French Riviera walking holiday, France

Planet

Activity:
Walking trips in general have a minimal impact on the environment as we use our own power to get around. Clients are briefed on managing food waste and other litter, which should be disposed of appropriately in respect of local recycling policies. We do believe in leaving no more than footprints although this tour actively encourages guests to talk to local people, visit local cafes and restaurants, use markets to purchase traditional gifts and crafts. The trip takes the group through small villages and towns in the French Riviera & Maritime Alps, with many small local businesses and artisans that are reliant on our commerce for their livelihood; clients are encouraged to sample local wares when possible.

Water:
Water is a really important issue with walking trips and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital that we have a system for providing clean water without causing lots of waste with plastic bottles. Water can be provided for clients on all walking trips and water receptacles are recycled or reused where applicable. As tap water in the region is drinkable, clients will be encouraged to use tap water and to reuse plastic bottles, rather than buying bottled water.

UK Office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK Offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

People

Accommodation and Meals:
The Hotel de Londres is a family-run hotel is ideally located only 25 metres from the sea front. The hotel is also locally staffed, providing valuable employment in the tourism industry on which the region depends. Fresh produce is sourced locally as much as possible and where meals are not provided, clients are encouraged to stop at local cafés on breaks. Local cafés are often seasonal and dependant on tourism, while providing valuable employment in areas where tourism is the principal, or only, employment option, particularly for younger people. Picnic lunches are sourced at local stores, and evening meals are often taken in nearby restaurants. Your guide will also introduce you to the colourful market in Menton, where they sell fresh focaccia, citrus fruit and vegetables etc.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.