Hike on the Plateau De Millevaches and Lac De Vassiviere with Lappli Rando Millevaches on your smartphone
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Hike on the Plateau De Millevaches and Lac De Vassiviere with Lappli Rando Millevaches on your smartphone

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©J. Primpier - Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin

Here, we travel differentlyTravel light, travel Limousin10 simple ideas for an eco-friendly holiday

Responsible travel in Limousin

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What if travelling differently became the norm? In Haute-Vienne, sustainable tourism comes naturally, driven by the values of ‘Limousin, nouveaux horizons ’: taking your time, prioritising local experiences, and reconnecting with nature. Discover 10 easy-to-follow ideas for an eco-friendly holiday in Limousin, without sacrificing any of the joy of discovery 🌿

1. Come along (and get moving) without a car!

Smart apps for a hassle-free holiday

Fancy leaving the car at home? Good news: the Tictactrip app takes care of everything! It compares trains, buses and car-sharing options for you and suggests the most eco-friendly journey to Haute-Vienne. Simple, quick and already a great way to help the planet 🚆

A little bonus if you’re travelling by train: you’ll arrive at Limoges Bénédictins station, an architectural gem with its dome and Art Deco stained-glass windows. It’s the perfect way to start your stay with a smile, before you’ve even put your suitcase down 😍

Once you’re there, head to the Modalis app to explore the Haute-Vienne by public transport. And for the more adventurous, our ‘ Limousin, the slow way’ holiday ideas take you on car-free adventures from start to finish. Fancy giving it a go? 🌱

2. Calculate (and offset) your carbon footprint

A small gesture that makes a big difference

Before you pack your suitcase, here’s a smart tip: head over to our calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of your journey to Haute-Vienne, whatever mode of transport you choose. In just a few clicks, you’ll know where you stand and, most importantly, how to do better right from the start 🌍

Some emissions are still hard to avoid, even with the best will in the world. The solution? Carbon offsetting! By supporting reforestation or renewable energy projects, you’re giving the planet a real boost, even on the most unavoidable journeys 🌳

Don’t panic if everything isn’t perfect: measuring, reducing and offsetting is already a great start. We’re not asking you to be perfect straight away, just to try a little harder with every journey, until it becomes almost second nature ♻️

3. Have a go at travelling out of season!

Who said you have to wait until July or August to visit Haute-Vienne? Travelling out of season means enjoying less crowded attractions, lower prices and nature revealing itself in a whole new light. A real gem, both for you and for the region 🍂

Spring brings the Limousin countryside to life with a riot of colours, autumn sets the forests ablaze with reds and golds, and winter offers the perfect tranquillity to unwind far from the hustle and bustle. Every season has its own good reasons to visit, with events and ever-changing light 🌤️

In November, head over to ‘Ici nos savoir-faire’ to visit businesses and craft workshops across the whole department – a lovely way to experience the region differently during the All Saints’ Day period. And all year round, there are plenty of Limousin festivals just waiting for you to come along 🎪

4. Think outside the box

A destination still unspoilt by mass tourism

Haute-Vienne has an asset that few other destinations can yet claim: it has (for now, at least!) escaped overtourism. Beyond the must-see attractions, the department is home to plenty of hidden gems that few visitors take the time to discover 🗺️

Fancy some peace and quiet? Silent forests, unspoilt rivers, quiet paths, sleepy hamlets… the Limousin countryside invites you to really slow down, without having to jostle for a spot by the water’s edge or on a hiking trail 🌲

You don’t need to catch a plane to experience a complete change of scenery: some of the Limousin’s landscapes have a distinct air of being somewhere else entirely, with their wild moors, mysterious forests and truly unusual scenery. A real escape, without having to travel thousands of kilometres ✈️

5. Savour the local specialities… and meet the people who make them

At the markets, the pleasure is shared with the producers

Fancy a truly convivial experience during your stay? Head to our market stalls! You’ll find local, seasonal produce whilst having a natter with the people who grow or rear it with such passion. Good for the taste buds, good for the planet 🧺

