We invite you to discover the website <a href="https://www.tourisme-responsable.org/voyager-responsable/" target="_blank">Agir pour un tourisme responsable</a>, a mine of information for better travel:

Généralité tourisme durable

Agir pour un Tourisme responsable

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

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Acting for a responsible tourism

Is your company looking to reduce the environmental impact of its business travel? Are you looking for an eco-responsible seminar venue in Paris for your next corporate event? Then you've come to the right place! Ethik &amp; Trips has put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right venue. Whether you're looking for a city hotel in the heart of the capital or a green seminar near Paris, discover our selection criteria and 3 tried-and-tested addresses for your next eco-friendly seminar in the Paris region.

Why organize an eco-friendly corporate event?

Organizing an eco-friendly seminar: what's the point? Well, your eco-responsible corporate event can bring amazing benefits to your company that you probably didn't realize: 

See also: our complete guide to <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/seminar-eco-responsible">organizing an eco-responsible seminar!</a>

Criteria for choosing an eco-responsible seminar venue in the Paris Region

Transport accounts for almost <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&amp;v=2BrVYeTywNI">30% of the average French person's greenhouse gas emissions</a>, making it the most significant source of pollution. So, to avoid adding to the carbon impact of your corporate event, here are a few golden rules:

If you're organizing a corporate event in the Paris region, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding an eco-responsible seminar venue that's accessible by train or public transport: good for you!

Food is a second major source of emissions, weighing heavily on a person's carbon footprint. By entrusting the management of meals to your eco-friendly seminar venue, you can be sure of having a responsible catering offer. Local, organic or even home-grown products: committed tourist establishments take particular care to offer the most local catering possible.

The extra gesture? Introduce your staff to vegetarian food! A meat- or fish-free diet goes a long way towards reducing the carbon footprint of your seminar.

An event venue committed to preserving the environment takes steps to reduce waste and energy consumption. This can take several forms, depending on the type of event: 

Another quality criterion for selecting your eco-responsible seminar venue in Paris: sustainable tourism labels! Clef Verte and the European Ecolabel are 2 certifications you can trust with your eyes closed when selecting an establishment for your seminar venue.

Read also: find out more about <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/label-green-key">the Clef Verte label,</a> a benchmark certification for sustainable tourism.

If you want a truly eco-friendly seminar, forget about motorized activities or those requiring extensive infrastructure.

Instead, opt for low-carbon, screen-free activities that will boost your employees' creativity, such as : 

To take things a step further, environmental awareness-raising activities can improve your employees' knowledge of the climate crisis.

3 venues for an eco-responsible seminar in Paris

#1 Eco-seminar at the Hôtel Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe

A 5-star hotel in the heart of Paris, not far from the Champs-Elysées, the Hôtel Renaissance Arc de Triomphe promises your staff an exceptional, eco-responsible experience.

The Green Key-labeled establishment offers 4 bright rooms dedicated to events, with a capacity of 80 people for the largest space.

Ethik &amp; Trips suggested this venue for a 2-day management seminar with 15 participants. The company's staff met in the large glassed-in room with direct access to the terrace, stayed in comfortable Single rooms and enjoyed the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine of the Solis restaurant.

#2 Seminar near Paris at Mob Hotel Saint-Ouen

<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/ecological-hotel-saint-ouen">Mob Hotel Paris</a> welcomes you to Saint-Ouen, 2 steps from metro lines 13 and 14, for your corporate events.

Labelled Clef Verte and Ecocert Cosmos Organic, the establishment is an ideal venue for your corporate meetings with reduced carbon impact. The restaurant even offers dishes prepared with 100% organic ingredients.

Ethik &amp; Trips proposed this venue for a 3-day business seminar with 40 participants, 16 of whom stayed on site. Employees enjoyed a convivial aperitif on the Mob Hotel rooftop.

Are you looking for a nature seminar that's not too far from Paris? Then <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/hotel-forest-of-meudon">the Best Western Plus Paris Meudon Ermitage</a> hotel may be just what you're looking for. Let your colleagues discover a charming renovated house nestled in the beautiful forest of Meudon.

The Ermitage restaurant will delight you with imaginative, vegan-influenced dishes. The unique Fresh &amp; Wild meeting concept will give your colleagues a unique experience by integrating the forest and nature into your work sessions.

