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Visiting one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France means immersing yourself in exceptional, vibrant places, rich in history and traditional craftsmanship. To mark World Responsible Tourism Day on 2 June, we’re sharing some simple, responsible actions you can take to ensure these villages continue to enchant future generations.
A few things to bear in mind for your next getaways
Opt for sustainable transport
Taking the time to explore a village on foot, by bike or even by train is already a step towards more sustainable tourism.
- Park your car in the car parks at the entrance to the villages: they’re there to let you explore the area at your own pace.
- Fancy a car-free holiday? Take inspiration from our ideas for train holidays to explore in a different way!
Adapting to the locals’ pace of life
The villages you pass through are wonderful destinations, but also – and above all – places where people live!
- Please be considerate of the locals’ peace and quiet: keep noise to a minimum, especially in places of worship, in the evenings and in public spaces.
- Respect private areas, property and local rules.
- A quick hello or a smile: meeting people is also part of the journey!
Preserving our heritage and the environment
The built, natural and cultural heritage is what makes the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’ so unique. Preserving it depends on you too!
- Before your visit, find out about the history, traditions and places of interest on our pages dedicated to the villages.
- Photos are fine … but please respect the people and the places.
- Do not touch or take anything: old stones, plants and natural sites are precious. Leave them intact for future generations!
- Stay on the marked paths during your walks: this is also a way of protecting sensitive natural habitats.
Buying local helps keep the village alive
Responsible tourism is also tourism that supports the local economy.
- Choose local craftspeople, producers and village markets over imported souvenirs.
- Choose accommodation and restaurants from among our partners, who have signed our hospitality charter, to enjoy an authentic experience. They are listed in the ‘Our recommendations’ section on each village’s information page and are also listed here.
Adopting the right habits… even on holiday
Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing your environmental impact.
- Don’t leave any rubbish behind.
- Avoid wasting water and energy, even at the hotel.
- And above all… leave the place as you found it.
A shared commitment
These villages have lost none of their charm over the years; it is up to us to ensure they keep it. By adopting these simple measures, everyone can contribute to a more considerate, more people-centred and more sustainable form of tourism!
