Slovenia

Why Slovenia

There are countries that play the card of excess. Slovenia does the opposite: it concentrates, on a territory barely larger than Brittany, a diversity of landscapes that would force admiration on the surface of an entire continent. A morning in the baroque streets of Ljubljana, in the afternoon facing Lake Bled and its bell island, in the evening watching the Soča flow turquoise in its canyon: this is not a two-week program. It is a day's drive.

What is striking in Slovenia is the coherence. Nature is not a setting that you cross to reach the next city: it is everywhere, even in the cafés of Ljubljana open on the river, in the butcher's shops of Maribor that sell cheeses from the neighbouring mountain pastures, in the menus of the restaurants of Piran where the morning catch appears. Slovenia is a country on a human scale, clean, efficient, where you don't get lost but where you take your time.

Finally, there is that rare feeling of having arrived before everyone else. Not entirely true, summer in Bled can contradict this impression. But the country remains of a serenity that contrasts with the large saturated Mediterranean destinations. Here, you can still find a trail without tourist markings, a bivouac on the banks of a translucent river, a village restaurant without a menu in English. It's not a lack. It's what makes the trip real.

When to go

Slovenia can be visited all year round, but the logic of travel is very different depending on the season.

May and Juneare the favourite months of landscape lovers: the alpine vegetation is at its peak of greenery, the waterfalls swollen by the melting snow offer their most impressive flows, and the crowds have not yet invaded Lake Bled. The temperatures (18-26°C in Ljubljana) are ideal for walking and riding. May marks the opening of the high season on the Triglav trails.

July and Augustare the high tourist season, popular with families: swimming in the Soča (still cool water, 15-18°C in the river), festivals everywhere, long evenings on the terraces of Ljubljana. Lake Bled can reach its limits in terms of crowds: leave early in the morning, book accommodation several months in advance.

Septemberis often cited as the golden month by connoisseurs. Crowds withdraw, prices drop, the grape harvest enlivens the hillsides of Styria and Slovenian Istria, and the alpine forests begin to take on their orange hues. The sea in Piran remains pleasant for swimming.

Octoberis perfect for cultural tours and autumn nature lovers: Slovenian Plitvice (Triglav Park) is spectacularly coloured, Ljubljana and Maribor can be experienced without crowds. Bring a raincoat, as rain is more frequent.

Winterattracts skiers (Kranjska Gora, Krvavec) and Christmas market enthusiasts: Ljubljana is regularly ranked among the most beautiful in Central Europe. Some mountain accommodations close between November and December.

How much does it cost

Slovenia has been in the eurozone since its foundation, which simplifies budget management. The standard of living is slightly lower than in France: transport and meals are cheaper, but accommodation in the city centre (Ljubljana, Bled) can be surprisingly expensive, especially in high season.

Count between 60 and 110 euros per person per day all inclusive, for a comfortable trip (3-star hotel, restaurant meal, rental car). A backpacker in a hostel with picnic can go down to 40-50 euros. On the Briouns Islands or in premium accommodation on Lake Bled, the budget can go up to 200-250 euros.

A lunch in a gostilna (local inn) costs 10-15 euros. Coffee costs 2-3 euros. The motorway vignette is mandatory (16 euros for 7 days). The entrance fee to the Postojna caves is about 30 euros, the national parks often provide a symbolic contribution.

An 8-day organized tour with half board starts at around 990 euros per person excluding flights. A return flight from Paris to Ljubljana starts at 80 euros in low season, 180-280 euros in July-August.

Where to go

Slovenia is divided into five major areas, each with a distinct and complementary personality.

Ljubljana and its region, in the centre of the country, is the natural starting point for all tours. The capital is green, pedestrianised in its historic centre, and surprises with its nightlife for a city of 300,000 inhabitants. Less than an hour away, the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle are worth a whole day.

Lake Bled and Triglav Region, in the northwest, is the address of postcard landscapes. Lake Bled and its church island is the most replicated image of the country. Lake Bohinj, less frequented, offers an even wilder alpine immersion. Triglav National Park, the only national park in the country, is home to trails that will satisfy the weekend hiker to the mountaineer.

