The France of the three oceans offers superb "nature" destinations, thanks to its preserved landscapes, but also because of its beautiful addresses located very close to their environment.
These charming gîtes [holiday bed & breakfasts] and guestrooms – often members of the French eco-tourism association – choose solar water-heating out of principle, as well as low-energy light bulbs, the selective sorting of waste or the use of natural ventilation rather than electric air-conditioning!
Ignore the high-class clubs and residences and explore the shelters and walking gîtes, isolated and rustic, but so pleasant. They are located in the cirque de Mafate, in the moist forests of Salazie and even right near the edge of the crater of the Piton de la Fournaise. So many opportunities to soak up the strength of the local culture. One may also count upon several guestrooms with “ecological” credentials or placed in an attractive natural setting.
Baobab and palm trees, a charming eco-lodge
Situated at Etang-salé [Salty Pond], in the south-west of the island, on a mountainous slope, this terrace overlooking the ocean boasts a charming address with four bungalows and studio apartments around an authentic Creole dwelling, as well as a tropical garden with swimming pool. The place is listed by the Guide du Routard du tourisme durable [Sustainable Tourism Guide] and is also a member of the French eco-tourism association.
Polynesia, the maritime Eden
Take to the open sea, get away from the luxury hotels of Bora-Bora to sail across the lagoon and share a unique approach: this is the proposal of a couple of experienced sailors, who will welcome you aboard their sailing boat, around Rangiroa (accessible by plane from Papeete or Raiatea).
La vie en bleu [Life in blue]: eco-cruising and natural diving in Polynesia
Two packages bring pleasure-cruise passengers closer to true authenticity:
- The "biosphere" cruise (between April and July: two week holiday minimum) allows one to dive or sail as one pleases, so one may observe fish or birds around the island of Rangiroa, which has one of the largest atolls in the world. This lagoon with a perimeter of 200 kilometres is virtually a small inland sea. The rarely visited Fakarava area is listed as a Biosphere Reserve, mainly for its coral forests. An invitation to explore the singularity of this exceptional eco-system.
- Large cetaceans often swim close to the Windward Islands: plan an observation cruise between August and November.
The Beachcomber in Bora Bora
A hotel that gets its water from 900 m under the ocean at Bora Bora, which is then used in the hotel’s spa and air-conditioning system.
Hotel Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa.
Don’t forget the Creole culture and landscapes while you’re sunning yourselves on the beach.
The "agri-tourism" hamlet at Morne des Cadets
Based near the Vulcanology Observatory, this address has three gîtes (weekly rental) in the heart of an organic market garden, managed by a passionate environmentalist. Very beautiful view opposite the Montagne Pelée, with opportunities for walking on the heights of Fonds-Saint-Denis, while the grey sandy beaches are just ten minutes away by car.
- La Guadeloupe, memories of traditional Creole dwellings and plantations
This collection of gîtes and charming guestrooms proudly displays its Creole heritage and the Caribbean style of its colourful wooden houses.
Habitation Massieux eco-lodge
This old and traditional dwelling, near to Bouillante, is imbued with all of the authentic charm of Guadeloupe, with its entirely preserved architecture and its garden of orchids and palm trees.
An-tikaz-La gîte
Recognised by a label from the Guadeloupe national park and member of the Guadeloupe Autrement association, this gîte is situated near to Trois-Rivières (on the Basse-Terre [“low-lying”] part of the island, which is paradoxically the most mountainous part!). The location is therefore close to the forested slopes of the Soufrière volcano and the Carbet waterfalls.
Les Cocotiers [coconut trees]: charming bungalows
Situated close to Bouillante (the Vieux-habitants [“old inhabitants”] district is one of the island’s oldest – founded in 1636), this address is also a fine example of Creole charm.
Ti Gli Gli house
Again located near Bouillante, on the windward side of the island, this rental gîte offers a range of activities for a real eco holiday.
The Jardin des Colibris [Hummingbird Garden] is a guesthouse set amidst a Creole garden
This site comprises a Creole house and a cabin in the trees, near to the village of Deshaies. It is surrounded by a luxuriant garden where hummingbirds, miniature but so talented, really put on a show.
La Creolina, another seductive gîte
A very attractive gîte, situated in the North of Basse-Terre, at Sainte-Rose.
French Guyana has preserved most of its singular landscape, thanks to its National Amazonian Park (covering 3.4 million hectares) and its Regional Nature Park, which has a different status and covers those areas near to the coast (around Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and Mana, Cayenne and Roura). These areas are still wild and offer unparalleled “nature” holidays.
A floating eco-lodge in the heart of the Marais de Kaw
The friendly Guyanese agency JAL Voyages offers trips into the Kaw hills and swamps (a listed reserve), situated 80 km from Cayenne. This destination promises an exotic plunge into the abundant nature of the Amazon and the Guyanese identity, as one follows the river. Guests stay in a typical floating wooden cabin on a large boat. This floating house can be "individual" (six berths) or else become a “floating guesthouse” (18 berths on three levels)! This eco-lodge is open 360° (cabins without glass windows) so one sleeps in a hammock underneath a canopy "jungle style but much more comfortable". This is an ideal way to observe the sumptuous fauna, including multicoloured birds and caimans, without disturbing it! Guests may also take trips through the swamps in a pirogue or on a kind of pedalo-bike!
- Mayotte, the southernmost island in the Comores
Eco-tourism is becoming an important phenomenon for the island, whose waters are a thoroughfare for cetaceans and dolphins. Special “safaris” are organised to watch the whales. It is also possible to watch and swim with the dolphins all year round in the Mayotte lagoon.
And of course there are plenty of other protected marine species to see, such as the tortoises, which lay their eggs on the beaches of the Saziley reserve.
Visit
Two sites that list eco-tourism accommodation:
Voyages pour la planète [Trips for the Planet]
Green Club
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