Responsible tourism & sustainable holidays in Périgord

Do you want to visit the beautiful region of Périgord, while preserving its environment and its heritage? Now is the time to consider “eco-responsible holidays”. To help you, we will explain the concepts of slow-tourism and micro-tourism, give you good practices and respectful gestures to put in place, and show you good addresses. Let's go for an overview of sustainable and responsible tourism in Périgord.

Opening photo: Le Saut du Chalard, in Périgord Vert - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

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New trends in eco-tourism

Whether it is called “responsible tourism”, “ecotourism” or “slow-tourism”, the concept is the same. It is about traveling while ecologically respecting your holiday destination: its landscapes and its environment, its heritage and its history, its culture and its traditions...

To achieve this, slow-tourism incorporates a notion of awareness of time. It is a disconnection from everyday life, to move towards an awakening of the senses, which will allow you to appreciate all the facets of your stay. Concretely, you will choose alternative accommodation to discover a new way of life, move according to the principles of soft mobility to reconnect with nature, stock up on short circuits to savor local and seasonal products...

Micro-tourism is also called micro-adventure, because the principle is to experience adventures close to home. You will discover that you can get away from it all without going to the other side of the world. You will know better your region of residence. It is also an opportunity to support the local economy. It's amazing how you can recharge your batteries, living unusual experiences, in just a few days and without a long distance journey!

The micro-adventure close to home in Périgord, it's easy, the change of scenery is at every corner of the road - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

Alternative or ecological accommodation

In terms of vacation rentals, there are several options available to you. You can choose an establishment with an eco-label to ensure that they respect an ecological approach. You can also move towards unusual accommodation, to experience an immersion in the heart of nature. Finally, alternative accommodations allow you to discover a new way of life and are often very responsible, even if they do not always meet the very strict and standardized criteria of tourism labels.

Our selection of responsible housing:

Le Moulin de Surier for its exceptional natural setting and its cabins perched in the trees.
The Roulottes de la Ferme de Sirguet.
Camping le Moulin de David for its natural swimming pool and its organic permaculture vegetable garden, which supplies the restaurant.
The Floating Cabin of the Marshes.
Quirky Camping Yurts.
The Kozi Dôme to sleep in the middle of the forest and under the stars.

The Kozi Dôme, surrounded by nature - Photo credit © Kozi Dome

Move in "gentle mobility" mode

The principle of soft mobility is to find alternatives to polluting transport such as the car! In order to reduce your carbon footprint, the three main ecological transport solutions recommended are:

For your short trips, in a town and its surroundings or between neighboring hamlets, it is on foot. It's eco-friendly, free and sporty so good for your health! In addition, you will have the opportunity to see the country and it is a must for slow-tourism.

Find out more: The most beautiful hikes in Périgord.

To go a little further or a little faster, use the bike! The Dordogne is a department very well served for bicycles, with pleasant roads and lanes that allow you to travel in complete safety, with your family. In particular, there are:

In Périgord Noir : the greenway from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Cazoulès or the Véloroute de la Vallée du Céou, from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Daglan.
In Périgord Blanc: cycle paths in Périgueux.
In Périgord Pourpre : the Bergerac V91 cycle route.
In Périgord Vert : The Greenway from Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière to Thiviers.

Find out more : Cycling in Périgord: itineraries, greenways and tips!

The good idea: Visit the castles of the Dordogne Valley by bike.

For your urban or regional transport, take public transport. Train, bus, car, tram are at your disposal and serve many destinations.

The good idea : Line of regional coaches of the Dordogne (fr)

Not to be missed: A device launched by the Department: The Dordogne without Oil (fr)! A brochure to consult online and find in the Tourist Offices.

The Castles of the Dordogne Valley by road bike - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

The “Green Stations” of Périgord

The “Green stations” is a label awarded to villages that engage in sustainable development projects and respond to ecological issues. With this certification, you know that the quality of your holiday environment is preserved and that you will enjoy an exceptional setting. That said, everyone has to do their part, so remember to sort your waste, only walk on marked trails and be discreet.

Here is the list of green resorts in the Dordogne:

Find out more: The Most Beautiful Villages of France in the Dordogne.

The village of Saint-Cyprien to discover - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

The Vézère Valley, a “Grand Site de France”

The "Great Sites of France" are tourist areas highlighted for their great interest. The whole of their territory is protected: the natural environment, its fauna and flora, heritage and landscapes. In Périgord, the Vézère Valley has been classified as a “Grand Site de France”.

The Vézère Valley, near Thonac - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

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Perigord natural sites

Sites classified as “Natural Park”, “Natural Reserve” or “Natura 2000” are preserved ecosystems, as are their specific fauna and flora. By being respectful of the protection instructions, you can walk there. Workshops, activities and guided walks are regularly organized there by the managing bodies. In Périgord, you will appreciate the following protected natural areas:

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park.

The good idea: Walk the Périgord Limousin Natural Park by the Geological Path of the Site du Roc Branlant.

Le Roc Branlant - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

Eco-responsible activities

Just because you're a responsible tourist doesn't mean you can't have fun as a family. There are all kinds of activities where you can have fun, while preserving nature. We give you some ideas for having fun in the Dordogne, without impact on the environment:

Horseback riding in Saint-Amand-de-Coly - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

Périgord peasant markets

Going to the market is also a very popular tourist outing. And for good reason, you will taste good local products. You will make beautiful encounters with farmers, farmers and peasants from Périgord. And you will support local farms. We have listed the local producers' markets in the Dordogne for you:

The Périgueux market, local fruits and vegetables (fr)
The Thiviers market and its local producers, its fresh regional products (fr)
Saint-Astier (fr), a small farmers' market, gourmet and musical
The Ribérac market to find local and seasonal fruits and vegetables (fr)
Excideuil (fr), its traditional market and its local producers, certified organic products!
The famous Sarlat-la-Canéda market, many organic products (fr)

Find out more: Country Producers' Markets.

The good idea: Eat locally from small producers in Périgord (fr).

The restaurants of Périgord

You have good products in your basket, but that's not enough… Cooking tasty Périgord culinary specialties is quite an art! To discover these generous and gourmet dishes and inspire you with new recipes, nothing better than picking up a few ideas from the restaurateurs of the Dordogne. We have selected for you establishments where local producers are honoured:

Le Clos du Moulin, traditional and authentic cuisine, all homemade.
The Auberge des Tilleuls which makes you discover the edible flowers of its aromatic garden.
L'Étable Gourmande, to taste the products of the farm.
A taste of nature, farm meals to appreciate the Périgord generosity.

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Wine tourism in Périgord

Wine tourism reveals a new facet of the region: its wine-growing region. The vineyards are part of the landscapes of Périgord and the winegrowers are often people who are passionate about their profession and their land. We offer wine estates committed to a sustainable development approach to their operations:

The Domaine du Haut Montlong, sustainable viticulture and various tourist activities.
The Domaine de Siorac, a vineyard labeled "High Environmental Value" and organic wines.
Château Ladesvignes and its organic Monbazillac and Bergerac wines.

Find out more: Drink wine according to your convictions! The Bergerac Duras vineyard and the environmental transition.

Promote local crafts

Finally, you would really like to bring back some "made in Périgord" gifts, but not just any, of course! If you are looking for authenticity, ethics, and unusual or original products, go to craftsmen's workshops and designer boutiques. In addition, you will make a gesture to support the local economy!