This year, the French will be travelling mainly in France!
- Eric ALAUZEN
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Between budget considerations, a taste for wide open spaces and a quest for authenticity, holidays in 2025 confirm the strong comeback of local tourism. Sea, countryside, mountains: the majority of French people are staying in France, rethinking the way they travel without giving up their desire to get away from it all.
First figure: between 61% and 63% of French people have decided to go on holiday in 2025, according to several sources. (In 2024, the figure was 60%).
Source: OpinionWay for Liligo - Cofidis
The choice of proximity
The figures speak for themselves: 68% of French people who have planned to go on holiday this summer will stay in the country. This attachment to ‘made in France’ is even more pronounced among 55-75 year olds, 74% of whom will favour France, with a preference for coastal regions, even though nature destinations are also very popular.
And with temperatures rising in the south, which already experienced high temperatures in June, northern and western regions such as Brittany, Normandy and the Pays de la Loire are seeing a significant increase in bookings.
A budget under scrutiny, but...
According to the sources we consulted, the average budget will be around 1,850 in 2025. According to the Ipsos/Alliance France Tourisme survey, a third of those questioned planned to spend less than €800, while a further third planned to spend between £800 and £1,600, and the remaining third said they could spend more than €2,400.
However, we would like to compare these figures with those of the study OpinionWay carried out for Sofinco in May 2025. They announce an even lower average budget, not exceeding £1,598 on average, £99 less than in 2024, with the following details: an average budget that falls to €917 for households with incomes below €2000, solo holidaymakers plan to spend an average of £1,068, but €2,250 if their income exceeds €3,500. This year, the French will be travelling mainly in France!
Four out of ten French people say they have reduced their budget or shortened the length of their stay or decided to cut back on spending on leisure activities such as entertainment, restaurants or shopping.
Another way for French people to reduce their spending is to avoid travelling during the main holiday periods in order to take advantage of cheaper rates. 38% are using their savings to go on holiday.
Source: OpinionWay - Cofidis - Ipsos/Alliance France Tourisme - Sofincospe
The car still reigns supreme
The car remains by far the preferred means of transport for French people. 72% of summer trips will be made by car (+2% compared to 2024), according to the barometer VVF/Ifop. Practical, flexible and often more economical for families, it also provides access to less well-served areas.
Trains lag far behind with 18%, a 4% drop compared to 2024 figures despite initiatives to boost demand (offers from TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Intercités). As for air travel, it remains reserved for longer journeys, with a sharp decline on domestic routes.
Where do holidaymakers stay in France?
In terms of accommodation, trends confirm a decline in traditional hotels in favour of more flexible alternatives. It should be noted that non-commercial accommodation options, such as second homes or family invitations, remain very popular, especially among retirees and large families.
39% of holidaymakers will opt for seasonal rentals (gîtes, Airbnb, etc.),
26% will choose hotels,
17% will prefer camping,
20% will stay with friends or family. Camping Qualité Barometer – June 2025
Local holidays, but not without ambition
Far from being a retreat, the choice of local tourism reflects a shift in desires: a desire for slowness, nature and cultural proximity. It is also a response to budgetary and environmental concerns.
For professionals in the sector, the challenge is clear: adapt to these new expectations, promote alternative destinations and support the changes in tourism of tomorrow.
It should be noted that according to an Ipsos survey, the worst nightmare for French people on holiday is being ripped off (73%), far ahead of losing their luggage (20%).
#LocalTourism #HolidaysInFrance #Summer2025 #SlowTourism #SustainableMobility #ResponsibleHolidays #FrenchTourism #TourismTrends #FranceDestination #TouristAccommodation
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