A guide to responsible travel
At Marennes-Oléron, we know that "unforgettable vacations" rhyme with "responsible vacations". Having explored the miles of wilderness on this little corner of the world, we're now dreaming of a new way of traveling to better preserve them. Easier said than done? We've put together a little guide to a more responsible vacation on Oléron, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
1. Become an off-season champion
What if we told you that it's in the off-season that the Lumineuse's colors are at their most vibrant ? Leave when everyone else returns! Say goodbye to traffic jams and crowded lanes, and hello to walks on the deserted beaches of Gatseau or Les Sables Vigniers, to visits away from the crowds at Chassiron and to our most beautiful sunsets. Travelling in a different time zone means you can discover the authentic face of Marennes-Oléron, talk more quietly with the locals and take your time. The bonus? The natural sites are less frequented, and nature says thank you!
2. Turn to responsible accommodation
For a 100% green holiday, why not choose eco-friendly accommodation? We prefer accommodation with labels (clef verte, European ecolabel...) that focus on reducing energy consumption or waste management. A good idea? Choose open-air hotels. With shared sanitary facilities and household appliances, they often consume less energy. On Oléron, campsites are also working towards a more ecological approach: selective sorting, composting... All the ingredients for a sustainable vacation!
3. Apply eco-gestures on vacation too
When you're on vacation, you can keep up your good habits too, and continue to adopt eco-gestures on a daily basis. Make sure you don't spend too long in the shower, turn off lights and electrical appliances when you leave a room, and look for the nearest recycling points. Whether you're at the beach or out for a walk, leave the place as you found it by taking your garbage with you in a dedicated bag. And yes, a few minutes' organization is all it takes to get things moving!
4. Choose a table with local flavors
For us, a taste of happiness is a bit like savoring a seafood platter facing the ocean! Between land and sea, maritime flavors make travelers' taste buds tingle, and are an integral part of the local experience. So choose fresh, local, seasonal produce for your meal breaks. Head for the markets of Marne and Oleron, direct-sales producers and restaurateurs committed to an eco-responsible approach. They guarantee you the finest products, from sea to plate. Your stay will be all the more unique for it! Our best locavore addresses: it's over here!
5. Drive light
Marennes - Oléron is best discovered in slow mode, with your nose to the wind. To get around, opt for gentle itineraries: walking, cycling, kayaking, sailing... and turn your journeys into real strolls through the wild landscapes of the region. Let's go for 160 kilometers of cycle routes that will take you from one end of the Ile d'Oléron to the other. Bikepacking enthusiasts can stop off in the Marennais basin, along the Vélodyssée. How do you get there without a car? Bus, train, carpooling: there's bound to be an option to suit you. Book your bike here!
6. Discover the area's history
To better protect a territory, you need to start by getting to know it! As you meet people and go out on your outings, let yourself be guided by the advice of those who bring Marennes-Oléron to life on a daily basis, so you can get to know it better. The Maison Eco-Paysanne, Fort Royer and Port des Salines tourist sites will take you back in time. Don't hesitate to take part in our organized nature outings all year round. Discover the region in a whole new light. Our ideas for nature outings are here!
7. Sail in zero-waste mode
Passing through Marennes-Oléron, it's time to take to the seas and get out the mainsail. How can you resist these kilometers of coastline and the impetuosity of the ocean as far as the eye can see? To make the most of it for a long time to come, we take care of this fragile marine ecosystem. First and foremost, by adopting a few de rigueur eco-gestures. My garbage? In my bag. My sun protection? Natural and biodegradable. And by choosing water sports with the smallest carbon footprint - sailing, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddling - you can enjoy the ocean in a sustainable way. We've put together a list of establishments in Marennes-Oléron that are committed to protecting the ocean. Find out more about responsible boating!
8. Become a spect'actor
In adventure mode, we take the time to appreciate and respect the surprises nature has in store for us! Want to get out there? The rules are simple: admire the spectacle without leaving any traces, and become one with the landscape. Respect the marked trails as much as possible to limit erosion of the dunes, and don't disturb the wildlife that lives there. Forget about picking plants, and don't displace the natural elements in your path. Finally, leave the area as you found it when you arrived: love nature, and nature will love you back!
9. Take away something made-in-Oleron
Want to take home a little something from your stay on the island? Say goodbye to the umpteenth magnet on the fridge and the knick-knacks from the other side of the world gathering dust on our shelves. Think local! Discover the selection of handmade creations by the artisans' collectives exhibiting in the famous colorful huts of Château d'Oléron or along the Canal de la Baudissière. Ideal for a unique, eco-friendly gift! Make life easier for yourself and find these products in your Marennes-Oléron Tourist Offices.