Top slow tourism destinations in France

This is a star among long-distance hiking routes, one of the most beautiful coast walks in France. Created in 1791, it was used by customs officers in their mission to keep smuggling under control - hence the name. This long-distance hiking route (the GR34) has lots of stories to tell and offers a picture-postcard view around every corner, amid the salt and sea-spray. It follows the Brittany coastline, covering more than 2,000 km between the Mont-Saint-Michel and the Saint-Nazaire bridge.

The boats that originally travelled on the Canal du Midi were towed by horses walking along the towpaths. Nowadays, these canalside paths converted into cycling itineraries are increasingly popular among cycle tourists keen to try the Canal du Midi experience. Cyclists can cover the entire 320 kilometres, or just choose certain sections.

The stuff of postcards, this winter wonderland becomes a natural haven of peace in summer. Located within the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Reserve, this low-altitude family resort on the Swiss border makes the ideal, unspoilt destination for nature lovers. Hiking, horseriding and cycling are eco-friendly ways to explore this region of mountains and forests. There are itineraries that can be followed in both summer and winter, which have been designed to let you observe the plant life without treading on it. The facilities installed and the measures taken by local tourism partners earned the resort the ‘Flocon Vert’ seal of approval in 2013. This certification is awarded by the Mountain Riders association to holiday resorts that implement sustainable development strategies.

As on many of the islands along the Atlantic coast, you won’t need your car here. You can explore the entire Isle of Ré by bike. Not only is it relatively quiet during the off-peak season, but this beautiful unspoilt island also has a real gem to offer: the Relais Thalasso which takes an eco-friendly approach to thalassotherapy. Measures include using collected rainwater, water-saving taps, solar film on windows, and compost bins, and banning single-use packaging from its restaurant). Set amid 5 hectares of private grounds on the island’s southeast coast, the spa complex is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a real change of scene. What better combination for an eco-friendly wellness weekend to slow down the pace?

Just a 15-minute boat trip from Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite is the biggest island of the Lérins archipelago. Like its neighbour, Saint-Honorat island, it is extremely beautiful. A holiday on these two islands is the perfect opportunity to switch off and recharge your batteries. Take your pick between beautiful walks, bike rides, scuba diving, kayaking and many other activities.

This little train travels between Ajaccio and Bastia, via Calvi and the mountains of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, slowly covering 230 kilometres across the rocky wilderness. Ideal for life in the slow lane, ‘the trinighellu’ is a whole experience that you absolutely must try, to see the inland areas that cannot be reached by car. Among other amazing structures dotted along the way, this little train crosses the Pont du Vecchio, a railway bridge that lies between Venaco and Vivario. This work of art was built by Gustave Eiffel between 1890 and 1892. A trip through time to see Corsica’s most beautiful scenery.

Located midway between Paris and Lyon, this granite massif is a great place for nature lovers and fans of outdoor sports, with forest trails galore for walkers and cyclists, , as well as lakes where you can swim. Admiring the panoramic views from Haut-Folin or Mont-Beuvray, it’s easy to understand why part of this region is protected within a regional nature park. At the Domaine de la Pierre Ronde campsite (Côte-d'Or), you can even stay in a hobbit’s dwelling.

Just a one-hour trip from Paris, the department of Eure in Normandy has a few surprises in store, including Giverny and the Claude Monet foundation, the Impressionism Museum and the beautiful villages of Bernay and Lyons-la-Forêt. One of the best ways to get to know Eure is by cycling at your own gentle pace along the banks of the winding river Seine, on theLa Seine à Vélo cycle path which opened in 2021. This cycling itinerary of more than 400 km invites you to leave Paris behind and escape to Le Havre or Deauville. The Normandy part of this major cycling route takes you exploring impressionist country. In Eure, you can visit Monet’s garden in Giverny, Gaillard Castle in Les Andelys, or the outdoor activities centre in Poses.

This road running between Cernay and Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines reveals the Vosges mountains’ most superb scenery. Its highest point is at the top of Grand Ballon, 1,343 metres above sea level. From here, the panorama unfurls in a succession of mountain peaks, passes and lakes. A great opportunity to slow down and make the most of the views stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll never forget the experience! The best way to reach it is on foot or in one of the Navette des Crêtes coaches. In keeping with the slow tourism spirit, decide on a specific area and choose a few of the hiking trails it has to offer.

This coastal stretch is truly the Star of Hauts-de-France, an unspoilt wilderness and a rich ecosystem that can be discovered through some fascinating ecology-based activities. The Marquenterre Park is a major nature reserve that will appeal to bird-spotting enthusiasts. Grey seals and porbeagle sharks can be seen in Hourdel, which only adds to the thrill of your nature expedition. Go for a bike ride on the cycle paths around the Bay to see a landscape of dunes, salt marshes and estuaries. Unless you prefer to take a boat trip from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, to enjoy some outstanding views of this stretch of sea.

The Marais Poitevinis a marshland area created by human activity. Straddling the boundary between the departments of Deux-Sèvres and Vendée, this jewel of nature offers some enchanting views. The Loire part of the marsh is comprised of winding canals, lush green meadows and an exceptional biodiversity. The Maison du Marais Poitevin in Maillezais, housed in an old abbey, plunges visitors into the region’s history. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the enormous stretches of the bay of Aiguillon-sur-Mer, which offers sanctuary to various migratory birds. And why not try a canoeing or paddleboarding adventure from Niort to the ocean?