Discover the green beaches

of the South of France!

See you on the coast of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur! The program includes diving in the clear waters of the Mediterranean, water activities and beach restaurants for a moment under the sign of disconnection but especially of preservation. Let’s go to these green beaches that perfectly combine vacation and sustainability!

Baia Bella – committed

So it’s off to the beaches of the Côte d’Azur: on the menu, crystal-clear water, sand or pebbles, deck chairs and colourful parasols, but one of them particularly got our attention. Head for the “Petite Afrique” beach in a heavenly setting; the beach – restaurant Baia Bella! The little added bonus that took our fancy? Its commitment! Baia Bella, the first carbon-neutral beach in France, is committed to the protection of the natural environment which makes this place a dream spot. Nothing has been left to chance –plants endemic to the French Riviera, 100% European furniture to limit the carbon footprint for transport, hand-made decor by local artisans or the restaurant’s menu which offers local and seasonal cuisine. Having set the scene for this magnificent private beach, Baia Bella wanted to take it even further! There are solar panels on the roof (practical when it’s THE sunny region), smart taps and dual flushes, they collect rainwater and water from the outside showers to water the plants, returnable bottles, sort their waste and package with recycled materials … Baia has a long list of the initiatives it has set up. Despite all these actions, it’s impossible to be completely carbon neutral. This is why the beach supports two carbon compensation actions – “EcoMethane Project” and “Malsa REDD+ Project” which allow them to compensate for 26 tonnes of carbon! So, let’s follow Baia Bella’s example and support this beach’s commitment to protecting its environment

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Une publication partagée par Sébastien Leroy (@sebastien_leroymln)

“Pavillon Bleu” label beaches

You’re already eco-friendly on a daily basis, and you’re looking for an environmentally-committed spot for your holidays. “Pavillon Bleu” label beaches can be the answer. Every year, beaches which act in favour of accessibility and environmental protection are awarded this distinction and for travellers, it helps to get an idea of what you’re looking for! The 4 great criteria for obtaining the precious label are environmental education, the general environment, water management and waste management! If you’re on holiday in the Alpes-Maritimes, you’ll find what you’re looking for around Antibes, Cannes and Nice! If you just adore the Var, there’s a lot of choice from Bandol to Saint-Raphaël: Hyères, le Lavandou, La Croix Valmer or Six-Fours-les-Plages also offer Pavillon Bleu-labelled beaches. And if your heart is already in Provence, stop off in Cassis or Sausset-les-Pins and Saint-Chamas for its wild coastline along the Etang de Berre. And because we love our coast and we want to protect it, we haven’t forgotten our beloved yachtsmen: in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, there are no less than 29 harbours labelled “Ports Propres” (Clean Ports)! So, you’re off to the south of France?

Zero impact activities

When you’re on holiday on the coast, you go swimming, have picnics on the beach, dive into the water to discover local sea life, and stretch out on your beach towel – there are ample opportunities to make the most of the sea. Here are a few tips to protect it and biodiversity!

Hunt for waste.

Do you dream of swimming in the turquoise water of the Côte d’Azur? To help protect the Mediterranean and the coast, please pick up the waste you find on your way: floating waste, waste on the beach, and waste which has been blown into the vegetation! What’s in it for you? You’ll be combining a good deed with getting a good tan, and you’ll have your feet in the water – sounds good, doesn’t it? Another simple thing to do is to use zero plastic for your picnics! And if you want to smoke a cigarette on the beach, don’t forget to take your stubs with you when you leave. The gulls will be so grateful.

Travel out of season.

The South of France is sunny all year round and is even better in spring and autumn. The first rays of the sun in March guarantee some lovely days on the Var coastal trails! The Calanques in April are pure magic when you discover them on your own and the temperature is ideal. A paddle-board outing in September one of the creeks in the Massif de l’Estérel is just enchanting. October’s sunsets from the Côte Bleue are every bit as beautiful as those in July and August. If you’re a nature lover or a fan of letting-go, out-of-season is absolutely the best time for you to enjoy this paradise.

Move around in slow mode.

It’s just a small step from riding on the train to getting into your kayak. Take the train to get to your seaside resorts and gentle water activities. There are so many activities to choose from: from Marseille, you can get to the seafront by bus or by bike along the new cycle path on Corniche Kennedy. You can take one of the coastal paths on the Estérel until you find a creek where you can inflate your paddle board and explore the little red rocky bays. You can hire a kayak in the village of Giens and go right around the peninsula opposite the Iles d’Or. So, you get it, no boating, jet skiing or any other motorized activities for a maximum of peace and quiet and a minimum of disturbance from the sea!