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!

Sustainable tourism generalities

Séminaire .webp

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.

The most famous international label for sustainable tourism, Green Key is increasingly appealing to travelers looking for a positive travel experience on ecological and social levels. But is this certification really reliable? What are the criteria taken into account by the auditors? Become a connoisseur of the Green Key label and discover what a labeled establishment looks like through 4 examples of eco-responsible accommodations referenced on Ethik &amp; Trips.

Managed by the Foundation for Education and the Environment (FEE), the Green Key label is an international certification present in more than 60 countries. It rewards the initiatives of tourist establishments in terms of respect for the environment and support for local populations. In France, the label has existed since 1998.

It is the first international sustainable tourism label for accommodations and restaurants, with more than 4,000 labeled establishments. In 2023, France is the country with the most labeled addresses. A great victory for ecological tourism in France!

Many establishments can obtain the precious Green Key sesame: 

The Green Key label rewards tourist establishments that implement socially and environmentally committed actions. To obtain this certification, a certain number of management practices of the candidate establishment are scrutinized:

60 imperative criteria constitute the Green Key label. Other recommended criteria are added to allow each establishment to progressively improve.

All the <a href="https://www.laclefverte.org/espace-pro/">conditions of participation</a> are available on the Green Key label website.

To obtain the certification, establishments must provide evidence of their actions in each of the identified areas. Compost, bulk purchases, solar panels, rainwater recovery systems, use of eco-labeled cleaning products are all measures that can be rewarded by the label's evaluation jury.

The jury in charge of awarding the label is composed of a group of partner organizations and professionals from the environment and tourism sectors. The criteria are reviewed and updated every 4 years to meet current requirements and to adapt the label to environmental issues and technological advances.

Candidate accommodations begin by filling out an online file to assess their suitability for the criteria. Then, an auditor will visit the establishment to check the compliance with the criteria and also to suggest ways to improve. The Green Key team accompanies the establishment from the submission of the application to the jury that decides on the awarding of the label. Establishments are then subject to regular audits to verify the sustainability of their compliance with the Green Key label criteria.

Read also: Get to know<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/european-ecolabel"> the European Ecolabel</a>, another reliable label for sustainable tourism.

4 examples of Green Key labeled accommodations

In this section, discover some examples of accommodations that have obtained the precious Green Key label and are referenced on Ethik &amp; Trips, the platform for eco-responsible accommodations around the world.

#1 Zazie Hôtel, a committed hotel in the 12th district of Paris

Zazie Hôtel is a colorful and welcoming accommodation in the heart of the capital! The first tourist hotel in Paris to receive the Entreprise Solidaire et d'Utilité Sociale label, the establishment stands out for its strong social and ecological commitment. Among the iconic actions of Zazie Hôtel, we can mention :

#2 Chez Gendron, an ecological camping in Gironde

Ghez Gendron is a family campsite located in Saint-Palais, near Blaye. The place is conducive to a relaxing and friendly vacation. Chalets, lodge tents, mobile homes, bare pitches: it's up to you to choose your accommodation solution according to your desires and your budget.

The campsite has set up a number of social and ecological actions:

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/en-france/chez-gendron-an-ecological-camping-in-gironde">Chez Gendron.</a>

#3 Camina Cortina, a hotel with spa in the Dolomites

Let's leave the borders of France to show that luxury and ecology are not incompatible in the field of tourism! Camina Cortina is an exceptional hotel nestled in the heart of the steep Dolomite mountain range. Stay in one of the 12 luxurious, warm and spacious suites with a magnificent balcony facing the mountains.

Don't miss the spa on the top floor of the hotel. 100 square meters of wellness area with sauna, steam bath and hydrotherapy treatments await you.

Camina Cortina also does not skimp on actions for a desirable future for all: 

Book your stay at <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/italy/camina-cortina-a-hotel-with-spa-in-the-dolomites-in-italy">Camina Cortina.</a>

All the youth hostels in the HI France network have been awarded the Green Key label and allow those who aspire to a low-budget vacation to take advantage of an offer of eco-responsible accommodation throughout France.

Discover for example <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/fr/hebergement/france/auberge-de-jeunesse-cadouin">the HI Cadouin youth hostel</a>, located in a magnificent abbey in Dordogne.

