France's route des vacances finds new life in slow tourism

France's Route des Vacances, the iconic 996km road from Paris to the Mediterranean, is experiencing a resurgence among travelers seeking a slower pace and offbeat adventures.

From holidaymakers to road trippers

In its heyday of the 50s and 60s, the Route Nationale 7 was a bustling thoroughfare lined with petrol stations, traffic jams, picnickers, and roadside cafes. But with the advent of the Autoroute du Soleil motorway in the 1970s, the RN7 fell out of favor, its pace of life slowing to a crawl.

Now, however, the road is enjoying a renaissance thanks to the trend for slow tourism and discovering the road less traveled. For those willing to take their time, the rewards are plentiful – from the subtle changes in landscape to the warm hospitality of the locals.

I embarked on a road trip down the Route des Vacances, starting in Paris's Place d'Italie and making my way south to the sun-kissed Côte d'Azur. Along the way, I encountered Thierry Doillon, a vintage car enthusiast who had helped restore a 1950s petrol station on the route.

As we chatted, it was easy to imagine the throngs of holidaymakers that once flocked to the RN7 in search of sun, sea, and relaxation. The road's simplicity and authenticity have made it an attractive alternative to the more modern, high-speed routes.

From the wide, tree-lined roads outside Paris to the narrow, winding streets of medieval towns further south, the Route des Vacances offers a diverse and immersive experience. And with its wealth of historic landmarks, gastronomic delights, and picturesque vistas, it's little wonder that this iconic road is winning over a new generation of travelers.