Summer holidays: French prioritize France amid geopolitical crisis and inflation.

Less far, less long, and above all, less expensive. In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, a global energy crisis, and inflation weighing on purchasing power, the French are revising their holiday plans downwards for the summer of 2026.

In a logic of budget caution and security concerns, they are fewer in number to consider going on a vacation and are more likely to opt for shorter trips, mainly within France.

Decrease in Departure Intentions

Geopolitical issues and security concerns strongly influence the decisions of French vacationers.

According to an Ifop study conducted for the Alliance France Tourisme in March 2026, “68% of the French plan to go on vacation for at least one week, a decrease of 9 points compared to 2025,” and “only 37% say they are certain to go, compared to 50% last year, reflecting a rise in uncertainty.”

However, vacation plans still hold an important place in household priorities.

“This study shows that there is no collapse in the French departure intentions, as they remain very attached to holidays, but the initial impacts of the current situation are beginning to be felt, under the combined effect of security concerns and strengthened budget constraints,” highlights the president of the Alliance France Tourisme, Dominique Marcel.

France, a Safe Haven Destination

The international situation now directly influences the vacation destination choices of the French. Faced with uncertainties, they prioritize nearby, easily accessible, and perceived safer places.

“71% choose France, an increase of +3 points compared to 2025, against 23% for Europe and only 9% for distant destinations,” according to the study.

Decrease in Vacation Budget

With inflation, financial trade-offs are increasingly important for many households, and the budget allocated to vacations is decreasing.

On average, the French plan to spend 1,530 euros on their summer vacations, about 150 euros less than in 2025, according to the Alliance France Tourisme study.

To contain their expenses, many are considering reducing certain items such as accommodation, dining, or on-site activities.

“More than 50% of the French are considering spending less than last year on different items: of course accommodation, dining, all expenses on-site. And this is particularly noticeable on expenses made on-site, perhaps even more than on accommodation. 60% of people think they will reduce these expenses,” estimates Dominique Marcel, president of the Alliance France Tourisme.

Free accommodation solutions through stays with relatives are also favored. They represent 31% of intentions this year, compared to 21% in 2025.

The study emphasizes that access to vacations is still strongly marked by social inequalities. “84% of affluent categories plan to go on vacation, compared to only 58% of lower-income categories,” estimates the Alliance France Tourisme.