Limousin beef, a local breed reared through short supply chains by many producers in the region, is one of the area’s must-try gourmet delights. A fan of plant-based cuisine? Foraging in the wild or at local producers’ farms is just the ticket 🌾

Fruit, cheese, honey, seasonal vegetables… our selection of top spots and markets will help you buy local throughout your stay in Haute-Vienne. And as a bonus, you’ll head home with a few great stories from the producers as well as your shopping 🧑‍🌾

6. Choose a host with genuine convictions

Places that look after their local area

Accommodation has a significant impact on a holiday’s environmental footprint, so you might as well choose wisely! In Haute-Vienne, many establishments are genuinely committed to sustainability: responsible water and energy management, local produce at breakfast, natural materials… The little details that make all the difference 🏡

Don’t fancy doing your own research into each establishment’s practices? The Clef Verte label does the sorting for you and recognises the accommodation providers most committed to an eco-friendly approach. A simple guide to booking with peace of mind 🔑

Fancy taking it a step further? Our selection of six green destinations brings together places where relaxation goes hand in hand with respect for the environment, from farm stays and nature campsites to guesthouses. A responsible approach, even whilst you sleep 🌙

7. Hike responsibly – nature will thank you for it!

A few simple habits to adopt

Hiking is THE best way to explore the Haute-Vienne… provided you follow a few simple rules! Stay on the marked trails, close gates behind you, and don’t pick protected plants: small actions that help preserve these very fragile natural areas 🥾

Take your rubbish with you, respect the peace and quiet of wildlife, keep your dog on a lead… the responsible hiker’s code of conduct covers everything you need to know before setting off to explore the department’s paths and trails ✅

To sum up, here are a few simple habits to adopt along the way:

  • Stick to signposted paths rather than unspoilt countryside
  • Take your rubbish home with you, even if it’s biodegradable
  • Observe wildlife without ever disturbing it
  • Carefully close gates and fences behind you 🌳

8. Get moving without a motor (and without regrets)

Cycling, walking, exploring… there’s a whole different way to experience Haute-Vienne

Cycling is undoubtedly the best way to take your time exploring the Limousin. With its safe cycle paths and signposted routes such as the Vélidéale, the department offers a vast playground for cycling without noise or pollution, at your own pace 🚴

The Hauts de Tardoire greenway, built on disused railway lines, allows you to cycle or walk in complete safety, far from motor traffic. A perfect family outing, without leaving the slightest footprint behind 🌳

Fancy a touring holiday? The GR© and GR© de Pays routes take you across the ‘ Limousin ’ on foot, stage by stage, for a total immersion in unspoilt and bountiful nature. Here, you don’t need an engine to get about – just a good pair of walking shoes 🚶

9. Think zero waste, even on holiday

Small actions that make a big difference

Travelling responsibly also means rethinking your consumption whilst you’re here. Reusable water bottles, cloth bags, recycling… these small, everyday actions make a huge difference when multiplied by the number of visitors we welcome each year to the Limousin ♻️

At markets and local producers’ stalls, opt for loose goods and reusable containers wherever possible, rather than disposable packaging. It’s a simple way to take home quality produce without creating extra waste whilst shopping 🛍️

Whether you’re out walking or camping, the principle remains the same: don’t leave anything behind, not even biodegradable waste such as peelings. Head for the nearest bin or pop it carefully into the bag you’re taking home with you 🗑️

10. Bring back a souvenir with a real story behind it

Porcelain, leather, enamels… Limousin craftsmanship to take home

Haute-Vienne is a region renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship: Limoges porcelain, enamels, leather goods, haute couture… Choosing a locally made souvenir means supporting a local artisan rather than buying an item from the other side of the world 🎁

Many artisan workshops are open to visitors in Haute-Vienne itself, offering the perfect opportunity to understand the craftsmanship behind each piece before taking it home with you. A souvenir that tells a story – that of the region and of the people who bring it to life 🏺

And what if your souvenir were something you could eat? Honey, jams, biscuits or other local specialities found at a producer’s workshop make excellent gourmet gifts to take home or give to others – just as representative of the region as a beautiful piece of Limoges porcelain 🍯