Category: Travel diaries

What is Responsible Tourism?

Responsible tourism is a form of travel that aims to preserve the planet and its people. Contrary to popular belief, being a responsible traveller isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint, it also means travelling in ways that protect ecosystems and support local communities. This approach emphasises long-term sustainability, both environmental and social. Here are some of its core principles:

Respect for the environment

Responsible tourism takes into account the environmental impact of every trip. This means reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and choosing low-emission transport options such as cycling, trains, carpooling, or public transport. It also involves selecting eco-friendly accommodation, like the houses in the Teritoria community, which share the same vision of sustainable tourism. In practical terms, they are committed to reducing their footprint, notably by calculating the carbon impact of their activities using the Clorofil calculator.

Respect for local cultures

Respect for local cultures and traditions is a key pillar of responsible tourism. Travellers are encouraged to learn about local customs, engage respectfully with residents, and support the local economy by buying regional products. Choosing establishments that are deeply rooted in their communities also fosters meaningful encounters, cultural exchange, and openness to others. The properties selected by Teritoria embody the identity of those who bring them to life, offering a form of hospitality that is both authentic and committed.

Positive contribution to local communities

Responsible tourism also seeks to improve the lives of local communities by creating sustainable economic opportunities. This includes promoting local employment, supporting community projects, and helping to preserve cultural and natural heritage.

Types of Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism can take many forms, and you don’t have to choose just one. You can embrace them all in your travels!

Local tourism

Local tourism supports environmental preservation by favouring nearby destinations and reducing the need for air travel. It also boosts the local economy by encouraging spending in small businesses and regional services.

Low-carbon tourism

Low-carbon tourism means choosing the most climate-friendly modes of transport, avoiding cruises and destinations accessible only by plane. This helps you stay within your annual carbon budget. It also involves limiting car use and favouring low-emission alternatives such as trains and bicycles.

Slow tourism

Slow tourism is about choosing to travel at your own pace, rediscovering the diversity of landscapes, local heritage, history, culture, and gastronomy. Far from mass tourism, Teritoria invites you to step away from the crowds. Each hotelier and restaurateur in our guide shares a story of their own: a commitment to authenticity and hospitality that makes every experience unique.

Eco-tourism

Ecotourism places nature at the centre of the travel experience, encouraging observation and discovery in natural areas. This form of responsible tourism includes environmental education, but also calls for avoiding overcrowded sites to help protect fragile ecosystems.

How to be a responsible tourist?

Now that we’ve explored the many facets of responsible tourism, here are a few tips to help you become a model traveller:

Do your homework before you travel

Before you travel, take time to learn about your destination and its sustainability practices. Look for eco-friendly accommodation, local businesses engaged in sustainable initiatives, and organisations that promote responsible tourism. Teritoria’s guide helps you choose places that share your values, curiosity, attentiveness, and a deep connection to place.

Be aware of your impact

Be mindful of how your actions affect the environment and local communities. Avoid waste, limit your water and energy use, follow environmental guidelines, and support local businesses!

Encourage the use of eco-friendly transport

Whenever possible, choose public transport, trains, cycling, walking, or carpooling. Try to reduce long-haul flights, and when flying is necessary, offset your carbon emissions — for example, by supporting environmental projects through NGOs or associations, such as tree planting or solar panel installation.

Respect the local culture

Learn a few words of the local language, respect customs and traditions, and approach each destination with curiosity and respect. If you visit places of worship, follow any specific rules — such as removing your shoes or wearing appropriate clothing. And wherever you are, always ask permission before taking someone’s photo!

Conclusion

By following these principles and showing respect for the planet and its people, we can all contribute to promoting more responsible and ethical tourism. Teritoria is committed to a form of tourism that highlights our regions, connects visitors with local communities, celebrates regional flavours, and offers authentic experiences, all in a sustainable way.

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With thousands of kilometres of well-maintained cycle paths, Europe is the perfect playground for cycling enthusiasts and environmentally conscious travellers. Teritoria revisits the appeal of cycling travel and suggests some charming cycling itineraries in Europe for a two-wheeled getaway across the continent.

