A short practical guide to eco-friendly habits to adopt while on vacation in western Var

🌿 Summary of eco-friendly actions: 

1. Pay attention to the flora for divine landscapes
2. Respect wildlife to ensure its preservation
3. Let's not fan the flames!
4. Everything that is thrown on land ends up in the sea.
5. Mooring yes, but not on the Posidonia!
6. Underwater, we observe, we don't touch!
7. Give pride of place to seasonal produce
8. Eating locally is vital!
9. Immerse yourself in local values

Let's start this practical guide with a tour of the forests and villages of the Var region. Here, nature flourishes, Provençal culture is rich, and there is no shortage of outdoor activities. So, how can we best protect local biodiversity? Here are the first three steps that will help you.

1. Pay attention to the flora for divine landscapes

Did you know? In our region of Provence, more than 3,600 species of beautiful plants adorn our plains and more than 32 areas are classified as Natura 2000 sites. It must be said that under the Provençal sun, nature has everything it needs to flourish!

Among the iconic species are trees such as the Aleppo pine, oak, and beech, as well as flowers with melodious names such as poppy, iris, and bougainvillea. And let's not forget the aromatic herbs that are essential to our cuisine, such as thyme, rosemary, and wild fennel. These are typical species that can be found on all the postcards of the region and must be protected at all costs.

🌼 The eco-friendly gesture: enjoy sparingly. How? By sticking to the hiking trails to allow plants to flourish and grow fully on the sides of the paths. And by picking just a few sprigs for a pretty bouquet, without taking the whole forest with you! All in all, these are logical behaviors, but it's always good to be reminded of them.

2. Respect wildlife to ensure its preservation

When it comes to our animal friends, common sense is also essential. As you walk through our mountains, particularly Sainte-Baume, Gros Cerveau, and the Siou-Blanc plateau, you may have the opportunity to observe birds such as the swift peregrine falcon, the lively magpie that loves the berries of local shrubs, or the little owl with its remarkable call. On land, deer, foxes, hedgehogs, frogs, and even ibex all inhabit our region... Your best chance of spotting them? Discretion.

🦊 Animal eco-friendly behavior: keep quiet and don't chase animals. It's that simple. Even though you're surrounded by nature, it's best to avoid making any noise (shouting, music, etc.) that could disturb local species, and of course, don't chase after them when you see them. Remember that you are in their territory, not the other way around. So let's respect their habitat and their habits.

3. Let's not fan the flames!

Our region, despite being one of the most beautiful (without being chauvinistic, of course 😇), suffers from a lack of rain every year. And in summer, between the mistral wind and the intense heat, you can imagine that a single spark can have disastrous consequences for both biodiversity and the inhabitants of our villages. However, nearly 9 out of 10 fires are caused by humans. Suffice to say that we all, vacationers and residents alike, have a role to play in this.

To help mitigate this figure, every year from June to September, the Var mountains are subject to opening permits based on fire risk. Depending on the degree of danger, your favorite hikes may or may not be accessible. All this is done to prevent human error that could cause enormous damage!

🔥 The hot eco-tip: find out about the map of the mountain ranges before setting off on a hike and, of course, avoid adding fuel to the fire by limiting any flammable activities (no barbecues in the wilderness, carry a pocket ashtray with you to dispose of cigarette butts, etc.).

Let's continue our tour of eco-friendly behaviors as we head to the Var coast. You know, those towns and villages that blend Provençal and Mediterranean lifestyles. Well, here too, there are some simple steps you can take to protect our environment. Whether you're at the beach, on a boat, or diving, here are three easy things you can do during your vacation...

4. Everything that is thrown on land ends up in the sea.

Perhaps you have already seen this famous phrase on the ground in our villages, right next to the storm drains? In any case, here, this slogan is on everyone's mind. And for good reason. The unique feature of our seaside towns is that when it rains heavily, everything runs off towards the sea. Streams rush down the surrounding hills and empty into the Mediterranean, carrying with them everything they find in their path. That's why it's essential to make sure we don't throw anything away, either in nature or on the concrete of our cities. Because, believe us, it's always more pleasant to swim in clear water than to zigzag between the garbage floating on the surface.

🚨 The essential eco-friendly gesture: trash belongs in the trash can and nowhere else. Whether you're in the city or on the trails, don't throw anything on the ground. In addition to polluting the land, all this trash will eventually end up in the sea. If you can't find a public trash can along the way, the trick is to carry one in your bag that you can throw away when you get home. No more excuses!