Ethik &amp; Trips has already organized a 3-day seminar at the Hôtel Ermitage for a company's 2022 business review and 2023 launch. The 16 participants, accommodated in single rooms, particularly appreciated the large, open U-shaped meeting room with its view of the forest.

Do any of these 3 tourist establishments strike you as suitable for an eco-responsible seminar in Paris?

Then<a href="https://h09zmvew32z.typeform.com/to/A3eKmS60"> call on Ethik &amp; Trips</a> to help you organize!

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How to choose an eco-responsible seminar venue in Paris + 3 addresses to try out

Are you looking for an eco-responsible seminar venue in Paris for your next corporate event? Whether you're looking for a city hotel in the heart of the capital or a green seminar near Paris, discover our selection criteria and 3 tried-and-tested addresses for your next eco-friendly seminar in the Paris region.

Traveling without a plane is possible! It's even a way to discover Europe that promises a great adventure: you can get back in touch with distances, fully integrate the journey into your getaway and live new experiences. By night train, by bus or even by sailboat&nbsp;: low-carbon and slow vacations are yours! So where can you travel from France? Which destinations are accessible without taking the air route? We give you all our advice to organize your next getaway. Flying less is not the same as traveling less!

Before getting into the heart of the matter, we give you 3 reasons to make you want to rely less on air travel.

Limiting air travel is one of the most important actions to reduce your carbon footprint on an individual level.

The latest models estimate <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231020305689">the carbon footprint</a> of air travel at 200g CO2e per kilometer for a long-haul flight and 390g CO2e per kilometer for a short-haul flight.

If you want to calculate the carbon footprint of your last airplane trip, we recommend the <a href="https://bonpote.com/en/flight-calculate-your-carbon-footprint-in-3-clicks/">Bon Pote simulator</a> which also gives a lot of information to understand the calculation and what's behind the numbers.

Putting the journey back at the center of the trip

The carbon footprint is one thing. But this is not the argument that will convince you that travelling without a plane can be pleasant and exotic.

Traveling without a plane also means putting the journey back at the center of the adventure and giving it a place of its own! You stop over in Madrid during your train trip to Portugal: what if you took the opportunity to (re)discover the rich culture of the Spanish capital?

We'll take care of the accommodation: discover our addresses of <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-madrid">eco-responsible accommodation in Madrid</a>.

Traveling by plane also means a lot of little inconveniences to take into account:

Trains, especially when powered by electricity from low-carbon sources, as is the case in France, emit very little greenhouse gas during transportation.

The <a href="https://agirpourlatransition.ademe.fr/particuliers/bureau/deplacements/calculer-emissions-carbone-trajets">carbon footprint of trains in France</a> is thus

If you take a train powered by diesel or electricity from fossil fuels, you have to count about <a href="https://www.tourdumondiste.com/limiter-son-empreinte-ecologique-en-voyage#exemples-ditineraires-bas-carbone">80 g of CO2e per km</a>. This type of train still exists in some European countries.

The countries bordering France are very well served by trains from France. You can reach Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Milan, Barcelona, Geneva or Lausanne without any connection from Paris. With the night train, cities like Vienna and soon Berlin become easily accessible!

To plan your next adventure, discover where to <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/where-to-go-by-train-in-europe">travel by train in Europe</a> and <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/6-mythical-routes-for-an-unforgettable-sleeper-train-trip-in-europe">6 sleeper train trips in Europe.</a>

To go further, the<a href="https://www.chronotrains.com/fr?zoom=2.5&amp;lng=-0.83&amp;lat=38.45"> Chronotrains</a> website gives the cities accessible in less than 5 hours by rail from the major European stations.

Traveling by bus is often a cheaper alternative to the train to get around without flying. On the other hand, it pollutes more, at around <a href="https://agirpourlatransition.ademe.fr/particuliers/bureau/deplacements/calculer-emissions-carbone-trajets">100 g of CO2e per km</a> for a bus filled with 10 people. The impact decreases if the public transport is well filled.

The bus also has the advantage of serving small towns where the train does not necessarily go. It is therefore a good solution to travel on a regional scale.

<a href="https://www.flixbus.fr/bus?_sp=36f0490a-1330-419a-aaff-6121f1c07a0f.1666791884609&amp;atb_pdid=34db4897-c40a-4872-a70b-5236668ba3f7&amp;_ga=2.250491587.491851069.1666791871-1758852611.1666791871">Flixbus</a> and <a href="https://www.blablacar.fr/bus/destinations">Blablacar</a> are the main companies to travel long distances from France:

To find more local routes (and even organize your trip more globally), the <a href="https://www.rome2rio.com/fr/">Rome2rio</a> website shows you the best way to reach your destination with the different possible alternatives (bus, train, etc.). If you need to travel by bus within a country, this is an excellent site to find the bus companies that operate regional routes.

A ferry is a boat that carries both people and freight. It is therefore not a cruise ship only intended for the transport and leisure of people.

Although it is difficult to find reliable information on the carbon impact of cruise ships, it is probably worse than that of airplanes. Let's not forget that cruise ships are often real hotels moving on water, with vast cabins, swimming pools, sports halls, casinos, bars, restaurants. In this article, we only talk about ferries that also transport goods, accept to take your car and transport you from point A to point B.

As for liners, finding reliable information on the carbon impact of ferries is not easy. The level of greenhouse gas emissions depends on the size and comfort level of the vessel.

However, one thing is certain: ferries pollute and emit fine particles in port and on board that are dangerous to health. The carbon footprint of your trip can even be worse than flying per kilometer if you travel alone, take your car with you and take a cabin all to yourself.

On the other hand, if you share a cabin or book a seat only and travel as a pedestrian, the carbon footprint of your trip is significantly reduced.

To evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of your ferry trip, <a href="https://bonpote.com/ferry-calculer-en-1-minute-son-empreinte-carbone/">Bon Pote</a> has published a simulator accessible to all. It's up to you to evaluate if it's a more virtuous solution than flying or not for your trip!

To give you a concrete example, let's suppose that you are going to Corsica for your vacations together and want to reach Ajaccio from Paris. Let's compare 3 solutions in terms of carbon impact:

Here is the carbon footprint of your round trip with the different solutions per traveler:

With this scenario, taking the ferry is in any case better than flying in terms of carbon footprint, as most of the kilometers are covered by land. It is therefore a good alternative to the air route to cross the seas and reach the islands.

To further reduce the carbon footprint of your vacation, consider taking the ferry without your car. You will reduce the impact of your ferry crossing by almost half!&nbsp;To help you, we have put together an article on car-free holidays in which we present the alternatives.

Even if they are quite marginal and often more expensive, less polluting alternatives to the ferry exist! This is particularly true for sailing boats and cargo ships.

Good news for sailboats: <a href="https://sailcoop.fr/nos-traversees/">Sailcoop</a> offers regular lines between the continent and Corsica with 2 departures per week between July and October.

If you are interested in these solutions, discover our articles dedicated to the alternatives for the ferry:

So, are you tempted by all the possibilities of airless travel? Which destination will you start with? Tell us in comments!

Image by Patrick SABATIER-VESCOVALI from Pixabay

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Travel without a plane

Traveling without a plane is possible! It's even a way to discover Europe that promises a great adventure: you can get back in touch with distances, fully integrate the journey into your getaway and live new experiences. By night train, by bus or even by sailboat : low-carbon and slow vacations are yours!

Do you dream of spending an eco-responsible vacation in France that's full of adventure and rejuvenation? But apart from visiting your grandparents in the countryside, you lack inspiration for greenwashing-free travel? Good news: you're in the right place! We have prepared a selection of 6 accommodations in France that combine sustainable tourism and unforgettable experiences. Your next eco-friendly stay in France is waiting for you!

Some keys to an ecological stay in France

Choose your mode of transportation carefully

With nearly <a href="https://multimedia.ademe.fr/infographies/vacances-au-kilometre/">75% of tourism emissions </a>linked to transport, the mode of travel is the first crucial criterion for an ecological holiday in France. Even if you stay in France for your vacations, the carbon footprint can quickly increase with the number of kilometers you travel. It is therefore important to choose your transportation carefully!

Let's take the example of a trip from Paris to Nice (source: <a href="https://impactco2.fr/transport">Impact CO2)</a>:

So, for a low carbon footprint trip in France, prefer the bus and the train to get to your place of stay. If you have to take the car, try to fill it up as much as possible to limit the impact per person by offering carpooling to other travelers.

Read also: discover our guide to g<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/fr/blog/vacances-sans-voiture">o on a car-free vacation.</a>

Yes, for an eco-friendly vacation, it's best to avoid jet-skiing, motorboating or quad biking. Instead, opt for activities without motors and requiring little infrastructure. This will limit the carbon footprint and the excessive concrete development of certain tourist areas.

