French holidaymakers cut spending, opt for domestic travel amid uncertainty

Not as far, not as long and, above all, not as expensive. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, a global energy crisis and inflation weighing on purchasing power, the French are revising their holiday plans for the summer of 2026. As a result of budgetary prudence and the search for security, fewer people in France are planning to head on holiday at all this summer, and those that are are opting for destinations closer to home – mainly in France. Enthusiasm for travel remains high, but less are certain their holidays will go ahead.

Geopolitical issues and security concerns have a strong influence on the decisions of French holidaymakers. According to an Ifop study carried out for Alliance France Tourisme in March 2026, 68% of French people plan to go away for at least a week, a fall of 9 points compared to 2025. Only 37% are certain they will go, down from 50% last year, "reflecting a rise in uncertainty". However, summer holidays remain high on the list of household priorities. "This study shows that there is no collapse in the intentions of the French, who remain very attached to holidays, but that the first effects of the current situation are beginning to be felt, under the combined effect of concerns about security and tighter budget constraints," Dominique Marcel, the President of Alliance France Tourisme, said.

France, a destination of refuge

The international situation is now having a direct influence on the holiday destinations chosen by the French, who, in the face of uncertainty, are favouring places that are close by, easily accessible and considered safer. According to the study, 71% of those polled will be travelling within France, up 3 points on 2025. Just 23% will be travelling within Europe, and a further 9% will opt for destinations outside of the continent.

Holiday budgets on the decline

In the face of inflation, financial trade-offs are becoming increasingly important for many households, and the budget for holidays is falling. On average, the French are planning to spend €1,530 on their summer holidays, around €150 less than in 2025, according to a study by Alliance France Tourisme. To contain their spending, many are planning to cut back on certain items such as accommodation, catering and local activities. "More than 50% of French people are planning to spend less than they did last year on various items: obviously accommodation, catering and all on-site expenses. And it's particularly noticeable when it comes to spending on site, perhaps even more so than on accommodation. 60% of people think they are going to cut back on these expenses," Marcel added.

Opting for free accommodation with friends and family is also on the rise, with 31% of people saying they are planning to do so this year, compared with 21% in 2025. The study stresses that access to holidays remains strongly marked by social inequalities. According to Alliance France Tourisme, 84% of well-off people plan to go on holiday, compared with only 58% of those in modest circumstances.