At a time when mass tourism is rampant, many alternatives are emerging. More ecological and sustainable, these practices, which have existed since time immemorial, particularly appeal to an increasingly young audience.
What is gentle itinerant tourism?
As its name suggests, it is a form of tourism where you travel from one destination to another, except that in this case, you make your journeys using soft mobility: walking, cycling, horseback riding, kayaking, sailing…
In response to this growing demand, more and more tourist organizations are implementing systems suited to gentle itinerancy.
Thus, for example, you can set off alone with a backpack and your legs or your bike, or opt for convenience by booking a soft mobility travel program. Indeed, many agencies now offer organized treks or cycling trips with guides. You can thus walk the Stevenson paths, explore the Queyras, or even cycle along the Canal du Midi.
Hiking in the Queyras massif. Photo: QueyrasMontagne
For even more unique experiences, you can opt for horseback or kayak trips. Many agencies offer this kind of travel and provide you with all the necessary equipment. Thus, you can come and explore the coves of the “Island of Beauty” in your kayak or discover the Forcalquier region at the pace of your horse.
Equestrian hiking in the Luberon. Photo: janssaud
What are the benefits of this type of tourism?
Aside from the obvious environmental benefit (traveling by horse clearly pollutes less than a round trip from Nice to Rio de Janeiro by plane), gentle itinerant tourism attracts a growing number of travelers for many reasons. Some see it as a way to reconnect with nature; indeed, the traveler can take the time to admire and appreciate the places they visit, being in total immersion in nature. Others consider this type of tourism as more of a sporting challenge to take on.
While the reasons are diverse and varied, everyone can find something for themselves: solo traveler or group, young and old, athletic or not… So if everyone can do it, why not give it a try?
