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Nous vous invitons à découvrir le site Agir pour un tourisme responsable une mine d’informations pour mieux voyager :

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Do you want to change from downhill skiing for your winter vacations? Whether it’s because you’re tired of waiting in line at the ski lifts, because you want a more eco-friendly vacation or just to introduce a bit of novelty, a winter vacation in the mountains without skiing is totally possible! Strong sensations, grandiose landscapes or unusual escapades, discover 11 ideas of activities in the mountains in winter guaranteed without boredom. I promise you, you will always have the right to eat raclette at the end of the day!

Do we still need to introduce this superb winter activity&nbsp;? The&nbsp;snowshoeing hike&nbsp;is the guarantee to fully enjoy the calm of the mountain, the crunch of your footsteps in the snow and the nature. What more could you ask for&nbsp;? This is a sporty and soothing activity that will clearly appeal to walking enthusiasts.

For great itineraries, head to the&nbsp;resort of Luchon-Superbagnères, for example, in the Pyrenees, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Toulouse. You can even spend your nights at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/en/infrance/le-poujastou-2/" target="_blank">Poujastou</a>, a bed and breakfast a few miles away. Its owner is a mountain guide and will be happy to advise you on the best hikes in the area&nbsp;!

No need for chairlifts, ski lifts, groomed trails or even waiting in line to ski touring! It will be up to you to make the effort to climb to the top of the mountain. Thanks to grippy “sealskins” attached to the underside of the ski skates, your ascent is guaranteed to be slip-free. Just remove the skins before heading down the slope. You can now go downhill in the middle of nature and discover the mountain in all its authenticity!

Be careful, however, to be well informed about the risks of avalanches and to bring the necessary equipment before venturing off the beaten path.

Want to live a real polar expedition this winter? Why not leave for several days with your skis or snowshoes and a pulka? It is a sled of transport originating from the north of Europe. Attached to your waist and containing your equipment, you pull it yourself. It allows you to bring your tent, sleeping bag, food and everything else you need for a great micro-adventure in the wilderness.

Moreover, it is not necessary to go to the other side of the world to live this type of escapade. It is possible to go to the Vercors,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/pulka-dans-le-vercors/" target="_blank">discover Laëtitia’s experience</a>!

For mountain bike lovers in the summer, the adventure continues in the winter with the fatbike. These wide-tired mountain bikes allow you to ride through the snow without too much difficulty and explore the mountains by bike, even in winter! Many models are equipped with electric assistance, ideal to avoid exhausting yourself while climbing the peaks. To introduce you to this sensational sport, ski resorts like&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lessaisies-aventures.com/activites-hiver/fatbike-les-saisies-12.html" target="_blank">Les Saisies offer guided tours</a>.

Why not take advantage of your winter mountain vacation without skiing to indulge in the pleasure of ice skating&nbsp;?&nbsp;Skate at full speed on a frozen surface&nbsp;without too much effort and enjoy the fresh mountain air in complete freedom, that’s what makes for great memories. Many ski resorts offer outdoor ice rinks.

Even better, some Jura lakes are set up for ice skating in winter, such as at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.montagnes-du-jura.fr/hiver-et-neige-dans-les-montagnes-du-jura/bienvenue-dans-le-petite-scandinavie-francaise/le-top-des-lacs-geles-ou-patiner/" target="_blank">lac des Rousses</a>. Enjoy sliding on a frozen lake in complete safety thanks to a marked area and the presence of a ski patroller.

No need to go to Lapland to try this activity in the mountains in winter! Many French mountain resorts now offer this kind of outing. The organizers are often passionate about the dog breed and will gladly tell you all the stories about their four-legged protégés. So take a seat on your sled, enjoy the scenery and let yourself be transported by a team of cheerful dogs who are delighted to show you the mountains!

Do you want a little help for your next snowshoeing trip? If you also like the company of dogs, we recommend you try the cani-raquettes. A 4-legged friend is attached to your waist by a harness and helps you to move forward in the snow, to climb hills and to go a little faster. Something to delight animal and mountain lovers!

Do you have teeth chattering just from reading the title of this activity? Don’t panic, the idea is not to go swimming in frozen water. Well, yes, but you will be equipped with an adapted wetsuit so that you won’t feel the icy temperature of the water (around 2°C). Then, it is a silent and timeless world that awaits you under the ice. You can for example try this unusual and unforgettable activity at the lake of Tignes.

For the thrill-seekers among you, go and admire the magnificent snow-covered peaks from the sky during a paragliding trip! Take off with your skis, let yourself be carried by the wind and enjoy the splendid landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see under your feet.

#10 Tobogganing, a winter mountain activity not just for kids

Looking for a never-before-seen sledding&nbsp;? Have you heard of&nbsp;snowtubing&nbsp;? Take a seat in a big buoy and let yourself slide on the snow&nbsp;! The resort of Font-Romeu, in the Pyrenees, offers this activity for example. For your stay in this resort, we advise you to put your bags at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/en/infrance/orri-de-planes-2/" target="_blank">Orri de Planès</a>, an ecological gite, perfect to recharge your batteries after your day in the snow.

You can also try the&nbsp;snake-gliss&nbsp;: several sleds are hooked together and form like a snake on the snow. In addition to sharing this experience with others, you will be able to go down the snowy slopes at blistering speeds&nbsp;!

