Sustainable and responsible tourism in Tarn, Aveyron and Tarn-et-Garonne

If the notions of “slow tourism ” , “ microtourism ” or “ eco-responsible tourism ” are not yet very clear to you. You are in the right place ! We will clarify the subject for your next vacation, in “ slow ” mode. Let's go for an overview of alternative accommodation , short supply chains, with farmers' markets and local crafts, committed tourist sites, and labeled villages...

Opening photo: Nikola-Jovanovic Unsplash

Practice “ slow tourism ” or “ micro-tourism ”

Slowtourism is defined and experienced, according to a principle of simplicity! To practice it, you just need to take the time to appreciate and respect your vacation environment. More concretely, you can use ecological modes of transport, do nature activities, or even relax in unusual accommodation.

Micro-tourism is also an ecological vacation concept. It’s about experiencing, over a few days, an “ adventure ”, but on a “ street corner ”. You are going to try an original activity, near you, in your region or department of residence. The main idea is that you don't have to go far to get a change of scenery. In addition to being economical on your carbon footprint, the budget normally allocated to the trip can be used to have fun on site.

Housing responsibly

Many tourism hosts are concerned about their environmental impact and are committed to reducing it. They often offer unusual accommodation and great discoveries await you there. We have selected for you:

• Atmo'Sphère bubbles

• The Ecologite the elders
• The Bellevue Albi ecolodge
• The peasant welcome The chalet garden
• The chalets with the “ recycled ” decoration of the Fées du Moulin

Moving in “ Soft Mobility ” mode

Soft mobility is not just about taking public transport. It also means doing sport by walking or riding a bike. But it still has many other advantages. It is an integral part of “slow tourism” and allows you to appreciate the landscape while you travel. It saves you time and hassle by avoiding traffic jams. It saves you money…

• Are you in a small town? Consider walking and explore the hiking trails. It's perfect for short distances and it doesn't cost you anything... Plus, you'll have the opportunity to see the country!
• Find out more: Hiking routes in Tarn, Aveyron & Tarn et Garonne.
• Almost as economical as walking, but it allows you to cover a greater distance... It's the bike, of course! Numerous cycle paths and greenways are at your disposal in Tarn Aveyron.

• For urban or suburban trips, the solution is public transport, such as Intercity trains, buses, the metro or the tram! It's much more relaxing and inexpensive.

Stroll through the Aveyron villages classified as “Green Stations”

The villages also have their label! In fact, the labeling of “green stations” has existed since 1964! It ensures you visit a village, concerned about ecological issues . The criteria are varied, such as the natural appeal of the areas, the authenticity of the architecture, or even sustainable initiatives... Here are some green resorts in Tarn Aveyron :

• Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
• The medieval bastide of Caylus
• Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave

Hiking in a “ Grand Site de France ”

The “ Grands sites de France ” are natural spaces of great notoriety. They are true monuments of nature. In these areas, the fauna and flora are protected, as well as their ecosystem. In Tarn Aveyron, it is the Gorges du Tarn, de la Jonte and des Causses which are classified as “ Grands Sites de France ”, for their extraordinary beauty. It is a tourist site not to be missed during your visit to the region.

The “ Grands site Occitanie ” are renowned sites which are committed to respecting the “ Regional Green Pact ”:

• The large site of “ Moissac – Lauzerte – Auvillar ”, on the Routes of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.
  
• The Bastides and the Gorges of Aveyron. An article to go further : Go on an adventure on the Roc du Gorb Via Ferrata in Aveyron!
• Cordes-sur-Ciel and medieval towns.

Visit engaged tourist sites

Tourist sites are also going green! To identify them, do not hesitate to rely on the NF Environnement certification. To see nature from a new angle, also think about the Remarkable Gardens. They are actively committed to preserving their environment, revealing rare species to you and creating astonishing works of plant art.

• Les Jardins des Martels, one of the most beautiful floral parks in France, labeled “ Remarkable Garden ”.
• The Levézou farm offers family visits to discover an organic farm.

Have fun while respecting the environment

Many activities are practiced within the framework of ecotourism. The easiest is surely hiking. But there are plenty of natural leisure activities that you can try out during the holidays. This is an opportunity to have fun, trying new activities, while being a responsible tourist.

• A ride in Quercy Pays de Serres or how to reconnect with nature!
• The Ecological and Botanical Observation Trail of the Bois de Laguiole
• Caving activity B&Aba sport nature

Discover the Tarn Aveyron terroir

The subject of food is one of ecological concerns. To reduce its impact on the environment, it is better to favor short circuits. The favorite place to find all kinds of local products is the farmers' market of course! These farmers' markets can also be organic. Some offer entertainment: gourmet night market, concert or party…

Promote local crafts

How to please or treat yourself while respecting your ecological values? Crafts offer you great surprises. You will admire real works of art, while learning about traditional know-how, meeting people who are passionate about their profession!

• Poujol shoemaking

• The Laguiole Forge
• The Barry cutlery

• The Lacontal farm

Wine tourism in Tarn Aveyron

Wine tourism is a new tourism concept. The wine estates offer you original visits and unusual activities to show you their vineyard in a different way. Bike ride on the wine hills, yoga or escape game in the heart of the vineyards , you will be surprised…

• The organic vineyard of Château les Vignals
• The Petite Tuile estate undergoing organic conversion
• Gaillac wines and the vineyard: a whole art of living!

This ecological tour of Tarn Aveyron is finished, we wish you a good eco-responsible holiday!

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