shopping trip. But not just any shopping trip… Here, the focus is on being environmentally responsible and conscious of your consumption. But don't worry, between local crafts and secondhand shopping, there's plenty to choose from.

All that remains is for us to wish you a wonderful eco-friendly holiday!

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