Forest Bathing in Provence

The Forest Bath

The new trend which does you (a lot of) good

Have you heard about Forest Bathing, also known as sylvotherapy? Here are some explanations. Highly developed in the land of the rising sun, where there are around sixty « therapeutic » forests, forest bathing originated in Japan (over there, it’s known as « shinrin yoku »). Practically speaking, the Forest Bath is an activity accompanied by a guide trained in reconnecting with nature. For 2 hours, you take your time on a slow, contemplative walk in the heart of a majestic, soothing Provençal forest. Also on the programme: stretching exercises, pauses for sensory stimulation and relaxation, and a series of tree-related experiences (why not hug a tree, even if that is not all Forest Bathing is about!). This 100% nature session will also give rise to moments of creation and exchange. The programme isn’t static and adapts to the weather and your expectations. Forest Bathing is a break gives profound well-being and provides a number of benefits: an increase in NK lymphocytes (the natural killer cells in our immune system), reduced stress and muscle tension, improved balance of the nervous system, sleep, and blood pressure. Still sceptic? Try it out before making up your mind…

Where can I do Forest Bathing in Provence?

And with whom?

With its unspoiled natural areas, generous sunlight 300 days a year and a mild climate, the Sud is THE perfect place to try this experience of true connection with nature, your body and your mind.

Provence has 4 bathing forests:

• The Parc of the Château de Meyrargues, with its medieval building and Roman aqueduct
• In the countryside in Provence, a former knight templar’s farm surrounded by 190 hectares of prairie and tree-covered hills, a stone’s throw from La Sainte-Baume
• The Sentier de l’Aoubré in Flassans-sur-Issole, in the lush green Var
• The Mont-Faron in Toulon, a vast tree-covered, protected plateau

You will be accompanied by one of the nature guides from Provence Sylva, the Provencal Forest Bathing Academy, which works to develop this practice, all year round.

A sustainable and committed tourist experience

Become aware of the value of our forests, support local economy

Forest Bathing does you good, but it’s also good for the planet. This responsible activity generates no carbon emissions. Moreover, by valorising the Mediterranean forest heritage and its exceptional heritage, Forest Bathing helps to make people more aware of its value. And the need to protect ourselves from climate change. It supports local economy: you can spend the night in or on the edge of a forest, discover tourism and cultural sites and meet local producers before or after your forest bath. It also creates a social link which is indispensable to our well-being. Besides Provence Sylva, the Académie du Bain de Forêt Provençale, there are other Forest Bathing initiatives in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Find the forest closest to where you are staying.