This summer, 83% of French people chose to stay in France for their holidays.

Campsites are hoping for a record season and reservations are raining.

In this first weekend of July, Europe 1 went to the Var alongside the professionals who are starting their season. 

REPORTAGE

The first weekend of July is coming, synonymous with the first departures on vacation.

For health reasons, for simplicity or because of their budget, 83% of French people have chosen to stay on the national territory for their summer holidays.

In the campsites, we hope for a record season after a complicated year.

In the Var, a family establishment established for 45 years in the heart of Estérel is preparing for the arrival of tourists.

After months with no prospects, the phone just keeps ringing.

>>

Find the morning show of the day in replay and podcast here

The Estérel Caravaning campsite is located in Saint-Raphaël.

And here, the owners have found a smile again.

After a difficult year, reservations are raining.

"It starts late, but it's a quick start", analyzes Sabine Suppanz, head of the establishment.

"People made up their minds at the last minute. A lot of French people, but there is also a demand from Holland which is leaving strong and from Germany too".

First weekend almost full

A few hours before the arrival of the first holidaymakers in July, Aurore Laroche, the manager of this top-of-the-range campsite, ensures that everything is ready.

The animation teams are in the process of making posters.

The final preparations are accelerating.

"This weekend we are going to be almost full. We have 495 sites", she rejoices, after months empty. 

CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS

> Coronavirus: can summer weather slow down the Delta variant?

> Covid-19: France is also giving away gifts to encourage vaccination

> A study provides a portrait of anti-vaccines in France

> Covid: the countries which have done the opposite of us "have been better on all fronts"

> Coronavirus: why can a PCR test be positive one month after infection?

> Covid-19: all you need to know about the European health pass

"In fact, there was really an outbreak of reservations, from the moment the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, gave us hope and the reopening of the holidays," she explains.

Ready to start the season, tourism professionals fear only one thing now: that the Delta variant will spoil the summer.