Cycling in Europe: some major advantages

©Istock – Uwe Moser

Just like travelling by train, choosing the bicycle as a means of transport contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. It is a green way to cover both short and long distances while minimising your carbon footprint. Cycling in Europe is more than just a tourist activity, it is also a resposible travel choice.

As you pedal through the cobbled streets of medieval towns, along winding rivers and over majestic mountain passes, you connect directly with diverse landscapes and local communities.

Cycling also gives you the freedom to explore places that are hard to reach by car or public transport. This mode of transport let’s you get off the beaten track and escape the overly touristy places, that often lack authenticity. Beyond the physical benefits, travelling by bike allows you to be present, to slow down, to stop spontaneously and take in the view, taste local specialities, or interact with locals, hosts, and restaurateurs. It’s a form of slow tourism, where you take the time to appreciate every moment, every place and every culture.

Cycling in Europe: a variety of itineraries

To offer you these itineraries, Teritoria drew in particular on the EuroVelo network, made up of 17 long-distance cycling routes that weave connections across all of Europe. They are designed to be explored by both cycle tourists travelling long distances and local residents on their daily journeys.

Cycling itinerary from Paris to the Atlantic coast via the Loire (France)

© Istock – venemama

Follow the pilgrims’ cycle route, then continue along EuroVelo 6, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. Begin your journey in Paris, the City of Light, and cycle along the majestic Loire to the Atlantic Ocean. Ride past picturesque castles, renowned vineyards and charming villages. This route offers a glimpse into the history of France, with opportunities to taste world-renowned wines and savour the local cuisine. End your journey at the Loire estuary, where the river meets the ocean.

Cycling itinerary from Geneva to Nice through the Alps (Switzerland-France)

©Istock – Uwe Moser

Follow the Rhône cycle route and then the Mediterranean route. For mountain lovers, this itinerary offers an unforgettable experience. Start in Geneva, cross the iconic passes of the French Alps, such as the Col du Galibier and the Col du Lautaret, and finish by following the Mediterranean coast to arrive in Nice on the Côte d’Azur. This journey will take you through spectacular landscapes, picturesque Alpine villages and thrilling descents.

Cycling itinerary from Bayonne to León through the Pyrenees (France-Spain)

©Istock – Alba Boix

Follow the Atlantic Coast Cycle Route, then continue along the Pilgrims’ Cycle Route. This itinerary will takes you from France to Spain, from the French Basque Country to León, the capital of one of the nine provinces of the autonomous community of Castile and León. Discover the richness of the Atlantic coastline and cycle through green valleys, cross the Pyrenees and enjoy the charm of these unique regions.

Cycling itinerary from Tuscany to Puglia (Italy)

©Istock – SurkovDimitri

For a memorable Italian experience, the Via Romea cycle route takes you from Tuscany to the charming town of Brindisi in Puglia, passing through Rome. In medieval Europe, this route was a pilgrimage trail to Rome and Jerusalem via the port of Brindisi. This route offers a journey through history, but also a variety of landscapes and picturesque villages for a total immersion in authentic Italian culture.

Cycling itinerary from Hamburg to Prague (Germany and Czech Republic)

© Istock – MikePax

Explore the Elbe Cycle Route. This cycle path follows the course of the River Elbe through Germany and the Czech Republic. Start your journey in Hamburg and cycle through picturesque river landscapes, medieval castles and historic cities such as Dresden. End your trip in Prague, the city of a hundred spires.

In addition to offering an intimate and sustainable way to discover a region, a cycling trip is always a unique, immersive and enriching experience. Routes across Europe offer a diversity of natural landscapes, cultural heritage and authentic experiences that everyone will enjoy! Whether you prefer mountains, rivers, coastlines or historic towns, there is a cycling route in Europe to suit your tastes!

To ensure that this trip turns into an authentic exploration, offering genuine encounters and a deep immersion in the regions you travel through, the hosts and restaurateurs carefully selected by Teritoria will welcome you with enthusiasm, proud to introduce you to the riches of their region. Their commitment to eco-responsibility is also perfectly in line with the philosophy of eco-friendly cycling travel.

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Travelling alone in Europe can be a rewarding and liberating experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time traveller, the continent offers countless opportunities to explore fascinating cultures, picturesque landscapes, and delicious cuisine at your own pace.

