Sometimes you don’t need packed itineraries or long-haul flights – just open skies, fresh air, and that blissful feeling of having nowhere to be. Western Europe is full of those slow-living spots where the pace shifts down a gear, the landscapes do all the talking, and the hardest decision of the day is red or white with dinner.
Whether you’re looking to stroll through wild coastlines or drift lazily down a canal, these countryside getaways are perfect for hitting pause and breathing a little deeper.
Lavender Fields and Long Lunches in Provence, France
If your idea of countryside heaven involves rosé, sun-dappled stone villages, and the hum of cicadas in the background, Provence might be your perfect match.
Base yourself in a sleepy village like Gordes or Roussillon, where life moves to the rhythm of market mornings and long lunches that stretch into the afternoon. In summer, the lavender fields around Valensole bloom into a sea of purple that feels more dream than real life. In autumn, vineyards take over with golden light and wine tastings that never feel rushed.
There are hiking trails if you fancy moving, but really, Provence is about slowing down. Sitting on a terrace with a bottle of local wine, watching the hills fade into the evening, this is a countryside escape at its most effortlessly elegant.
Canal Boat Drift Through Ely, Cambridgeshire
Tucked away in the east of England, Ely feels like something out of a storybook, complete with one of the UK’s most impressive cathedrals and a peaceful riverside that invites you to do absolutely nothing.
The real charm? A canal boat holiday along the River Great Ouse. You can rent a narrowboat for a couple of days and simply float. Moor up near quaint pubs, wave to locals walking their dogs, and let the countryside unfold at its own unhurried pace. Early mornings are especially magical, with mist on the water, birdsong all around, and a cup of tea in hand.
Ely’s small, but it’s packed with charm. There’s a lovely market, little cafés, and walking trails if you feel like stretching your legs. But honestly, you could spend the whole weekend on the boat and be perfectly content.
Mountain Calm in the Black Forest, Germany
Despite the dramatic name, the Black Forest isn’t some moody, fairy-tale wilderness – it’s green, peaceful, and surprisingly soothing. Think rolling hills, pine-covered peaks, and little spa towns where people genuinely know how to relax on your countryside getaways.
Stay in a chalet-style guesthouse in somewhere like Baden-Baden or Triberg, and spend your days walking through quiet trails, visiting lakes, or nibbling on slices of actual Black Forest gâteau. And if you’re into wellness, the spas here are next-level, with thermal baths, steam rooms, forest-facing pools… It’s the kind of place that recharges you without even trying.
There’s a gentle rhythm to life here, and it’s contagious. Even the clocks tick a little slower.
Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the west coast for over 1,500 miles, but you don’t need to tackle all of it. Just choose a small pocket, maybe the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the windswept beauty of Donegal, or the lush landscapes around County Kerry – and take your time.
Walking here is never just about getting from A to B. It’s sheep-dotted hills, warm chats with locals, sea spray on your face, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-sentence. Pack waterproofs and prepare for long pub lunches, cosy B&Bs, and evenings by the fire.
There’s a peacefulness to the Atlantic Way that’s hard to describe. It’s raw and real, but gentle in all the right ways. If this sounds like your dream experience, explore Ireland travel packages where local expert guides lead you through the most scenic regions for your countryside getaways.
Farmhouse Comfort in Alentejo, Portugal
Less flashy than the Algarve, Alentejo is Portugal’s rural heart, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Golden plains, olive groves, and whitewashed towns set the scene, and the vibe is pure, unfiltered calm.
Stay in a traditional farmhouse (many now offer boutique-style luxury), and settle into a routine of slow breakfasts, country walks, wine tastings, and watching the sun melt into the landscape.
Évora makes a great base if you want a little culture with your countryside, but even the tiniest villages have charm, warmth, and incredibly good food.
Alentejo’s beauty is in its simplicity. It’s not trying to be trendy. It just is what it is, and that’s more than enough.
Ready to Slow Down?
There’s something deeply restorative about the countryside. It gives you space to think, quiet to rest, and that comforting feeling of being surrounded by something older, steadier, and far less complicated than everyday life.
Whether you’re gliding down a canal in Cambridgeshire, hiking through Irish headlands, or sipping wine in a Provençal village, these countryside getaways offer the kind of peace you didn’t realise you needed.
So, where will your countryside escape take you next?
