Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Marseille, France

Marseille, France, Marseille, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations

Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Marseille, France

1. Calanque de Sugiton

A beautiful, secluded cove with crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs. It's accessible only by boat or a steep hike.
  • Natural Preservation: The cove is part of the Calanques National Park, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
  • Eco-Friendly Access: Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and use eco-friendly means of transportation.
  • Peaceful Retreat: Offers a serene, peaceful atmosphere away from the city's hustle and bustle.

2. Les Grottes de l'If

A network of caves located on the If Island, offering guided tours. The caves are rich in history and natural beauty.
  • Historical Significance: The caves have been used as a refuge and a prison over the centuries.
  • Eco-Tourism Guidelines: Guided tours are designed to minimize impact on the cave formations and maintain their beauty.
  • Marine Biodiversity: The surrounding waters host a rich marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling.

3. Rade de Marseille Biodiversity Park

A park dedicated to the protection and study of biodiversity in Marseille's harbor. It offers educational tours.
  • Biodiversity Protection: The park protects several threatened species and fosters their growth.
  • Educational Opportunities: Provides educational resources about the harbor's ecosystem and biodiversity.
  • Urban Eco-Friendly Space: An urban oasis, providing a green space for city dwellers while preserving local wildlife.

4. Le Vieux Port

Marseille's historic port area with a mix of modern and old architecture, lined with cafes and shops.
  • Historic Preservation: Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the city's rich history.
  • Sustainable Businesses: Many businesses in the area are committed to sustainable practices and eco-friendliness.
  • Cultural Exchange: A hub for cultural exchange, showcasing the city's diverse history and traditions.

5. Château Borély

An 18th-century chateau surrounded by a park with a botanical garden and greenhouse.
  • Botanical Conservation: The botanical garden focuses on the conservation of rare and endangered plant species.
  • Sustainable Gardening Practices: Uses sustainable gardening practices to minimize environmental impact.
  • Historical Architecture: The chateau is a fine example of 18th-century French architecture.

6. La Ciotat Bay

A picturesque bay with a historic port and beaches, famous for its role in early cinema.
  • Cinematic History: Famous as the location for some of the earliest films, it offers guided tours about its film history.
  • Marine Life Protection: The bay is part of a marine protected area, ensuring the preservation of local marine life.
  • Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Offers eco-friendly accommodation options for travelers.

7. Les Calanques de Cassis

A series of stunning limestone inlets with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
  • Natural Beauty: One of the most beautiful natural sites in France, offering breathtaking views.
  • Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Initiatives in place to minimize tourist impact and preserve the area's beauty.
  • Water Sports Activities: Offers a variety of water sports activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

8. Le Verdon Gorge

A massive canyon with turquoise waters, offering activities like kayaking, rafting, and hiking.
  • Natural Wonders: One of the most spectacular natural wonders in France.
  • Eco-Tourism Activities: Activities are designed to minimize impact on the environment and preserve the area's beauty.
  • Adventure Opportunities: Offers thrilling adventure opportunities for adrenaline junkies.

9. La Madrague de Giens

A small coastal village with beautiful beaches and a natural reserve.
  • Natural Reserve Protection: The natural reserve ensures the preservation of local flora and fauna.
  • Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Offers eco-friendly accommodation options for travelers.
  • Peaceful Coastal Retreat: A peaceful, tranquil coastal retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle.

10. Le Riou Massif Naturel Régional

A large natural region with a variety of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and gorges.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Protects several threatened species and promotes biodiversity.
  • Sustainable Hiking Trails: Offers sustainable hiking trails to minimize impact on the environment.
  • Adventure Opportunities: Offers adventure opportunities such as rock climbing and paragliding.

11. Le Parc National des Calanques

A national park consisting of several stunning calanques (inlets) with crystal-clear waters.
  • Natural Preservation: The park is dedicated to the preservation of its unique natural beauty.
  • Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Initiatives in place to minimize tourist impact and preserve the area's beauty.
  • Water Sports Activities: Offers a variety of water sports activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

12. Le Cap Canaille

A spectacular cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offering hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  • Natural Wonder: One of the most spectacular natural wonders in Marseille.
  • Sustainable Hiking Trails: Offers sustainable hiking trails to minimize impact on the environment.
  • Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning photography opportunities for nature lovers and photographers.

13. La Vallée des Baux-de-Provence

A picturesque valley with hilltop villages, vineyards, and olive groves.
  • Historical Preservation: Preserves the history of Provence through its medieval villages.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promotes sustainable agriculture practices to minimize environmental impact.
  • Wine Tasting and Local Produce: Offers wine tasting and local produce from the vineyards and olive groves.

14. La Camargue

A vast natural region with wetlands, sand dunes, and a unique ecosystem.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Protects several threatened species such as the Camargue horses and flamingos.
  • Sustainable Eco-Tourism Activities: Offers sustainable eco-tourism activities like horseback riding and birdwatching.
  • Cultural Heritage: Offers insights into the region's rich cultural heritage and history.

15. Le Parc Ornithologique du Penic

A bird sanctuary located on a small island off the coast of Marseille.
  • Bird Conservation: Protects several threatened bird species and promotes bird conservation.
  • Eco-Friendly Access: Provides eco-friendly access to the island through electric boats.
  • Nature Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent nature photography opportunities for bird lovers and photographers.