Eco-friendly activities: What to do over 3 days in the mountains?
Eco-responsible tourism has been growing in France in recent years, particularly in the mountains. The mountains have become an ideal setting for activities that respect both the environment and local communities. Explore some eco-friendly activity ideas below for a 3-day mountain stay.
Hiking in the mountains
Hiking in a national park
In the mountains, hiking is the number one activity! Practised summer and winter alike across France's massifs, it has the great advantage of being particularly eco-friendly. France also has 11 national parks, four of which are located in mountain areas: Vanoise, Pyrénées, Écrins and Mercantour. So if you have a few days free, head out onto the many long-distance hiking trails (GR). They wind through the national parks, offering breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Hiking with donkeys
If you love animals and are looking for a unique activity in the mountains, hiking with donkeys is probably for you. These gentle, placid animals accompany you along the trails, carrying your gear or even the children — a real treat for the whole family. Donkey hiking trips are available across France: in Savoie, the Vercors, the Southern Alps and the Mercantour National Park. And for multi-day hikes, eco-friendly accommodation is often available for hikers.
Cycle touring at the resorts
The bike park in the Pyrenees
In recent years, ski resorts have been developing routes to help holidaymakers discover mountain biking in summer. It's a different way to explore the trails while being one of the most eco-friendly activities around. The Peyragudes resort in the Pyrenees has opened 19 mountain bike tracks in its bike park. Enduro MTB, cross-country, and mountain scooters are available for beginners and experienced riders alike. To complete the offer, the resort provides a unique experience with a full descent to Loudenvieille covering nearly 1,600 metres of elevation drop.
Mountain biking in Savoie
Meanwhile, the Les Saisies resort in Savoie offers a vast mountain biking domain with panoramic views over the Beaufortain massif and Mont White. Savoie has particularly developed its MTB offering, and the most athletic visitors can tackle the Tour du Val d'Ary over two or three days — a great way to discover the mountain's flora and fauna over several days.
Rock climbing in the massifs
The Calanques massif: the birthplace of climbing
Climbing is an outdoor activity practised across France's massifs. This eco-friendly pursuit has the advantage of taking place in breathtaking settings. The Calanques National Park massif, sitting between sea and mountain, offers numerous climbing spots. The Calanques de Morgiou and de Sormiou are well-equipped and offer long routes for thrill-seeking climbers.
Rock climbing in the Verdon massif
The Gorges du Verdon boasts exceptional climbing spots in the most beautiful canyon in Europe. Experienced climbers particularly enjoy heading to the Hulk site, located in La Palud-sur-Verdon. To reach this unique spot, a 20-minute approach walk,
a zip line crossing and a rope-equipped route are required.
If you want to spend three days that are both unforgettable and eco-friendly, there's no shortage of activities in the mountains. Whether you're into hiking, cycling or climbing, the options are endless. To round off your stay, you can also choose the most sustainable modes of transport and environmentally responsible accommodation at your destination.
