Slow Travel in France: Take the Long Way This Summer

Experience France the best way – taking the scenic route, lingering a little longer and immersing yourself in the local culture. If you sail from the UK, your holiday begins the moment you drive on board. There are no luggage limits or airport transfers to think about – just you, your car, a map and beautiful coastal roads waiting on the other side.

France is made for slow travel, and this summer we've teamed up with Explore France to show you just how much more you can discover if you go at your own pace.

Heritage and culture: from the Norman coast to the Dordogne cliffs

Step off the ferry in Normandy at an exciting time for the region, as celebrations for the 2026–2027 Year of the Normans begin, alongside events marking the centenary of Claude Monet's death. The riverside towns of Vernon and nearby Giverny, home to Monet's house and gardens, make an easy first stop before continuing your journey through France.

Further south, the Dordogne Valley is where you can really dive into France's rich history. Explore La Roque-Gageac, nestled beneath a honey-coloured cliff above the river, wander the medieval lanes and market squares of Sarlat, and visit Château de Biron, one of the region's most impressive fortresses. But it doesn’t end there – there are dozens more castles, villages and historic sites dotted across the valley, all just a short drive away.

Food and wine: savouring the flavours of France

France is synonymous with great food and wine, but it's not just about the flavours – it's about the stories behind them, too. The best way to experience the country's culinary scene is to enjoy it without a schedule, enjoying long lunches where you lose track of time. Beyond classics like Bœuf Bourguignon and Coq au Vin, France is home to some of the world's most celebrated wine regions.

Head to Burgundy, where neat vineyards surround the town of Beaune. Spend an afternoon browsing local markets before sampling vintage wines in centuries-old cellars. Wine lovers also can’t miss a trip to Occitanie, where you can enjoy slow evenings overlooking the vines in Toulouse, and Bordeaux, home to some of the most famous vineyards in the world.

Travelling by ferry makes it even easier to savour the journey – just bring your car, leave some space in the boot, and return home with local wines and delicacies that you can enjoy long after your holiday ends.

Nature and the outdoors: from forests to coastlines

Having a car allows you to really experience the country’s landscapes beyond the well-known routes, such as Ardennes, where lush forests and rolling hills surround the Meuse as it winds through the valley. Head to the viewpoint above Monthermé for beautiful views. Further inland, Lac des Vieilles Forges and Lac de Bairon are ideal spots for swimming or just slowing down and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

The coast is, of course, one of France’s highlights. A visit to Mont-Saint-Michel is a must, with its ever-changing tides and medieval village, as is Honfleur, with its lively café-lined harbour. Further south, the long beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Monts and the causeway across to Noirmoutier feel a world away from the busier routes, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy France at your own pace.

Cities: worth slowing down for

Exploring France’s cities is less about ticking off sights and more about wandering, soaking up the atmosphere and discovering hidden gems along the way. Rennes is a perfect example, where colourful streets lined with half-timbered buildings, cafés and independent shops invite you to slow down and explore at your own pace. In Nantes, the city’s industrial past has been transformed into an open-air art scene, with creative masterpieces everywhere you turn. Rouen is also a must-visit, where charming medieval alleys and historic buildings create the perfect backdrop for a slow, scenic stroll.
Easily reached by car, these cities make the ideal stop at the start or end of a longer French adventure.

Take the long way

More travellers are choosing to book later and stay longer, and France is the perfect destination for a flexible adventure. With two weeks and your own car, there’s time to explore different regions, follow local recommendations and leave room for spontaneous stops along the way.

Whether you’re heading to Normandy, Brittany or beyond, travelling by ferry lets you take the scenic route and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. Compare and book your ferry crossing with Direct Ferries and start planning your French adventure.