Car-Free Holidays

- Published on 04/12/2023 -

Doing without a car for your next trip? Excellent idea! Driving is fairly expensive. It’s also one of the most polluting means of transport, just like flying. So if you’re a champion of the planet, car-free holidays are perfect for you… And whether you’re heading to Saint-Tropez, the Île de Ré or Calvi…, you’ll find plenty of refreshing activities to do near your eco-friendly campsite accommodation. Enjoy your stay!

In France

Nothing beats car-free holidays for saving money and reducing your carbon footprint! You’ll still need to find alternatives to get around during your stay. Luckily, there are plenty in France:

Hitchhiking, just like in the movies

Hitchhiking means standing by the roadside to find someone willing to take you to the town or destination of your choice. The advantage of this method is that it lets you make wonderful encounters.
Although it’s cheap, hitchhiking works better for getting from your holiday accommodation with a pool to a nearby place you want to visit. It’s also less practical if you’re travelling as a family. So for family trips and/or to a distant city, favour the train.

Travelling by train for extra comfort

Taking the train is an excellent alternative to the car! As well as getting you to your destination, it’s also a local means of transport. And if the journey is really long, you can even spend the night on board — just choose a night train.
Did you know?

In France, more and more lines organise activities that help you discover the regions you travel through.
Trains pollute less than planes and cars.
On a train journey, there’s no need to spend hours at the airport checking in your luggage.
20 times less risky than the car, the train is one of the safest means of transport in France.
Planning to spend your car-free holiday with the family? The train comfortably welcomes young and old alike…

Carpooling, the idea of the year

Feel like going to the pool, the beach or a theme park without having to drive? Try carpooling! It lets you share a journey with other people. It won’t quite be a car-free holiday, but it saves you from driving.
As a result, you’ll save money and make great encounters. And there’ll be room for the whole family. What’s more, you can plan the trip from your holiday accommodation to a nearby beach or to more distant places. Not to mention that carpooling generates less pollution… Who can top that?

Boarding a ferry to Corsica

Heading to Corsica for your next holiday to laze on the beach and enjoy its water sports activities? A ferry crossing will be cheaper and more eco-friendly than flying. Once on the Island of Beauty, you can travel from town to town by bus, train or bicycle… All that’s left to do is chill on the beach and admire the scenery!

The bicycle, a classic for eco-conscious travellers

Nothing beats the bicycle for eco-tourism in France! In fact, practically every French town has cycle routes. As a family, as a couple or with friends, a cycling holiday promises to be a friendly one.
The little bonus with bikes: rental is usually available close to your holiday accommodation.

The bus is on the rise

Compared to the car, train and plane, the bus is cheaper. As a result, a lot of people travel by bus in France. You can even spend the night on board for long journeys.
As a local means of transport, the bus takes you from one town to another with little impact on the environment… The only downside is the timetable constraints.

Abroad

Leaving France for your next trip? A car-free stay abroad is entirely possible:

Travelling around Europe by train

Just like France, Europe is very well served by train. It will also let you discover the best European holiday destinations, such as Norway’s oldest city, Portugal’s wine route or the mountains of Saint-Moritz in Switzerland…
Planning a long trip? The train can become your overnight accommodation — just take the night train.

Travelling abroad by ferry

Going on holiday abroad without a car, without a plane and without a train? There’s still the ferry. From France, it takes you to the United Kingdom, Sardinia or Tunisia…
On board a ferry, you can share quality moments with your family. True, the journey takes longer, but it’s more eco-friendly.

The advantages of travelling without a car

A car-free stay offers plenty of advantages:

The car is one of the most polluting means of transport. By opting for car-free holidays, you’re acting in favour of the planet.
It’s sometimes hard to find a parking space near your activities, especially in town. Without a car, you won’t need to look for a car park.
Without a car, your short trips will be done on foot or by bike, which will keep you in better shape.
With fuel prices constantly rising, nothing beats a car-free stay for cutting your expenses.
Planning to go to the pool, the spa or the beach? No need to get up at dawn to avoid traffic jams. You can sleep in and make the most of your holiday activities without rushing.
Without a car, you take the time to truly discover your holiday destination…

Happy car-free holidays!