Finally, to discover the slopes like skiers, introduce yourself to the&nbsp;paret or yooner. The machine has a skate with a seat on it for you to sit on. A cross between a sled and a ski, this way you can hit the slopes with your skiing friends, even if you’re not a big pro at skiing.

For climbing enthusiasts in search of the unusual, why not try&nbsp;gravating an icefall&nbsp;? Armed with your ice axe, your equipment and the advice of your guide, it’s up to you to climb towards the summits&nbsp;! For example, you can indulge in this activity in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ubaye.com/activites/cascades-de-glace.html" target="_blank">Ubaye Valley in the Alps</a>.

For your stay, we recommend the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/en/infrance/the-gueyniers-family-house/" target="_blank">Family House of Gueyniers</a>, a bed and breakfast located in the heart of the valley, in Jausiers, the perfect place to warm up at the end of your day.

Our tips for organizing a winter mountain vacation without skiing

Don’t&nbsp;neglect the safety aspect in the mountains&nbsp;and go prepared and equipped. For example, here are some aspects to pay particular attention to&nbsp;:

Find resorts that offer these activities in the mountains in winter

To find the resort that offers the activity you’re dreaming of, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.france-montagnes.com/guide-des-stations/stations-de-ski-france" target="_blank">France-Montagnes guide</a>. Choose your preferred geographical area&nbsp;: Northern Alps, Southern Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Jura, Vosges and Corsica. Then, you just have to filter according to the type of escapade that tempts you the most to find the resorts that offer it. If you want to go further discover&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/en/the_exploractors_blog/how-to-choose-an-ecological-ski-resort/" target="_blank">our tips for choosing an eco-friendly ski resort</a>.

You now have 11 ideas for&nbsp;activities in the mountains in winter&nbsp;to change from skiing&nbsp;! Which adventure would you like to try&nbsp;? Tell us in comments.

Did you like this article&nbsp;? Read on and check out all of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/en/the_exploractors_blog/green-activities-all-our-ideas-for-your-vacations/" target="_blank">green activity ideas</a>, summer version, to keep under your elbow for the beautiful season.

Article written by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana%C3%AFs-maroteaux-0a3035a9/" target="_blank">Anaïs Maroteaux</a>, SEO web writer&nbsp;&nbsp;

Une personne au milieu d'une plaine enneigée que l'on suit grace aux traces qu'elle laisse dans la neige avec ses raquettes

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11 ideas for winter activities in the mountains that are different from downhill skiing

In the past, buying travel souvenirs was an essential part of my vacation. Like 48% of travelers, it was a way to bring a little bit of my trip back home. It was also a good opportunity to make my loved ones happy. However, when I started to pay attention to my environmental impact, the issue of travel souvenirs also came under scrutiny. Did I really need the scarf? Did I use it at least once?... The answer was often no!

And I also transposed this to the 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals in the world. Only 1 person out of 5 doesn't bring back any souvenirs from their vacations. This represents an astronomical quantity of objects that are not or hardly used, and that we used to do without, in any case. We are far from the minimalist lifestyle and the reasoned consumption. I explain you in detail the reasons that pushed me to change my way of thinking and the alternatives that I discovered.&nbsp;

The environmental impact of travel souvenirs

As I mentioned in the introduction, the travel souvenir was a must for all my vacations. And sometimes the diversity of the offer didn't leave me much choice. However, leaving without anything was not an option. I had the impression that I would not be able to finish my stay properly.

Except that once I got home and, taken out of their context, the famous objects did not make me dream anymore. The statuettes and other decorations are gathering dust, the salad bowls are relegated to the bottom of the drawers... And I'm not talking about the clothes that I loved on the spot but much more difficult to wear in the Parisian subway. In short, I bought countless things that were of little or no use to me. And in a responsible approach, of reasoned purchases, there is a gap between these two practices.

It is often enough to look at the back of the product, to realize that it was made at the other end of the planet. And I have to admit that buying an Alpaca wool sweater in Peru that was made in China, it leaves a bitter taste. It adds a significant environmental impact to your trip. Especially if you have the buying fever.

To illustrate my point, in the 13 main Parisian museums, <a href="https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/ou-sont-fabriques-les-souvenirs-de-vacances_1534049.html">80% of the souvenirs bought by holidaymakers are made outside France!</a>

It is also not uncommon to see travelers negotiate the price excessively. It is a bad habit that we all have unfortunately taken, including me. Except that once converted into Euro we quickly realize that it only represents 1 or 2 €. Whereas by paying the right price :

I admit it already happened in the past to bring back pieces of nature with me. I think about the sand I collected here and there, the blue pebbles I picked up at Blue Stone Beach on Flores Island... At the time I was not aware of the consequences. And I said to myself that 3 or 4 little stones are not going to make a difference. In reality it is true. Except that multiplying by the number of passengers can change an eco system.

The subject has already been mentioned in the article on <a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/vacances-ecologiques-mer/">ecological vacations at the sea</a> that I invite you to discover.

I am nevertheless a sentimental and emotional person. Travel memories are therefore very important to me. So I had to find alternatives. Thinking about it, I found many solutions to avoid polluting memories, some of which I was already doing very regularly. I decided to focus mainly on those, which allow me to bring back a piece of my stay with me and not to impact mother nature more.

