Échappées belles on France 5: Creuse and Ismaël Khelifa, Digi Mart USA News: Peaceful villages, prairies and forests stretching as far as the eye can see are the focus of the Saturday, November 21 edition of “Échappées belles,” airing at 9:05 p.m. on France 5 and on france.tv.
Host Ismaël Khelifa explores the Creuse, a rural department where time seems to move more slowly but which, according to the program, is far from lacking dynamism and vitality.
Behind its image as a quiet territory, the Creuse holds many surprises. Through local initiatives, outdoor adventures and moments of togetherness, Khelifa presents a portrait of rural life that is more vibrant than ever.
The broadcast is described as a friendly escape that challenges preconceptions and makes viewers want to step away from the bustle.
The Creuse is among the least densely populated departments of metropolitan France, and its tranquility is presented as a strength. Over the course of the journey, the presenter meets people who chose to live there or returned, supported by projects rooted in their territory.
The magazine, as always, favors human encounters over simple postcard views, letting residents tell their own story of the Creuse.
The episode highlights know-how passed down through generations, outdoor adventures along rivers and forests, and convivial moments that reflect the spirit of the place. The program presents a Creuse that innovates, welcomes and takes pride in its identity, led by people who deliberately chose simplicity.
The 90-minute episode, part of season 21, is presented by Ismaël Khelifa and directed by Franck Poirier, produced by Bo Travail! The program has become a regular feature of France 5, with Khelifa joining Sophie Jovillard, Jérôme Pitorin and Tiga, who host episodes across destinations in France and abroad.
The evening continues at 10:35 p.m. with a rebroadcast of “Week-end à Dijon,” presented by Sophie Jovillard, moving from the quiet plateaus of the Creuse to the bustle of Dijon.
The source notes that the Creuse, long seen as a region people pass through rather than visit, has in recent years seen new residents seeking a calmer lifestyle, preserved spaces and a gentler cost of living, while artisans, farmers and project leaders are reinventing the local economy.
Around Guéret, the prefecture, the landscapes include bocage, forests and lakes. The region is also known for its heritage: the town of Aubusson is internationally recognized for its tapestries, a craft inscribed by UNESCO on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the department is crossed by the Millevaches plateau, a large expanse of preserved nature.
Broadcast details: France 5, Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:05 p.m., magazine format, 90 minutes, new season 21 episode, streaming and replay on france.tv.
