Sustainable tourism in the PACA region

An emblematic destination for tourists, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region attracts large numbers of visitors every year. This region in the south of France owes its appeal to its mild Mediterranean climate, with sunshine almost all year round, and its proximity to the sea. The richness of its cultural, historical and living heritage is just as appealing as the natural diversity that characterises it so well, with mountains, beaches and exceptional sites making up some of the landscapes to be discovered during your stay in the PACA region. To continue to welcome its 30 million annual visitors while preserving the environment, the region has put in place a strategy for sustainable tourism, which aims to support the players in the sector towards a gradual transition.

Sustainable tourism

Definition

Sustainable tourism is defined by the World Tourism Organisation as ‘tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, by meeting the needs of visitors, environmental professionals and host communities’. It is not a practice, but an approach that aims to respect the environment and drastically reduce the gas emissions caused by mass tourism. Based on the principles of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – it takes several forms: ecotourism, which focuses on ecology and nature; solidarity and ethical tourism, which focuses on social issues and aims to create a relationship between tourists and local populations; and slow tourism, which aims to take the time to visit a destination while immersing oneself in its surroundings. The aim is to offer travellers a holiday in the best possible conditions, respecting the environment and allowing local populations to benefit from the economic and social advantages of regional tourism.

Sustainable tourism issues and actions in the PACA region

As part of its sustainable tourism strategy, the PACA region has set up a regional tourism and leisure development plan. The aim is to maintain the region’s reputation and appeal in all its diversity, encourage the professionalisation of the tourism industry, support investment and innovation, and promote the organisation of tourist flows and a responsible economy for preserved destinations and structured industries. It also supports tourist establishments in their efforts to acquire sustainable tourism labels and certifications such as Clef Verte, Green Globe or Écolabel.

Visiting the PACA region

Choosing your destination

Located in the south of the country, the PACA region is one of the most beautiful in France. The region is made up of 6 départements: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Vaucluse, offering a wide range of destinations.

Dotted with charming little villages, Provence lulls travellers to sleep with the song of the cicadas and the scent of lavender fields in a breathtaking landscape. A land of history and heritage, it boasts some not-to-be-missed sites, from the Palais des Papes in Avignon to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille and the Arènes d’Arles.

At the water’s edge, the Côte d’Azur sets the pace for visiting tourists with its sunshine and blue waters. Between the beaches of Toulon and the colourful village of Menton, don’t miss the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Between mountains and valleys, the Alps are the ideal place for nature lovers. Skiing, hiking and canyoning are all great ways to discover the Alpine environment. To immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend sampling local specialities in some of the charming restaurants.

Transport and activities

To reach your destination, think of the train, as the region is accessible from all four corners of the country. To facilitate inter-regional travel, the region has an extensive rail network serving many towns and villages, and has also developed a bus network to complement the public transport available. Big cities like Marseille and Nice have set up self-service bike stations, so you can make inter-city journeys without taking the car, and it’s also a great way to see the city in a different way.

When it comes to choosing your activities, the region has a wealth of landscapes that are as emblematic as they are impressive. In the heart of nature, discover the regional or national parks that make up the area, notably the Parc naturel régional du Mont Ventoux or the Parc national des Calanques, which transport you into the environmental grandeur of the sea or the mountains.