Ecotourism, an increasingly popular concept, refers to a responsible and sustainable way of traveling. It aims to minimize environmental impact while supporting local cultures and promoting biodiversity conservation. This approach is essential to preserving our planet and its cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations can continue to discover these wonders.
Why Choose Lyon for an Ecotourism-Based Stay?
Often celebrated for its gastronomy and historical heritage, Lyon also proves to be an ideal destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.
Lyon’s Natural Assets for Ecotourism
The city of Lyon is fortunate to offer breathtaking landscapes and outdoor spaces to explore.
Urban Parks and Gardens
The iconic Parc de la Tête d’Or, with its vast green spaces, lake, and botanical garden, is a true green lung at the heart of the city. It offers many activities for nature lovers, such as walking or cycling paths, boating on the lake, and discovering rare plant species in the botanical garden. The park also houses a free zoo, which participates in conservation programs for endangered species.
Located in the south of Lyon, Parc de Gerland provides peaceful areas and facilities for sports activities while showcasing local biodiversity. For ecotourists, the park is also an environmental discovery zone with its chromatic garden and space dedicated to the preservation of fauna and flora. It regularly hosts events and workshops to raise public awareness about ecology and biodiversity.
Natural Areas Around Lyon
The Monts d’Or, a range of hills north of Lyon, offer hiking trails with panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. This area is a favorite for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. The region is dotted with picturesque villages and historic sites, such as the remnants of golden stone quarries, reflecting the rich local heritage.
Just a short distance from Lyon, the Pilat Regional Nature Park offers diverse landscapes and nature-based activities. This park is a paradise for ecotourism and nature lovers, with dense forests, flowering meadows, and peaks that offer stunning vistas. It’s a place where you can enjoy hiking, cycling, and guided tours to learn about local biodiversity and traditions. The park is also involved in sustainable development initiatives, such as agroforestry and ecosystem preservation.
Between Ecotourism and Cultural Heritage
Beyond its natural discoveries, Lyon also offers opportunities to explore its rich cultural and historical legacy.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), the Presqu’île, and the hill of Fourvière are all key districts that reflect the city’s vibrant history and are perfect for an ecotourism itinerary. Vieux Lyon, with its traboules (covered passageways) and Renaissance architecture, is one of the largest Renaissance neighborhoods in Europe. The Presqu’île, the city’s vibrant core, is renowned for its lively squares, historical buildings, and iconic landmarks like Place Bellecour and the City Hall. The Fourvière hill, topped by the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, offers sweeping views over the city and is home to Roman ruins, including a still-functioning ancient theater.
Local Initiatives for Heritage Conservation
Many local associations and initiatives work actively to protect and promote Lyon’s heritage. For example, the association “Les Amis du Vieux Lyon” is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Old Lyon through guided tours and cultural events. The city itself is deeply engaged in ecotourism and heritage conservation, launching programs to restore historical buildings and raise awareness among residents and visitors. Events like the European Heritage Days allow the public to discover usually closed-off sites and learn more about Lyon’s rich history and culture.
Ecotourism Practices to Adopt During Your Stay in Lyon
By adjusting their transport and accommodation choices, visitors to Lyon can enjoy their trip while respecting the environment and supporting local sustainable initiatives.
Choosing Sustainable Modes of Transport
In addition to contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions, sustainable transportation modes allow you to discover the city at your own pace, offering flexibility in your movements.
Using Public Transport
For ecotourism, Lyon boasts an excellent network of metro, trams, and buses that make commuting easier while reducing your carbon footprint. The TCL network covers most of the city and its surroundings, allowing easy movement without using a car. Lyon’s metro is quick and efficient, while the trams provide pleasant views of the city. The bus network complements this, serving less accessible areas. Using public transport is not only cost-effective but also helps reduce pollution and urban congestion.
Opting for Walking and Biking
With the Vélo’v bike-sharing service and numerous bike lanes, biking is a convenient and eco-friendly option. Lyon is a city that encourages soft mobility with well-developed cycling infrastructure. Vélo’v bikes can be rented from many locations throughout the city, making it easy for both residents and tourists interested in ecotourism to use them.
Staying in Eco-Friendly Accommodations
By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, you ensure a minimal ecological impact while enjoying quality services.
