Sustainable tourism has been a topic of discussion for a long time. But today, in France, the concept is taking on a real form thanks to startups and companies that are turning words into action. Here are five French initiatives that prove tourism and ecology can coexist, and which will soon become essential for travel professionals.
Summary
GreenGo: the ethical Airbnb made in France
GreenGo positions itself as a French alternative to traditional rental platforms. It selects low-impact accommodations, promotes stays accessible by train, and evaluates each offer according to a grid of 110 sustainability criteria.
The platform also includes a transport comparison tool to help travelers choose the least carbon-intensive mode of transport. The goal: to limit the travel footprint while supporting local businesses.
La Ferme de l'Envol: agritourism reimagined
Located on the Saclay plateau (Essonne), the Ferme de l'Envol does more than just produce food. It welcomes visitors, offers eco-friendly accommodations, workshops on agroecology, and cultural events dedicated to the ecological transition. The idea: to make tourism a space for connection, education, and local experimentation.
Huttopia: Reinventing camping with meaning
Huttopia manages over 60 sites worldwide, but its heart remains in France. Its campsites are based on eco-design, the use of sustainable materials, responsible water and energy management, and respectful integration with local ecosystems. The goal: to enhance the landscape without altering its natural environment and to generate a positive impact on rural communities.
Aquachiara: premium water, zero plastic
Aquachiara provides hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions with microfiltered water fountains that replace plastic bottles. This "zero-kilometer, zero-plastic" solution drastically reduces waste in the hospitality industry while offering a premium experience to guests. Several luxury establishments and French hotel chains are already using it.
Orbisk: Artificial intelligence against food waste
Orbisk, a Dutch startup based in France, has developed an artificial intelligence-based technology to analyze food waste in professional kitchens. Using cameras and algorithms, it identifies the types and quantities of wasted food, allowing chefs to adjust menus and measurably reduce waste.
What this reveals for sustainable tourism
These five players prove that sustainability is no longer an option, but a concrete driver of innovation and competitiveness. For tourism professionals, these models show the way forward: low-impact accommodations, responsible catering, greener transportation, and technological tools to reduce waste. Those who don't embrace these approaches risk seeing their offerings become obsolete.
Update
Last updated: October 7, 2025
Sources
GreenGo – eco-friendly accommodations: https://www.greengo.voyage/
Huttopia – sustainable outdoor tourism: https://europe.huttopia.com/
La Ferme de l'Envol – agroecology and welcoming the public: https://lafermedelenvol.fr/
Aquachiara – microfiltered fountains: https://www.aquachiara.com/en/
Orbisk – fighting food waste: https://orbisk.com/about-orbisk/
Bpifrance – 5 French players reinventing sustainable tourism: https://bigmedia.bpifrance.fr/nos-actualites/5-acteurs-francais-qui-reinventent-le-tourisme-durable
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