Sustainable tourism in Charente-Maritime

Port-des-Barques
Sustainable tourism i ...

Customs in terms of tourism have changed! Less distant destinations are now preferred. New trends have therefore emerged. They have the advantage of being as economical for the planet as for your wallet. We take an overview of the concepts of ecological holidays and good practices to adopt to be an eco-responsible tourist in Charente-Maritime!


Opening photo: Madame Island and its road which is revealed at low tide - Photo credit © Lurii / AdobeStock

Slow-tourism and Micro-tourism

Slow-tourism is a concept of slow tourism. The idea is simple, we disconnect from our hectic daily life, to reconnect with nature and take the time to enjoy our holidays quietly. This awareness of one's environment leads to ecological concerns.

Micro-tourism, on the other hand, offers exotic experiences close to home. The advantages are to waste less time on journeys, to have more for activities; save budget on transport costs to allocate more to outings; and of course to reduce its carbon footprint.

We are going to offer you a set of good practices to adopt to be an eco-responsible tourist:

  • Avoid destinations that are too far away and favor micro-tourism;
  • Use environmentally friendly modes of transport;
  • Choose an alternative and responsible accommodation;
  • Pick up your waste and sort it;
  • Pay attention to your local environment: where you walk, what you pick up...


Photo credit © Nikola-Jovanovic / Unsplash


Eco-labels for tourist accommodation

Choosing an eco-labeled tourist rental is an essential element of your ecological approach! You thus ensure that the accommodation chosen is committed to respecting their environment. The criteria are very varied and relate as much to renewable energies as to the saving of resources such as water, efficient waste management or ecological maintenance. Our selection of responsible housing:

Photo credit © Camping Le Chassiron
Photo credit © Camping Le Chassiron

Follow the principles of “Soft Mobility” to get around

Soft mobility is aptly named since it includes all modes of transport that are gentle on the planet. But this is not its only asset. It is also very economical and mostly sporty. Walking and cycling, bus, coach, carpooling, train and tram… are at your disposal to help you move in green mode. Here are a few tips :

  • The softest mode of travel is walking. To combine business with pleasure, you will walk the charming country lanes, the forest paths and the long-distance hiking and Compostela routes.
  • You are more of a cyclist. The bicycle is widely recommended for ecological travel. To practice it in all serenity, remember to inform yourself about the many greenways, cycle paths and cycle routes, made available to coexist with motorists. In Charente-Maritime, it's easy because it's generally flat and the department is well provided with cycle routes.
  • For your intercity journeys, use public transport. In addition, they are very practical for families with children.
The canals by bike - Photo credit © Lesley Williamson
The canals by bike - Photo credit © Lesley Williamson

The seaside resorts of Charente Maritime labeled "Blue Flag"

Do you know the Blue Flag label? It is based on environmental quality criteria, concerning the management of beaches and the coast, but also the preservation of the seabed in the maritime domain of the municipalities. As a tourist, you make sure you are relaxing on a clean beach, swimming in pristine water, and doing a bit for the ocean!

The pretty beach of Chay in Royan, intimate! Photo credit @ Guide Charente Maritime
The pretty beach of Chay in Royan, intimate! Photo credit @ Guide Charente Maritime

The most beautiful villages of Charente-Maritime, classified as “Green Stations

The “green station” label rewards villages that make an effort towards an ecological transition, in terms of recycling, renewable energies and management of their territory. The green resorts of Charente-Maritime:

Jonzac in Charente Maritime is a Green station - Photo credit © Heliosphile / AdobeStock
Jonzac in Charente Maritime is a Green station - Photo credit © Heliosphile / AdobeStock

The “Grand Site de France” in Charente

The Federation of “Grands sites de France” was created to protect areas whose environment, heritage and panoramas are the most beautiful in France. These are top notch tourist sites. In Charente-Maritime, the great site of France is nestled between the Charente Estuary and the Seudre Estuary. This is the Marais de Brouage, near Rochefort and its arsenal.


Photo credit © Les Marais de Brouage Helenedevun / Adobestock
Photo credit © Les Marais de Brouage Helenedevun / Adobestock

The natural parks of Charente-Maritime

Territories classified as “Natural Park”, “Natural Reserve” or “Natura 2000” are protected sites for their fauna and flora. You can discover them, being very careful not to leave any trace of your passage. In Charente-Maritime, the following natural areas are accessible:

Also read to go further: Our article on 5 natural sites in Charente-Maritime to visit in winter (and all year round)


Marais d'Yves Nature Reserve - Photo credit © Lesley Williamson
Marais d'Yves Nature Reserve - Photo credit © Lesley Williamson
La Bambouseraie de Matha - Photo credit © Lesley Williamson
La Bambouseraie de Matha - Photo credit © Lesley Williamson

Charente-Maritime markets and producers

Going to a market means meeting local producers, tasting local products, favoring the local economy and reducing your carbon footprint by getting supplies through short circuits. We take you to the markets and to the Charente producers:

The Sauniers of the Ile de Ré - Photo credit © Guide Charente Maritime
The Sauniers of the Ile de Ré - Photo credit © Guide Charente Maritime

Traditional restaurants, farms and inns in Charente-Maritime

Peckish ? It's time to go to an establishment, favoring seasonal and local products. To be sure to stay in the pure Charente tradition, nothing better than going to an authentic farm, a picturesque inn or a traditional restaurant :

Wine tourism in Charente-Maritime

And to accompany its delicious local dishes, all that's missing is a good wine. To practice ecologically responsible wine tourism, we offer estates committed to respecting their land and ancestral know-how, and which are involved in the sustainable development of viticulture.

Visit of Vineyard Vincent - Photo credit © Guide Charente Maritime
Visit of Vineyard Vincent - Photo credit © Guide Charente Maritime

Promote local crafts

If you want to promote the local economy and support crafts, don't hesitate to visit the designer boutiques to unearth original objects, and the workshops of craftsmen and artists to discover their works. Our good addresses:

We hope to have made you want to visit Charente-Maritime in a different way and we wish you a good eco-responsible holiday.


Did you like our report? Find more on the Guide Charente-Maritime blog. Connect to the Charente Maritime Guide Facebook page to be kept up to date with our news. We are also on Instagram @guidecharentemaritime


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