Eco-Friendly Campsites
The Camping des Barolles in Saint-Genis-Laval, near Lyon, offers environmentally friendly accommodation with sustainable practices in place. Located in the heart of a preserved region, close to lush countryside, Camping des Barolles is fully committed to an eco-responsible approach. This initiative aims to reduce visual and noise pollution, thereby improving comfort and hospitality in outdoor accommodation. The historic site of Camping des Barolles is continuously updated to provide a healthier ecotourism environment, ensuring well-being and safety while preserving the charm that has distinguished it for many years.
Eco-Label Hotels and Guesthouses
Many establishments in Lyon are certified for their environmental commitments and are following the ecotourism trend. These hotels and guesthouses adhere to strict sustainability standards, such as energy efficiency, water management, and the use of local and organic products. Labels like the European Ecolabel or Green Key guarantee that accommodations follow environmentally friendly practices.
Ethical Booking Platforms
Platforms like Fairbnb and GreenGo promote responsible accommodations. These ideal platforms for ecotourism stand out for their commitment to sustainable and fair practices. Fairbnb, for instance, donates a portion of its earnings to local projects benefiting the community, while GreenGo focuses on eco-friendly accommodations in France. Using these platforms helps support local initiatives while finding accommodations aligned with ecotourism values.
Ecotourism Activities in Lyon and Its Surroundings
By adopting ecotourism activities, you can fully enjoy your stay in Lyon while respecting the environment and supporting local initiatives.
Guided Tours and Nature Hikes
Discover how to minimize your carbon footprint while immersing yourself in the local history, culture, and nature.
Walking Tours in Historic Neighborhoods
Lyon offers great ecotourism opportunities thanks to its unique historical and cultural richness, particularly visible in its ancient neighborhoods. A walking tour in Vieux Lyon allows you to discover architectural treasures such as Saint-Jean Cathedral and the House of Lawyers. Similarly, the Presqu’île is ideal for pedestrian exploration, with its lively squares like Bellecour and Terreaux, as well as its historic shops and cafés.
Hiking in the Surrounding Natural Areas
Lyon is surrounded by beautiful natural areas perfect for hiking and ecotourism. The Monts d’Or offer numerous marked trails that wind through rolling landscapes, providing spectacular views of Lyon and the Saône River. The Pilat Regional Natural Park offers varied landscapes, from dense forests to alpine meadows. Hiking in this park allows you to discover the richness of local wildlife and flora, with trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
Participation in Local Initiatives and Events
Participating in local events allows you to support cultural and ecological practices while enjoying enriching experiences.
Local and Organic Farmers’ Markets
Visit the markets in Croix-Rousse and Part-Dieu to experience ecotourism and enjoy local and seasonal products. Lyon’s markets are a true paradise for lovers of fresh, local produce. The Croix-Rousse market is especially famous for its fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other regional products, all sourced from local farmers. Similarly, the Part-Dieu market offers a wide range of organic and artisanal products. By shopping at these markets, you support the local economy and contribute to reducing the carbon footprint related to the transportation of goods.
Ecological Festivals and Events Supporting Ecotourism
Lyon hosts several festivals throughout the year that integrate sustainable practices. The famous Fête des Lumières, while focused on art and culture, incorporates initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using LED lighting and promoting public transportation for visitors. The Woodstower Festival, a musical and ecological event, takes place every summer at the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. This festival is particularly committed to eco-responsible practices, with initiatives such as waste sorting, the use of dry toilets, and promoting soft mobility.
Discovering Local Gastronomy Responsibly
Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy, and it’s possible to discover it in a responsible manner.
Locavore and Organic Restaurants
Lyon’s gastronomy is world-renowned, and many restaurants in the city adopt a locavore and organic approach. Establishments like “Le Kitchen Café” or “Prairial” stand out for their use of local, seasonal products, often from organic farming. These restaurants promote culinary ecotourism as well as healthy, sustainable eating, while offering delicious dishes that highlight the Lyonnais terroir.
Visiting Organic Vineyards
The Lyon region is also known for its wines. The vineyards of the Coteaux du Lyonnais, located near the city, are committed to organic viticulture practices. By visiting these vineyards, you can taste wines produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers while learning about environmentally-friendly farming methods. These visits provide an enriching and sustainable wine tourism experience, in line with the principles of ecotourism.