Capital cities always conjure images of hectic activity and life in the fast lane. But did you know that, even in the town centres and on the outskirts, you can slow the pace and take the time to enjoy your visit to the full? In Paris and the wider region, a whole host of activities have emerged that encourage mindfulness towards humans and the environment, through a slow tourism approach that gives the city a poetic dimension and reveals its residents under a different light.
1/ An escape by the water at La Villette
Parc de la Villette, Paris, France
Skipper a boat from the basin of La Villette. Take to the water at the helm of a boat on the Ourcq canal, with Marin d’eau douce.
All that sailing works up an appetite, so take a seat at the Food & Leisure Market, Boom boom Villette, for a culinary voyage that you may want to follow up with a cookery lesson from one of the chefs.
At the end of the day, go and watch a free film on the big screen at the floating péniche cinéma, where you may even rub shoulders with the 7th Art professionals who come here regularly.
2/ A nature and painting weekend at Fontainebleau and Meudon
Fontainebleau, France
- Fontainebleau
Within an hour of Paris (depending on your departure point), you can have a go at climbing in Fontainebleau forest where you'll find all the equipment you need.
As reward for your efforts, treat yourself to a meal of organic, seasonal and local dishes, music included, at the Maison Sumac in Samois-sur-Seine. Then walk off your meal by exploring the bucolic streets of this historic village once graced by the presence of Victor Hugo and Django Reinhardt. Then take a break as well as a selfie in the elegant setting of the Berceau Island that was so appreciated by Manet.
It’s now time to check into the really cool Folie Barbizon, an arty and eco-friendly hotel in a village that’s famous for its school of painting. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even make the 55-km trip on a beautiful, 3-hour bike ride.
- Meudon
With your friends, you’ll now travel through time in the protected forest of Meudon, where you’ll see a mini-Stonehenge before returning to the modern world of art, science and responsible gastronomy in an old airship hangar set in the heart of nature.
3/ A day to explore the world within Paris
Explore the whole world during a stroll in the amazing gardens of the Albert Kahn museum in Boulogne, then share the experience of a traditional tea ceremony or a Japanese cookery workshop before treating yourselves to some Portuguese food at the Delícias Caffe.
Not far from the Bois de Boulogne and the Parc de Saint-Cloud, indulge in a little sustainable luxury at the Hôtel Brach, where you can enjoy drinks on the roof and a superb view over the vegetable garden.
Enjoy a change of scene (and country!) in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, starting with the lively ‘China Town’, then continuing to the untouched district of ‘Little Russia’ before admiring the street art at the Butte aux Cailles. Swap travel memories on the neighbouring terrace of Rosalie,, a hotel with an eco-friendly and socially responsible approach, and the promise of a night you won’t forget.
4/ Arts & crafts, history and culinary delights
In Versailles, Le Potager du Roi is a 9-hectare listed heritage site, created between 1678 and 1683 by request of Louis XIV. This unique example of a Baroque kitchen garden still serves its original purpose of production, experimentation and heritage. Explore this peaceful site before stocking up on fruit and veg, including some of the rare varieties grown in this outstanding garden.
A stone’s throw away, the Bistrot du 11 invites you to try vegetables from the chef’s kitchen garden in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
Here’s a fun activity with a sustainable approach: making your own bread and pastries under the guidance of a traditional baker in the Marais district of Paris. (Book ahead online at WeCanDoo). Then treat yourself to the luxury of a lecture and guided tour at an iconic restaurant. You can book via the specialist website On Aime Paris.
Tips and suggestions
Cycling fans can follow the ‘fil bleu’ for an alternative tour of Paris, and there’s even an amazing 150-km itinerary that takes you all the way to the Normandy coast.
A somewhat more static alternative, called street fishing, teaches you the basics of the sport, without harming or killing the fish, and offers insight into this unique aquatic environment within the city.
By Marie Arquié
Marie Arquié is a journalist specialising in society, art, fashion, literature, motorcycling, design and surfing, near and far. Based in the Landes, where she is taking her boating licence, she alternates between print and radio, towns and dunes, local reports and long-distance travel.
