Responsible tourism in the Landes

Do you want to be an eco-responsible tourist? We are going to talk to you about slow-tourism, micro-tourism, soft mobility in the Landes... to improve your carbon footprint during the holidays. We will share our tips for finding accommodation that respects nature, local producers and responsible activities for sustainable tourism in the Landes.

Opening photo: Go surfing in sustainable mode - Photo credit © Minicel73 / AdobeStock

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The good practices of slow-tourism

Living in the present, making authentic encounters, enjoying the sweetness of life and letting yourself be carried away by the opportunities... That's what slow tourism really is! Of course, as soon as we disconnect from our society and its excesses, to reconnect with nature, we become more involved in protecting our planet. Here are some actions you can take:

• Favor short distances, which will make you a player in micro-tourism.
• Use public transport, more ecological and more economical.
• Stay in alternative eco-friendly accommodation.
• Pay attention to the environment: Sort and collect your waste properly, do not damage the hiking sites...

Did you know: Micro-tourism is a new tourism trend, which consists of traveling close to home for a shorter but experiential vacation. You'll reduce your carbon footprint, you'll save money, and you'll discover a new side to your region. The principle is to favor more natural activities, adventures, near his usual place of residence.

Alternative accommodation eco-labels

Ecolabels are there to tell you the environmental quality of your accommodation. They are based on various criteria: the setting in which your accommodation is located, the use of renewable energies, the sorting of waste... Our selection of responsible accommodation:

• The cabin in the woods Landifornia Lodge.
• An immersion in the Landes forest, with the transparent roof cabins of Cap Cabane.
• The Domaine Ecotelia and its accommodations from all over the world.
• Accommodation respecting the “Regional Natural Park Values”: Treehouse rental at “Nature Océan”.
• Geodes and bubbles of Lo Rey du Lac.

Photo credit: Unusual accommodation at Lo Rey du Lac

“Soft mobility” journeys

Soft mobility brings together ecological and economical modes of travel. In any case, by leaving your personal vehicle in the car park, you will be doing something for the planet! Slower than the car, they fit into different kinds of green holidays, both slow-tourism and micro-tourism.

For short distances or to get from one town to another, we recommend walking. In addition, you will walk the region on the country roads, what to see of the country...

Find out more: The most beautiful walks and hikes in the Landes, near the ocean and inland.

When you have more miles to cover, get on a bike. You will cover a greater distance with less fatigue. In addition, it is very pleasant with the family, with older children or teenagers.

Find out more: Cycling on greenways and cycle paths.

Greenway in the Landes - Photo credit © Guide des Landes

For longer distances and intercity travel, there is public transport. Train, bus or tram are very practical, especially with young children, with strollers, or for people with reduced mobility.

Find out more: Urban transport in the Landes, in the largest cities.

The beaches with the “Blue Flag” label in the Landes

The Blue Flag is a label which assures you of a certain quality of water and the cleanliness of the beach or the port. Among the criteria, there is a strong interest in the management of the oceans, the preservation of marine animals and the typical flora of coastal areas. In the Landes, it is the beaches of Seignosse which are labeled, in particular those of Estagnots and Penon.

Find out more: The most beautiful beaches in the Landes (fr).

Penon beach - Photo credit © Guide des Landes

The Landes “Green Stations”

"The green stations" are municipalities managed, in a logic of ecological responsibility. They also practice sustainable development. These are villages that have managed to preserve their authenticity and offer tourists protected sites and a remarkable heritage. Our selection of the most beautiful green resorts in the Landes:

• Moliets-et-Maâ, the Landes dolce vita
• Lesperon
• Mezos
• Vielle Saint Girons
• Leon

Find out more: 10 towns and villages in the Landes not to be missed!

Pond of Léon - Photo credit © Guide des Landes

Landes natural parks

Sites benefiting from “Natural Park” or “Natural Reserve” or “Natura 2000” protection are areas where the fauna, flora and their biotope are preserved. You can visit them and hike there, respecting the environment by the gestures indicated. Here are the classified natural areas of the Landes:

• The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park
• The Natural Site of Arjuzanx
• The Marais d'Orx Nature Reserve
• The Courant d'Huchet Nature Reserve, nicknamed "the little Amazon of the Landes"
• The “Natura 2000” site of the Courant de Contis
• The Etang Noir Nature Reserve
• The “Natura 2000” site of the Mées peat bogs
• The Leyre valleys, classified as “Natura 2000” and “RAMSAR”
• The Regional Geological Nature Reserve of Tercis-les-Bains
• The Broussau Ornithological Reserve

The good idea: Where to watch birds in the Landes?

Etang Noir Nature Reserve - Photo credit © Guide des Landes

Nature activities

Do you want to do fun activities in the Landes and still remain an eco-responsible tourist? We offer you some ideas for family and fun outings, without ecological impact:

• Unusual boat trip on the Courant d'Huchet
• Landes surf spots
• Pissos: Nature and sports resort with the Testarouman leisure center
• Landes traditions at the Marquèze ecomuseum (fr)
  
• Hawaiian outrigger canoe with Yak'Océan (fr)
  
• Stroll through the Landes forests on an electric scooter!
• Family outing to Butterfly Paradise (fr)
  
• Ride in the Landes with the Equestrian Center of La Prade

Le Courant d'Huchet - Photo credit © Guide des Landes

Landes farmers' markets

Favoring short circuits, discovering players in the local economy, tasting seasonal and local products and chatting with friendly producers, these are the advantages of farmers', producers' or organic markets. The best Landes markets:

• Mont-de-Marsan, one of the 100 most beautiful markets in France
• The local farmers' market in Mimizan
• The seasonal market of Saint-Paul lès Dax producers
• The local farmers market in Morcenx

Find out more: The Landes Markets, all the flavors of a region!

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Landes restaurants

To taste the famous gastronomy of the Landes, nothing is better than letting yourself be guided by the menus, concocted by the Landes chefs. We have chosen for you establishments that highlight their ecological values: picturesque inns, to savor farm products.

• The Bastebieille farm and its local products
• The Marquine farm for a delicious meal from farm production
• The Grand Megnos inn and its regional specialties

The good idea: Learn about Landes wine in the vineyards.

Promote local crafts

To promote local crafts, you can shop at designer boutiques and artisan workshops. Thus, you will discover trades and know-how of yesteryear, regional traditions, exercised by craftsmen and artists from the Landes. Our good addresses:

• The Gainerie Art
• Terafeu Terafour
• Sabot des Landes

Find out more: What will we bring back from the holidays in the Landes? (fr)

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We hope to have given you useful ideas and we wish you a good green holiday!

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