5. Mooring is fine, but not on the seagrass!

If you have never heard of this marine plant, we invite you to read our article dedicated to it. A food source for fish and a hero in protecting our beaches from erosion, this false algae is a pillar of our ecosystem. However, some boaters have the unfortunate habit of dropping their anchors on Posidonia beds. The result is excessive dredging of the plant, destruction of the seabed, and, ultimately, a hindrance to the protection of our coasts. Yet these bushes are easy to spot: large brown masses lying on the ground and visible from any boat.

⛵️ The eco-friendly habit that sticks: drop anchor anywhere (or almost anywhere, let's respect the regulations in force in each municipality and natural park), except on Posidonia seagrass beds. Some towns have even set up eco-friendly anchors that can be used without restriction. This is particularly the case in Bandol, one of the seaside towns in our Provence Sud Sainte Baume destination.

6. Underwater, observe, don't touch!

Sometimes the temptation is strong. Yes, sometimes, when we're snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, we feel the urge to pick up that beautiful orange starfish. Or to catch that fish, even though it seems a little small... Or even to leave the crabs found in the rocks with the children in a bucket of water in the sun and realize at the end of the day that they have been cooked in court-bouillon. Marine fauna and flora are as important as those found on land. That's why it's better to touch these beautiful species endemic to our coasts with our eyes only...

🐠 The marine eco-friendly gesture: respect marine life. When snorkeling, observe the landscape without touching it. When fishing or spearfishing, respect quotas, open seasons, and minimum sizes for each species. And on the beach, use your net sparingly and, above all, release your catch immediately after admiring it.

Protecting the environment, biodiversity, and Var culture also depends on how you consume. Yes, really, we promise. What to buy? Who to contact? How to enjoy activities? Because all these questions shouldn't spoil your vacation, here are some more eco-friendly actions to practice throughout your stay.

7. Give pride of place to seasonal produce

All year round, you do your best to eat fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables, so don't give it all up when you go on vacation. Especially in our region! The Var is an idyllic place for local agriculture. Sun-kissed tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and figs picked at peak ripeness for maximum flavor, goat cheeses matured with passion months before your arrival—foodies are always well catered for. And the perfect place to find all these wonders is at the local markets.

🍅 The gourmet eco-friendly tip: when shopping for fresh produce, spend a few hours browsing the market stalls and make sure you only choose products labeled "France" or "Local Agriculture." Talk to the producers to understand their approach, learn more about agriculture in the Var region, and taste the fresh, fragrant flavors of Provençal fruits and vegetables.

8. Eating local is vital!

We cannot stress this enough. Local shops, in addition to offering unique artisanal products, are the foundation and essence of local traditions. Skills passed down from generation to generation allow us, especially when on vacation, to better understand the history and customs of our holiday destination. So why is buying local an eco-friendly choice? Well, because when you choose your postcard from an artist, buy your soap from an artisan manufacturer, or opt for homemade ravioli from the deli down the street, you are reducing your carbon footprint. All these products have been made locally, using local materials, and distributed in a "humane" way. They are the best in terms of both quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

💖 The eco-friendly choice: whether it's for souvenirs, your look, or your stomach, choose local businesses. Bakers, caterers, soap makers, designers, potters, producers... all these talented people offer you their creations, made with love and passion. It would be a shame to miss out!

9. Immerse yourself in local values

The last eco-friendly gesture of your vacation, and not the least important, is to respect regional heritage and traditions. No, that huge thousand-year-old rock is not the one you absolutely must climb. No, complaining about the sound of cicadas will not make you more likable in the eyes of the locals (and besides, there's nothing we can do for you!). No, forcing your way into guarded sites, protected areas, or closed-off areas will not make you a "cool" rebel. When we go on vacation, it's also to discover new cultures, admire unspoiled landscapes, and enjoy a way of life that is different from our own. So why would we want to impose our own rules and desires at the expense of local heritage and biodiversity?

🏺 The eco-friendly gesture: respect protected sites and local customs. How? By finding out about the regulations in force (restricted access, protective barriers, closure of certain areas) and by fully embracing local traditions (events, public holidays, customs, etc.) rather than going against them. What's more, certain restrictions, such as opening or closing mountain ranges in the event of excessive fire risk, are reluctantly implemented by the authorities, but are necessary for the protection of the environment and its inhabitants...

📸 Psst : don't leave just yet! If you take any nice photos during your stay in the Var, feel free to share them with us by tagging us on social media @provencesudsaintebaume and #provencesudsaintebaume. We loooove seeing your digital postcards 🥰

Sources: INPN, OFME, ONF,  My Southern Region, Var Gouv.