travel
Route des Vacances: a gastronomic driving holiday from Paris to the Mediterranean
The RN7 road to the Côte d’Azur is enjoying a renaissance among lovers of slow travel in search of offbeat France
TL;DR
- The RN7, stretching 996km from Paris to Menton, was a symbol of French holidays after paid leave was mandated in 1936.
- The route was characterized by numerous petrol stations, traffic jams, and roadside cafes in the 1950s and 60s.
- The completion of the Autoroute du Soleil in the 1970s led to a decline in RN7 traffic, but it's now seeing a revival due to the slow tourism trend.
- The RN7 offers a subtler historic highway experience compared to US routes, marked by concrete distance markers and faded ghost signs.
- The journey is intertwined with France's gastronomic heritage, featuring Michelin-starred chefs, historic restaurants, and local delicacies.
- Restored vintage petrol stations and roadside attractions contribute to the nostalgic appeal of the RN7.
- Modern travelers are rediscovering the RN7 for its blend of quiet roads, nostalgia, excellent food and wine, and diverse landscapes.