After the Green Key label, continue reading and discover <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/labels-and-approvals-for-accommodations-committed-to-sustainable-tourism-2">the other labels of sustainable tourism</a>, including Green Globe.

clef-verte.webp

Discover the Green Key label, the reference for sustainable tourism

The most famous international label for sustainable tourism, Green Key is increasingly appealing to travelers looking for a positive travel experience on ecological and social levels. But is this certification really reliable? What are the criteria taken into account by the auditors?

5 essential tips for planning a green vacation

You want to limit the environmental impact of your travels, but you don't know where to start? How to choose your destination, your means of transportation or your activities? What type of accommodation should you choose to support sustainable tourism: eco-friendly hotels, ecolodges, certified campsites? Follow the guide: in this article, we give you 5 tips to organize your next ecological vacation!

#1 Travel less far from home or travel for a long time

In April 2021, ADEME published <a href="https://librairie.ademe.fr/changement-climatique-et-energie/4688-bilan-des-emissions-de-gaz-a-effet-de-serre-du-secteur-du-tourisme-en-france.html">a report on the greenhouse gas emissions of the tourism sector</a>. This report reveals that transportation is responsible for 77% of the sector's emissions.

The first action for an ecological vacation is therefore relatively simple to implement: limit the distances travelled! Especially for short getaways, such as a long weekend, look for local destinations close to home. The more miles you drive to get to your vacation destination, the more pollution you cause.

In practical terms, this means avoiding city trips by plane for a few days. Instead of an extended weekend in Stockholm, why not plan a great 2-week trip through Sweden via Stockholm for next summer?

For your next extended weekend, discover <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/idea-weekend-europe">3 ideas for weekends in Europe</a> without flying.

mediaLibraryStrapi

#2 Learn to get away from it all close to home

It can be tempting to always look for an exotic and distant destination to escape from our daily life. However, do we really need to systematically go to the other side of the world to feel out of place?

So, why not learn to marvel at the discoveries close to home? You can opt for several solutions to give a little adventure to your next ecological vacation!

What if you went by bike or on foot to give yourself the impression of living a different adventure, without necessarily going far away? Experiencing the (re)discovery of the Atlantic coast by bike on the Vélodyssée or walking a few days in the Lot region on the way to Santiago de Compostela will certainly give you a change of scenery, without going to the other side of the world

Find the little nuggets of exoticism in France

Between sea, ocean, mountains and rich history: France is full of riches! Some, in particular, have a little air of elsewhere which is worth the detour, like : 

#3 Choose your mode of transportation carefully

Beyond the choice of the destination, the choice of the mode of transportation is also very important for an ecological vacation.

The plane and the car are the 2 means of transportation on which to be particularly careful, to avoid exploding your carbon footprint. With the plane in particular, it is easy to travel a large number of kilometers and emit a very large quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in a few hours.

The ADEME report reveals that, although air travel is used by only 12% of tourists in France, it is responsible for 53% of the emissions linked to passenger transport and 43% of the kilometers traveled.

Try to use air travel in moderation and reserve it for long trips that really make you dream, and not for a destination chosen at random from a post on Instagram. Putting meaning back into your choice of destinations: that's also what sustainable tourism is all about!

To limit the impact of your car trips, opt for slow tourism. Instead of organizing a road trip throughout Italy, focus on one region, like Tuscany or the Dolomites. Really take the time to explore the chosen region and get out of your car to go hiking, biking, strolling through the villages: in a word, take your time. You are on vacation after all.

To go even further, discover our guide to organizing a <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/fr/blog/vacances-sans-voiture">car-free vacation.</a>

The train, to escape far without polluting (too much)

In France, the train is particularly ecological. With most of its electricity produced using low-carbon energy, rail transport is by far the least polluting means of transport in France. In other countries where electricity is more carbon-intensive (such as Germany or Italy), trains pollute more but are still the least polluting means of motorized transport.

It is an excellent alternative to long car journeys or short and medium haul flights by plane. The only drawback of the train is its price, which is far from being affordable, especially when compared to a car trip.

Remember to book your train tickets several months in advance to take advantage of low fares and to use ticket price comparators like Trainline.

Read also: discover 3 ideas for a successful <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/vacation-by-train">train vacation.</a>

#4 Choose carefully your activities on site

No more jet-skiing, make way for kayaking! For an ecological vacation, avoid motorized activities or those requiring large infrastructures and turn to alternatives that are more virtuous for the environment and biodiversity.

So, if you want to explore on the water, opt for a sailing or kayaking trip, much more ecological than a motorboat escapade.

