Les Echos' Summer Roundup: From Canal Routes to Sunscreen Rituals

The weekend supplement of Les Echos presented a wide-ranging selection of seasonal recommendations covering travel, culture, and wellness. As France grapples with high summer temperatures, the newspaper highlights canal-side paths as an ideal option for walkers and cyclists, citing the cooling effect of water and century-old tree canopies. Alongside the famed Canal du Midi, the piece suggests seven lesser-known canals for a quieter experience.

The guide also delves into urban pleasures, recommending five spots in Paris for an impromptu apéro—from Montmartre to the riverbanks—and a selection of waterside hotels for a tranquil overnight stay. For those dreaming of cooler horizons, a feature on road trips in Northern Europe entices with Iceland’s Route 1, Norwegian fjords, and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

On the cultural front, the edition is dense with literary and cinematic picks: a new Salman Rushdie short-story collection, a factual 19th-century graverobber thriller, a Spider-Man film starring Tom Holland, and an array of crime novels—including Victor Guilbert’s “Les Diables de Beausanges” and Christophe Piot’s “Noir vinyle”. Health reminders round out the package, with a dermatologist’s advice on sunscreen and an interview on exercise addiction with Dr Stéphane Prétagut.

Why French Summer Guides Are Pushing Cooler Climes and Crime Fiction

The Coolcation Trend Hits French Leisure Pages

As extreme heat becomes a recurring feature of European summers, travel sections are shifting their focus from sunbathing to seeking shade and altitude. Les Echos' emphasis on canal towpaths, mountain getaways in the Alps, and Nordic road trips mirrors a broader “coolcation” trend that tour operators have noted this year. The selection of seven secret canals—including one abroad—suggests a growing demand for hyper-local, off-the-radar escapes rather than crowded tourist hubs.

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The Unquenchable Appetite for French Crime Fiction

The weekend supplement’s thick crop of “Rayon polar” (crime fiction) picks—at least five novels mentioned across the edition—underscores the genre’s strong hold on French summer reading. From adaptations of historical events like “Les Maisons parachutées” to darkly comic tales, the variety reflects both editorial curation and an audience that devours thrillers voraciously during holidays. This aligns with broader publishing trends showing that polar titles dominate holiday sales in France.

Practical Tips for a Summer Well Spent in France

  • Beat the heat by planning a cycle or walk along a canal path recommended by Les Echos. Lesser-known routes away from the Canal du Midi offer shade and quiet; early morning or late afternoon outings provide the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • For spontaneous summer apéros in Paris, the Montmartre and Seine quays areas remain the top picks. Arrive before sunset to secure a prime spot, and pack reusable cups as many stretches lack nearby vendors.
  • When it comes to sun protection, follow dermatologist Dr Marie-Estelle Roux’s advice from the guide: choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, apply it generously 30 minutes before exposure, and reapply every two hours—especially after swimming or sweating—to reduce skin cancer risk during the holiday season.