Among the most visited countries in the world, France is also a pioneering country when it comes to nature-friendly holidays.
Many of its regions have taken initiatives towards sustainable tourism, to preserve the environment and promote the local crafts and heritage.
The country has a very rich history and offers a variety of landscapes.
Very easy to visit by train, France is a great country for ecotourism, which is not only reserved to tropical countries.
To help you plan your next nature holiday, here are 6 regions in France where ecotourism is at its best.
Brittany
from Sauzon, Belle Ile en Mer - © Holiable
Pionneering region for sustainable travel in France, Brittany is a destination of choice for nature lovers.
The region, which has more than 20 green stations and 34 blue flag beaches, was listed among the 100 most sustainable destinations in the world in 2012.
As for landscapes, Brittany is a region that suits all desires.
With more than 1,700 km of coastline, three regional natural parks and exceptional heritage, the area offers a multitude of opportunities.
Add it on your bucket list: 30 Kms from Rennes, enter the forest of Paimpont. Legends say that this vast woodland is where the magical forest of Brocéliande was located : the forest of Merlin and King Arthur.
Looking for an eco-friendly accomodation for your stay ? View our selection of lodgings in Brittany
Corsica
from Porto - via unsplash
Corsica, the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, is a perfect destination for ecotourism.
The so-called “Island of Beauty” has 83,000 hectares of natural reserves, which has earned it worldwide recognition for its natural heritage.
Some of its reserves are accessible only by sea or are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As an ecosystem study site for scientists, its marine environment is incredibly rich.
Corsica is an ideal holiday destination for hiking fans and not just the famous GR 20, sea outings or bike rides.
The promise of dream ecotourism stays between the sea and the mountains.
Add it on your bucket list: A cruise to the Scandola marine reserve on a hybrid boat
Find a place to stay in Corsica, with our selection of sustainable lodgings
Cévennes
© Cévennes Tourisme
The Cévennes is a mountain range in the Massif Central.
Known for its national park, which extends over nearly 4000 km2 and crosses three departments, the Cévennes region is an ideal place to practice green tourism.
Its landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a great place for hiking, horse or donkey riding, and the region is also famous among canoeists and canyoners.
Heritage or wine tourism enthusiasts will also find it a privileged place to discover
add it on your bucket list: A canyoning adventure in the Canyon of Tapoul
New Aquitaine
© Dordogne Tourisme
The second most visited region in France, New Aquitaine is also a vast territory where nature is omnipresent.
Between the sea, moorland forests and mountains, the New Aquitaine has five regional nature parks, is crossed by the Vélodysée and is home to the largest vineyard in France.
The region can be visited by bike, boat or on foot, and also has the most significant number of green key accommodation in the country.
If you are a fan of countryside, authentic villages and beautiful scenery head to Dordogne one of France’s most popular ecotourism destination.
add it on your bucket list : bird lovers will not miss a visit to the Teich Ornithologique reserve, close to Arcachon
Prefer glamping in nature or a B&B by the beach ? Find an eco-friendly place to stay in Nouvelle Aquitaine with our selection.
Vercors
by EVIM - Creative Common License CC BY 2.0
The Vercors region is a destination that invites you to disconnect.
Between Valence and Grenoble, the Vercors plateau is a cradle of ecotourism in France.
One of our favorites thing to do is the Via Vercors, the first gentle mountain path in France that links all the villages of the plateau over 50 km.
Forbidden to cars and other motorized vehicles, its six sections allow you to discover the plateau in complete peace of mind.
The Vercors territory has a tremendous floral richness. More than 1500 plant species have been identified. The region is also a popular destination for speleology fans.
Add it on your bucket list: Visit the Choranche Cave, one of france’s biggest CAVES with AREAS up to 15 meters high from ground to ceiling.
Ecrins National Park
© Parc National des Ecrins
Located between the northern and southern Alps, the massif des écrins has 150 high mountain peaks and 10,000 hectares of glaciers.
During the summer, this preserved natural area is a popular destination for hikers, who walk the mythical GR 54, a long-distance hiking route reserved for sports enthusiasts who need between 10 and 15 days to complete it.
There are many other hiking trails in the region, including thematic walks that combine nature and history.
The national park offers a multitude of natural, sporting, cultural activities or relaxation along one of the 60 lakes of the park.
Add it on your bucket list: for a step back in history, visit the Old steel mines in L’argentière
Ever done ecotourism in France? Share your experience in the comments.
HoliableHoliable is an eco-friendly travel planner helping you find sustainable hotels, green restaurants and ethical tourism activities around the world. Holiable was developed to share experiences, advice and reviews on sustainable travel, making it easier to prepare your next eco-friendly holiday.
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