Travel differently

Travelling differently in France or abroad can be a unique and enriching experience. There are many ways to discover countries off the beaten path, starting with adventure rather than comfort. By changing your travel habits and opting for less touristy destinations, accomodation closer to nature and low-pollution transport, you’ll be contributing to responsible tourism and the transition towards a more sustainable tourism.

New ways to travel

Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism takes many forms, but all have one goal: to protect the environment and the local people.

Ecological tourism or ecotourism aims to put people in direct relation with nature, by placing them at the heart of the environment visited. It is about discovering the destination while being at the heart of its environment. It focuses on education and understanding of the environment by tourists.

Solidarity tourism creates a real relationship between the tourist and local population, it makes the traveler participate financially in local projects in order to help the inhabitants.

Slow tourism promotes the meeting of travelers with local people. The purpose is to guarantee authentic encounters, in order to discover the best culture of the country visited. It is an immersion among the locals and the actors of the city or country.

Fair tourism, while it can be confused with sustainable tourism, aims to ensure that the communities visited receive a fair share of the income generated and to reconcile tourism with their sustainable development.

Sustainable tourism

According to the World Tourism Organisation, sustanaible tourism is “tourism that fully considers its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, meeting the needs of visitors, professionals, the environment and host communities” (source ATD).

Change your habits

Destinations

Choose destinations that are close to your homes, and prefer off-season periods. This will save you from going to overcrowded places and victims of mass tourism. Without having to travel very far, you can opt for the discovery of your own country. France has a variety of impressive landscapes, between mountains and sea, which will give you the impression of going to the end of the world without doing many kilometers. Go to the discovery of the most beautiful regions of the hexagon starting with Provence for example.

Accomodation

Choose certified and labelled sustainable accomodation. In Provence, many accomodation providers have introduced sustainability measures that have enabled them to obtain specific labels and certifications. Commitments such as limiting plastic consumption, saving water and electricity, using labelled cleaning products…and so many others who are involved in respecting the environment. Accomodations can also obtain labels such as the European Ecolabel, the Green Key or Natural Hotels for establishments located near exceptional natural sites. All are based on economic, environmental and social criteria that recommend energy and water savings, organic food or from sustainable agriculture or the application of a sustainable purchasing policy. If you want to sleep close to nature, think of camping or bibouac and pitch your tent in one of the authorised areas. You can also have a unique experience by staying with a family. Meeting people, sharing experiences and making memories are the key words of the accomodation mode that promises a memorable stay.

The means of transport

Focus on low-pollution transport for long journeys and ecological transport for short ones. In order to reduce the impact on the environment, it is important to use low-carbon means of transport. Choosing public transport or the train or bike will allow you to discover your destination from another angle. The different regions of France are easily accessible via a well-developed rail network that crosses the country. It is the same in Provence, you can easily move from city to city thanks to the initiatives of improvement and accessibility of transport and the development of pedestrian and cycling areas. You can also choose to travel only on foot or by bike, equipped with your backpack, to explore the hiking trails of Provence.

Find out more about soft mobility in Marseille

The activities

Rafting, canyoning, paddle… There are so many leisure activities that will make you enjoy the environment in which you are, in the discovery and connection with nature. To liven up your trip, prefer outdoor activities in direct contact with the flora and fauna. Go and discover the Mediterranean seabed equipped with a mask and snorkel and embark on a hike in the Calanques, lulled by the sea breeze. Back on dry land, if you feel like visiting Marseille, go for a walk or bike ride. On the Géovélo application, you’ll find cycle routes to discover the city passing the must-see monuments. To learn more about the region, you can also take part in workshops offered by the city’s artisans. Local actors such as artisans, but also market gardeners and fishermen will be happy to share their know-how with you and show you the fruits of their labor. These local products and specialities are available to consume without moderation during your trip!

All sustainable activities

Why travel differently?

Travelling differently is a way to open up to other cultures, discover new horizons and live unique experiences. It’s also an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and go on an adventure, leaving room for the unexpected. Planning your trip in detail can give you that feeling of a restless vacation, so take time off, take breaks and enjoy the sights. Taking your time, is also to take advantage of the contact with local people, artisans and producers of the city. These meetings allow you to exchange experiences and knowledge, but also to create relationships and unforgettable memories. By changing your habits and opting for more responsible and sustainable alternatives, you will also be part of the struggle to conserve the environment. Your initiatives will have a great impact on protecting the planet. So what are you waiting for to travel differently?