The most beautiful memory of a trip is the one we have in our head. And yes, in the end, what reminds us the most of this or that vacation are the images that come unexpectedly from our memory. Because a sound, a smell, a situation reminded us of that moment.

And to create these memories, we have to take full advantage of the present moment when we are there: savor each moment, take mental pictures of what we see, appreciate the moments of pause... These are in fact all the concepts of slow tourism that we have already mentioned in <a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/new-trends-in-tourism/">the new trends in tourism</a>.

I also admit that I have the trigger a little easy on the camera. So I come home with a myriad of photos that remind me of all the moments of my stay. And if I want to see certain places again, to relive a moment... I just have to go back into my albums or open my computer and the memories come back to the surface.

I have just experienced this with my photos of my stay in Flores, Indonesia. While looking for the photo of the blue pebble beach, I have a whole bunch of memories that came back to my mind! It's magical!

And now we all have smartphones. No need to have a professional and expensive camera to take pictures. It's really within everyone's reach.

Travelling is also about meeting people and exchanging ideas. With social networks and internet it is now easy and possible to keep in touch. This allows us to remember our vacations very easily.

I think of the schoolgirls that we met in a bus trip that took us to Borobudur. At the time we had exchanged our Facebook. This allows us to say hello to each other on our birthdays.

Personally I had the opportunity to meet several of my best friends and even my spouse on vacation. So you have to stay open to new encounters, you never know where it might lead you.

Sometimes we still want to have material travel souvenirs. Or we have some local currency left to spend. In these cases let's choose something useful: a glass, a cup...

As for me, I am a big consumer of teas and herbal teas of all kinds. So in this case I bring a mug. It will accompany me during my working days. Today, as I write these lines, it is the one from Costa Rica that is sitting next to me. By the way, I haven't bought a mug in France for 15 or 20 years.

If you want to bring back a physical souvenir of your vacation, you should look at the origin of the product as much as possible. Indeed, it is always better to choose something that has been produced locally. What is even better is to buy directly from the artisan.

This avoids intermediaries and allows a fairer payment to the person who made the object. It is also an opportunity to exchange a little more with the creator and to learn more about his knowledge, his inspirations...

Speaking of local crafts, if you have an artistic soul, why not participate in a class. It can be painting, pottery or any other manual activity that will allow you to :

It is also possible, when you come back home, to dive into your memories and create a beautiful album of memories. I think of scrapbooking or other.

If you like manual and creative activities but don't know how to get started, I invite you to discover Mojo Krea which offers workshops to boost your creativity. By the way, the theme of the first workshop is <a href="https://mojokreaalbumphoto.podia.com/atelier-en-ligne-creez-votre-album-photo">the creation of your own personalized photo album</a>, ideal for your vacation memories!

This point is very dependent on the legislation in force both in your vacation destination and in your country of residence. However, when it is possible, bringing back in your luggage some culinary products is a good alternative.

I am thinking in particular of spices or condiments. It is always convenient to have them in our cupboards and when we buy them in the supermarket we are not always sure of the origin and quality.

This can also be the occasion to couple this with a visit to the plantation and/or the place of production. We realize better the working conditions and once again we remunerate the producer at his fair value, without intermediary. And it gives an idea of discovery for the vacations, which will then create a memory (see point 1)

At the meeting of ideas 6 and 7, the cooking class is also a good option. We discover flavors, mixtures, and dishes that we are not used to tasting. We also use local products that we are less familiar with.

The cooking classes are also opportunities to exchange and learn more about the habits and customs of the region. And back home when we reproduce the dish, even if the atmosphere is not quite the same, let's admit it, finding tastes, triggers memories very quickly. Like Proust's madeleine!

Icing on the cake, coming back with a new recipe is an opportunity to make discover another gastronomy to your friends and family. It is to share a part of our vacation with them. On a personal note, the best souvenir that my mother brought back from her vacations on the Reunion Island is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CIITojlCBwT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">the recipe of Rougail Saucisse</a> (follow the link to find the famous recipe in instagram format)!

And yes, instead of bringing back souvenirs to our loved ones, why don't we send a nice postcard. We hardly receive any mail anymore, except for bills! I think it's always a nice surprise to discover a card or a letter from a loved one in the mailbox. It's a nice change and a nice attention.

We find a bit the spirit of slow travel because the card will have taken several days to arrive between the purchase, the writing, the sending and the reception. It's a change from the immediacy of social networks.

The little trick is to choose one that has been made by a local artist (painter, photographer ...). And if it is pretty and can be used as a decoration, it is the grail!

If you have been touched by the region and/or country you visited and would like to participate in the local life, many associations will be happy to receive your donations. This can be associations that

It is an opportunity to participate in local life and to give meaning to your vacation. It is also an opportunity to keep a link with the place because the associations send from time to time emails on the progress of the projects implemented.

Moreover, when you leave a country by plane, there is often a donation box in the boarding room. These boxes are for local NGOs or associations, often mentioned on the sign. Don't forget to put your last money in the box. They will not be of any use to you at Carrefour in France and can help people on the spot.

