Tired of the hordes of tourists invading the most famous Instagram spots? Chain selfies in front of the Mona Lisa, queues to get a €7 “local” coffee or guides screaming into a megaphone? Perhaps it’s time to adopt a new travel philosophy: silent tourism.
This trend, both soothing and ethical, is gaining ground among travelers in search of meaning, slowness and – you guessed it – silence. In this article, we tell you all about this gentle trend that’s good for the ears… and the planet.
What is silent tourism?
Silent tourism (or slow silence travel for the more Anglo-Bobo among us) is a way of traveling that emphasizes calm, discretion, contemplation and respect for the environment. It’s not just about avoiding large crowds: it’s also about avoiding becoming a crowd yourself.
Rather than frantically ticking off all the attractions in a tourist guide, silent tourism enthusiasts prefer forest walks, mountain retreats, villages forgotten by Google Maps or beaches with virtually no human tide. The aim? To reconnect with oneself, with others, with nature, and leave the din of the world behind.
The pillars of silent tourism
Here are the main principles of this type of tourism:
1. Calm or nothing
Silence here is not just an absence of noise, but a state of mind. We speak of a silence that soothes, refocuses and leaves room for introspection. Preferred locations: nature reserves, national parks, monasteries, mountain hamlets…
2. Travel slowly
No more 48-hour city trips. Silent tourism is all about taking it slow. We take the time to explore a place in depth, walking, observing and savoring. The train replaces the plane, the bicycle dethrones the rental scooter.
3. Discreet, responsible tourism
Respecting places and their inhabitants, avoiding intrusive behavior, not disturbing wildlife, not polluting landscapes with decibels or waste: this is the credo. This type of tourism is part of a sustainable approach.
Silent tourism vs. classic tourism: a clash of philosophies
| Criteria | Classic tourism | Quiet tourism |
| Objective | See as much as possible | Live a moment in depth |
| Means of transport | Plane, tourist bus | Train, walking, cycling |
| Travel style | Fast, loud, noisy | Slow, gentle, introspective |
| Activities | Guided tours, shopping, nightlife | Meditation, hiking, reading by the lake |
| Ecological footprint | Often high | Reduced and offset |
Why is this trend becoming more and more popular?
🌿 A growing need to disconnect
Between social networks, notifications, the metro-work-sleep and anxiety-inducing climates, we feel a real need for calm. Silence becomes a luxury, almost a cure. And what better time for a cure than a vacation?
🧘♀️ Back to oneself
Silent tourism is a bit like a retreat without necessarily going to an ashram in India. Reading a book in front of an Alpine valley, listening to the birds rather than TripAdvisor, it’s all good.
🌍 A response to the ecological emergency
Less noise, less transport, less frenetic consumption: this type of travel perfectly meets the need for sustainable tourism.
How to practice silent tourism (even if you're talkative)
You don’t have to take a vow of silence to get started. Here are a few concrete ideas:
- Choose quiet destinations: the Cévennes, the Faroe Islands, the Japanese Alps, or even a remote gîte in Brittany.
- Choose sober accommodation: bed and breakfasts, refuges, tiny houses… Bonus if there’s no Wi-Fi!
- Switch off your phone (or at least the notifications).
- Walk, pedal, breathe.
- Take part in silent activities: yoga, photography, birdwatching, drawing…
A few ideas for “silent” destinations
- 🔕 Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia: peaceful hills, lined cypress trees, breathtaking sunsets.
- 🔕 Cévennes National Park: perfect for hiking and absolute peace and quiet.
- 🔕 The Białowieża Forest in Poland: a jewel of preserved nature.
- 🔕 Mount Kōya in Japan: temples, meditation and Zen atmosphere guaranteed.
The unsuspected benefits of silent tourism
- Less stress: unsurprisingly, silence soothes the nervous system.
- Better concentration: nature sounds help refocus attention.
- More authentic moments: fewer screens, more glances.
- A lasting memory: a walk at sunrise in a deserted forest is unforgettable.
In conclusion: what if silence became the most beautiful of adventures?
Silent tourism is not just for monks or ASMR enthusiasts. It’s a poetic, ecological and caring way to rediscover the world… and yourself. Far from the hustle and bustle of conventional tours, it opens the door to a rare luxury today: peace.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, ask yourself: do I need to see everything… or just fully feel what I’m experiencing?