Eco-Friendly Luxury in France

When one hears ‘tourism’, one might picture palm trees, white sandy beaches or visiting museums and other cultural Meccas. It’s a really pretty picture, but it hides an inconvenient truth. Forgive me for the Al Gore rhythm, but the numbers alone speak for themselves:

The Global Development Research Center has found that in the Mediterranean alone, the average tourist tends to use 440 litres of water a day, almost 3 times that of a Singaporean. Cruise ships in the Caribbean produce more than 70, 000 tonnes of waste every year. As a matter of fact, 77% of all ship waste in the world comes from cruise ships. Tourism makes up 60% of air travel, and a single transatlantic flight produces more than half the carbon dioxide a single person would produce for conventional purposes (for example, heating, lighting and the like) in an entire year.

In 2007, a total of 81.9 million tourists visited France, almost 15 million more than its own population. This puts France as the number one tourist destination in the world, and brought in a whopping US$54.2 billion into its coffers that year.

However, leaders in tourism that they are, the French are also pioneers of the green movement within an industry that has an embarrassing reputation for defacing the environment. We take a look at 5 French hotels that are just as known for their luxury as they are for their efforts in protecting our environment.

Fouquet's Barriere

46 avenue George V, 75008 Paris Tel: (33)1 40 96 60 00

When this luxurious Parisian hotel opened in 2006, it was the first palace-style hotel to open in France for 80 years. Today, it is also the standard bearer among French 5-star hotels when it comes to saving the Earth. Where its counterparts provide stretch limousines, Fouquet Barriere provides the e.solex. The e.solex is a moped that runs on an electrical engine that produces zero noise and air pollution, and can churn out more than 40km worth of travel when fully charged. For larger groups of clients, the hotel provides hybrid cars for transportation.

Inside, the same green policy applies: its restaurant, Joy Gallery, serves an organic menu made from fair trade ingredients. Guests also receive a complimentary Pop Earth champagne bottle upon arrival. The eco-friendly drink uses sustainably farmed grapes.

The entire operation at Fouquet Barriere also practises carbon off-setting, a project organized in collaboration non-profit green movement Action Carbone. Carbon off-setting is a work plan that minimizes carbon dioxide emissions at every level of the hotel’s operation. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint by 20% by 2020.

Hotel Gavarni

5, rue Gavarni, 75116 Paris, Tel: (33)1 45 24 52 82

Hotel Gavarni holds the prestigious honour of being the first hotel in Paris to be awarded with the European Ecolabel.

It comes as no surprise: their efforts to maintain their eco friendly reputation is commendable. Hotel Gavarni’s AGMs include setting targets for reduction in water and electrical consumption, and in waste output. The management also pays an annual tax to Action Carbone based on their carbon dioxide rejection.

The hotel is fully powered by electricity from renewable resources. Furthermore, all items used to run the hotel – from the highly efficient reversible air conditioner, to the non-aerosol-propelled sprays to their non-corrosive, biodegradable cleaning chemicals – are aimed at minimizing damage to our Earth.

Hotel Gavarni’s official website even has a blog detailing its efforts in providing first class service in tandem with eco friendly practices.

L’Orri de Planès

Cases del Mitg, 66210 Planès, Tel: (33) 04 68 04 29 47

This ‘family run eco-lodge’ is literally a breath of fresh air.

Located in scenic, mountainous Planès in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, The Orri is an old stone and wood refitted farmhouse with a steadfast commitment to the environment. The lodge is powered mostly by solar energy (otherwise, they use renewable sources), and is furnished with energy-saving lamps and low-consumption appliances. Foods provided are made from fresh, organic, locally-produced ingredients. Shower heads and faucets have reduced flow, in the spirit of water conservation. Cleaning products are biodegradable, and the swimming pool is treated with salt and electrolysis, again for minimal water wastage.

The Orri is a perfect retreat to the soothing beauties of Mother Nature.

Best Western La Corniche

17 Littoral Frédéric Mistral, Corniche du Mourillon, 83000 Toulon

Another hotel awarded with the European Ecolabel, the La Corniche sits magnificently before the Mediterranean. Located in the coastal town of Toulon in Southern France, the La Corniche is part of the Best Western groups of hotels that have taken corporate initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Their various eco-related partners and certifications include Green Seal, Energy Star, Sustainable Travel International, Green Globe and Green Key. The clean waters and healthy sea life that preside over the Toulon Bay bears testament to La Corniche's excellent waste management and water recycling programme.

Also, room service here provides an organic, sustainable foods menu.

Ferme de Candeloup

Chemin Augas, 64360 Monein, Tel: (33) 05 59 21 26 68

Conservation goes overboard here, as this 260-year-old farmhouse is restored and refurbished for a new lease of life as a little hotel. The Ferme de Candeloup perfectly captures the rustic charm of rural France, while doing its utmost to preserve it.

Climate control in the quaint, cosy hotel, facilitated by heating systems from France Geothermie, uses natural, renewable energy sources. On top of that, its water heating systems are run by solar panels. Water usage for non-consumption or showering purposes is provided by rainfall catchments and a well.

Like The Orri, Ferme de Candeloup is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city.