Sustainable and responsible tourism in the Basque Country

Are you interested in preserving the environment? Why not become an eco-conscious tourist? Several options are available: slow tourism, micro-tourism, sustainable transportation… We'll guide you in your responsible practices by introducing you to local producers, talented artisans, guesthouses, and alternative accommodations. Let's explore sustainable tourism in the Basque Country.

Opening photo: La Rhune

Slow tourism and micro-tourism: two trends in sustainable tourism

Slow tourism and microtourism are similar concepts, both based on the idea of returning to our roots… Our society moves too fast, too far, so during the holidays, we let go. The goal is to awaken your consciousness, to reconnect with nature, your environment, and those around you.

Slow tourism, as its name suggests, is based on the principle of slowing down, taking the time to appreciate the natural environment around us. Microtourism, on the other hand, involves reducing travel time to our holiday destination. The goal is to experience a change of scenery without leaving our local area, region, or at least without straying too far.

Accommodation with an eco-label and committed values

Choosing accommodation with a strong commitment to the environment means ensuring you contribute to its protection. Water-saving devices, clean heating, breakfasts featuring local products… There are countless small gestures that benefit nature! Sometimes these are alternative or unusual accommodations where you can discover different ways of life. Our selection of responsible accommodations:

• Farm stay at the Ferme des 4 chênes ;
• The Cabins of Arcangues ;
• The Floating Lodges on the Lake...

Travel using " soft mobility "

Holiday travel is one of the biggest contributors to carbon footprint, as it has become very easy to travel to the other side of the world. To protect the planet, micro-tourism is gaining popularity. But there is also a whole range of variations, known as " soft mobility." What does this entail?

The walk

The simplest, most eco-friendly, and most economical option is walking! In addition to getting exercise and experiencing slow tourism, it allows you to explore and discover your holiday surroundings along hiking trails. Even if you're not a keen walker, it's ideal for short trips.

The bicycle

Equally eco-friendly and ideal for longer distances is cycling. Thanks to the numerous greenways, cycle routes, and bike paths, you can explore the region from village to village…

Public transport

For your intercity journeys, public transport is a great option, especially for families. Inexpensive and accessible to strollers and people with reduced mobility, it's an efficient solution when you have young children or are traveling with elderly people. Buses, trains, and trams are all available to take you wherever you want to go!

The "greenest" Basque villages

Even a stroll through a village can be an eco-friendly act ! You just need to choose those that are committed to a concrete environmental policy and have obtained certification. This is precisely the role of the "Green Stations" label, which rewards the most virtuous municipalities in terms of landscape preservation and eco-responsible tourism.

Choosing these destinations means supporting a Basque Country that rejects mass tourism in favor of quality of life and biodiversity. In these villages, ecology is not just a buzzword, it's a reality that can be seen around every corner: responsible water management, switching off public lighting at night to protect wildlife, and the systematic promotion of local supply chains.

Strolling through Ascain, Sare, or Espelette, you enter preserved ecosystems where hiking trails are maintained with respect for the local flora and where local producers are the true guardians of the heritage. These towns strive to reduce their carbon footprint by promoting sustainable transportation, encouraging you to swap your car for an electric bike or your own walking shoes.

Adopting this "green" route means offering yourself an authentic break while ensuring that future generations will also be able to admire the unspoiled splendor of our mountains and valleys.

The seaside resorts of the Basque Country, awarded the " Blue Flag " label

The Basque Coast is one of the most beautiful in France, and the local communities are committed to protecting their coastline. This is why many fishing ports and seaside resorts have been awarded the prestigious " Blue Flag." The criteria are very diverse and encompass everything from the protection of the seabed to waste management. But they also guarantee you'll be swimming in clean water. Each year brings a new list of awarded beaches, so this list is not exhaustive:

• In Anglet: the beach of La Barre, the beach of Les Cavaliers, the beach of L'Océan, the beach of La Madrague, the beach of Les Corsaires, the beach of Marinella, the beach of Les Sables d'or and the beach of La Petite Chambre d'Amour.
• In Bidart, there is Ilbarritz beach, Pavillon Royal beach, Erretegia beach, Parlementia beach and Bidart-Centre beach.
• In Biarritz, Miramar beach, Grande Plage, Port Vieux beach, Côte des Basques beach, Marbella beach and Milady beach.
• In Hendaye, the Deux-Jumeaux beach and the Grande Plage.

