Séjours bas carbone en France
Non classé Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Low-carbon holidays in France in an electric van

In an age of growing environmental awareness, low-carbon holidays in France are emerging as a key trend, where discovering the world goes hand in hand with respect for the planet. How cool is that? An ecological experience without compromising on pleasure.

At The Family Van, we offer tailor-made low-carbon holidays in France in an electric van. The idea is to keep the mobility of the converted van while having a minimum impact on the ecosystem.

Your low-carbon holidays in France start as soon as you walk through the front door!

Responsible travellers start their low-carbon holidays in France by favouring low-carbon modes of transport, such as the train, car-sharing or the electric car. A destination with good public transport links offsets the effects of too much tourism by grouping journeys together, which is more environmentally friendly.
Here at The Family Van, we’ve chosen to locate our offices just 1 minute’s walk from Dax station. It’s directly accessible from several major stations, including Paris and Bordeaux. So you’ll have the opportunity to come by public transport, which considerably reduces your carbon footprint. This first gesture added to the electric van approach allows you to kill two birds with one stone!

Gentle discoveries: ecological walks and circuits

Travellers often opt for low environmental impact explorations. From electric bike tours winding through vineyards to walking tours, each itinerary offers total immersion in and respect for nature. Dedicated apps provide itineraries for low-carbon holidays in France, enabling visitors to discover the country while reducing their carbon footprint. Check out GeoVello and Withlocals!
With an electric van, your impact on the environment is minimised. Greenhouse gas emissions are considerably reduced, improving air quality, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, promoting energy efficiency, and contributing to the transition to sustainable mobility, thereby supporting the fight against climate change. Isn’t that nice!

Low-carbon holidays in France

Experience total immersion with the locals and their traditions

Low-carbon initiatives encourage slow travel, a concept that aims to take one’s time and immerse oneself in the culture of the place in which one is travelling. This makes it easier to interact with the local community. Meetings with artisans, wine tastings and visits to producers offer authentic experiences while supporting the local economy.
In our low-carbon holidays in France, we offer you typical activities such as surfing or hiking, but also tastings on the cheese route or a spa session! At The Family Van, we make sure that we operate a short circuit to offer you the most authentic experience possible.

When ecological awareness goes hand in hand with longer-term travel

Accommodation, restaurants and tourist attractions are awarded ecological certifications and labels recognising their commitment to sustainable tourism. These labels help travellers to make informed choices and support environmentally-friendly players in the sector. You can find a list of these labels here.

With our electric vans, the destinations are endless! You just have to take your time! But that’s what you do when you opt for vanlife, isn’t it?

Low-carbon holidays in France = a great ecological adventure

Low-carbon holidays in France embody the perfect blend of exciting discovery and respect for the environment. The aim is not only to minimise environmental impact, but also to enrich the traveller’s experience. By participating in this eco-responsible trend, visitors not only contribute to the preservation of the planet, but also to the vitality and prosperity of the local community. A great ecological adventure that leaves lasting memories and a positive impact.

If this article makes you want to experience tourism in a more responsible way, don’t hesitate to book your 100% electric van on our website www.thefamilyvan.eu. You’ll be proud to have been able to travel while saving the planet!

Find out more about low-carbon holidays in New Aquitaine.

Discover our low-carbon holidays in French Pyrénées here

the cheese route in an electric camper van
Non classé

Discover the cheese route in an electric camper van

The only one of its kind in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, this tailor-made tour takes you along the Cheese Route in an electric camper van (PDO Ossau-Iraty). Between Béarn and the Basque country, 129 stages punctuate the experience.

This cheese route crosses the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Discover farms, cheese dairies, maturing cellars, producers’ shops, mountain huts, etc. You’ll have the chance to meet all the people involved in creating a unique product.

the cheese route in an electric camper van

Discover the Pyrenees on the Cheese Route in an electric camper van

Following the Cheese Route in an electric camper van is the best way to discover an authentic product and appreciate all the richness of the Ossau-Iraty PDO appellation, while having a low-carbon impact on the environment.

At The Family Van, we’re offering you this experience in a 100% electric van, on a 6-stop tour of the Pyrénées Orientales.

