Responsible tourism in Béarn

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Responsible tourism i ...

Béarn is a rural and authentic region. If you feel concerned by ecology, it is therefore important to be as respectful as possible during your holidays, in order to preserve these still wild territories. We will guide you to be an eco-responsible tourist in Béarn. To achieve this, we are going to give you our green tips and useful addresses, in terms of alternative accommodation, soft mobility and responsible purchasing.


Opening photo credit: Le Cirque de Lescun / Guide Béarn Pyrénées

Slow-tourism and Micro-tourism

To get you started, let's quickly talk about two concepts of ecological holidays that are on the rise: slow-tourism and micro-tourism.

Slow-tourism is an ecological awareness and an awakening of the senses, which allows you to disconnect from your daily life and connect to your environment during the holidays. Thus, you will have to slow down the pace of your days to take the time to appreciate the places, the people and the passing of time, quite simply!

Micro-tourism follows the news of recent years and has the basic principle of avoiding distant destinations. You will therefore go on vacation near your home, often for a shorter period. On the other hand, it is the experiential side that is put forward. Go less far to minimize your carbon footprint and save budget, in order to live real adventures, just as exotic as if you had gone to the other side of the world.


Photo © Nikola-Jovanovic - Unsplash

Alternative or labeled accommodation

Choosing accommodation with an eco -label guarantees that commitments in favor of respect for the environment are well respected by your hosts. These tourist accommodations must meet very strict criteria regarding the use of resources, waste management, supplies, etc.

However, you do not have to limit yourself to this type of rental to remain in an ecological ethic. All kinds of alternative housing are very ecological, without being labeled. They often have the advantage of being more unusual and of making you discover a different way of life.


Our selection of responsible housing:

Photo credit © Le Paradis Perdu, Guide Béarn Pyrénées
Paradise Lost / Photo credit © Guide Béarn Pyrénées

Soft mobility” to move around ecologically

Soft mobility simply means a greener way to get around. It encompasses all the ways of making a journey, from the simplest such as walking to the most technological such as metros and trams.

For local trips, favor walking. It's the simplest, most economical and the best for your health!

For slightly longer distances, with the family with older children or with friends, it is the bike that is the most fun.

Finally, for intercity travel, if you have young children with pushchairs or for people with reduced mobility, public transport is the most practical: bus, train, tram, etc.

Photo credit © Hike to Col d'Aubisque / Guide Béarn Pyrénées
Hike to Col d'Aubisque / Photo credit © Guide Béarn Pyrénées

The villages of Béarn, classified as “Green Stations

The name "Station Verte" is a label that assures you that the villages you are going to visit implement an ecological approach and are respectful of the environment. They ensure the preservation of ecosystems, sort waste efficiently and engage in sustainable development projects. The green resorts of Béarn are:

Photo credit © Arette, the Col de la Pierre Saint Martin / Guide du Béarn
Arette, Col de la Pierre Saint Martin / Photo credit © Guide du Béarn

The Béarn natural parks

Whatever the classification, the award criteria are strict in terms of environmental protection. The territories classified as "Natural Park", "Natural Reserve" or "Natura 2000" are natural areas preserved for their specific biotope, with the fauna and flora that it shelters. They offer an exceptional setting for family outings:

The Pic du Midi d'Ossau / Photo credit © Guide Béarn Pyrénées
The Pic du Midi d'Ossau / Photo credit © Guide Béarn Pyrénées

Have fun while respecting the environment

You are on vacation, whether eco-responsible or not! You want to relax with fun activities. There are all kinds of leisure activities and nature outings that have no impact on the environment. Here are some ideas:

Farmers' markets in Béarn

To consume locally, go to local farmers' markets! This is the best way to find regional products and specialties from passionate farmers and farmers. Some markets are organic, lively, nocturnal... it's up to you to choose your atmosphere:

  • The “savouriades” of Gelos
  • Navarrenx farmers market
  • The farmers market at the Ferme de la Motte

To find the dates of the markets, go to the Agenda du Guide du Béarn. Click on THEME, then Markets, to find out the date of the nearest markets, you can also geolocate them!


The local cuisine of Bearn restaurants

Eating seasonal, local and short-circuit products is the guarantee of taking care of yourself, paying attention to your health, while preserving the environment and promoting a local economy... In short, you become an actor in eco-tourism! We reveal to you our good addresses of restaurants, which highlight their know-how and Béarnaise traditions:

Pierre Alexandre invites you to discover his authentic cuisine, inspired by the flavours of the Béarn region, revisited and sublimated. With elegance and a touch of daring, he combines flavours, works with vegetables and combines excellent, fresh, seasonal produce to create stunning dishes that are as delicious to the eye as they are to the taste buds. Le Mas des Arômes is a restaurant serving authentic Béarn cuisine, housed in an old barn typical of the region, which has been completely renovated while retaining its old-world charm. Let yourself be seduced by the place, the team and the subtle, aromatic cuisine.

Photo credit © jr-me-romm / Adobe Stock
Photo credit © jr-me-romm / Adobe Stock

Wine tourism in Béarn

Wine tourism will give you the opportunity to get to know the Béarn region better. In the cellars, you will make great encounters with passionate winegrowers. You will learn the specificities of the wines of the region and you will enjoy tasty tastings.

Promote local crafts

Do you want to bring back typical souvenirs from craftsmen's workshops or designer boutiques, symbols of local know-how, traditional products? Here is our selection of craftsmen from Béarn:

Lartigue 1910

We hope to have made you want to visit Béarn responsibly and we wish you a good holiday!


Did you like our article? Find others on the Blog du Guide du Béarn. Find us on the Facebook page of the Guide du Béarn Pyrénées and also on Instagram @guidebearnpyrenees


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