Green France: Hérault’s New Hike and Eco Bookings

Eco-tourism and green living in France is endlessly evolving – here we bring you the latest news and tourism developments from the Hérault to Burgundy. 

Take a new hike in Hérault

Opened in autumn 2022, the GR (Grande Randonnée or hiking route) Entre Deux Lacs is a waterside trail which allows walkers to discover two contrasting but equally pretty lakes – Lac d’Avène and Lac du Salagou – in the Hérault department of Occitanie, northwest of Montpellier. To the north you can enjoy the forest atmosphere of the Monts d’Orb, while in the south there is the unique characteristic of the Coeur d’Hérault with its omnipresent red rocks, called ruffes. Choose from the Tour du Lac d’Avène (33km) starting from Ceilhes, the Tour du Lac du Salagou (32km) starting from Clermont-l’Hérault, and a linear trail, the Sentier des Deux Lacs (65km), which joins the two loops together. Bonne balade!
More information at www.herault-tourisme.com

A new sustainable holiday booking website

For those seeking eco-responsible tourism options, MooVert is a new green holidays booking website bringing together a carefully selected group of accommodation, restaurants and service providers who share common values: authenticity, respect for the environment and excellent service.

Serre-Chevalier’s eco efforts

A pioneer ski area in terms of renewable energy, Serre Chevalier in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur installed two hydro-electric turbines in 2022. The aim for 2023 is to generate 30% of its energy needs from solar, wind and hydroelectric renewable sources. Green energy and biodiversity efforts see mountain resorts awarded the Flocon Vert label.

Burgundy’s medieval work site

2023 marks the 25th anniversary of construction starting on the unique Guédelon project (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), where a team of master-craftsmen is building a 13th-century castle from scratch. The aim is to revive heritage craft skills and showcase medieval construction methods.

Green stars for French hotels

Sustainable development is strongly emphasised in France’s new hotel star rating system. There are now 27 criteria related to sustainable development (compared to 13 in the previous edition), of which 15 are mandatory, including staff training in energy-saving management, water-saving and waste management measures.

From France Today Magazine