Beyond the beaches, the commitment to protecting the oceans is also put into practice at sea with Explore Océan. Based in Hendaye, this leading player in scientific and responsible tourism is proud of its vessel, the one and only French boat to have held Blue Flag status since 2024. This accolade highlights its exemplary environmental management during its whale-watching expeditions. This commitment to excellence was recognised with the 2024 Tourisme 64 Award in the ‘Slow and Eco-tourism’ category, inviting travellers to engage in respectful and educational observation of the marine biodiversity of the Bay of Biscay.

The Natural Parks of the Basque Country

Natural Parks were created to preserve the flora and fauna of a specific ecosystem. In fact, everything is designed to help you discover these fascinating biotopes. They are ideal places for hiking. The park visitor centers also offer all sorts of activities and workshops, suitable for all ages, to learn eco-friendly practices, develop your knowledge of nature, and have fun as a family. The Basque Country has several protected areas:

• The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve ;
• Urkiola Natural Park ;
• The Señorío Natural Park ;
• The Pagoeta Natural Park ;
• AiakoHarria Natural Park.

Nature activities

To practice slow tourism, we invite you to try nature activities, to disconnect from your daily routine and take the time to recharge in contact with nature. Here are a few ideas:

• Body and Soul 64: Wellness massages and energy treatments in the Basque Country ;
• Surf spots in the Basque Country ;
• Where to run on the Basque coast?
• Rafting down the Nive River: thrills and adrenaline!

Farmers' markets in the Basque Country

Whether it's a farmers' market, an organic market, or a producers ' market, buying local is the most direct way to support a local economy and preserve the know-how of our valleys. In the Basque Country, the market is not just a simple commercial transaction; it's an unmissable social gathering, a celebration of conviviality where people take the time to connect with those who work the land.

Filling your basket at the stalls of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Espelette, or Anglet guarantees you're eating fresh produce, picked at its peak and not having traveled thousands of kilometers. It's also a chance to discover seasonal treasures: chili peppers in all their forms, sheep's milk cheeses (Ossau-Iraty) matured in the mountains, Kintoa ham, or even the black cherries of Itxassou.

By choosing these local producers, you drastically reduce unnecessary packaging and the carbon footprint associated with transportation. You become a key player in the region's food sovereignty, while simultaneously reintroducing your palate to authentic flavors. Strolling among the colorful stalls to the sound of the Basque language offers a unique sensory experience, all while making a tangible and delicious contribution to the planet.

Traditional restaurants, farms and inns of the Basque Country

Restaurateurs are both partners for local producers and key intermediaries. They dedicate their expertise and creativity to showcasing the finest Basque regional products. You'll delight in this flavorful cuisine, a blend of modernity and tradition. To maintain an eco-friendly approach, you can choose from farm-inns, traditional restaurants, and, for a change of pace, vegetarian or vegan options.

Wine tourism in the Basque Country

Wine tourism offers a unique way to explore the Basque wine region. Wonderful surprises await, such as discovering new flavors and fascinating professions, learning about oenology, and enjoying unusual activities amidst the vineyards…

• Domaine Brana, certified High Environmental Value, for its vineyard, in organic and biodynamic conversion.
• The Bordatto estate, its country bistro and its " children's " area.
• The Irouléguy winery offers a tour to help you understand the work required from vine to bottle.

Local crafts, unusual gifts and souvenirs

Promoting local crafts means contributing to sustainable development and preserving traditional trades and skills. In the workshops of artisans and artists, as well as in the boutiques of designers, you will discover unique pieces, perfect for original and sometimes unusual gifts.

That concludes our " eco-tour " of the Basque Country. We wish you wonderful eco-friendly discoveries and a great " slow-holiday "!

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