Practical tips for travelling alone in Europe!

©Istock – Zbynek Pospisil

Be prepared

Travelling alone in Europe can be an enriching and liberating experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time traveller, Europe offers countless opportunities to explore fascinating cultures, picturesque landscapes, and delicious cuisine at your own pace. In this article, we’ll share practical tips for travelling solo, along with destination ideas in France, Italy, and three European capitals.

Stay connected

Keep your mobile phone charged and, if necessary, fitted with a local SIM card. This will help you stay in touch with loved ones and access useful travel apps. Most importantly, remember 112, the European emergency number for ambulance, fire, or police services in all European countries except Moldova, Montenegro, Belarus, and Albania.

Choose secure accommodation that is ideal for meeting people

Choose well-rated, well-located accommodation. Hotels and guesthouses often provide opportunities to meet other travellers. Our small-scale properties reflect local flavours and nuances, embodying the authentic character of their passionate hosts.

Be vigilant

Be aware of your surroundings, research potential areas to avoid before you travel, and steer clear of poorly lit places. The hosts and restaurant owners you meet can also be valuable sources of advice. Keep your belongings secure and never leave your drinks unattended.

Learn some local phrases

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can make communication easier and help you feel more connected.

Travelling Solo in France

Travelling alone offers the chance to discover small and medium-sized towns with unexpected charm, far from the major tourist destinations.

©Istock – saiko3p

Avignon: immerse yourself in the spirit of Provence by visiting the Palais des Papes, the renowned Pont d’Avignon, and wandering the medieval streets of this city steeped in charm and heritage.

© Istock – Oleh_Slobodeniuk

Annecy: nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy offers an enchanting setting with its crystal-clear lake, picturesque canals, and charming medieval centre, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

© Istock – Gwengoat

Rennes: in the heart of Brittany, Rennes charms solo travellers with its half-timbered houses, lush parks, and vibrant artistic atmosphere, fuelled by numerous festivals and cultural events.

Travelling alone in Italy

Rome, Florence, Venice… Italy has no shortage of must-see cities. But why not use a solo trip to discover some of the other gems this remarkable country has to offer?

© Istock – zoom-zoom

Bologna: known as the “red city” for its tiled roofs, Bologna offers a lively atmosphere with its medieval arcades, delicious cuisine, and the world’s oldest university, which gives the city a warm, youthful energy.

© Istock – alxpin

Cagliari: the capital of Sardinia charms visitors with its golden beaches, the medieval district of Castello, and above all, its relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

© Istock – e55evu

Siena: nestled in Tuscany, the city enchants visitors with its renowned Piazza del Campo, imposing cathedral, and medieval streets. Known for the Palio, a thrilling horse race, it offers a captivating blend of culture and history.

Other ideal European destinations for solo travelling

Northern and Eastern European countries have much to offer solo travellers, with a welcome that’s always friendly and warm.

©Istock – arcady_31

Dublin: a city brimming with charm, history, and culture. Explore Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Georgian streets, and Phoenix Park. To meet people, head to the Temple Bar district, where lively pubs and vibrant nightlife await.

©Istock – tunart

Prague: The Czech capital captivates visitors with its architecture and unique atmosphere. Explore the Old Town, wander the narrow streets of the Malá Strana district, and linger in the bohemian cafés of the city of a hundred spires.

©Istock – mammuth

Copenhagen: This northern city blends architectural heritage with modernity. Its colourful facades, Nyhavn harbour, and strong commitment to sustainability make it a unique destination, perfect for cycling enthusiasts and lovers of hygge.

Travelling alone in Europe can be an adventure full of discoveries and new encounters. By following these tips and exploring captivating destinations, you’ll create unforgettable memories and broaden your horizons. So pack your backpack and set off on this unique solo adventure!

This solo experience should be unforgettable and authentic. The eco-friendly hosts and restaurateurs carefully selected by Teritoria will guide you and share the riches and secrets of their local areas.

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Offer an unforgettable gift to a loved one travelling solo by visiting our gift shop and discovering our wonderful gift boxes for one.

