Summer Tourism: A Desire for Nature!

Airbnb, Gîtes de France, hotels… Tourism players are seeing a desire to get back to nature during the summer holidays this year. According to a study* by the PAP Vacances website published in early June, bookings for countryside accommodations increased by 22.1% this summer compared with 2019. A windfall for tourism professionals located in rural areas.

WHICH DESTINATIONS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS CRAZE?

With summer 2021 having been gloomy and rather cool in many regions, notably on the Atlantic coast, tourists are playing it safe with the weather this summer.

The South-East is therefore very popular. Vaucluse, Ardèche and Drôme… These departments are seeing an increase in bookings of between +25% and +50% compared with 2019.

There is also strong interest in areas often described as very rural, which did not enjoy much popularity just a few years ago: Vendée, Creuse, Loire and Corrèze.

THE COUNTRYSIDE, A DESTINATION FOR REST AND RELAXATION

After the first lockdown in 2020, many holidaymakers decided to spend their summer holidays in the countryside. Far from the city and the crowds, these destinations, long considered old-fashioned, won people over with their peace and quiet.

Located in the heart of nature, more or less far from a town or village, these accommodations let you rest and enjoy the great outdoors. Rentals with a pool are also easier to find. Large spaces where family or friends can get together around a barbecue, under the trees or by the pool.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUNTRYSIDE ACCOMMODATIONS

Renting in the countryside means having the chance to spend your holidays in an original accommodation. Farm, château, mill, mas (Provençal farmhouse), stable… Country houses also offer greater capacity than seaside or city rentals.

In addition to beautiful buildings, which the French are often fond of, there are also glamping-type accommodations. A mix of glamour and camping, these often high-end accommodations let you spend your holidays in the heart of nature without sacrificing comfort.

OFTEN MORE AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

This craze for countryside holidays can also be explained by economic reasons. Indeed, a house in the countryside is often 10% cheaper than a similar seaside rental.

With inflation and the price of gas, the French have a tighter holiday budget this year. Holidaymakers are therefore looking to get away without going far from home. A trend we had already seen since the start of the health crisis with the development of local tourism.

A DEFINITE APPEAL FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Spending your holidays in the countryside also means choosing an outdoor holiday. While the French are looking for rentals with a pool, they also want to have experiences outside their accommodation.

Many small towns organize various activities all summer long, such as farmers’ markets, festivals, sports activities… Countryside holidays are also an opportunity to go on lovely walks. Not to mention the heritage, whether historical or gastronomic!

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Amélie Manceau