Vallée de l'Arbéroue, a lovely stop-off on the Cheese Route in an electric camper van

First step: off to the Grottes d’Isturitz for a short guided tour, following in the footsteps of the region’s history. This is followed by a visit to an authentic farm to learn about dairy farming in compliance with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) specifications.

Vallée de Baigorry, a must-see accessible with our converted vans

Following this trip in an electrically-powered van, visit a winegrower for a tasting of Irouléguy before starting a tour of a new farm, developed by people who care about the welfare of the animals.

St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Saint-Palais and the surrounding area

The next stop is all the more authentic! You’ll be welcomed to visit a shepherds’ hut perched high in the mountains.

You’ll also have the pleasure of visiting a very important cheese dairy in the Ossau-Iraty PDO industry. Its expertise was rewarded with a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole for its Ossau-Iraty in 2014. We can’t wait!

Soule, to be visited ethically on board our converted vans

To learn a little more about the geography of Soule, take a van to the Holzarte Gorge. You’ll have the chance to enjoy this breathtaking viewpoint and maybe even challenge yourself by crossing the suspension bridge if you dare!

The Bearn valleys, following the cheese Route in an electric camper van

Our penultimate stopover is at the side of two livestock enthusiasts who are passionate about organic farming, for an educational moment.

The last farm is at the gateway to the Vallée d’Aspe in the Béarn region, perfect for a trip in a converted van. It was awarded HVE (High Environmental Value) certification in 2022, the result of a choice where the values of responsible farming make sense. Yet another example of authenticity on a route steeped in ethical values.

One last trip to Pau and the surrounding area

To round off this trip in an electrically-powered van, head for the suburbs of Pau for a visit to a maturing cellar. There, you can discover the last stage before the marketing of Ossau-Iraty.

The cheese Route in an electric camper van is the promise of a cultural, tasty and low-carbon trip like no other.

If you enjoyed this article, please contact us to find out more about our tailor-made tours in a 100% electric van.

Discover here an article about the Ossau Iraty cheese route by Le guide du Pays Basque.

Click here to find out more about our made-to-measure trip Les trésors du Médoc in an electric camper van

voyager en van électrique dans les Pyrénées
Non classé Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Traveling in an electric van in the Pyrenees: 5 hikes to do

The Pyrenees offer a variety of breathtaking landscapes and many exciting hikes for nature and adventure lovers. In this article, we suggest traveling in an electric van in the Pyrenees to explore five iconic hikes that will allow you to discover the beauty and diversity of this region.

voyager en van électrique dans les Pyrénées

1. The Gavarnie Circus

The Gavarnie Cirque is one of the most popular hikes in the Pyrenees, and for good reason! It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. You will discover majestic waterfalls, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and breathtaking landscapes. The hike takes about four hours round trip and is accessible to beginners as well as experienced hikers.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: SDE Haute Pyrénées Charging Station

2. The "Pic du Midi d'Ossau"

The Pic du Midi d’Ossau is an iconic summit of the Pyrenees, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The hike is quite challenging and can take up to nine hours round trip, but the effort is worth it. You will traverse beautiful landscapes and discover waterfalls, lakes, and pine forests. If you are a photography lover, look no further: you are in the right place!

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: Mobive Charging Station

3. The Basque Coastal Trail

The Basque Coast Trail is a hike that follows the Atlantic coast from Hendaye to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, passing through picturesque villages and sandy beaches. This hike can be done in several stages and is accessible to hikers of all levels. You will be able to admire the cliffs, coves, and bays of this magnificent coastline and discover Basque culture along the way.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: Tiers Charging Station

4. Mount Valier

Mount Valier is a majestic mountain in the Pyrenees, reaching a height of 2,838 meters. The hike to the summit is difficult, but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley. You will be able to admire mountain lakes and unique alpine flora. This hike can take up to eight hours round trip but is reserved for experienced hikers.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: Reveo Charging Station

5. The Ayous lakes

The Ayous Lakes are a set of four mountain lakes located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The hike to reach them is quite easy and can be done in a day. You will be able to admire the surrounding peaks, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: SDE Pyrénées Atlantique Charging Station

So, convinced?

Renting an electric converted van with The Family Van can be the right option to immerse yourself in nature, in the context of a week dedicated to hiking and reconnecting with yourself.

We offer our travelers a free contactless Chargemap card that allows you to recharge at more than 95% of charging stations in France.