You will have understood if you take up the challenge of <a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/vacances-zero-dechet/">the zero waste suitcase</a> that we launched in this previous article, it is a pity to come back with a bag full of useless and/or polluting travel souvenirs. We hope that this article will help you to see more clearly and to change your way of apprehending the vacation gifts.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Etalage de poterie devant un magasin de souvenir sur un lieu touristique

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Why don't I bring back any more travel souvenirs?

After our first weekend in Annecy in October, we promised ourselves to come back in summer to enjoy the lake better. The first time it was cool and rather rainy so we just enjoyed the beauty of it. We didn't think we would come back so soon but 10 months later we are back at the starting point under a beautiful sun. Karine, the owner, kindly invited us to come back. It was for us the perfect proposal because it coincided with our road trip in Tuscany: we had planned to take the train to Annecy and to rent the car there. The perfect timing!

You can discover our first stay at Concept Cote Ouest Annecy on the article dedicated to it on the blog.

This second visit also allowed us to discover a second apartment. The first time we were in the Grand Larde on the 2nd and last floor. This time we were in the one called Horizon. It is located on the second floor and also offers, from the large balcony, a beautiful view on the lake. This is really one of the strong points of this responsible accommodation: the panorama on the lake. And I assure you that waking up or having an aperitif facing the lake and the mountains is magical. It makes you feel like you're on vacation right away.

Like the first time, the apartment has a bedroom separated from the living room and a very well equipped kitchen. It's really nice when you want to stay there for several days, and eat there sometimes, not to wonder about the content of the drawers.

I return on the reception, I already spoke about it in the previous post, but this autonomous check in it is really very practical. We don't ask ourselves any question about the arrival times, we manage.

However unlike the last time we had the opportunity to meet Karine and Olivier. They were absent during our first passage. They are in any case both adorable. If you meet Karine, who is in charge of the daily management of the facilities, she will always have a kind word and/or a smile. And if you don't meet her, she is easily reachable on her cell phone. She lives close by so if you need her, she will be available. So dematerialization is not always synonymous with dehumanization!

There have been a lot of changes since our last visit. The bikes are still available for rent. However, they have added a cargo bike and several electric bikes.

In the welcome booklet there is also the phone number of a person who can come and give you a relaxing massage.

For the rest, the owners have joined forces with the Hotel Beauregard, which is located right next door, to offer a joint activity schedule with a daily proposal:

We had the opportunity to participate in this last one. It was really a very nice moment of sharing and exchange with Karine and Olivier and also the other customers present. We were able to take a boat ride on the lake. It really allows to have a different vision, to see it differently. We had the choice between going towards Annecy or towards the more natural side. We chose the latter option and it was perfect: few people and a superb light at the end of the day. We were also able to swim in the area of the lake that they call the "little Florida" before having an aperitif and going back home.

When we were there in the fall, we visited the center and were very pleased. We obviously went back there. And there, surprise, there was also an exhibition in the street: Annecy Paysage. A bit like the exhibition during our weekend in Amiens which allowed us to visit the hortillonnages.

There were indeed many artistic installations scattered in the city center, along the canal. I love these initiatives, it's a way to discover the city differently!

The star here is him. Everything revolves around it, even the bike path! When we were here in October, we did a good part of it until the reserve at the end of the lake. This time we went on the other side, to Veyrier du lac by crossing Annecy. This allowed us to see the West Coast from the other side. Once again the road is very well done and secured. It is really ideal for cycling.

And then we also enjoyed the beaches. We were not going to the sea this year but we still wanted to be able to swim and rest. It was perfect. There are plenty of possibilities to rest around the lake: equipped beaches, grassy areas, pontoons... We tested the beach of Annecy le vieux and the one of Les Choseaux in Sévrier. We had a preference for the second one : there are less people and the grass is not burnt so it's more comfortable to lie down. However, at this place there are rocks to get into the water so if you have shoes don't hesitate to put them in your suitcase.

Skiing is also possible during your next weekend in Annecy

L'ancienne prison du centre ville d'Annecy entourée de ces canaux aux eaux truquoises et sous un très beau ciel bleu

Ancienne prison Annecy

A week-end at Annecy in summer

Après notre premier week-end à Annecy en octobre, nous nous étions promis de revenir en été pour mieux profiter du lac. La première fois il faisait frais et plutôt pluvieux alors nous en avions seulement apprécié la beauté. Nous ne pensions pas revenir si vite mais 10 mois plus tard nous revoilà au point de départ sous un beau soleil. Karine, la propriétaire, nous a en effet gentiment invité à revenir. C’était pour nous la proposition parfaite car cela coïncidait avec notre road trip en Toscane : nous avions prévu de prendre le train jusqu’à Annecy et de louer la voiture la bas. Le timing idéal donc !

The city that is considered the capital of the arts is a must for any road trip in Tuscany. Indeed, planning a trip to Florence is not without interest. It is in any case one of the unavoidable stops. However, not everyone wants to live in the city center, especially in summer. This was our case, we wanted space and greenery. The agriturismo La Fontaccia, located in Rufina, is really ideal to combine city trip and fresh air.

Samuele and Elisabetha took over the family estate 10 years ago. They started by growing olive trees, even though the estate is in the heart of the Chianti region. They explained to us that it was easier than wine when you are starting out. Since then they have also planted vines on other parcels. They also obtained the organic designation in 2014. It was only in 2016 that they decided, in addition, to open guest rooms.

