Margaux Fodéré 11:37 a.m., July 30, 2022
After the Covid health crisis for two years, the French were eager to go on vacation.
This year, we observe that many could not wait any longer and left in July rather than August.
The average family budget has also increased, despite inflation.
An unprecedented enthusiasm.
It's the big crossover weekend in France.
We expect a black Saturday on the roads for the return of the Julyists and the departure of the Augustians.
The opportunity to make a first assessment of these summer holidays 2022. The French went on vacation a lot in July this year, and even much more than usual.
An increasing average budget
No question of giving up on their holidays: despite inflation, the French were eager to leave this summer, and the sooner the better.
Departures in July increased by 50% compared to 2019, explains Alain de Mendonça, general manager of the travel agencies PromoVacances and Fram.
“Exceptionally, probably linked to the end of the coronavirus crisis, we felt a rush of many French people to go on vacation as quickly as possible to get a change of scenery, rest and sunbathe.”
The French are leaving quickly, but they are also spending more this year.
After two years of Covid, the French want above all to enjoy their summer.
"It's a moment of relaxation and pleasure" according to the director of travel agencies.
"There is a desire to have great holidays and therefore to invest a little more."
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Same observation on the side of accommodation sites: according to Solange Escure, general manager of Gites de France, the average budget of travelers has resisted the crisis and the decline in purchasing power.
"Around 650 to 700 euros for the week, for a family of four," she says.
"We have no reduction in the average rental budget."
A craze which should continue in August: the SNCF is already preparing for a record summer.