From Paris to Romilly: a French journey beyond the tourist map… off the tourist track … right into rural Romilly …
There is a special stillness you only find when you leave Paris behind. Recently, I boarded a regional train in Paris and headed north, away from Parisian boulevards and into the heart of the French countryside. My destination? Romilly: a town not found on most tourist itineraries, but one where Aunt Jeanne lives, and at 90 years old, she no longer drives. So, after the 90-minute train journey, I walk for 40 minutes from the station to her house, through barley fields and rural farms in the late afternoon light. The train ride itself is a small act of time travel. As the urban sprawl gives way to open landscapes, I see garden plots, sheep grazing, and rows of fruit trees. There is no glitzy souvenir shop waiting at the other end, just a stop and nothing else, but a bus-stop shelter. And then, the walk – a lovely nature walk when it’s not in the dark of night or raining. This time, the light was good and the pathway was visible – but not always the destination signs as they are faded, fallen into the bushes, or bent out of shape. I follow the country road, bordered by tall grasses with nothing but the sound of my own footsteps and the occasional horse neighing in the distance. This in-between space, between train and a beer at Aunt Jeanne’s, helps me notice nature again. I take photos — of barley rippling like sea waves, of an old barn leaning slightly to the right, of the gold-tipped clouds above the horizon. Romilly is not Paris – it’s a quieter corner of rural France, with fresh air and fewer, a lot fewer, tourists. Photographer: Martina Nicolls
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Tranquility Mapping In a world of sensory overload, Tranquility Mapping offers a gentle, creative way to reconnect with peace and calm, and recreate restorative spaces. Whether you're seeking stillness in a busy home, serenity in a classroom, or relief in a hectic office, this guide gives you the tools to map and reshape your environment to support your well-being. Whether you have a garden, one room or an entire building to work with, this guide helps you transform your everyday spaces into sanctuaries of stillness with example, templates, and techniques, including a teacher’s guide to mapping calm with students. Tranquility Mapping is ideal for anyone seeking a sensory-friendly space – families, educators, caregivers, therapists, wellness professionals, office planners, and HR departments. Map your way to tranquility – simply, easily, immediately. Feel the benefits of restorative spaces. Don’t have to wait for peace to find you – design the tranquility you want to feel. You're currently a free subscriber to The Stories in You and Me . For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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