According to a study* by the PAP Vacances site published on Thursday, reservations for accommodation in the countryside for this summer increased by 22.1% on the platform compared to 2019. A trend that can be observed on other rental sites. summer.
This enthusiasm of the French is explained by economic reasons, in particular because of the problem of a decline in purchasing power experienced by many.
Not to mention that since the Covid-19 crisis, the propensity to favor local tourism, wide open spaces and nature is obvious.
What if this summer, happiness was in the meadow?
This is what some French people seem to believe, since more and more of them are opting for a rental in rural areas during the summer.
Thus, according to a study* by the PAP Vacances site published on Thursday, reservations for accommodation in the countryside on the platform increased by 22.1% this summer compared to the same period in 2019. A trend that can also be observed at Airbnb (+50% compared to the summer period 2019).
Ditto at Gîtes de France (+ 20% compared to summer 2021).
For its part, Abritel does not yet have consolidated figures for this summer.
"But we are recording a 30% increase in searches for holiday homes in rural areas for July and August compared to last year", informs Xavier Rousselou, its spokesperson.
The plebiscite of the south-east, but not only…
It is in the departments of the south-eastern quarter that the progression of reservations for this summer is the strongest at PAP Vacances: Vaucluse (+ 51.6%), Ardèche (+ 36.1%), Drôme (26.2 %).
“Last summer was gloomy and cool, so a lot of holidaymakers don't want to take any chances with the weather.
Hence this plebiscite from the south-east, ”explains Corinne Jolly, president of PAP.
Fr.
"Other information: the cities most in demand for houses in the countryside are Sarlat, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Apt and Vaison-la-Romaine", adds Laetitia Caron, the Executive Director.
“We note an attraction for hyper-rural territories such as the Loire, Ariège, Corrèze and Creuse”, indicates for her part Solange Escure, general manager of Gîtes de France.
Bertrand Burdet, Deputy General Manager France of Airbnb, notes him a strong demand for “the Jura, the Landes, the Ardèche, the Eure and the Vendée”.
“A house in the countryside is on average 10% cheaper than by the sea”
If the French are more likely to book in rural areas, it is first of all because there are more offers this year.
“The number of campaign ads increased by 13.2% between 2019 and 2022 on PAP Vacances.
No doubt because in a context of declining purchasing power, some want to make their home profitable,” notes Laetitia Caron.
Bertrand Burdet makes the same observation: “Offering your property for rent is a good opportunity to make ends meet.
This earns an average of 3,800 euros per year for our guests”.
Vacationers also have economic reasons.
“A house in the countryside is on average 10% cheaper than by the sea. The average budget for a week is 1,313 euros,” says Corinne Jolly.
“Holiday-makers can leave less far from home, which is appreciable in this period when the price of petrol is high”, comments Xavier Rousselou.
Local tourism versus mass tourism
This desire for green is also explained by the Covid-19 crisis, which has changed the tourist habits of the French.
“In the midst of a health crisis, they were looking for somewhat isolated houses to limit the risks.
Something remained.
After having tasted the pleasure of not enduring the crowds, they seek less effervescent and more relaxing places,” notes Laetitia Caron.
“Many now prefer local tourism to mass tourism,” adds Bertrand Burdet.
“During the health crisis, they rediscovered their country.
The countryside is no longer considered at all to be an old-fashioned destination, but one of quality”, insists Xavier Rousselou.
Renting in the countryside also sometimes means benefiting from a better quality rental than on the coast.
“The houses in the countryside often offer a higher capacity (7.2 people against 6.6 at the sea).
This is why they are popular for gatherings with family or friends”, underlines Corinne Jolly.
“Holiday makers want more space, to be able to have a barbecue and sunbathe in the garden,” adds Laetitia Caron.
And for those looking for originality, the offer is attractive: "You can find a rental in a farm, a castle, a mill, a stable... And live an original experience", emphasizes Bertrand Burdet.
“The accommodation there is often less standardized than on the coast.
However, the French love beautiful buildings,” adds Xavier Rousselou.
The promise of multiple activities
Opting for the countryside also means having a better chance of finding a house with a swimming pool.
“It is the most sought-after equipment, before wifi and parking,” notes Bertrand Burdet.
And holidaymakers who choose the countryside also do so to be able to take advantage of a wide range of activities: "In many small towns, festivals, sports activities, farmers' markets are organised... And the discovery of heritage is a passion for the French", points out Solange Escure.
No risk of getting bored this summer, therefore.
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* Study which covers from July 1 to August 31, 2022, with changes compared to the same period in 2019.
Economy
Tourism
Travel
summer
Summer holidays