This year, in the spring of 2021, they have welcomed 2 new tenants: a beautiful 26 year old white mare who is coming to finish her life quietly, in the field just below the house. She is also accompanied by Lola, a small donkey, who was badly treated in her original home. She is now back in shape and feels like a fish in water.

The 2 owners are really charming and reserve a warm and personalized welcome for each of their guests. One feels immediately like at home. We had the impression to find ourselves one year back during <a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/avez-vous-deja-rever-de-dormir-dans-une-roulotte-ou-une-cabane-dans-la-foret/">our stay at Terre de Barronnies</a>. The same desire to share the love of its region. They also gave us many tips for our escapes in Florence and its surroundings.

To complete the welcome, the view from the terrace of the building is exceptional. It offers a panorama on the whole valley.

There are 5 accommodations here. Some of them are classic rooms and others are small studios because they are equipped with a small kitchenette. The word "classic" that I used does not reflect the reality. We slept in one of these rooms, they :

Breakfast is included in the room rate and served on the terrace. Everything is home-made and local. It is very copious, that allows to attack the day in the best possible dispositions. Moreover, we start the day with a breathtaking view: that really puts in form!

We can also only encourage you to book at least one dinner here. It's 25€ and for that you'll have: anti pasti (starter), primo piatto (first course), secondo piatto (second course) and dolci (dessert). Everything is homemade with local products or even from the garden when possible. Wine is extra but the ones we tasted were all exceptional. Elisabetha is really an excellent cook. This is really an evening not to be missed: the conviviality adds to the quality of the food.

To tell you everything: to make small economies we had decided to dine here only 2 evenings on 3. We still regret our choice so much it was delicious! In short economy of end of candles.

I already talked about it in our article on <a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/comment-se-deplacer-en-italie/">how to get around in Italy</a>: car traffic is very limited in the historical centers. And entering a ZTL can get you a big fine. Moreover, as in many big cities, parking spaces are quite expensive. Luckily, La Fontaccia, which is located in the town of Rufina, is 2km from the train station which is served by a train that leads to the central station of Florence. This is the option we chose. There is about one train per hour between 8am and 9pm and the ticket costs 3,6 € per person. Find all the schedules on <a href="https://www.trenitalia.com/fr.html">trenitalia</a>, the Italian national company.

At the exit of the station, on the other side of the square, is the tourist office. If you need information or a map of the city, it's the ideal place. We were also lucky enough to find someone who spoke French.

Given the 40 degrees announced, we only made one trip to Florence despite the 2 originally planned. So we don't position ourselves as experts. However, here is what we did, if it can give you some ideas. In the next paragraph I will list the must-sees that you could do if you stay longer.

Luckily, we had booked our tickets for the <a href="https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/">Galleria Dell'Accademi</a> in the early afternoon, which was the hottest time of day. So we took advantage of the morning to discover the historic center of Florence by walking. It was predictable: the Ponte Vecchio or the square in front of the Duomo are very popular places for tourists. Moreover, we are there on August 15th so it is closed to the public. So we couldn't go in.

During our wanderings we also discovered the other architectural treasures of the city:

 We pushed on, despite the heat, to the Forte Belvedere which really offers a spectacular panorama on the roofs of the city. It is from there that we saw the Giaodino di Boboli.

After a cool break in an air-conditioned restaurant, we went to the Galleria. I strongly advise you to do as we did and reserve your seats in advance even if it costs you 2€ more. The wait can be very long otherwise. However the famous David of Michal Angela is really worth the detour, it is an incredible work. There are also many other statues: busts or unfinished statues to admire as well as many classical paintings.

The gelato at the exit does not make anything there it is too hot, we return! We shall return in spring or in autumn to discover the city more in detail if the heart tells us. Indeed, it is necessary to like museums and classical art for I think to appreciate it to its right value.

We did not visit these places but considering the number of guides and blogs we can say that it is a good base to visit.

Discover more tips in this video made by Oui Sncf.

Samuele will be happy to discuss with you during breakfast and give you some ideas to discover the area. The day was going to be very hot for us once again and we were looking for coolness. That's why he recommended the Vallombrosa Abbey. It is located in the heart of a forest. And not just any forest: century-old pine trees that provide the required freshness.

And the Italians are not mistaken, they meet there in great numbers for picnics. We were very amused because picnics here are an institution: they come with tables, chairs, tablecloths, deckchairs... With our little futah we couldn't blend in.

There are many hiking trails all around. On the advice of Samuele we followed the path of the chapels. Very nice and quiet because people come here to relax in the shade and cool but not to hike. It's a small hike of about 7 km accessible to everyone even if the beginning is a bit steep.

If you prefer other activities, don't hesitate to tell him, he knows the area well and will be able to suggest things in accordance with your desires.

Generally speaking, if you plan to visit Florence on August 15, be aware that it is an important religious holiday here and that many stores and restaurants may be closed. Please inquire beforehand.

Without even moving from Fontaccia there are many things to do. The owners are developing more and more activities:

Depending on the road you take when you leave, Samuele will be happy to show you the most beautiful road. We were going to Siena and he advised us to take the schoolchildren's road and avoid the highway. We didn't regret it and enjoyed discovering

We were a little short on time and skipped the stop at Castellina in Chianti. However, he had advised us to stop there if you have time on your way.

