Eco-friendly holidays

Respecting the environment is even more important on holiday. Don’t forget that small, insignificant-seeming actions repeated by hundreds of tourists can take on enormous proportions, and have a detrimental effect on the most beautiful French places of interest. So here is a non-exhaustive list of environmentally-friendly travel recommendations in France.

Transport

Use low-polluting vehicles as much as possible. For example, give priority to public transport, car sharing, and even walking and cycling once you have reached your destination.
Take the small roads rather than the motorway to reduce fuel consumption. This will also enable you to make financial savings (no tolls, less petrol) and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
During your stay, avoid using the car for short journeys, choosing another mode of travel. If the car is essential, save all your small shopping needs up and go on one big shop.
Don’t overuse the car’s air conditioning. Give preference to opening the windows, using a sun visor when parked, finding a parking space in the shade, etc.
If you urgently need the toilet, stop at dedicated public lavatories, don’t just go anywhere.

Sea and beach

Avoid suntan oils, which are not water soluble and form a coating on the surface. Give preference to sun creams or lotions for example.
In a boat, do not cast anchor anywhere, as it could damage the sea floor.
When diving, do not knock coral and do not hold onto dead coral. Keep your arms close to your body and attach your equipment properly. Use short flippers and swim slowly.
Do not collect shells, sand or coral fragments, because it can have important consequences on the ecosystem.

Hiking

Always follow waymarked footpaths so as not to damage vegetation and cause soil erosion.
Do not pick plants or take minerals.
Do not go to the lavatory just anywhere: if you are going hiking for several days, take a small spade with you and dig a hole.

Flora and fauna

Always keep your distance from animals so as not to disturb their behaviour. Never touch them, particularly babies, because you could have a very negative effect on their and their families’ behaviour.
Do not give anything to eat to animals: it interferes with the balance between species and encourages them to modify their natural behaviour.
Do not go fishing or hunting without a proper licence. Find out which areas and periods are authorised. Respect protected species and minimal catch sizes.

Camping

Do not camp anywhere in the wild, use dedicated camping areas.
Do not light a fire where it is not authorised. Put out any remaining embers with water before leaving the camp to avoid a fire.
Do not use detergents and do not do your laundry in rivers or lakes. Use campsite toilet and washing blocks only.

Daily life

When shopping, give preference to unpackaged goods or those with biodegradable packaging, and family-sized packs.
Use a basket and avoid single-use plastic bags.
Always switch off the lights and if appropriate the air conditioning when you leave your room.
In the bathroom, have a quick shower rather than a bath. Do not keep the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Turn the taps off properly after use.

Waste

Do not leave any rubbish behind you (cigarette ends, packaging, plastic bags etc.) Use bins, but if you don’t have one, keep your waste in a pocket or in a bag.
On the sea, do not throw anything overboard, even biodegradable waste.
Sort your waste if recycling bins are available.
Use specialised containers for waste such as batteries, glass, oil, etc.