Travel sustainably in France

You’ll soon be travelling to France, and we want to help you prepare in the best way possible.

On your trip, you’ll experience the range of regional culture, customs and history that make up France. Step into revolutionary history in Paris, walk medieval streets in Provence villages, and taste the vibrant flavours of food sold at French Riviera markets.

France’s landscapes, wildlife and architectural heritage are extraordinary. But the things that make the country special can only be maintained if travellers like you treat them with care.

And remember, sustainable travel isn’t just about conserving the natural environment – it’s also about supporting local economies and having a positive impact on each community.

At Nordic Visitor, we take our responsibility to our destinations seriously. By staying mindful and treating each place you visit with respect, you can play a part in preserving them for future generations to enjoy.

On this page, you’ll find helpful suggestions on how you can do your part.

Packing for your visit to France

What you pack depends on when and where you’re headed. Provence in July will need a different wardrobe to the Riviera in October or Paris in March.

For exploring around the Verdon Gorge, the hilltop villages of the Luberon and the coastal paths along the south coast, sturdy shoes are a must.

Even in peak summer months, a waterproof layer never hurts – weather can turn quickly, especially at higher altitudes. In Paris especially, it’s been known to rain just as often as neighbouring London.

Heading to the Camargue in summer? Pack insect repellent; the wetlands come with plenty of local wildlife, both large and tiny. And wherever you go between June and August, a sun hat and sunscreen aren’t optional extras. They’re essentials.

As well as your clothes, arrive ready to travel a little lighter on the planet. Two small additions to your suitcase make a real difference: a reusable water bottle and a foldable shopping bag.

France’s tap water is safe, clean, and closely regulated. Fill up as you go – no need to buy bottled water at every stop, and no need to worry either. You can also order a complimentary une carafe d’eau (jug of water) at any restaurant.

Shopping bags are a different story. In 2016, France banned single-use plastic bags at checkouts, so shops will offer paper or thicker reusable alternatives instead — usually for a small charge. Skip the extra cost (and the extra clutter) by bringing your own. It folds into your pocket, unfolds into a handy carrier bag.

That’s the whole idea: pack a little smarter, and the trip looks after itself.

Making the most of local culture

France’s culture is rich, regional, and fiercely proud. The best way to experience it is to lean in.

1. Shop for local souvenirs

If you’re planning on bringing home some treats from your trip, look for products with clear regional origins. Here are some classics:

• Wines from local appellations – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Provence, and many more
• Artisan cheeses – there are over 1,000 varieties (no exaggeration)
• Charcuterie, terrines, and regional preserves
• Lavender products from Provence
• Ceramic or linen goods from local artisans
• Perfumes made in Grasse
• Locally produced honey, mustard, or tapenade
• Sea salt from the Camargue
   

Heads up: Check the rules for your home country before attempting to bring food and drink through customs.

If you didn’t leave enough space in your suitcase for all your souvenirs, make sure to donate any high-quality unwanted items, rather than putting them in the trash.

You can take clothes, shoes and other items directly into charity shops like Emmaüs, on main streets. Le Relais also operate textile recycling across the whole of France. You can search for donation points on their website.

2. Visit sites outside peak times

France’s attractions can get very busy, especially in peak summer. Visit early or late in the day and you’ll get closer to the real thing – and help spread the load on popular sites.

3. Don’t remove natural items from the landscape

France’s national parks and protected areas are beautiful precisely because they’re cared for. Please leave rocks, plants, and wildlife where they are.

4. Eat local

This one is easy in France. You can support local businesses by eating in independent cafés and restaurants all over the country.

Seek out restaurants that source regionally, choose the menu du jour (a great-value fixed menu built around seasonal ingredients), and eat where the locals eat. You can always ask your waiter about their menu, to find out what dishes came from nearby.

Find out more on our French food page.

5. Attend local events

The towns and cities across France come alive with their own festivals. Village fêtes, harvest festivals, Bastille Day celebrations, regional food markets and more, passed down for generations.

You’ll find nationwide listings here:

National websites

• France.fr – the official tourism site for events across the country

Because each region does things its own way, it’s worth digging into local listings too.

Regional websites

• Paris & Île-de-France: visitparisregion.com and Paris je t’aime
• Aix-en-Provence & surrounding landscape: aixenprovencetourism.com
• Occitanie: visit-occitanie.com
• The Verdon Gorge & wider Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region: provence-alpes-cotedazur.com
• The Camargue: destination-camargue.fr
• The French Riviera: cotedazurfrance.com
• Monaco: visitmonaco.com

You can also check the local tourist office or mairie (town hall) for events near where you’re staying.

