Enjoying "Citta Slow" (slow cities) in Italy and elsewhere in Europe
Now that's my idea of a dream vacation! Going to a "slow city" in Europe and just doing a whole lot of nothing…
"It all started in Italy with the "slow food" movement which is based on the idea that a better life could be had by favoring locally grown produce and fostering time-honored traditional food specialties from each region. Now it has expanded into the concept of "Citta Slow" (Slow cities). Slow cities are characterised by a way of life that supports people to live slow. Traditions and traditional ways of doing things are valued. These cities stand up against the fast-lane, homogenised world so often seen in other cities throughout the world. Slow cities have less traffic, less noise, fewer crowds. As the Romans used to say: “festina lente” - make haste slowly." Here is an article from abc news….
http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=83085&page=1
Designated slow cities can be found across Europe (Google "slow cities" + country). With more than 25, Italy has the most of them. Germany has 10. UK has 8. Sonoma, California has recently became the USA's first designated "slow city."
Anyway, it was something I'd never heard of before, so I thought I'd share it.
Thomas
Vienna, Austria 2/8/10
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I have not heard of this slow cities movement but while looking for apts to rent for a week or 2, many are in out of the way towns with their own markets, shops, activities that are not at all touristy. It seems like a great way to enjoy the country and the people while still making day trips to the touristy areas when the mood strikes (trying to find ones on bus and train routes. I am finding these apts in southern France, Germany, & Italy. I will definately check out the story you are passing on!
I'm not quite sure I'd want to live in a "slow city". Sounds nice at first, but when you really want slow service for things like plumbing or electrical repair? Knowing the awful state of the service industries in Italy, I'm not surprised they topped the list.
Well, I'm a little cynical. Maybe it's just because it's late winter in a flat, Midwestern, industrial city. I think a lot of this is marketing. That's not a bad thing. I'm sure these city leaders are looking at declining industry, young people leaving for the bright lights, and they don't want their cities to die. Pitching their towns as "slow" can be appealing to well-to-do retirees and people who can earn their livings online. Our city leaders here have pitched bike paths and wi fi for the same reasons. As if we'd ever become the next Sonoma. Sigh. Did I mention it's late winter?
You are looking for a "slow city" or Città Slow in France, since May 8th 2010, you may go to Segonzac Center West of France. This city is the first ever labeled in France. More than this, Segonzac is the capital city of the Grande Champagne vineyards where you may find the oldest and cognacs.
Staying there, you are one hour drive from Bordeaux, one and half hour from La Rochelle and two hours from Périgord
To know more about the first French Città Slow : www.tourisme-grande-champagne.com www.cognac-tasting-tour.com www.relais-de-saint-preuil.com
Looking forward to welcome you
For more information on the Slow City movement, visit www.cittaslow.net. A good general book on the virtues of "slowness" in various aspects of life (health care, sex, food, education, etc) is "In Praise of Slowness" by Carl Honore.