Don't worry: there are still plenty of activities you can do on your vacation. Hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, paddling, yoga: there are plenty of examples!

Discover our <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/green-activities-all-our-ideas-for-your-vacations">25 eco-friendly activity ideas</a> to keep you busy without polluting on your next trip.

Keep your good ecological habits of everyday life

If you are already used to reducing your meat consumption or limiting your amount of waste, then try to keep your good habits during your vacation.

The advantage of going to France is that you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping up the momentum. Don't put too much pressure on yourself if you can't find a store that offers bulk food or if the restaurant you choose doesn't have a vegetarian option: the important thing is to do your best!

When you're on vacation, you don't have much control over how you heat your home, how much food you eat or how much water you use. The solution to ensure that you don't contribute to the overconsumption of resources: book an eco-friendly accommodation for your trip!

In the following article, discover 6 addresses of ecological accommodations in the 4 corners of France, to prepare your next ecoresponsible vacations.

6 addresses of ecological accommodations in France

For all desires, all budgets and all over France, discover 6 examples of committed tourist establishments!&nbsp;

#1 Au 46, vegan and organic bed and breakfast in Finistère

Discover 3 charming rooms fitted out in an old renovated ballroom. Spacious and welcoming, they can accommodate up to 4 people. The beds are made to measure in Quimper, the linen is made in France and the cosmetics are organic and natural. The icing on the cake, a vegan table d'hôtes awaits you. Pierre and Carole prepare tasty dishes, partly with ingredients from their vegetable garden.

Live a beautiful ecological experience in Finistère, not far from Quimper and Concarneau.

Book your <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/au-46-2">stay at 46.</a>

#2 Domaine Le Vaxergues, an ecolodge in Aveyron

Located in a 3 hectare wooded park and actively participating in the preservation of the fauna, the Domaine Le Vaxergues is not a lodge like the others. 12 ecolodges await you in Aveyron. Some of them have a private spa, for vacations dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Educational workshops on the preservation of biodiversity and initiation to market gardening are offered. Enjoy an ecological holiday and come and recharge your batteries in Aveyron!

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/domaine-le-vaxergues-a-gite-in-aveyron-for-a-successful-nature-stay">Domaine Le Vaxergues.</a>

#3 Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud, an ecological hotel in Paris

Close to the East and North train stations, the Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud welcomes you in the 10th district of Paris. Perfect stopover for a long trip or base camp for a Parisian city trip, enjoy an ideal location in the City of Light.

Dedicated to the world of the famous poet Arthur Rimbaud, the hotel is decorated as a tribute to this talented man. Absinthe fountain at the bar, library with works of the author and original decoration: live a cultural and historical journey during your stopover in Paris. In the morning, a copious breakfast buffet is offered, with a selection of local and organic products.

Book your stay at the <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/hotel-litteraire-arthur-rimbaud-a-hotel-in-paris-in-the-10th-district">Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud.</a>

#4 The Auberge Kallisté, a hotel in Porto Pollo, Corsica

Let's go to the Island of Beauty for this 4th ecological hotel address in France. The Auberge Kallisté is located in the bay of Propriano, in Porto Pollo. This small hotel with 16 rooms promises a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with rooms "just like home".

The restaurant will delight you with a contemporary and tasty Corsican cuisine. The menu is adapted to the seasons and to the arrival of products, mostly from the island. To limit food waste, the Auberge Kallisté replaces the breakfast buffet with a table service.

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/auberge-kalliste-2">the Auberge Kallisté.</a>

#5 Terre des Baronnies, an unusual accommodation in the Hautes-Alpes in the middle of nature

Welcome to Terre des Baronnies, between the Alps and Provence. It is at the crossroads of the Drôme, the Vercors and the Lubéron that this unusual accommodation welcomes you for a memorable getaway. Stay in a charming, comfortable and warm cabin, in the heart of a beautiful preserved nature.

Aline, the owner of the place, offers you a delicious table d'hôtes. The Provençal-inspired cuisine combines creativity, gourmandise and balance, for a unique taste experience.

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/terre-des-baronnies-2">Terre des Baronnies.</a>

#6 La Bessannaise, vacation village in Savoie

Ideally located to explore the Vanoise National Park, La Bessannaise welcomes you in the Alps. This vacation village in Savoie offers stays dedicated to hiking in summer and snow activities in winter (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Nordic hiking).