In 3 days we didn't have time to explore this less touristy area, we were heading to the <a href="http://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/responsible-holidays-in-south-tuscany">south of Tuscany</a>. However, it gave us a first impression. And the accessibility makes it a real plus for a getaway to Florence. In short I hope that you will have understood it we adored our stay here and we hope well to return there one day next to discover the other points of interest of the sector.

If you want to go further, discover our <a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/road-trip-en-toscane/">road trip in Tuscany</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Photo du batiment de la Fontaccia prise depuis le parking en contrebas

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Getaway in Florence: what to see? what to do?

Once you have decided to go to the Big Boot for the holidays, there is still a little work to be done to&nbsp;organize your stay. Whether you want to spend it in the same place or organize a road trip,&nbsp;you will have to think about your travels. And whether it is to go shopping or discover the surroundings, it is always necessary to anticipate the means of transport. So you will not escape the eternal question:&nbsp;How to get around Italy?&nbsp;We have drawn up for you&nbsp;an overview of the solutions available&nbsp;to you.

Thanks to our article&nbsp;<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/prepare-a-road-trip-in-italy">to prepare a road trip in Italy</a>&nbsp;(or not!), you have completed your program. And it is decided it is by car that you will discover the dolce vita. Here is some information to know before you go.

You arrive by train or plane and to get around you will have to rent a vehicle. We already recommend that you compare the offers of all rental companies at your destination on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carigami.fr/" target="_blank">Carigami</a>.

An important point to check is that you are in possession of a credit card and therefore deferred debit in the name of the driver. Renters only accept this type of card because it allows them to block a reserve of money for the deposit. If you have a debit card, and therefore immediate debit, the lessor may ask you to take out insurance. Keep this information in mind because it can drive up the bill.

Before leaving, as with any rental, take a tour of the vehicle. Indicate on the contract any damage already present on the car, if applicable. And to be on the safe side, take pictures.

The Italian road network is good and dense. This makes it easy to reach your next step. In some areas, you may still come across potholes on secondary roads, so be careful.

Like everywhere in the world, I want to say, the outskirts of large cities can be very crowded.

To find your way, “Autostrade” means highways. They are marked with green signs. As in France they are paying but a little less expensive and you must bring a ticket at the entrance. The nationals are called Strade statale and indicated with blue signs.

ZTL stands for “Zona a Traffico Limitato”, in English “Limited Traffic Zone”. Expect to come across them often during your trip, this is a particularity of large Italian cities. It is also one of the biggest sources of fines for travelers by car.

ZLTs are areas where traffic is controlled in city centers. Access to certain streets is therefore restricted. Only residents or deliveries are allowed to go there.

Do not try to defraud because cameras are installed at the entrance of each area and you will be fined. If you have a rental car, the rental company will forward the ticket to you. The amount of the latter varies between 80 and 300 € depending on the city.

GPS does not always report them. We therefore invite you to locate this sign and be careful not to enter the area.

First of all, know that your French license is also valid in Italy. So there is no need to do any special administrative procedures. For the rest, here are the main rules to follow when driving on Italian roads.

These limitations are given as a guide therefore signs may indicate lower limits. In addition, as in France there are additional restrictions in the event of rain: 90 km / h on the national roads and 100 km / h on the highways.

The parking spaces are delimited by colored lines which indicate their status:

The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.5 mg / ml. However for young drivers, less than 3 years of license, it is zero tolerance (0.0 mg / ml).

The Italian train network is very comprehensive and makes it easy to reach the different regions and main cities. As in France, there are high-speed trains that can go up to 300 km / h and regional trains serving secondary cities, which are slower. Remember, except for e-tickets, to stamp your ticket before getting on. Otherwise you could be fined.

To consult and book your train tickets, go to the website of the Italian company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trenitalia.com/" target="_blank">Trenitalia.</a>

To find out more, read our article on <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/vacation-by-train">vacations by train</a>. We give you an idea of a holiday in Italy accessible by train from France.

It is also very dense and allows you to reach the main cities and the northern and southern regions easily and at a limited cost. The bus also allows you to reach towns and villages not served by train.

When the travel times are too long or the connections complex and interminable, it is sometimes much easier to fly. Italy has many international and national airports. This makes it possible to offer a wide range of domestic flights.

The national company is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alitalia.com/en/destinations">Alitalia</a>&nbsp;which is part, as well as ‘Air France and KLM, of the Skyteam network. There are also regional companies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airdolomiti.it/" target="_blank">Air Dolimiti&nbsp;</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blue-panorama.com/it" target="_blank">Blue Panoram</a><a href="https://www.blue-panorama.com/it" target="_blank">a</a>&nbsp;… the easiest way is to use a flight comparator which will tell you the company that serves your route.

Car traffic being limited in cities, it is easy and common to get around by bicycle. Some trains accept the transport of bicycles, to find out more about timetables and prices, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trenitalia.com/fr/html/trenitalia/Informativa-bici-al-seguito_FR.html" target="_blank">the dedicated page of the Trenitalia site&nbsp;</a>.

Outside the cities it seems that the north is more conducive to cycling trips. You can for example follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cicloviadelpo.it/">bike route of the Po valley</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.eurovelo.com/ev8" target="_blank">Euro bike 8 – Mediterranean cycle route&nbsp;</a>.

