Eco-Tourism on the Côte d’Azur: Travel Lighter

Have you ever wondered if there are any guilt-free ways to see Provence? Eco-tourism for the travel enthusiast on the move in the French Riviera is now available for exactly that. And, not only is Azur Xperiences the very first tour operator on the French Riviera offering eco-tourism, but they are also the very, very best.

Exclusively devised by Global Chief Purpose & Sustainability Advisor to Marie Claire International, podcaster and sustainability specialist, Sara Vaughan, these tours are meant to feel good and do good. For feel-good travel enthusiasts, here are the best eco-tours on offer on the Côte d’Azur from Azur Xperiences.

Top Eco-Tours in The French Riviera

3 Hour Cannes Eco Tour

Touring this famous resort city is an experience in itself. Making it an eco-tour? Even better. The sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and prestigious annual Cannes Film Festival can all be explored in a way that’s sustainable and insightful.

This is a true wellness tour in every sense, as the guide leads you through the culture-filled city on foot, showcasing the iconic landmarks, such as the historical Le Suquet or The Croix Des Gardes, at a slower pace. It’s mindful movement, it’s slow exploration, and it’s eco-tourism, baby!

4.5 Hour Cannes & Île Saint-Honorat Eco Tour

This walking tour is equally as sustainable, mindful, and inspiring as the 3-hour Cannes tour mentioned above. However, this eco-tour in the Côte d’Azur includes a sightseeing extravaganza of the incredible Île Saint-Honorat, as well as a boat tour. From the Hotel de Ville, your tour sets off to explore Cannes abuzz with culture, glitz, and historical glam.

Thereafter, the boat tour to Île Saint-Honorat commences. Île Saint-Honorat has been nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage status, and it’s not a stretch to say that the location just might be awarded this prestige. This island currently serves as a refuge for 21 monks who lead by example. They are effortlessly sustainable in every aspect of their lives while also cultivating world-famous organic wine labels.

8 Hour Cannes, Île Saint-Honorat & Beach Clean-Up

Looking for an epic team-building experience, or simply a tour that gives as much back as possible? This 8-hour Cannes, Île Saint-Honorat, Beach Clean-up tour from Azur Xperiences is ideal for exactly that!  Much like the one experienced above, it starts with a walking tour of Cannes, a trip to the monks’ island to witness their way of living, and then it’s off to a noble beach clean-up session.

If you realise that about 30,000 to 35,000 metric tonnes (about 2, 000 full garbage trucks) of plastic enter the ocean every day, sustainable tourism starts on your beach, on your holiday, one piece of trash at a time. This session is led by a local association to ensure the safe removal of trash and that it is disposed of at a recycling facility.  This eco-tour in the French Riviera receives an all around applause from us.

8 Hour Cannes, Île Saint-Honorat & Sea Safari

This eco-tour in the French Riviera is perfect for the adventurous tourist. Coming in last, but not least, this 8-hour experience dives (literally) into the underwater feasts of the Côte d’Azur. Starting like all the rest of the tours in this blog, a walking tour of Cannes, then a sightseeing tour of Ile St. Honorat after a boat ride there, this one ends on a high.

Or should we say low, since it’s underwater? Regardless, the eco-tour ends with award-winning marine experts leading the way through the gloriously 25°C azure waters, slowly drifting between the eco-museum sculptures of Jason deCaires. Yes, you read that right: underwater sculptures, massive ones too.

Eco-Tourism in the French Riviera

Eco-tours in the French Riviera don’t get much better than sun, water, connection, and actively giving back. Embark on one of these adventures with Azur Xperiences, the first tour operator in the French Riviera to offer sustainable tours. So, if you feel as though you want to give back while enjoying the best of the Côte d’Azur, then Azur Xperiences cannot wait to make your acquaintance.

Enjoy this article? Be sure to read about the Blue Mind Effect: why the sea calms you.