The place welcomes you in modern and comfortable rooms for 2 to 4 people. A balneo area awaits you to rest your aching muscles after an active day in the mountains. With full board, enjoy yourself without worrying about cooking.

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/italy/la-bessannaise-un-village-vacances-en-savoie-2">La Bessannaise.</a>

Discover all the <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france">eco-responsible accommodations in France</a> referenced on Ethik &amp; Trips and organize your next ecological stay in France.

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6 ideas for ecological stays in France

Do you dream of spending an eco-responsible vacation in France that is full of adventure and rejuvenation? We have prepared a selection of 6 accommodations in France that combine sustainable tourism and unforgettable experiences. Your next ecological stay in France is waiting for you!

Peaceful stretches of water as far as the eye can see, enchanting mountain landscapes, colorful villages and dynamic cities: welcome to the Great Lakes region in Italy! At the bend of Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and Lake Como, discover the nuggets of this beautiful region in the north of the Big Boot. What to see, what to do, what budget to plan, where to sleep and how long to stay: we give you all our advice to prepare your road trip around the Italian lakes.

To take advantage of a mild weather without big heat or crowds on the shores of big lakes, we recommend you to plan your road trip in spring or autumn. Avoid leaving between November and February, as many visits may be closed at this time of year.

What is the budget for a road trip around the Italian lakes?

Depending on the planned visits, the chosen accommodation, the choice of restaurants, the rented car and the possible transportation, the budget for your escapade in Northern Italy can vary greatly. In general, count on around 100 € per person and per day all inclusive for this kind of trip in this region. Beware: prices go up in high season!

How much time should I plan for a road trip in the Great Lakes region of Italy?

It will be difficult to see everything: the Italian lakes region is rich and full of surprises! However, if you want to discover the must-see places of the 3 main lakes, we recommend you to leave for a minimum of 7 days, ideally 15 days. This will give you time to explore without rushing and to adopt the slow rhythm of the Italian Dolce Vita.

Here is an example of a 10-day tour around the Italian lakes:

It's up to you to modulate your road trip as you wish! If you already know Milan, you can replace this stage by the discovery of Bergamo, the charming lake of Iseo or even go off the beaten track, for example to the Ledro valley. You can also extend the adventure and why not, push your excursion to Verona.

Milan is easily accessible by direct train from Paris, Lyon or Chambéry. It takes 7 hours by train from Paris Gare de Lyon and 4 hours from Chambéry. You can travel with the <a href="https://www.sncf-connect.com/ou-partir/italie/lombardie/milan">SNCF</a> or <a href="https://www.trenitalia.com/it.html">Trenitalia</a>&nbsp;both rail companies operate this route.

When you arrive, take the time to discover Milan, the largest city in Northern Italy, before renting a car or exploring the region by train!

Getting around the Great Lakes without a car

If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your road trip in Northern Italy, why not consider traveling by train and boat between points of interest?

With the train, you can easily reach Stresa, Como, Lecco or Peschiera del Garda.

If you want to explore the lakes for a longer period of time without a car, a boat is the best way to get around, as there are no winding roads and no parking problems. The 3 big lakes offer crossings to reach the different coastal villages.

If you choose to travel by car, discover <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/prepare-road-trip-eco-responsible">6 steps to prepare an eco-responsible road trip </a>with peace of mind.

Where to sleep during a road trip in the Italian lakes region ?

Ethik &amp; Trips suggests 2 eco-responsible accommodation addresses near Lake Garda for a complete experience of sustainable tourism in Italy.

Located only 200 meters from the beach, in a green setting, Ambassador Suite Hotel offers the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation. The accommodations can be adapted to your needs with spacious rooms that can sleep up to 7 people. Enjoy a swimming pool and jacuzzi to relax.

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/italy/hotel-in-riva-del-garda">Ambassador Suite Hotel.</a>

B&amp;B Anna Maria, a guest house near Lake Garda

Want to get off the beaten track on your road trip around the great lakes? Then head to B&amp;B Anna Maria, located in the charming Ledro Valley, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

Stay in an old hayloft restored with ecological materials and turned into a comfortable guesthouse. Rejuvenate in a spacious room with a private bathroom and a balcony with a magical view of the Ledro Alps.

