How to Choose Your Eco-Friendly Campsite?

Do you want to spend a holiday close to nature, while respecting the environment and reducing your ecological impact? Then opt for an eco-responsible establishment ! But how do you choose your eco-friendly campsite among the many offers available? What criteria should you consider to make sure the campsite is truly eco-friendly? Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice and book an unforgettable stay in France.

The campsite’s labels

A good way to recognise an eco-friendly campsite is to check whether it holds one or more environmental labels. These labels guarantee that the campsite meets strict standards on water management, energy, waste, biodiversity and so on. They ensure you an eco-friendly holiday at a lovely destination in France. Several nationally or internationally recognised labels also exist, including:

• The Ecolabel Européen: this is the European Union’s official label, certifying that the campsite has a low environmental impact and offers quality services.
• Green Globe: this is an international label, which assesses the campsite on more than 300 criteria related to sustainable development, social responsibility and the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Clef Verte: this is the first international eco-label for tourist accommodation, rewarding campsites that commit to reducing their energy and water consumption, sorting their waste, favouring local and organic produce, and so on.

To find a labelled campsite, you can check the official websites of these labels, or use booking platforms specialised in sustainable tourism such as camping-ecologique.com.

Eco-friendly accommodation

Another important aspect to consider when choosing your eco-friendly campsite is the type of accommodation on offer. Indeed, some campsites offer accommodation options that are more environmentally friendly than others.

Tents or caravans

Tents and caravans are the closest to the spirit of traditional camping and help limit the ecological footprint linked to building and maintaining fixed structures.

Mobile homes and chalets

Mobile homes and chalets are comfortable, well-equipped accommodations that remain ideal for sustainable tourism. That’s because they must meet strict environmental standards, such as the use of recycled materials, solar panels, thermal insulation systems, and so on.

Unusual accommodation

Unusual accommodation, such as treehouses, yurts, gypsy caravans or tepees, offers original and playful alternatives for reconnecting with nature and living a unique experience.

Choosing your eco-friendly accommodation

To choose your eco-friendly accommodation and enjoy an eco-friendly holiday in France, you can find out about the features and facilities of each option. Then compare prices and availability on campsite websites or booking platforms.

Eco-responsible initiatives

Beyond the label and the accommodation, it’s also important to find out about the eco-responsible initiatives put in place by the campsite, which reflect its commitment to the environment. Some actions favouring environmental preservation are direct, while others are more about prevention.

Direct actions to reduce environmental impact

• The use of non-polluting products to clean campers’ accommodation.
• The use of green energy to power accommodation (solar, hydro…).
• Waste sorting, with a system of multi-coloured bins to encourage campers to do so.

Preventive actions to protect the environment and its resources

• Raising awareness among guests and staff about eco-citizen habits, such as waste sorting, saving water and electricity, respecting wildlife and plant life, and so on.
• Promoting gentle modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and carpooling, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and discover the region differently.
• Showcasing the local terroir and produce such as fruit, vegetables, cheese and wine, available at the campsite restaurant, the shop or nearby markets.

Finding out about campsites’ eco-responsible actions

To find out about a campsite’s eco-responsible actions, you can check its website, its brochure, or ask it directly when you book or arrive.

The activities offered by the campsite

Finally, when choosing your eco-friendly campsite, you also need to consider the activities on offer, which should align with the values of sustainable tourism. These are activities that let you enjoy nature, have fun, relax and learn, without harming the environment. These activities include:

• Hiking, cycling or horse riding, which are ways to discover the region’s landscapes, wildlife and plant life while getting some exercise.
• Water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing, playful and refreshing activities for enjoying lakes, rivers or the sea, without using an engine.
• Creative workshops, such as gardening, pottery or painting, relaxing and enriching activities that help develop creativity and skills.
• Cultural events, such as guided tours, shows or concerts, sociable and informative activities that let you discover the region’s heritage and traditions.

To find out about the activities offered by the campsite, you can check its activity programme, its website, or ask for information when you book or arrive.

Count on our platform to help you choose your eco-friendly campsite!

Choosing your eco-friendly campsite is not an easy task, but it’s a responsible and rewarding step, one that lets you enjoy an unforgettable holiday while respecting the planet. To help you make the right choice, don’t hesitate to find out about the campsite’s labels, accommodation, actions and activities, and to compare the offers available. You’re sure to find the eco-friendly campsite that matches your wishes and your budget. To help you, we list the best eco-friendly campsites in France! These establishments offer you an eco-responsible stay thanks to eco-friendly accommodation, actions in favour of protecting the planet or non-polluting activities. We’re confident you’ll love this holiday experience with a reduced ecological impact!