Eco-responsible sleeping
Low-energy hotels are becoming increasingly popular, as they are designed with natural materials, recycle water, are supplied through short circuits, and are heated with solar panels. Quickly, head for the Alps, to stay at the bioclimatic La Croix de Savoie hotel in Les Carroz, or the luxurious Refuge de la Traye in Méribel, close to nature. If you prefer to sleep in a tree, with a view of Mont Blanc as a bonus, the perched cabins Entre Ciel et Terre in Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle are for you. Why not an eco-bivouac above Lake Annecy? This alti-dome, with its panoramic roof, will give you a rendez-vous with the stars.
La Croix de Savoie bioclimatic hotel (External link)
Refuge de la Traye (External link)
Cabanes Entre Ciel et Terre (External link)
Alpes bivouac (External link)
Slow tourism is the way to go
If there is one trend that is being confirmed, it is that of sustainable tourism, to respect the environment and avoid overcrowding. In this vein, farm holidays are ideal for getting into the rhythm of nature while sharing the daily life of farmers. You will love the guest rooms at the Ferme du Grand Parc, nestled in the bocage of Calvados, and the Bergerie de la Combe à l'Ours surrounded by the fir trees of the Jura. Another activity in tune with nature is hiking. The choice is vast in spring or summer, you can go to the Auvergne volcanoes (External link) , or climb the fragrant paths of the Alps with their grandiose panorama...
We opt for soft mobility
The trend is to favour soft, low-tech, low-carbon transport. Did you say bicycle? It's the right answer! Cycling enthusiasts in France are well catered for. In addition to the bicycle paths that are multiplying in cities, major routes are being designed to cross the country. For example, the ViaRhona, which links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean in 815 km of cycle paths. And from next year, you will be able to cycle from Dunkirk to Roscoff, for 1,500 kilometres, almost all of it by the sea! Let's get motivated.
Get inspired from your sofa
The "gamification" is very popular, to virtually immerse oneself in a city or a museum or to discover a site through play, in augmented reality. The various technologies used (360° immersion, timelapse, 3D, etc.) allow visitors to visit France's heritage in a different way, from the comfort of their sofa. The streets of Rennes in the Middle Ages, the relief sculptures in 14 museums and sites in the city of Paris, the Palace of Versailles in those days, the Lascaux cave as if you were there... Before discovering them for real!
To become a great explorer, connected treasure hunts are being organised in several large cities, such as Paris, Tours, Lille and Nantes. Get on your apps!
Even more inspiration from a distance on Instagram account of France.fr (External link)
Combine business with pleasure with a zero-waste holiday
There is also a clear trend towards greater awareness of humanity's impact on the environment and a desire to minimise this footprint while on holiday. Destinations that contribute to this effort by promoting responsible waste management and coastal conservation are to be commended:
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Head for the Glénan Archipelago in Brittany. Here, to help protect several species, tourists and holidaymakers are invited to take a few simple steps, such as taking all their rubbish back to the mainland...
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Another committed destination is Saint-Nazaire, on the Atlantic coast. Here, walkers and tourists are invited to collect the marine waste that washes up on the beaches and coastal paths at high tide by setting up tide bins. If you prefer to collect litter in a fun way, take part in the "Touche pas à mon spot" day at one of the 7 sites along the Pays de la Loire coast, where you can learn about water sports, raise awareness of the site's biodiversity and help collect litter on foot or by canoe.
We prefer local mini-adventures
Long-haul travel, which is less environmentally friendly and more expensive, is not as popular as it once was. On the other hand, local tourism is growing in popularity, with holidays offering a wealth of new experiences and sporting activities. There's no shortage of French destinations that offer a change of scenery and great adventures just a few miles from home. Here are some ideas:
- A sports weekend in Normandy with a programme including hiking, via ferrata, a sauna-jacuzzi gîte and canoeing.
- A tourist break in the Vosges. You can watch the artisans at work in the crystal factories of Saint-Louis and admire their creations in special museums or by choosing sparkling accommodation such as the Lalique hotel-restaurant.
- an atypical stay in the Pyrenees, in the Pic du Midi. If you book well in advance, you can dine and sleep in the observatory to admire the stars all night, hike over a waterfall and a small glacier, and walk in the sky to enjoy a 360° view of the mountains.
Recommendations and advice
Whatever type of holiday you choose for your next weekend or holiday in France, to get the most out of it, make sure you book your transport, accommodation and activities well in advance (especially if they are rare and popular). And don't forget to use eco-responsible transport to get to your chosen site. Transport accounts for 75% of the emissions generated by a tourist trip. Enjoy your stay in France!
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