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Slow tourism: enjoying the beauty of France on foot

The COVID-19 pandemic, mass tourism, climate change... these are just some of the factors that have contributed to the rise of slow tourism. In France, there is no shortage of destinations to discover on foot, by bike, by boat, or by train, and this trend is attracting more and more vacationers who want to disconnect by taking the time to appreciate the richness of the landscapes, admire the historical heritage, or share a local specialty. Here are a few suggestions for areas to explore on foot or, to combine relaxation and sport, by running at your own pace.

What is slow tourism?

Let's take a quick look back: in 1986, a Roman desperate to see a McDonald's open in the heart of the Italian capital launched the concept of slow food. His goal? To raise awareness that the success of the American fast-food giant was coming at the expense of traditional, family-run restaurants in his city. Years later, slow tourism was inspired by this form of resistance, inviting people to discover a destination in all its authenticity, to slow down and fully appreciate its flavor.

Unlike short, intensive trips focused on the quantity of things to see or do, this approach prioritizes the quality of the experience: meeting the locals, taking the time to discover the variety of natural and cultural heritage, favoring the consumption of local products, and fully immersing oneself in a region by opting for soft mobility (public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking).

Take your time... while running

Although it may seem contradictory at first glance, exploring a destination with nothing more than a good pair of running shoes is actually ideal: you can stop whenever you want to admire a view that would be inaccessible by car, recharge your batteries during a break on a boat or train, and regain your strength by sampling a local culinary specialty... And of course, you can completely disconnect by running along the greenways, towpaths, and hiking trails that France has in abundance.
Here are a few ideas for “discovery jogs” to suit all tastes. For those embarking on this type of vacation for the first time, don't worry if you're new to running - just follow the right advice. The important thing is to go at your own pace, listen to your body, and focus on the pleasure of discovery. Even at a moderate pace, each outing allows you to fully enjoy the environment while gradually improving your endurance.
Ready? Go!
Discover a city in a different way
Running is a great way to soak up the atmosphere of a city: stop at a local market, take a detour to see a beautiful church, hydrate yourself on a terrace before resuming your run...
Here are a few cities with pleasant places to run:
  • Paris: the paths of the Tuileries Garden or the banks of the Seine, where several monuments can be seen.
  • Lyon: the banks of the Rhône, the Tête d'Or park, or the slopes of Fourvière to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view.
  • Bordeaux: the water mirror and the banks of the Garonne with their gentle and elegant atmosphere.
  • Toulouse: the banks of the Garonne and the Canal du Midi.

Get your fill of sea air
Running is good for your health, but so is breathing fresh air, and the two go particularly well together in French seaside resorts. 
Here are some examples of places to visit for an even more rejuvenating experience at sunrise or sunset:
  • The French Riviera: Nice and its Promenade des Anglais, Antibes with its coastal path.
  • Brittany: the ramparts of Saint-Malo, or the Quiberon peninsula.
  • The Vendée: the immense beach of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie lined with bike paths.

Soak up the beauty of the landscape
Running around lakes and rivers allows you to combine contemplation and sport. Often less crowded than coastal beaches, these bodies of water also offer a beautiful reconnection with nature, such as here:
  • Lake Serre-Ponçon: its trails with mountain views and, more surprisingly, exotic turquoise waters are a complete change of scenery.
  • Lake Annecy (Haute-Savoie): its large loop around the lake (mostly flat trails) offers impressive panoramic views.
  • Lake Sainte-Croix (Var): this unique setting, thanks to the spectacular Verdon Gorge, is particularly photogenic.

Keep up the pace for your next vacation
For lovers of mountains and heritage, getting off the beaten track and avoiding traffic jams and parking constraints is also possible in 
  • the Vosges with its many soft, rolling trails, 
  • in the Southern Alps crisscrossed by wilder paths, 
  • within the historic ramparts of Carcassonne, or around Avignon, where the majestic Palais des Papes stands proudly along the Rhône.

In fact, much more than a trend, slow tourism with its epicurean values is a return to the roots of the French art of living.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to fast-paced getaways and make way for peace and simplicity? Grab a good pair of sneakers and let's go! 
Have a great vacation.


Valérie from Comme des Français



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