The Thau Archipelago has been awarded the Green Destinations label

International recognition for sustainable tourism

In 2025, the Thau Archipelago was awarded the Green Destinations label – Silver level. This award, valid for two years, is granted by the international Green Destinations Foundation, accredited by theGlobal Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) andaligned with theUN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With this distinction,the Thau Archipelago joins a highly selective international community of around 125 certified destinations to date. This award also recognises the efforts made by our destination to maintain its appeal to tourists whilst taking into account the need for and challenges posed by more responsible tourism.

Updated on 15 June 2026

What the label means

Green Destinations assesses destinations across four key areas:

Sustainable management: governance, stakeholder involvement, management of impacts and change.
Socio-economic sustainability: local benefits and social well-being.
Cultural sustainability: protection and promotion of heritage.
Environmental sustainability: preservation of biodiversity, resource and waste management.

The approach is based oncollective participation: residents, visitors, professionals and institutions are all involved in managing the region more responsibly.

Find out about our commitments

The Archipelago of Thau’s long-term commitment

This accreditation recognises an ambitious strategy:

Protection of exceptional natural areas: over 80% of the territory comprises natural or agricultural areas, 11 Natura 2000 sites, a marine protected area on the Thau lagoon, and six Blue Flag beaches.
Preservation of traditions and living heritage: Languedoc jousting, maritime heritage, local cuisine.
CSR action plan and 2024–2029 tourism development plan: building a sustainable destination of excellence, spreading visitor flows across time and space, and enhancing the quality of the tourist experience.
Sustainable transport: 242 km of cycle paths, an efficient bus network, ferry services, and incentives for car-sharing.
Four-season tourism: development of cultural, water sports, wellness and local produce offerings outside the peak season.
Environmental awareness:messages promoting eco-friendly practices, nature walks, and encouragement of eco-mobility and rail travel.

A collective appeal

Residents, visitors and professionals: everyone has a part to play in maintaining this momentum. Together, let’s make the Thau Archipelago a destination that is ever more respectful of its residents and the environment.