Frolicking in France: Escape to the French Countryside

Do you want a holiday that’s all about relaxing and unwinding? Do you want to swap urban life for the countryside and local vineyards? If the answer is yes, I suggest taking a trip to the French countryside.

This is exactly what I did, and I have returned back to London with my batteries fully charged and a new found love for the French countryside.

Seeking small pleasures

Along with my brother and a couple of friends in tow, we decided to visit France with the hope of enjoying the small pleasures of life: relaxing, eating, walking, and exploring.

We ate fresh fruit and veg straight from the garden, spent days reading under the sun, and spent hours swimming in the lake. What more could you want from a holiday?

The French countryside is all about small pleasures rather than big attractions found in big cities like Paris. Here, you can to enjoy organic food, long walks, and charming little villages. You can do other things, but when this is such a perfect way to spend your time, why do anything else?

Related: Albi – The Perfect Day Trip From Toulouse

Catching the Eurostar from London

My friends and I caught the Eurostar from King’s Cross St.Pancras to Paris, and then headed to Lyon, France’s capital of gastronomy. After a stroll around the city, we caught another train to reach the small, sleepy city of Mâcon.

The train journey was beautiful, the scenery from the train was stunning, passing miles upon miles of countryside and yellow rapeseed fields. When we weren’t admiring the view, we were chatting and playing naughts and crosses – so you could say we were thoroughly entertained ourselves the old-fashioned way!

Everything was going well until we arrived in Paris for our connecting train to Mâcon. As we went to pick up our luggage we realised that Freya’s suitcase had unfortunately been stolen.

We tried to report it at the lost and found department in the train station but they couldn’t have cared less. Not an ideal way to start the trip. Thankfully, Freya took the bad luck with more grace than most people.

So let this be a lesson, please make sure you keep your eyes on your belongings – especially if it has to be stored in the compartment near the train doors.

Despite this initial bumpy start, the rest of our time in France was utterly idyllic. Perfect food, wine, company, and surroundings. The French know how to indulge, and we followed suit.

Elsa and I lent some of our clothes to Freya, and I ended up give her one of my dresses after realising it looked so much better on her than me!

Relaxing in the French countryside

We spent time exploring local towns and villages and visited the beautiful Abbaye de Cluny. However, most of the time was spent enjoying the grounds of the chateaux that belonged to the aunt of Elsa and Freya. It had a lake and acres of land to whittle away the hours.

I honestly felt like I added 5-years onto my life. Maybe I did? The French countryside is good for the mind and body.

One important thing this trip taught me, is that I didn’t have to see all the big attractions when I travel. I can still have a wonderful time just doing small things like pottering around in nature and cooking food and enjoying conversations with close friends.

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If you’re thinking of going to France to enjoy the good life, also have a look at Toulouse and Abli located in the southwest of the country. This region of France is super relaxing and charming. It’s also home to a variety of cultural and historical attractions to keep you entertained.

The simple life is the good life!