Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Strasbourg

Eco-Friendly Stays

Seek hotels with eco-labels, signifying commitments to sustainable practices like energy efficiency and waste reduction. Find Eco-Friendly Hotels on Ecobnb

Carbon Offset Flights

Consider offsetting your flight's carbon emissions. Many airlines offer this. Offset with Terrapass

Ethical Tours

Choose tour operators promoting sustainable tourism and responsible practices. Explore G Adventures

Environmental Considerations

Conscious choices limit your footprint and safeguard natural beauty.

Protected Areas & Conservation

Strasbourg features beautiful parks and green spaces like Parc de l'Orangerie and Jardin des Deux Rives. The Rhine wetlands near the city mark a protected area, home to diverse flora and fauna.

Respect Nature

Respect signs and regulations in these areas.
Safeguard wildlife and natural habitats.
Use designated bins for recycling glass, paper, plastic, and metal packaging.
Minimize waste by selecting products with less packaging.

Water Conservation & Transport

Tap water in Strasbourg is safe. Global water resources are finite. Prioritize walking, cycling, or using public transport (trams and buses) within Strasbourg.

Conscious Consumption

Use a reusable water bottle and refill from the tap.
Take shorter showers; turn off the tap when not directly using water.
Public transport has a significantly lower carbon footprint than taxis or rental cars.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation and Tour Operators: Look for hotels with recognized eco-labels.

Ethical Products

Support businesses prioritizing fair and sustainable practices.

Sustainable Gear & Packaging

Support sustainable outdoor gear retailers like Patagonia.
Choose reusable products from companies like Package Free Shop.
Consider conservation efforts at The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).
Support ethical tour operators like G Adventures.

Waste Management in France

France has established recycling programs. Utilize designated bins for different waste types.

Recycling Practices

Designated bins for glass are common.
Separate bins for paper and cardboard materials.
Recycling points for plastic and metal packaging.
Look for clear signage on public bins.

Carbon Offset Options

Airline Offsets

Many airlines present the option to offset carbon emissions during booking.

Learn more about Carbon Offsets

Local Transport Choices

Within Strasbourg, prioritize walking, cycling, or using the efficient public transport (trams and buses). These modes feature a significantly lower carbon footprint.

Explore Strasbourg Public Transport

Note on Eco-Consciousness:

Small, conscious decisions collectively move towards a more sustainable tourism industry. Your awareness makes a difference.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respectful engagement with local culture fosters positive experiences for all.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Support local artisans and businesses that actively work to preserve Alsatian traditions, crafts, and language.

Supporting Local Heritage

Seek out traditional Alsatian crafts.
Take interest in local dialects or phrases.
Attend local cultural events or performances.
Visit local museums dedicated to regional history.

Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Simple courtesies enhance your interactions with locals.

Communication & Conduct

Always say "Bonjour" when entering and "Au revoir" when leaving shops or restaurants.
Speak at a moderate volume, especially in public spaces.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, specifically children.
Look for signs prohibiting photography or flash in certain venues.

Religious Site Etiquette

When visiting churches, cathedrals, or other religious sites, certain behaviors show respect.

Showing Deference

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
Speak quietly and keep noise to a minimum.
Be respectful of worshippers, especially if a service is underway.
Avoid taking flash photography during services.

Economic Impact

Your travel choices directly affect the local community's economy.

Supporting Local Economy

Prioritize locally owned restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Purchase souvenirs from independent artisans.
For donations, use registered local charities rather than street giving.
This directs funds to structured support systems.

Responsible Travel Pledge

Commit to these practices for a positive and responsible travel experience in Strasbourg:

Reduce Your Footprint

Minimize waste, conserve water and energy, and use public transport, walk, or cycle to explore the city.

Respect Culture

Engage politely with locals, use a few French words, and observe local customs and etiquette, especially at religious sites.

Support Local

Choose locally owned businesses for accommodation, dining, and shopping to see your money benefit the community.

Final Pledge Point:

Protect Heritage: Respect historic sites and natural environments by following rules and leaving no trace. By adopting these principles, you contribute to preserving Strasbourg's unique character for future generations.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel