Over the past few years, slow travel, or slow tourism, has gained ground by encouraging stays in which visitors immerse themselves in the culture of a region or country. A new trend inciting more ecological travel with local consumption and lower mobility. Staying on Cap-Ferret for a month, discovering all of its nooks and crannies on foot or bike rather than visiting Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Arcachon, the Pilat sand dune and Cap Ferret by car in under a week. Slow the pace and enjoy your holiday to the full.

Acclaimed for its innovative and responsible tourism initiatives, Bordeaux won the "European Capital of Intelligent Tourism" title in 2022. Visiting the "Sleeping Beauty" can be sustainable in many ways. Many hotels and restaurants certified "Clé Verte","EU Écolabel", "Green Food"…, getting around, leisure, boutiques supporting local production and crafts, low environmental impact activities. The city's introduction of France's first metropolitan GR is the best example: a signposted 160-km itinerary through 17 communes to discover natural and heritage areas on walks for everyone and near public transport.

A few suggestions for sustainable visits in Bordeaux and the nearby area: city tour with a "Greeter", (a passionate citizen sharing many anecdotes), bike tour of the bridges (Pont d’Aquitaine, Pont Chaban-Delmas, Pont de Pierre etc.), walks in the ecological reserve of Le Barails (Bordeaux's largest green area), discovery of the Maison Ecocitoyenne, meeting regional producers and tasting local products ("cannelés", "pralines de Blaye", oysters…), electric boat rides on La Garonne… For families: tour of the town on a little electric train, outdoor bowling, and much more!