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Summer 2026: only 37% of the French are certain they will travel, here are their favorite destinations!

undefined undefined 29 avril 2026 undefined 09h30

undefined undefined 29 avril 2026 undefined 13h34

The Editor

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With ongoing inflation, rising fuel prices, and an uncertain international climate, the French are rethinking their plans for summer 2026. Closer destinations, shorter trips, but still with the same desire to get away: vacations remain a staple, even with some limitations.

There’s no way the French are giving up on vacations entirely! According to an Ifop study for the Alliance France Tourisme, 68% of them plan to go away for at least a week this summer. This number is a drop of 9 points compared to 2025, indicating a slight slowdown, but it doesn't mean they've given up. Even more revealing: only 37% are certain they will go, down from 50% last year.

The desire is definitely there, but it’s meeting a more challenging economic reality. With inflation, rising daily costs, and global uncertainties, decisions are being made later and with more hesitation. Vacations are still essential, but they’ve become a bit of a balancing act.


France at the Forefront, Exotic Destinations in the Background

In light of the rising transportation costs, especially due to the fuel prices and international tensions, the French are favoring close and reassuring destinations. France leads the way, being the choice of 71% of holidaymakers, followed by Europe (23%). As for faraway destinations, they attract only 9% of travelers.

This geographical shift is explained not just by budget reasons but also by a need for safety. Traveling less far means minimizing the unexpected, managing your budget and keeping some flexibility. As a result, local and regional tourism is set to thrive this summer!


Spend Less, Differently

The holiday budget is also under pressure. The number of French people planning to spend less than 1,000 euros is increasing, while the higher budgets are notably declining. More than half of vacationers are considering cutting their expenses, primarily by adjusting the length of their stays or how often they go.

Another option: on-site expenses, along with hunting for great deals. Cheaper accommodations, early bookings, price comparison tools… optimization strategies are popping up everywhere. Still, going on vacation comes at a cost: 86% of the French say they dip into their savings to fund their holidays.