Explore your surroundings by bike if your vacation spot is suitable. If not, ask about public transportation. In addition to limiting your carbon footprint, you'll have the chance to discover your vacation spot like a local!

To take it a step further, new regenerative tourism practices are starting to develop (waste collection, tree planting, beach clean-ups, collaborative workcamps). Take a look to see if this type of activity is organized on your vacation spot.

To go further, discover 25 ideas of <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/green-activities-all-our-ideas-for-your-vacations">ecological activities</a> for your vacations.

Finally, pay attention to the accommodation you choose for your vacation! If you can, turn to labeled accommodations. Clef Verte and the European Ecolabel are the most common trusted certifications.

If you can't find labeled accommodations, avoid large hotel complexes, especially in coastal areas. These contribute to the excessive concrete development of certain vacation spots, which accentuates the erosion of the coastline. Instead, turn to tourist establishments on a human scale. In rural areas, prefer light habitats, such as ecolodges, cabins or glamping tents, which are less invasive for the local biodiversity.

Finally, if you don't want to waste time looking for the rare ecological pearl to lodge you during your next trip, <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement">browse through Ethik &amp; Trips' catalog</a> of eco-responsible lodgings. We list hotels, campsites and lodgings committed to the preservation of the environment around the world, to help you organize your ecological vacations in a simple way!

adult.webp

Ecological vacations

How do you choose your destination, your means of transportation or your activities? What type of accommodation should you choose to support sustainable tourism: eco-friendly hotels, ecolodges, certified campsites? Follow the guide: in this article, we give you 5 tips to organize your next ecological vacation!

The year 2022 promises to be a historic year for tourism in Greece. 2019 was already considered extraordinary with 18.2 billion in revenue. This year the forecasters expect 20 billion. Three years ago this represented 33 million holidaymakers, that is to say 3 times more than the Greek population. It goes without saying that this mass of tourists is not without consequences on the eco system and the local population. It is also legitimate to ask if one can still find preserved places in the heart of the Hellenic Republic. The answer is yes. Follow the guide!

As in many countries or regions victims of mass tourism, the first to be affected are often the inhabitants themselves. Indeed, the influx of a mass of tourists in a zone unfortunately leads to an increase in prices that the inhabitants cannot bear.

We have already talked about Venice, which is also a victim of overtourism, the massive arrival of travelers leads to significant increases in rent. Indeed, with the development of seasonal vacation rentals, it often becomes more profitable for owners to rent in this way than to rent to the inhabitants themselves. The latter cannot bear the indecent rent increases (we have heard of +30% in certain cities) and are obliged to move to the outskirts to find housing. This is how the city centers become desertified: no more local shops, just souvenir stores. The city is emptied of its inhabitants and of its soul at the same time.

This impacts the inhabitants but not only. Seasonal workers who cannot find accommodation are forced to refuse certain jobs. And then, to top it all off, the tourist destinations find themselves short of manpower to welcome the horde of holidaymakers! The cat that bites the tail. To fight against this scourge, some city councils, like Santorini, give bonuses of 100 € per month to civil servants so that they can be housed

It's a paradox: never have they welcomed so many travelers and yet they will not be able to go and discover their beautiful country. And for good reason, the terrible law of supply and demand has made the price of seasonal rentals soar. With an average salary of 787 €, Greeks are no longer able to afford these extras. Except in some lesser known and therefore less frequented places like Astypalea which welcomes a majority of Greek visitors.

The impact of mass tourism in Greece on the eco systems

It is obvious that with such an influx of people, there is a lot of waste. Unfortunately, there are still places, especially islands, that are not equipped with waste management equipment. Many of them are therefore found in the Mediterranean Sea, which occupies the top of the sad ranking of the most polluted seas in the world. There would be 4 times more plastic in its waters than on the "famous" plastic continent.

We will never repeat it enough, the best waste is the one we do not produce. On vacation, as elsewhere, we must limit the use of plastic and other single-use packaging. To help you discover our article <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/zero-waste-holidays-lets-take-up-the-challenge-together">on zero waste vacations.</a>

In 2022 Greece had estimated 5000 cruises or 25% more than in 2019. In Santorini alone there are 600 boats that throw ink and dump no less than 800,000 passengers on an island of 76 km / sq. Unfortunately, these floating buildings have the habit of leaving their engines on during the days of their stopovers. This creates a very high level of air pollution due to the exhaust fumes and micro particles.

