Why Walking Is Underrated—And Where Feeling Like a Local Begins

Annie Dugan

Apr 25 (edited) • General discussion

Let’s be honest: in a lot of places, walking is what you do when your car breaks down.

But in France?

Walking is a way of life.

Not a chore. Not something you track.

Just the beautiful in-between of your day.

Here’s What You Start Noticing When You Walk More:

You talk to your neighbors
You pass the same café dog every morning and feel oddly bonded
You start recognizing the smell of boulangeries before the door even opens
You move at the speed of real life—not rush hour

And maybe most importantly: You slow down without even trying.

You Don’t Need a Wellness Tracker—You Need a Sidewalk

In many French towns, things are designed for walking. You don’t need to “schedule movement” when the market is around the corner and your favorite café is 10 minutes away.

You’re not squeezing steps in. You're just living—on foot.

The Invisible Benefits of a Walkable Life

You actually know your neighborhood and neighbors
You’re not constantly in transition between Point A and Point B—you’re in it
You discover tiny joys: handwritten signs, a new boulangerie, a stranger’s cat sunning itself in the same spot every day
You start to feel like a local, not a visitor

Walking Is Freedom

It’s the freedom to move without traffic.The freedom to pop out for wine, cheese, and conversation.The freedom to be present.

That’s the kind of lifestyle we’re building inside La France Plan.

Because walking isn’t just transportation—it’s transformation.

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