The Soča Valley, to the west, is the top destination for adventure seekers. The river, with its almost unreal turquoise, lends itself to rafting, kayaking and swimming in its natural pools. Kobarid and its surroundings also bear the poignant traces of the Great War (Battle of Caporetto, 1917).

The Slovenian Adriatic coast, tiny but concentrated (46 km of coastline), brings together Piran, Koper and Portorož in a decidedly Mediterranean and Venetian atmosphere. Piran is by far the most beautiful of the three.

Slovenian Styria, to the east around Maribor, is the region of vineyards and slow-travel. The oldest vine in the world still in production has been growing here for more than 400 years. The wine routes of Jeruzalem (no relation to the holy city: the name comes from crusaders who stopped there) and the thermal baths complete an ideal picture for travelers looking to slow down.

Our itineraries

Slovenia is made for road trips: the distances are short, the roads are well maintained and every hour of driving offers changing landscapes. Three travel logics are necessary: the classic nature-caves-coast for a first discovery, the grand alpine tour for lovers of natural spaces, and the themed wine and city tour for those who prefer to slow down.

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

Slovenia has been a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area since 2007. French nationals enter freely without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, upon presentation of a valid passport or national identity card (the family record book is not sufficient).

Slovenia has been using the euro since joining the euro zone in 2007: no exchange rate is necessary for the French.

For non-EU visitors: check the Schengen visa requirements according to nationality. A single Schengen visa gives access to the entire area.

Since December 2023, land border controls with Croatia and Hungary have been reinstated. Bring valid identity documents with you when crossing.

Getting around

By plane:Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is the country's only international airport, located 25 km north of the capital. Air France and easyJet operate direct flights from Paris in 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Shuttle buses (GoOpti, Nomago) connect the airport to the city centre in 45 minutes for around 9 euros. Portorož Airport serves the coast from a few European cities.

By car:This is the best way to explore Slovenia. The roads are excellent, the signage is clear and the distances are small (Ljubljana to Bled: 55 km, 45 minutes; Ljubljana to Piran: 120 km, 1 hour 30 minutes). The motorway vignette (elektronska vinjeta) is mandatory: 16 euros for 7 days, available online or at border gas stations. GPS is useful in the Alpine valleys.

By bus and train:The Nomago network and the Slovenian Railways connect the main cities. Ljubljana-Bled by train takes about 1 hour (some require a change in Jesenice). The mountain villages and the Soča Valley are less well connected: the car is still essential.

By bike:Slovenia is a cycling country with a well-developed network of trails. The Flower Route (cesta skozenke) and the trails along the Soča are particularly popular. E-bike rental companies offer e-bikes in most cities.

Culture and uses

Slovenia is a country with a central European culture, Catholic in its tradition, but relaxed in its daily customs.

Language:Slovene is the official language. In the tourist areas, English is commonly spoken, as is German (especially in Maribor, on the border with Austria). Italian is understood on the coast. Some words appreciated:hvala(thank you),Dober Dan(hello),Prosim(please).

Meals:The culinary culture varies greatly depending on the region. In Ljubljana, creative gastronomy mixes with gostilne (inns) that serve hearty local dishes. The kremna rezina de Bled (pastry cream between layers of puff pastry) is a must. Lunch is often the main meal: the dnevno kosilo (menu of the day) at 10-14 euros are excellent. The 10% tip is welcome but not included on the bill.

Hiking:The Slovenian mountains are seriously signposted. For routes above 1,500 metres (Triglav, Kamnik-Savinja Alps), bring hiking boots, a waterproof windbreaker and provisions. The alpine weather can change quickly. Mountain huts (planinska koča) often offer simple catering and dormitory accommodation.

By car:Slovenians drive carefully. The speed limit is 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h on national roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Alcohol tolerance: 0.5 g/L (0.0 for drivers under 21 years old). Headlights on are mandatory during the day.

Frequently asked questions