We are not cycling vacation professionals, if you want any information check out the Elk &amp; amp; Cloudberry. They give a lot of advice including&nbsp;<a href="https://elkncloudberry.fr/liste-materiel-voyage-velo/" target="_blank">the list of essential equipment for traveling in bicycle</a>.

When you think of Italy, do you also think of Vespa in the narrow streets of Rome or hair in the wind on the Amalfi Coast? In any case, we are. And, despite the risk of falling into the cliché, some Italian regions lend themselves well to this type of trip.

It is very easy to find a two-wheel rental company in cities and tourist areas. As with the car, be careful with the contract, insurance and the condition of the vehicle. As in France the helmet is compulsory, do not forget to rent one with your mount.

There are many islands in Italy, such as wind turbines, Capri, Sardinia … We cannot name them all here. However, they are all particularly beautiful. They are ideal destinations for vacations.

The luck to be able to take advantage of it is that you will not have to take out the oars. They are all very well served by a network of ferries and boats. You have to inquire precisely according to the island you choose and find the corresponding provider. In the meantime here are some of the most important ferry companies:

The official taxis are white with a plaque on the roof with the writing taxi. If when you get into the car you see that there is no meter, negotiate the price before departure. this will avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival.

Train stations, airports and places of interest often have taxi ranks nearby. In any case, drivers are not normally allowed to stop in the middle of the street if you call them. So remember to bring a taxi number from the city you are going to if you know you will need it.

Uber is also very developed in Italy if you prefer to use your mobile app.

Apart from Venice where you will travel by Vaporetto, all Italian cities have a very good public transport system. Depending on the city, you will find a metro, a tram and / or buses.

Tickets must be purchased upstream and composted on the way up. Otherwise, once again, you may be liable for a fine. To buy the tickets, you can do it in:

Finally, if you plan to travel a lot or stay a long time, don’t forget to check out the 24-hour or multi-day passes offered in your destination. This may be more financially advantageous.

To go further, see our article on&nbsp;<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/prepare-road-trip-eco-responsible">the organization of an eco-responsible road trip&nbsp;</a>.

We’re done with this roundup. We hope we have provided you with the necessary information. Tell us now how do you plan to get around Italy during your next stay?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Photo prise d'une gondole qui passe sous un pont à venise. devant elle deux autres gondoles avec leur gondolier 

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How to get around Italy?

Once you have decided to go to the Big Boot for the holidays, there is still a little work to be done to organize your stay. Whether you want to spend it in the same place or organize a road trip, you will have to think about your travels.

Skiing at full speed down the slopes, enjoying the warm atmosphere of a chalet in the evening, rediscovering your childlike spirit in the snow, a&nbsp;ski holiday&nbsp;is an adventure in itself. But when ecological awareness gets involved, questions arise. Is it really possible to be a&nbsp;responsible traveller&nbsp;and still&nbsp;enjoy winter sports? Good news: the answer is yes! By adopting good practices and choosing an&nbsp;ecological ski resort&nbsp;thanks to labels with strict criteria such as “Flocon Vert“, you can have an&nbsp;ecological holiday in the mountains! Follow the guide and find out how to choose your&nbsp;eco-friendly ski resort&nbsp;for your next winter getaway.

Winter sports: a significant ecological impact

Unfortunately, our beloved&nbsp;groomed slopes and ski lifts&nbsp;are not without consequences for mountain biodiversity. In order to build new ski runs, it is necessary to clear the land. As a result, the natural habitat of animals is threatened:&nbsp;the fauna and flora of mountain areas&nbsp;are becoming scarce in the vicinity of ski resorts.

Cable cars are also dangerous for large birds, such as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vanoise-parcnational.fr/fr/actualites/programme-birdski-poursuite-du-suivi-du-tetras-lyre" target="_blank">Black Grouse in the Alps and the Capercaillie in the Pyrenees</a>. To counteract this harmful effect on birds, some resorts have installed cable signs.

57% of CO2 emissions from ski resorts are caused by transport&nbsp;(source: ADEME). Indeed, most holidaymakers still use their private cars to get to the mountains. Ecological ski resorts are therefore trying to develop public transport to offer travellers an alternative.

The grooming of slopes also represents a small part of the carbon impact of resorts. In this respect, ski resorts are trying to take action by training their drivers in&nbsp;eco-driving of grooming equipment&nbsp;and by supporting projects to develop hydrogen-powered groomers.

Again, the subject of litter is a real problem for ski resorts, especially in spring when the snow starts to melt. For example, some chairlifts have as many as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ouest-france.fr/environnement/bilan-carbone-biodiversite-les-stations-de-ski-annoncent-leurs-engagements-pour-l-environnement-6998239" target="_blank">30,000 cigarette butts found abandoned under the course</a>. When you know that a cigarette butt can pollute up to 1 cubic metre of snow, the situation is frightening!

Another important phenomenon is the increasing use of&nbsp;artificial snow&nbsp;by the resorts. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liberation.fr/terre/2020/03/26/la-neige-de-culture-un-bilan-pas-blanc-blanc_1782901/" target="_blank">surface area of artificial snow</a>&nbsp;has thus increased from 600 hectares in 1995 to 2300 hectares in 2017. With global warming accelerating, this upward trend is unfortunately likely to continue.