Did you know that in the world tourists are concentrated on 5% of the territory? Greece is no exception to the rule with major influx points such as Santorini, as we have just mentioned, but also Mykonos, Athens or Corfu. It is obvious that such a large number of people in such a small space has impacts on nature. It is almost not possible in these islands to protect spaces and nature is inevitably the first to suffer. Don't forget if you have to go there to walk on the marked paths to give nature time to regenerate in the untrampled areas.

To go further: discover<a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/10-commandments-of-responsible-traveler"> the 10 commandments of the responsible traveler.</a>

We are not going to mention again here the ravages caused by plastics wandering in the waters around the globe. Unfortunately, many articles have reported on the existing catastrophic situation. If you want to know more, we recommend this article on <a href="https://www.greenpeace.fr/pollution-oceans-limpact-plastiques/">the impact of plastics on ocean pollution.</a>

Another problem <a href="https://www.lesinrocks.com/actu/en-grece-60-des-baleines-sont-tuees-par-des-bateaux-146201-29-05-2018/">is the death of cetaceans due to collisions with boats.</a> This represents 60% of the deaths of whales mainly but also dolphins and sperm whales. And mass tourism in Greece is partly responsible with the quantity of cruise ships present in this area. And these are, along with cargo ships and oil tankers, the main culprits of these fatal accidents.

The 5 alternatives to mass tourism in Greece

This island belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago. It is the junction point with the Cyclades. That is why you will find many architectural similarities. Moreover the Venetian fortress built overhanging the port, will make you think of Thira on the island of Santorini. But without the crowds!

Indeed, the butterfly-shaped island attracts mainly Greek tourists and in reasonable quantity. It is really an ideal place for a perfect vacation for all those who are looking for authenticity.

Discover <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/hebergement/greece/kallichoron-2">Kallicharon, an ecological hotel in Astypalea.</a>

This island, which belongs to the Ionian Islands, has been known since antiquity and has managed to preserve its calm. It was, in fact, the scene of the reunion between Penelope and Ulysses in Homer's Odyssey after 20 years of separation.

Today, there are still several archaeological sites, typical ports and a calmness that is ideal for vacations. This makes it an ideal place for those who want to get away from mass tourism in Greece.

Fancy a city trip? Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece and the capital of the Central Macedonia region. The city has kept a small town atmosphere and the inhabitants have the reputation of being particularly friendly.&nbsp;

Its ideal location also allows it to be the drop-off point to discover northern Greece: Pella, Verginia, Veria.&nbsp;This makes the city a must for any slow travel in Greece.

If you go to Thessaloniki, don't miss the archaeological park of Dion. This is a sacred city of the Macedonians built more than 2500 years ago. It is dedicated to Zeus and was the witness of the sumptuous festivities organized by Alexander the Great.

Do you want to get to know the region even better? Go for a 2-day hike and climb to the top of Mount Olympus. It is the highest point in Greece at 2,917 meters. In mythology it is the domain of the gods, no more and no less!

According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the deepest gorge in the world in relation to its width. So if you are a fan of nature spots, it would be a shame to miss it. Especially since unlike some places in Greece, here the vegetation is green and lush. A perfect contrast with the arid landscapes of the islands.

You will be able to enjoy your favorite outdoor sports: hiking, rafting, climbing, mountain biking... There is really something for everyone!

To go further, check out <a href="https://ethik-and-trips.com/en/blog/road-trip-en-grece-sur-2-semaines-2">our 3 ideas in Greece off the beaten path.</a>

Did we convince you to get off the beaten path and discover authentic and preserved places in Greece? 

Photo Kathy Coughlin Burke ( Pinterest )&nbsp;

greece-.webp

Mass tourism in Greece: 5 alternatives away from the crowds

The year 2022 promises to be a historic year for tourism in Greece. 2019 was already considered extraordinary with 18.2 billion in revenue. This year the forecasters expect 20 billion. It is therefore legitimate to ask if we can still find preserved places in the heart of the Hellenic Republic. The answer is yes. Follow the guide!

The Blog of the Explor'Actors are articles where we offer you good ideas, information, inspiration (…) about sustainable tourism and ecotourism. The objective is that we may everyone, everywhere travel more responsibly

Let's make your next trip an exotic, unique and eco-responsible experience!

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

Discover the Green Key label, the reference for sustainable tourism

Ecological vacations

Mass tourism in Greece: 5 alternatives away from the crowds