Aix-en-Provence, the star of urban chill
The city of Cézanne earns the gold medal for tranquility. According to a study by the Sixt agency, Aix-en-Provence checks all the boxes of the ideal city for relaxation: little noise pollution, peaceful streets, a reasonable population density, and a quality of life that approaches perfection. Online reviews speak for themselves: the words “calm,” “peaceful,” and “relaxing” pop up like a mantra in comments about its museums, squares, parks… and even its markets. Bonus: the average journey of 10 km takes no more than 27 minutes, and rush hours are almost non-existent. It’s official: in Aix, you can breathe easy.
The South Has Its Charms (Except Marseille)
While the South often brings to mind images of relaxation, not all its cities are created equal. Marseille, despite being a neighbor to Aix, ranks second to last in the list, just ahead of Paris. Chaotic traffic, constant noise, high density, and increasing pollution make this city one of the most stressful places in France according to the same study. This conclusion echoes the feelings of many residents and tourists: the Old Port is lovely, but it’s not exactly the place for a spiritual retreat.
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Slow life and heritage: the trend is all about relaxation
Tours, Angers, Reims, and Limoges follow Aix-en-Provence in the ranking of the most relaxing cities. Less crowded, well-equipped with green spaces, with moderate traffic and a strong emphasis on heritage: these cities attract a new generation of travelers (and neo-residents) seeking a "slow life." Far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, they offer a true alternative to often hyperactive regional capitals. And what if, in the end, the real hype was just to slow down?
Source: Sixt