In a life dictated by tight schedules, where planes or trains monopolize our means of transport, one question remains: what if slowing down became true freedom?
Exploring by ferry is gradually emerging as an attractive alternative, a far cry from the usual way of traveling where every minute counts. Yet, it's not just about getting from point A to point B: here, the adventure begins as soon as you step on board.
This mode of transport infuses each journey with a different dimension. The traveler suddenly has the luxury of savoring the present, free from the usual pressures, offering themselves a welcome respite.
Whenever you start wondering about the best way to organize a crossing, comparison sites are useful (it's impossible not to mention Mister Ferry, a practical reference for finding suitable routes).
What is slow travel?
The philosophy of slow travel is based on a forgotten truth: taking your time, reconnecting with your environment and giving meaning to the journey as much as to the destination.
Rather than rushing from place to place, this trend values proximity, open-mindedness, and a sincere immersion in local life and nature.
Those who experience this type of travel quickly realize that the journey becomes as engaging as the destination.
Unlike rushed trips often dictated by the search for efficiency, slow travel favours a patient, attentive discovery.
On board a ferry boat, the pace naturally slows down: the sea stretches out, the islands drift by lazily, each sunrise or morning mist imposes its silent magic.
It's impossible to forget the newfound calm, the feeling of truly being part of the landscape…
A unique onboard experience: when the journey becomes part of the trip
Enjoy the view from the bridge
The ferry deck offers a prime vantage point. Watching the sea means being enveloped by the invigorating freshness of the wind and the ever-changing spectacle of the sky.
Some passengers say that this feeling of infinity brings a sense of serenity. The colors change with the time of day, and sometimes a golden hue heralds a memorable sunset.
It's hard not to stop, camera or sketchbook in hand, to capture the moment.
Magical nights at sea
Sleeping to the rhythm of the waves is a radical change from the urban bustle. The cabins are designed to provide comfort and tranquility, while the sea whispers just outside the door.
Many admit to having been surprised, during their first trip, by the calm that reigns in the open sea.
Looking at the starry sky away from artificial lights is often among the most memorable experiences.
A true treasure for night photography enthusiasts or parents looking for a calming experience for children.
Ideal destinations for exploring slow travel
Enhancing discovery in France
France, with its diverse coastlines, lends its landscapes to the relaxed pace of slow travel.
Taking a ferry to Corsica, the Breton islands or the Mediterranean coast means adopting a new perspective on renowned destinations.
It's no longer just about arriving quickly, but about accumulating small joys along the way: impromptu conversations with other travelers, observing dolphins or seagulls, tasting regional specialties on board…
Everything takes on a different flavor!
Opening one's horizons to international crossings
Venturing to Italy, Spain, or even the British Isles by ferry broadens the range of experiences.
These routes combine the pleasure of discovery with a responsible approach.
Some couples mention the magic of a sunrise off the coast of Menorca or the pleasure of sharing a picnic with other families.
On board, the journey brings people together, soothes them, and awakens their curiosity.
The ferry: a responsible choice for a limited carbon footprint
Choosing the ferry helps to preserve our environment: the significant reduction in CO2 emissions, when compared with other transport options, makes it an attractive solution.
Innovative initiatives, such as the one led by Sailcoop, go further by integrating the use of renewable energies or limiting the use of disposable plastics.
Little by little, the experience on the water becomes a symbol of a shared awareness and a commitment, in small steps, to the planet.
Tips for organizing your ferry trip
Plan ahead to enjoy it more
Planning makes all the difference: booking in advance allows you to have a choice, whether it's for the type of cabin or the time that best suits your schedule.
Baggage handling is also simpler than on a plane, with fewer constraints and more freedom of movement.
Specialized comparison sites like Mister Ferry make the preparation process smooth and accessible for everyone.
The essential item to take with you
Everyone has their own little trick: remember to bring warm clothes (even in summer, the wind can be surprising), slip in a notebook or games if you are travelling with family, prepare a healthy snack…
Emphasizing comfort during the crossing ensures a pleasant memory.
It is also advisable to plan for ways to keep oneself entertained during the long hours, while remaining open to the surprise of a spontaneous discussion or the observation of a passing shower.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Some fall into this trap: forgetting to check the schedules and properly plan their arrival at the port, wrongly estimating the duration of the journey, or not exploring the different services on board.
Taking the time to find out in advance – about facilities, catering, opening hours – helps to avoid minor inconveniences.
This type of travel values patience and flexibility of mind.
Draw inspiration from a memorable experience
Some travelers recall seeing a pod of dolphins during the crossing to Sardinia.
Others mention the discovery of a local specialty never tasted anywhere but on board.
These are both small anecdotes and great lessons on the art of taking one's time, which remain long after returning to land.
For adventurers: set sail!
For those who dream of intensity and closeness to the ocean, sailing provides a profound experience.
Sailing according to the wind, choosing one's stops, requires careful organization and some specific skills.
It may be wise to get started on a short trip, accompanied by a professional, before embarking on a big adventure.
The preparation – weather, itinerary, safety – must be carefully considered to ensure a peaceful stay.
Set sail and reinvent travel
Putting the stopwatch aside to savor the journey, that's the promise of the ferry and slow travel.
This way of exploring invites us to rethink our relationship to travel: each crossing becomes a memory, each stopover an opportunity for unexpected encounters and discoveries.
Why not seize the opportunity to try this way of travelling, to offer your loved ones and yourself a new relationship with time and the world?