6. Be respectful of local traditions and customs

When exploring cultural and historic sights, please be mindful of how important these places are to the French people. They represent centuries of tradition and change, and are great sources of pride.

Using sustainable transport

1. Walk, when you can

French towns and cities are very pedestrian friendly, and you’ll find it’s easy to get around on foot. Some places are car-free entirely, including sections of central Paris and the old town centres of Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Nice.

We select your accommodation with this in mind. Most of our stays sit close enough to restaurants, markets, and sights that you won’t need to think twice about transport.

2. Take local transport

Fancy a rest for your feet? France makes public transport easy. Trains link cities quickly and smoothly – the TGV from Paris to Avignon takes under three hours – and local buses and trams cover the rest.

In Nice or Aix, hire a bike and cover ground the way locals do. Slower than a taxi, but you’ll notice far more along the way.

3. Drive in a fuel-efficient way

Taking a self-drive tour through Provence or along the Riviera? A few small habits go a long way in improving your fuel efficiency. This also means less petrol station stops are needed.

Sharp acceleration and hard braking burn more energy than gentle, steady driving. Drive smoothly, holding a constant speed where you can, and your fuel gauge will thank you.

Conserving the natural environment

France’s landscapes – the Camargue wetlands, the Verdon Gorge, the Riviera coastline – are among Europe’s finest. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Leave no trace behind

Wherever you visit in France, hold on to any trash and throw it away in provided bins. If you’re in a rural landscape, take your litter back with you to your accommodation and dispose of it there.

You’ll receive some Nordic Visitor travel documents upon your arrival, including a personalised itinerary and our exclusive travel guides. If you don’t want to take these home as a keepsake from your travels, please recycle them.

When exploring historic structures like the Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard or Arles Amphitheatre, please don’t be tempted to mark the stone with traces of your visit. These sights have stood for hundreds if not thousands of years, and we all need to work together to keep them in good condition.

2. Stay on marked roads

When driving, keep in mind that off-road driving is illegal and damages fragile habitats. If you want to explore somewhere you see from the road, find a designated parking spot first.

3. Hike only on marked trails

France’s GR long-distance routes and local sentiers (trails) are well-maintained and wonderfully varied. Hiking along a few of these is a great way to explore the country’s beautiful nature.

4. Observe wildlife quietly

There’s a surprising amount of biodiversity in France, thanks to its huge range of habitats – mountains, valleys, lakes, farmland, coastline and more.

The Camargue alone is one of Europe’s great wildlife spectacles. Pink flamingos wade through its salt marshes. White horses run semi-wild across the plains. Black bulls graze under a sky full of herons and egrets.

Head into the Verdon Gorge or the Luberon’s hills, and you might spot golden eagles riding the thermals. Wild boar move through the woodlands of Provence at dusk. Out on the water off the Riviera, dolphins occasionally surface.

Seeing any of this is a privilege, not a guarantee. So the rule is simple: watch, don’t interfere.

Keep your distance. Move slowly, speak quietly, and resist the urge to get closer for a better photo. No sudden movements, no loud noises, and never, ever touch.

Addressing each tour’s carbon footprint

Travel comes with a carbon footprint, through flights, taxi rides, road trips and everything in between.

At Nordic Visitor, we take the climate crisis seriously. Since September 2023, we’ve invested a portion of each tour’s total cost into environmental restoration and sustainable development, through the Iceland Carbon Fund and Katla Carbon.

In practice, that means two things: planting trees to help restore natural carbon capture, and funding education projects that support young people in climate-vulnerable regions.

Curious about the details? Our Sustainability Policy covers exactly where this investment goes.

What can you do on your end? Start with how you get to France.

If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Europe, take a look at train connections. High-speed rail links most major European cities to Paris, often in less time than you’d think.

Flying in instead? A few small choices make a real difference:

1. Compare emissions, not just prices. Some booking sites now show a flight’s estimated carbon emissions alongside the fare – use this to weigh up your options.
2. Go direct where you can. Take-off and landing burn the most fuel, so a layover adds emissions a direct flight avoids.
3. Choose airlines that invest seriously in environmental initiatives, and look into their published sustainability commitments before you book. If your airline falls short here, consider supporting a credible environmental fund independently – much like the approach we take with our own tours.

By considering sustainability in your travels, you’re helping us to preserve this beautiful corner of Europe for future generations.