Responsible tourism & sustainable holidays in Périgord

Do you dream of visiting the beautiful Périgord region while preserving its environment and heritage? Now's the time to consider an eco-friendly holiday. To help you, we'll explain the concepts of slow tourism and micro-tourism, share best practices and respectful actions to take, and point you to some great places to stay. Let's explore sustainable and responsible tourism in Périgord.

Opening photo: Le Saut du Chalard, in Périgord Vert

New trends in ecotourism

Whether it's called "responsible tourism," "ecotourism," or "slow tourism," the concept is the same. It's about traveling while respecting the ecological aspects of your holiday destination: its landscapes and environment, its heritage and history, its culture and traditions…

To achieve this, slow tourism incorporates a concept of mindful time management. It's about disconnecting from daily life, awakening the senses, and appreciating all facets of your stay. In practical terms, you'll choose alternative accommodation to discover a new way of life, travel using sustainable modes of transport to reconnect with nature, and buy locally sourced food to savor local and seasonal products.

Microtourism is also called micro-adventure, because the idea is to experience adventures close to home. You'll discover that you can get away from it all without traveling to the other side of the world. You'll get to know your local area better. It's also a chance to support the local economy. It's amazing how you can recharge by having unusual experiences in just a few days and without long journeys!

Alternative or eco-friendly accommodation

When it comes to vacation rentals, several options are available. You can choose an establishment with an eco-label to ensure they adhere to environmentally friendly practices. You can also opt for unusual accommodations for an immersive nature experience. Finally, alternative lodgings offer a glimpse into a new way of life and are often very responsible, even if they don't always meet the strict and standardized criteria of tourism labels.

Our selection of responsible accommodations:

• Le Moulin de Surier for its exceptional natural setting and its treehouses.
• Camping le Moulin de David for its natural swimming pool and its organic permaculture vegetable garden, which supplies the restaurant.

Moving in " Soft Mobility " mode

The principle of soft mobility is to find alternatives to polluting transport such as cars! In order to reduce your carbon footprint, the Guide du Périgord recommends three main ecological transport solutions.

Walking

For short trips, whether in a town and its surroundings or between neighboring hamlets, walking is the way to go. It's eco-friendly, free, and active, so it's good for your health! Plus, you'll have the opportunity to see the countryside, and it's a must for slow tourism.

The bicycle

To go a little further or a little faster, use a bicycle! The Dordogne is a department very well served by cyclists, with pleasant roads and paths that allow you to travel safely with your family. In particular, there are:

• In Périgord Noir : the greenway from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Cazoulès or the Céou Valley cycle route, from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Daglan.
• In Périgord Blanc: the cycle paths of Périgueux.
• In Périgord Pourpre : the Bergerac cycle route V91.
• In Périgord Vert : The Green Way from Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière to Thiviers.

Public transport

For your urban or regional transport needs, use public transport. Trains, buses, coaches, and trams are available and serve numerous destinations.

The " Green Stations " of Périgord

The "Green Resort" label is awarded to villages committed to sustainable development projects and addressing environmental challenges. With this certification, you can be confident that the quality of your holiday environment is preserved and that you will enjoy an exceptional setting . That said, everyone must do their part, so remember to sort your waste, stay on marked trails, and be discreet.

Here is the list of green stations in the Dordogne:

• Rouffignac ;
• La Roche Chalais;
• Castelnaud-la-Chapelle ;
• Saint-Aulaye ;
• Sorges ;
• Cadouin's Bush.

The Vézère Valley, a " Grand Site de France "

The " Grands Sites de France " are tourist areas designated for their exceptional value. Their entire territory is protected: the natural environment, its flora and fauna, its heritage, and its landscapes. In Périgord, the Vézère Valley has been classified as a " Grand Site de France ".

Natural sites in the Périgord region

Sites classified as "Natural Parks," "Nature Reserves," or "Natura 2000 sites" are protected ecosystems, along with their specific flora and fauna. By respecting the conservation guidelines, you can enjoy walking in these areas. Workshops, activities, and guided walks are regularly organized by the managing organizations. In the Périgord region, you will appreciate the following protected natural areas:

• The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park ;

• The Groléjac Marsh Nature Reserve ;
• The Nature Area in Ménestérol on the banks of the Isle.

Eco-friendly activities

Just because you're a responsible tourist doesn't mean you can't have fun with your family. There are all sorts of activities where you can enjoy yourself while protecting nature. Here are a few ideas for having a blast in the Dordogne without impacting the environment:

The farmers' markets of Périgord

Going to the market in Périgord is not just about stocking up on groceries; it’s a true immersion in the local way of life and an unmissable tourist experience. Beneath the centuries-old market halls or in the squares of the bastides, your senses are awakened: the colourful stalls are brimming with seasonal produce, from fragrant spring strawberries to crunchy autumn walnuts, not to mention the famous truffles and foie gras. It’s the perfect place for a special encounter with local farmers and growers, who are happy to share the history of their farms and their tips on how to prepare the produce.

By choosing these short supply chains, you’re playing an active role in responsible tourism: you’re directly supporting the rural economy and small family farms, whilst ensuring absolute freshness on your plate. A moment of sharing and conviviality that gives real meaning to your holiday.

Restaurants in Périgord

You have good products in your basket, but that's not enough… Cooking the delicious culinary specialties of Périgord is an art in itself! To discover these generous and gourmet dishes and to inspire you with new recipes, there's nothing better than borrowing a few ideas from the restaurateurs of the Dordogne.

Wine tourism in the Périgord

Wine tourism reveals a new facet of the region: its precious wine-growing terroir. A true link between nature and culture, the vineyards shape the landscapes of the Périgord Pourpre, offering rolling panoramas where rows of vines stand alongside castles and fortified towns. But beyond the picture-postcard image, a human encounter awaits you: the winemakers are passionate individuals, guardians of ancestral know-how that they adapt today to the challenges of tomorrow.

By stepping through the doors of estates committed to organic farming or certified HVE (High Environmental Value), you'll discover men and women proud of their roots, happy to share the secrets of their thirteen appellations—from the robust character of a Pécharmant to the golden sweetness of a Monbazillac. A gourmet and responsible stopover, where each tasting tells the story of a deep respect for this bountiful land.

Promoting local crafts

Finally, you might want to bring back some " made in Périgord " gifts, but not just any kind, of course! If you're looking for authenticity, ethical production, and unusual or original products, head to the workshops of local artisans and designer boutiques. Plus, you'll be supporting the local economy!

• Nontron cutlery ;
• Pastel Girault, a heritage company;
• Discover Kristof Mascher's work with fish leather in Fanlac ;
• At the end of the path, a workshop for making wicker objects;
• Nicolas Guittet is a glassblower in Limeuil ;
• Ort Distillery: The Gin of the Black Périgord ;
• Foie Gras Grolière: authentic and delicious products available in Périgord or online!
• Visit the Moulin de la Veyssière, where Périgord walnut oil is made!

You are now all set to be an eco-responsible tourist in Périgord and we can only wish you a wonderful eco-friendly holiday in Dordogne.

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