The Art of the Slow Weekend: Rediscovering Joy in French-Style Leisure

The French are masters of many things—fashion, food, flirtation—but their true genius may lie in how they spend their weekends. While Americans rush from brunch to errands to inbox zero, the French take it slow. And now, that unhurried rhythm is gaining admirers across the Atlantic.

From Santa Fe to Sonoma, a quiet movement is taking root. It’s about redefining what rest looks like. Fewer obligations, more beauty. Less scrolling, more savoring. The slow weekend is not about doing nothing—it’s about doing what matters, with intention.

Photo 1 by Grape Things: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bunches-of-grapes-hanging-from-vines-3840335/
Photo 2 by Rev. Lisa j Winston: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-field-at-the-sea-16066331/
Photo 3 by Rev. Lisa j Winston: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clouds-over-road-and-orchards-16066329/

“Weekends are sacred in France,” says wellness coach Sophie Chevalier, speaking from her home in Bordeaux. “You don’t schedule anything you don’t love. The idea is to be fully present.”

Rather than start the day with a to-do list, many French families begin their weekends with a stroll through the market. It’s a sensory ritual—choosing seasonal produce, sampling cheeses, selecting flowers—that reconnects you with the moment. The act of preparing a meal with those ingredients becomes a meditative task, not a chore.

The centerpiece of the weekend is the long lunch. It might last hours, often stretching into the late afternoon. There’s no urgency to clear the plates or resume the grind. Instead, the conversation lingers, the wine flows, and the moment expands. This way of dining affirms that joy is found in the pause.

Reclaiming Time as an Act of Culture

Nature also plays a role in the French approach to leisure. A simple walk after lunch—known as a promenade digestive—is an age-old tradition. It’s not about burning calories or tracking steps. It’s about engaging with the world outside your door.

Even in urban settings, moments of leisure are cherished. In Paris, a visit to the Rodin Museum might be less about the sculptures and more about sitting in the garden with a book. Cultural life isn’t something reserved for special occasions—it’s woven into the everyday.

Photo by Igor Passchier: https://www.pexels.com/photo/elegant-view-of-musee-rodin-gardens-paris-32811586/

And then, of course, there’s the nap. Far from being a sign of laziness, la sieste is seen as essential to well-being. The best kind? On a shaded terrace, with a half-read novel resting on your lap.

Across the U.S., these habits are slowly being embraced. In places like Ojai, California and Hudson, New York, weekend travelers are recreating their own versions of the French retreat. Whether through wine tastings, vintage shopping, or a quiet morning with coffee and no emails, the spirit is the same.

Photo by Phil Evenden: https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-angle-view-of-hills-and-lakes-16827183/

Photo by Phil Evenden: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lamp-and-wall-over-pavement-16827216/

There’s a cultural awakening happening, one that recognizes the value of rest not as a luxury, but as a necessity. It’s about reclaiming time and redefining success—not in terms of productivity, but in terms of joy. The slow weekend reminds us that life’s richness isn’t measured by how much we do, but by how deeply we feel.

Sophie Chevalier sums it up simply: “Slowing down isn’t an indulgence. It’s where real life begins.”

So this weekend, try doing just a little less—and enjoying it a little more. Unplug. Unwind. And pour the good wine.

Header Photo Credit: Igor Passchier https://www.pexels.com/photo/elegant-view-of-musee-rodin-gardens-paris-32811586/

About the Author

Isabelle Karamooz, Founder of FQM is originally from Versailles, France. Isabelle harbored a lifelong fascination with exploring the world. Her journey began at 17 when she seized the opportunity to study abroad in Rhonda, Spain, igniting a passion for travel that took her across continents. From vibrant Hong Kong to picturesque Ireland, from the historic streets of Italy to the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, she embraced diverse cultures and experiences, truly embodying the spirit of a global citizen. After several years of exploration, Isabelle found a sense of home in Los Angeles, where she immersed herself in the vibrant cultural scene while working at the French Consulate. With a deep-seated love for the arts and history, she pursued her academic endeavors, earning a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley. Furthering her dedication to education, she has studied to pursue a Master's program in teaching at the University of Southern California, eventually sharing her knowledge and passion as a French instructor for aspiring students at UNLV and CSN in Nevada. Driven by her passion for storytelling and cultural exchange, Isabelle founded French Quarter Magazine, where she serves as the Editor-in-Chief. In this role, she orchestrates the publication's diverse content, from conducting interviews and pitching story ideas to capturing captivating moments through photography. Currently, she is channeling her creative energies into her first English-language work, a novel that delves into the compelling life of Coco Chanel. Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a touch of romance, her debut novel promises to captivate readers with its rich tapestry of history and emotion.