So Provence, So Alps! and France By Locals are committed to responsible tourism, following fair and sustainable principles. Our TravelLife Certification is a testament to this dedication.
To help you contribute to a better world during your trip, we kindly ask you to follow these two main guidelines:
🤝 LIVING IN HARMONY WITH OTHERS
Respect for Local Communities and Interactions:
- Approach locals with respect—don’t impose your beliefs or practices. Be curious and learn from them.
- Be polite in conversations; learning a few local words can enhance exchanges and show respect.
- Always ask permission before taking photos of people or their belongings, respecting their privacy.
- Foster kind and respectful interactions, valuing fair exchange and mutual understanding.
Respect for Cultural Sites:
- Follow site-specific rules (e.g., no photos, restricted zones) and adhere to them.
- Avoid touching fragile artworks, monuments, or historical objects.
- Be respectful and discreet in religious places, following dress codes and behavior norms.
- Stay on marked paths to prevent damage to historical areas.
- If photography is allowed, avoid using flash.
- Maintain a calm and quiet demeanor in museums and religious sites.
Support Local Economies:
- Avoid purchasing items from poaching or illegal resource exploitation (ivory, coral, etc.).
- Choose locally made artisanal products over mass-produced souvenirs.
- Support local restaurants and authentic cuisine instead of international chains.
- Prefer sustainable and eco-friendly products, minimizing single-use plastics.
- Negotiate fairly when applicable to support artisans and vendors.
Respect Cultures and Customs:
- Learn about local traditions and lifestyles with an open mind and without judgment.
- Research social norms (dress codes, behavior) to avoid unintentional offenses.
♻️ ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES
Waste Management:
- Use the correct bins for recycling.
- Yellow or blue bins (recycling): cardboard, paper, plastic, metals, and food cartons.
- Green or gray bins (non-recyclables): leftover food, broken items, hygiene products.
- Brown bins (compostable waste): food scraps, coffee grounds, and plant waste.
- Glass bins (specific containers): bottles, jars, and pots.
- Properly dispose of electronics, batteries, textiles, and medications at designated points.
Eco-Friendly Habits:
- Reduce packaging by opting for bulk items and reusable products.
- Adopt responsible consumption by choosing durable and sustainable items.
Carbon Footprint Reduction:
- Prefer train travel when possible—it’s one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport.
- Travel light to reduce fuel consumption, whether by plane, car, or train.
- If renting a car, adopt eco-driving practices (tips here: Eco-Friendly Driving Tips).
Resource Usage:
- Conserve water by opting for showers over baths and reporting leaks. Use biodegradable soaps when possible.
- Turn off air conditioning or heating in your hotel room when not in use to save energy.
🌄 EMBRACING NATURE RESPONSIBLY
- Follow local guidelines in natural areas and parks.
- Greet fellow hikers and respect the serenity of the surroundings.
- Observe animals from a distance without disturbing them.
- Never start fires in sensitive areas, and dispose of trash responsibly.
- Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging vegetation and ecosystems.
- Avoid taking natural « souvenirs » such as rare flowers or fossils.
Let’s work together to make your journey meaningful, sustainable, and respectful of the planet! 🌍✈️