If you’re looking for an original getaway that’s easy to reach by train, explore our selection of unforgettable destinations and hidden gems to inspire your romantic weekend in Europe.

Romantic weekend in France!

Paris, the ultimate romantic city

©Istock – Brastock Images

As the world’s capital of love, Paris offers an exceptional setting for a romantic getaway, where cobbled streets, charming cafés, and iconic monuments create a truly magical atmosphere.

Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

©Istock – OzCameraman

Located in the French Alps, Annecy is often called the “Venice of the Alps” for its picturesque canals. Surrounded by mountains, this charming town offers a romantic setting ideal for a lovers’ weekend getaway.

Saint-Malo, love with your feet in the water

©Istock – Kamila Koziot

Saint-Malo, a Breton town on the magnificent Emerald Coast, charms visitors with its granite ramparts and cobbled streets. It’s also an ideal location for couples seeking a thalassotherapy break.

Romantic weekend in Italy!

Venice, the city of lovers

©Istock – sborisov

Venice, which needs no introduction, is a must-see for couples in search of romance. Its winding canals, gondolas, and Venetian architecture create a unique atmosphere for a weekend away together.

Florence, the capital of art and romance

©Istock – baratroli

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is rich in art and history, offering an incomparable romantic setting. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio, and its delightful trattorias create a captivating atmosphere.

Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet

©Istock – emicristea

Home to the most legendary couple in literature, Verona charms visitors with its medieval old town, the Adige River, and Piazza delle Erbe, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. It’s easy to see why the city so deeply inspired William Shakespeare.

Romantic weekend in Belgium!

Bruges, medieval charm along the canals

©Istocki – bluejayphoto

Bruges, nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” is a beautifully preserved medieval city. Its canals, Gothic facades, and narrow cobbled streets make it a romantic destination par excellence.

Namur, the pearl of Wallonia on the banks of the Meuse

©Istock – Flavio Vallenari

Namur, the capital of Wallonia, enchants visitors with its tranquillity on the banks of the Meuse River. Its picturesque streets and imposing citadel provide the ideal setting for an unusual romantic weekend.

Romantic weekend in Austria!

Salzburg, harmony in music

©Istock – majaiva

Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, offers a romantic getaway steeped in history and music. Nestled at the foot of the Austrian Alps, its medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vienna, imperial elegance

©Istock – pressdigital

Vienna, the Austrian capital, promises an unforgettable romantic weekend. Between imperial palaces, enchanting concerts, and historic cafés, its elegant, musical atmosphere creates an idyllic setting for shared memories.

Romantic weekend in Germany!

Munich, Bavarian tradition

©Istock – benedek

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, charms visitors with its unique blend of tradition and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Lively squares such as Marienplatz, enchanting gardens, and a renowned culinary scene make it an ideal romantic destination for a couples’ weekend getaway.

Rothenburg, German medieval charm

©Istock – WEKWEK

Rothenburg offers lovers a journey back in time with its medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and remarkably preserved fortifications. This picturesque destination is ideal for a romantic getaway weekend.

Experience a romantic, authentic weekend in Europe with Teritoria. Our carefully selected establishments offer unique experiences steeped in the history, culture, and romance of each destination.

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By Nadia Hamam

It was in 2006, on the occasion of the Winter Olympics in Turin, that the destination revealed all its treasures. The most discerning travellers discovered its stone monuments. Those of nature, first of all: the reliefs of the Italian Alps, such as Monte Rosa and Monte Viso, where Italyʼs longest river, the Po, rises. And those of culture, spread across villages and towns, starting with the epicenter of the region: Turin.

Turin, a hub of art and culture

Long perceived as an industrial city dominated by the mobile car manufacturer Fiat, the beating heart of Piedmont has nothing to envy the great Italian cities.

Elegant and eclectic, the country’s first historic capital is a priceless gem.

Explore its historic center on foot, dominated by the 167-metre-high Mole Antonelliana, which offers a unique panorama from its 85-metre-high balcony. Designed by Baroque architects, the long avenues thread luxury boutiques, authentic cafés and cultural hotspots under majestic arcades. Piazza Castello is home to the Palazzo Madama and the Palazzo Reale, once the principal residence of the Savoy royal family.