In addition, the water used for snowmaking comes from rivers, high altitude reservoirs and the drinking water network. Even if the water eventually melts, this excessive and abnormal consumption&nbsp;disrupts the water cycle and threatens local aquatic life.

Choosing an ecological ski resort for your next holiday

Fortunately, several winter sports resorts are taking action to combat these harmful effects! We give you some elements to help you choose.

Flocon Vert is the reference label for ski resorts. Initially created in 2012, it was updated and simplified by the Mountain Riders association in 2016. To date,&nbsp;9 resorts have been awarded the precious sesame, the latest being Morzine-Avoriaz.

Flocon Vert evaluates resorts according to 20 criteria divided into 4 main themes:

Ski resorts are reassessed every 3 years and must not relax their efforts to keep their certification.

Although Green Globe is not specific to mountain resorts, it is&nbsp;the international label for sustainable tourism&nbsp;par excellence. This certification rewards all tourism actors who act on 25 criteria around sustainable management, social and economic aspects, cultural heritage and the environment.

The Grand Massif ski area, for example, received this certification in 2016.

Visit our dedicated article to learn more about<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/en/the_exploractors_blog/labels-and-approvals-for-accommodations-committed-to-sustainable-tourism-2/" target="_blank">&nbsp;all the sustainable tourism labels</a>.

The ANMSM (National Association of Mayors of Mountain Resorts) launched this initiative in 2016. Since then, every two years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anmsm.fr/nos-missions/accompagner/cimes-durables" target="_blank">the Cimes Durables trophy</a>&nbsp;rewards ski resorts for their measures and commitment to sustainable development.

For example, Font-Romeu, a small resort in the Pyrenees, received an award in 2020 for its Musée Sans Murs: an open-air contemporary art museum, the highest in Europe, in which art and nature are one.

If you are looking for eco-responsible accommodation near Font-Romeu, we recommend the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/france/orri-de-planes/" target="_blank">Orri de Planès</a>, a warm and welcoming ecological gîte-auberge.

The ecological commitments of Domaines Skiables de France (DSF)

<a href="http://www.domaines-skiables.fr/fr/qui-sommes-nous/developpement-durable/" target="_blank">Domaines Skiables de France</a>, the professional chamber of ski resort operators, is also committed to the environment. Thus, the entity supports ski areas in their management so that their development does not jeopardise the local natural heritage. Several axes with different objectives have been set: a climate axis to achieve&nbsp;carbon neutrality by 2037&nbsp;as well as axes for water, agriculture, biodiversity, landscapes and waste.

Here is a small selection of&nbsp;3 resorts with the “Flocon Vert”&nbsp;label that are implementing actions to preserve their heritage.

This resort in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is developing infrastructures to facilitate&nbsp;car-free access to the resort. With a “Skibus” initiative in place, it is possible to reach the village from St Sebastien in Spain or Bayonne in France by public transport.

Chamrousse, a small ski resort in Isère, located 30 kilometres from Grenoble, has set up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flocon-vert.org/stations-laureates/chamrousse/" target="_blank">“Chamrousse Propre” initiative</a>. In this context and in collaboration with the company Tri-Vallées, the resort organises&nbsp;collections of used equipment at the end of the season. The aim is to&nbsp;recycle the materials: the metal is reused for other purposes, while the shredded material recovered from the rest of the equipment is used as fuel in cement works. Thus 200 pairs of skis save 3 tonnes of oil.

Les Arcs in Savoie is a large ski area that is very committed to the environment. For example, in terms of biodiversity, they have set up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lesarcs.com/index.php?id=1967&amp;L=0" target="_blank">the Arpette tranquillity zone</a>, allowing the black grouse to benefit from a protected living space.

A funicular which operates 7 days a week also allows you to reach the resort without a car from the Bourg Saint Maurice station. Thus the streets of Les Arcs benefit from the calm of the absence of cars. A great way to spend a relaxing holiday!

The private car remains the preferred means of transport for ski holidays. The&nbsp;roads in the Alps are often saturated&nbsp;and the car parks in the resorts are full to bursting during the February holidays. While some villages are not yet easily accessible by car, others are putting in place measures to facilitate the arrival of travellers. So, if you can, support such initiatives! You’ll save time and arrive less tired.

For example, it takes 5 hours to get from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice by TGV compared to 6 and a half hours by car. Then, you just have to take the funicular to reach Les Arcs.

Why not take&nbsp;the opportunity to try the night train? Briançon is accessible by sleeper train and allows you to reach&nbsp;Serre-Chevalier&nbsp;without a car. In the Pyrenees, you can also reach&nbsp;Ax-les-Thermes&nbsp;and the surrounding snowy slopes while you sleep.

For even more unforgettable adventures on the rails, discover&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ethik-hotels.com/fr/le-blog-des-exploracteurs/voyage-train-couchette-europe/" target="_blank">6 mythical sleeper train journeys in Europe</a>.

How to choose an ecological ski resort?

Skiing at full speed down the slopes, enjoying the warm atmosphere of a chalet in the evening, rediscovering your childlike spirit in the snow, a ski holiday is an adventure in itself. But when ecological awareness gets involved, questions arise. Is it really possible to be a responsible traveller and still enjoy winter sports? Good news: the answer is yes!

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