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/italy/bb">the B&amp;B Anna Maria.</a>

The Italian lake district extends from Lake Orta west of Milan to Lake Garda near Verona.

The 3 largest lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda) are the most famous and therefore the most popular with visitors. If you want to extend the adventure or enjoy a visit a little more off the beaten track, the lakes of Orta and Iseo can be destinations of choice.

Best known for its magnificent palaces and gardens, Lake Maggiore offers 170 km of coastline, straddling Piedmont and Lombardy. A small part of the lake even runs into Switzerland!

If there is one excursion not to be missed during your visit to Lake Maggiore, it is to the Borromean Islands. You can easily reach them by boat from Stresa. Discover 3 unique islands:

Back in Stresa, don't miss the chance to take the cable car up to Monte Mottarone. On the heights, at about 1500 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.

140 km of shoreline await you on this lake with its amazing shape. Do not miss to discover during your road trip around the Italian lakes: 

To go further, discover all our advices to <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/discover-the-lac-de-come">discover the lake of Como.</a>

The biggest of the 3 Italian lakes has some nice surprises in store for you and especially some charming villages, each with its own atmosphere: 

Ready to organize your road trip around the Italian lakes ? For more inspirations, discover other ideas of stays with ecological accommodations on Ethik &amp; Trips:

<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/road-trip-in-toscane">Road trip in Tuscany over 2 weeks </a>;

<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/fr/blog/road-trip-en-provence-2-idees-d-itineraires-entre-terre-et-mer">Road trip in Provence</a> ;

<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/road-trip-dominican-republic">Road trip in Dominican Republic</a>.

  Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay

  Image by Sergio Cerrato - Italia from Pixabay

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How to prepare your road trip around the Italian lakes?

Welcome to the Great Lakes region in Italy! At the bend of Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and Lake Como, discover the nuggets of this beautiful region in the north of the Big Boot. What to see, what to do, what budget to plan, where to sleep and how long to stay: we give you all our advice to prepare your road trip around the Italian lakes.

Looking for fresh air and nature? Still unknown in France, the department of Lot in the Occitanie region, home to the Regional Natural Park of Causses du Quercy, is full of beautiful surprises. It can satisfy your desires of escape, change of scenery and discovery! So, what to see in the Lot ? Between preserved medieval cities, astonishing caves and exceptional natural sites, the department knows how to answer all your travel desires. By bike, on foot, by train, by car: you have 1001 ways to explore it! Here is an overview of the Lot's must-see places to organize your stay.

Cahors is more than a village, it is the prefecture of the department of the Lot! But it is above all a pretty city which is worth the detour and which constitutes a good starting point for your stay.

By bus, car or bicycle, follow the banks of the Lot from Cahors and head for Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. In this medieval village, time seems to have stopped a long time ago! Stroll through the small cobbled streets between the centuries-old buildings and let yourself be carried away by a pleasant journey through time.

Continue along the Lot river before going slightly north: head for Figeac! You come here for the breathtaking view of the Lot valley but you stay here to discover its perfectly preserved medieval historic center.

Further north in the department, don't miss Autoire. Here too, time seems to stand still in the small paved streets lined with stone houses and surrounded by elegant castles.

Nestled in a natural cirque that is ideal for hiking, the village is the starting point for beautiful walks. Don't forget your walking shoes!

Your journey north ends in Carennac on the banks of the Dordogne. 400 souls live in this charming village and stroll along its cobbled streets that are reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Take a pleasant walk along the Dordogne to complete your visit.

It is already time to head south, towards Rocamadour. The village is accessible by train from Figeac.

Overlooking the Alzou canyon and perched on an impressive rock at more than 120 meters high, Rocamadour is worth a visit! The houses seem to melt into the cliff and the nature is one with the village.

Don't miss the Saint-Sauveur Church and the Saint-Amadour crypt, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Between Autoire and Carennac, visit the impressive Gouffre de Padirac. This hole is 103 meters deep and 35 meters in diameter and is accessible by an elevator.

Once in the bowels of the earth, you will discover the chasm on a boat with a guide. Learn how this amazing natural site was formed. Admire its wonders shaped by Mother Nature over the millennia such as the giant 60 meter stalactite or the impressive Grand Dome room.

Beware: the chasm attracts a lot of people in the summer in high season. Book your tickets in advance and prefer visits out of season.