The Castello del Valentino, another residence of the kings of Savoy, and the Borgo Medievale, a historical reconstruction inspired by various castles in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, take pride of place in the immense Parco del Valentino. This lung of greenery along the River Po is the perfect rendezvous for lovers.

In the Piazza San Carlo, you can play the game of seven differences in front of the Baroque churches of San Carlo and Santa Cristina: true false twins! Soccer fans take note: Juventus tifosis come here to celebrate victory.

F1 fans? Take a detour to Turin’s famous national mobile car museum. The city, with its natural creative energy, boasts some 50 museums, including the imposing Musei Reali (Royal Museums), Fondazione Torino Musei (GAM – modern and contemporary art gallery), MAO (Oriental Art Museum) and Palazzo Madama.

Art towns, charming villages and listed landscapes

Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Vercelli, Verbania… The refinement of Piedmont’s art towns knows no bounds. The small villages have nothing to envy them: there are twenty “ Most Beautiful Villages in Italy ” in Piedmont! Special mention goes to Roddi, with its most picturesque square, and Cherasco, with its star-shaped ramparts.

Outside the walls, the valleys are home to Romanesque treasures such as abbeys, fortresses, cathedrals and presbyteries. In Cuneo, the sanctuary of Vicoforte houses the largest elliptical dome in the world. Following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, a network of paths converges on the sacred mountains of Piedmont (Belmonte, Crea, Domodossola, Ghiffa, Oropa, Orta and Varallo), which are listed as World Heritage Sites. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, these architectural microcosms were created as places of prayer as an alternative to the Holy Land. Not to be missed, at the top of Mount Pirchiriano: the Sacra di San Michele abbey, immortalized in Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose.

Birthplace of the Slow Food movement

Piedmont is a destination that can be enjoyed as much as it can be visited! Turin is the birthplace of vermouth and aperitif, gianduja and artisanal ice cream. From one street to the next, it’s great to sip a caffè, a bicerin (a blend of coffee and chocolate) or nibble an apericena (literally the aperitif-dinner drink), typically Turinese. At the Lavazza Museum, which tells the story of the country’s largest coffee manufacturer, you can taste freshly ground black beans in expert mode.

The region is also renowned for its IGP chocolate and hazelnuts, meats and rice varieties, artisan cheeses and, of course, dʼAlba white truffles. It’s no coincidence that the Slow Food movement was born here. A trip to Piedmont also includes UNESCO-listed wine-growing landscapes such as the Langhe and Roero. An opportunity to meet passionate producers, and taste excellent reds (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo…) and the most distinguished whites (Erbaluce, Gavi, Arneis…).

The power of nature

Many artists have tried to capture the wild beauty of Piedmont’s landscapes. A skilful blend of rice paddies and lakes, hills and peaks that outdoor sports enthusiasts will embrace wholeheartedly. With 2 national parks and 77 parks and nature reserves, there’s plenty to do! In autumn, you can explore the 20,000 km of roads with their strong military, spiritual and commercial history by bike or motorcycle.

Wonderful cycle paths, ideal for families, gently follow the course of the River Po. Hardened mountain bikers will prefer the banks of the Sesia. In winter, when the Alps are dressed in white, it’s time for great skiing! 1,350 km of slopes, 50 ski resorts and 300 ski lifts guarantee a thrill on the slopes, punctuated by gourmet delights: excellent cuisine in hotels and refuges alike. The pristine landscapes of the Ossola in particular are a veritable paradise for skiers, snowboarders and freeriders, but also for walkers, alone, with family or friends, in search of charm and mountain villages. Sledging, climbing, ice-climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing… Piedmont has it all!

Getting there

Turin can be reached without takin off:

By train, thanks to the Paris-Milan TGV line. The line also serves Chambéry to connect with other lines, or from Nice with a connection in Ventimiglia.

By bus, either on the Flixbus Paris-Rome or Barcelona-Venise routes, which provide connections to the cities of Lyon, Montpellier, Grenoble, Nîmes or Châlon-sur-Saône. Or thanks to the Blablabus Paris-Turin lines, which provide connections to Lyon or Chambéry and Paris-Milan.

For further information, visit VISITPIEMONTE.COM

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