They go away! But where to?
When summer arrives, one thing is certain: the French hit the road for vacation. And they’re lucky—many people envy them: they have time off. On average, a salaried worker in France gets 5 weeks of paid vacation per year. In addition, there are sometimes RTT days (reduction of working time), which allow them to truly disconnect for several weeks.
So... where do they go?
đĄ Heading to the sea!
This is undoubtedly the favorite destination for the French. The beaches of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, or even the wild coasts of Brittany attract millions of vacationers every year. People go there for the sun, swimming, seaside walks, artisanal ice cream, and... the famous beach umbrella to avoid sunburn. Some regions like the French Riviera, Vendée, or the Basque Country are fully booked as early as June.
đż The countryside and the mountains: calm and coolness
But not everyone likes hot sand and crowded beaches. More and more French people are choosing the countryside or the mountains for nature-filled, quiet vacations, far from the noise of the cities. It's a chance to go hiking, biking, picking fruit in the garden, or simply reading a good book in the shade of a tree.
The Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, or even the DrÎme Provençale attract those who want to breathe and slow down.
âïž And what about abroad?
Of course, some French people prefer to go abroad, especially in August, when life in France slows down. Italy, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Canada... destinations vary depending on taste, budget, and the desire for adventure. Traveling far allows people to completely change atmosphere and sometimes avoid French summer crowds. But that's not the majority: most French people still spend their holidays within France, and take the opportunity to discover regions they don’t know yet.
đ A little cultural note
August in France is so calm that it sometimes feels like the whole country is on pause. In some towns, shops close, the streets are empty, and it becomes hard to find a baguette. You’ll even see signs in bakery windows:
âĄïž "Closed for annual vacation. Happy holidays and see you soon!"
Yes, even bread goes on vacation! đ„đ
Holidays with family or friends
In France, vacation is often a family affair. Whether with family or friends, the key is being together. It’s common to see multiple generations gathered: parents, children, grandparents... everyone leaves at the same time, to the same place, often in a family home or a shared vacation rental.
đ Returning to the grandparents’ house, especially in summer, remains a classic. It’s a deeply rooted tradition: kids sometimes spend all of July or August in the countryside while the parents continue to work a bit. You’ll find the vegetable garden, long meals, games in the garden, and afternoon naps, lulled by the sound of cicadas.
đ¶ And then there’s camping, a cornerstone of French vacations. Whether in a tent, a mobile home, or even a 4-star campsite with a pool, the spirit remains the same: friendliness, simplicity, and freedom.
Children have the time of their lives with slides, ping-pong tournaments, and ice creams at 4 p.m. Parents enjoy apéros with tent neighbors, barbecues, and karaoke nights organized by the campsite.
What people look for isn't necessarily luxury or extreme comfort, but rather the joy of being together, sharing simple moments: swimming in the river, biking, having a picnic in the forest... or just enjoying a nice dinner under the stars.
Sometimes, it's lifelong friends who rent a big house together. Everyone brings a dish, they take turns doing the dishes, and pĂ©tanque games last until nightfall... In short, that’s also the French way of vacationing: a mix of friendship, traditions, and freedom.
And what about activities?
On vacation, the French like to take their time — and it often starts with good food. The French art of living doesn’t stop in July and August — quite the opposite! It’s the perfect time to enjoy life’s little pleasures:
đ· ApĂ©ros on a terrace, with a glass of chilled rosĂ© or flavored syrup for kids, served with tapenade, cheese, or olives from the market.
đ§ș Picnics in the shade of a tree, with a baguette, cheese, melon, and a bit of charcuterie.
đ„ Barbecues that bring together family and friends around a good grilled meal, often with animated discussions that last until late.
đ And while some enjoy a great meal, others savor... a good book! Vacation is also the perfect time to read, lying on a lounge chair, feet in the grass or in the sand.
đâïž For the more active, sports are also part of it: hiking in the mountains, biking on country roads, swimming in the sea or river, canoeing, surfing on the Atlantic coast, or even doing sunrise yoga.
đ And then there are those — many — who choose to do absolutely nothing, and are proud of it! That’s what the French call: le farniente. A word borrowed from Italian, meaning "doing nothing, peacefully". In France, it evokes naps in the shade, sunbathing, and the simple joy of not looking at the time.
But not everyone goes on vacation
When we think about vacations in France, we often imagine Mediterranean beaches, mountain hikes, or garden apĂ©ros with fairy lights. But the reality is more complex: each year, almost one in three French people doesn’t go on vacation. That’s a lot, and it’s a reality that shouldn’t be ignored.
đ Why?
The reasons are often financial. Transport, accommodation, or even activity costs can be a real obstacle for many families — especially during inflation. But it’s not always just about money. Some people don’t have paid leave or must stay available for work. Others can’t leave due to health, family, or logistical reasons.
đ And for kids, there are still summer camps, even if fewer than before. They allow many young people to go away for a few days, discover new places, do sports or theater... and most of all, to experience freedom and independence for the first time.
đïž Finally, staying at home doesn’t mean giving up on summer. Many towns and villages organize free summer events: outdoor movies, local festivals, street libraries, or even “beach in the city” days with deckchairs and misters set up in the neighborhoods. The goal: to let those who stay feel the vacation spirit too, without leaving town.