Not far from Rocamadour, the Caves of Lacave take you on an exploration in several galleries, to discover superb concretions.

The small unusual detail: the caves are accessible by electric train from the village of Lacave!

During your visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, leave the Lot valley temporarily for the Célé valley, towards the Pech Merle cave.

It's a different atmosphere than the one in Padirac that awaits you in this prehistoric cave. 7 fascinating rooms to discover the way of life of our ancestors are to be discovered.

Attention, in July and August, the number of visitors is limited. Remember to book your places in advance.

The Regional Natural Park of the Causses du Quercy covers a large part of the surface of the department and offers a zone free of light pollution and favourable to astronomical observation: <a href="https://www.tourisme-lot.com/en/le-lot-secret/parc-naturel-regional-des-causses-du-quercy/le-ciel-noir-en/">the black triangle of Quercy!</a> Nestled between Rocamadour and the Célé valley, this exceptional site promises you beautiful magical evenings.

Less known than the Lot or Dordogne valleys, it is a nice way to explore the department in a different way, away from the crowds.

Amazing troglodyte houses and pretty villages dot the banks of the Célé. To admire them at your leisure and marvel at the impressive cliffs that frame the river, there is nothing better than a canoe trip!

Hiking in the Regional Natural Park of Causses du Quercy

The natural park is also classified as a Geopark. This means that the natural sites are of significant geological importance and actively preserved. Enjoy them with respect during your visit and try to limit your impact. Here are 3 hiking ideas to extend your visits beyond the pretty villages of the department.

This<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/france/lot/les-gorges-de-l-alzou"> itinerary of the Alzou Gorges</a> takes you through a dense forest at the bottom of a canyon. It is an ideal hike to find coolness on a hot and sunny day. You will see the Moulin du Saut, an old stone mill.

Along the Lot between Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Bouziès

During this <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/france/lot/sur-les-traces-d-andre-breton">itinerary along the Lot,</a> you will walk along the river before returning by the heights. Take time to admire the Roque de Bouziès, an ancient troglodyte fortification.

Circuit of the Mont Saint Cyr from Cahors

<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/france/lot/circuit-du-mont-saint-cyr">The Mont Saint Cyr circuit</a> makes you climb over Cahors. As a reward for your efforts, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Lot valley and the city.

Read also: <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/green-activities-all-our-ideas-for-your-vacations">discover all our ideas of ecological activities for your vacations.</a>

What if, in order to have a fully ecological stay in the Lot, you left your car in the garage? You may not be able to discover all the sites mentioned above but it is a great way to travel differently. You will also have a good excuse to come back and discover this beautiful department!

<a href="https://en.francevelotourisme.com/cycle-route/lot-valley-cycle-route">The Véloroute de la Vallée du Lot</a> is not limited to the borders of the department! There are more than 500 km of cycle tracks waiting for you between Aiguillon and La Canourgue near the river to discover the villages with the strength of your legs.

You will cross Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie along the way!

For more cycling inspirations, <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/fr/blog/les-plus-beaux-voyages-a-velo-6-idees-d-aventure-en-petite-reine-1">discover 6 of the most beautiful cycling trips</a> around the world.

Put on your walking shoes and set off on the road to Santiago de Compostela along <a href="https://www.mongr.fr/trouver-prochaine-randonnee/suggestion/gr-65-651-36-46-de-figeac-a-cahors">the Voie du Puy from Figeac to Cahors.</a>

Count on a short week of walking to link the 2 cities. We advise you to take the alternative route through the Célé valley to discover the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Causses du Quercy.

On the program: visits of Figeac, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors, beautiful landscapes and maybe even splendid starry nights!

Read also: <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/fr/blog/nos-conseils-pour-bien-preparer-un-trek-en-3-etapes">discover 3 steps to prepare your trek.</a>

The department offers a 6-stage itinerary to visit the most beautiful villages of <a href="https://www.tourisme-lot.com/en/">the Lot without a car</a>, using trains and buses. This will give you great ideas for a low-carbon getaway!

If you choose to come to the Lot by car, discover 6 steps to <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/prepare-road-trip-eco-responsible">prepare an eco responsible road trip.</a>

What to see in the Lot ?

What to see in the Lot ? Between preserved medieval cities, astonishing caves and exceptional natural sites, the department knows how to answer all the travel desires. By bike, on foot, by train, by car : you have 1001 ways to explore it !

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