Sustainable Tourism in Nouvelle-Aquitaine : a selection of « good practice » implemented by regional tourism stakeholders

20 May 2022

In the framework of the study on “Sustainable Tourisme in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region" carried out by the NA Tourism Board in 2021, a total of 1,119 tourism operators committed to sustainable tourism in Nouvelle-Aquitaine were identified.

 

These are tourism professionals, from all fields, who are leading the way in terms of sustainable development and environmental preservation while improving visitor experience and the well-being of the local population.

 

A (non-exhaustive) overview of inspiring regional initiatives and "best practice" in sustainable tourism.

The exemplariness of « Le Rayonnement » campsite in Rochefort

Accommodation / Ecotourism

“Le Rayonnement” municipal campsite’s many labels reflect its long-standing commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development and hospitality for all types of guests: the first municipal establishment in France to have obtained a European Ecolabel, in 2010, a "Clef Verte" (Green Key) label; a "Qualité Tourisme" (Quality Tourism) and "Tourisme et Handicap" (Tourism and Handicap) State labels (taking into account the 4 types of handicaps: motor, mental, auditory and visual, etc.)

www.camping-le-rayonnement.fr/

A « Good practice » example, implemented by the campsite

In addition to the efforts made in terms of water, energy and waste management, the campsite has drawn up an environmental charter available to all, and helps raise visitor awareness, detailing the campsite's commitments and “good practice”, as well as eco-actions that can be carried out by all.

Château Guiraud,  a committed Wine Tourism stakeholder

Wine Tourism

Château Guiraud is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture (the first of the “Grands Crus Classés in 1855” to have received an Organic Agriculture certification). This estate puts preserving biodiversity at the centre of its considerations and actions: by choosing environment-friendly production methods, providing a soft mobility offer, etc.

The Sauternes estate’s wine tourism dynamism has also received the prestigious "International Best Of Wine Tourism Award" 2022 for the excellence of its hospitality, as well as a "Best Of", in the "Wine tourism promotion of environmental practices" category.

www.chateauguiraud.com/

A « Good practice » example, implemented by the estate

In collaboration with “Bordeaux Sciences Agro” (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques), Château Guiraud has chosen to plant four kilometres of low hedges in and around its vines, in which a diverse fauna of insects nest. In the summer, these insects become predators to the vine's pests. This traditional method aims at a better balance of the insect population and allows for a reasoned fight against parasites.

Château de Hautefort, 1st cultural site to obtain an ecolabel

Culture and heritage

Château de Hautefort, in Dordogne, is the first French medieval castle to have obtained the "NF Environnement - Site de visite" label. Keen to preserve an exceptional estate and to limit its carbon footprint, the castle carries out many actions in favour of the environment: an organic vegetable garden, plant waste recycling, energy saving, raising children's awareness by organising "taking of cutting" workshops, etc.

www.chateau-hautefort.com/

A « Good practice » example, implemented by the castle

For the last several years, the castle has chosen to work with local craftsmen for the renovation and maintenance of the site (stonemasons, roofers, cabinetmakers, ironworkers, etc.).

The « Relais Thalasso Ile-de-Ré », reconciling well-being and sustainable development

Well-being

This thalassotherapy and spa centre located 650 metres from the beaches (south coast of the Ile de Ré), in the heart of a 5-hectare park, has been fully committed to eco-responsibility since 2020.

This Charentes establishment has carried out several actions to become part of a more environmentally friendly approach to the ocean: by completely renovating the marine centre, based in particular on thermal energy systems, structuring a CSR approach and developing a low-carbon strategy.

https://relaisthalasso.com/atalante/

A « Good practice » example, implemented by the centre

Among its goals, the centre aims to reduce the environmental impact of its digital ecosystem. Thus, the Relais Thalasso has initiated a diagnosis of the digital maturity of its business, carried out by a service provider commissioned by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

The ultimate aim of this process is to define an action plan dedicated to digital sobriety.

La Ferme des Filles, an “eco-place” in Captieux (33)

Savoir-faire 

Located in a traditional Landes airial, the Ferme des Filles is a collective project run by four young women based on organic farming, agritourism and social links.

In the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, this "eco-environment" offers accommodation (forest gîtes , camping on the farm) as well as various services and activities: organic products for sale, forest walks, manual and recreational workshops, etc.

https://lafermedesfilles.fr/

A « Good practice » example

The farm's organic products are sold in a self-managed sales outlet: each customer is autonomous in keeping a record of his or her purchases and making payments.