The humid weather could have showered the cravings elsewhere.
But a year and a half of pandemic and the hassles of a degraded daily life have not allowed a few squalls to dissipate summer plans.
The best vaccine against low morale after getting out of confinement?
It seems to prepare for your vacation, especially since the mercury side is going to be hot.
In the opinion of all the professionals we contacted, bookings are literally exploding.
At Gîtes de France, the general manager even mentions "a historic Ascension bridge".
Campers, vacation club fans, hotel regulars, whatever the profile, everyone seems to have given themselves the word: get started now.
“We feel the need to get away from it all,” notes Quentin Schaepelynck, General Manager of Homair Vacances, an outdoor specialist.
We saw the return of reservations in May when they had completely stopped.
Our first campsite opened on Monday May 3 in Corsica and almost all of them will open their doors to the public on Saturday May 8.
The year has started off difficult, but we are optimistic.
"
Read alsoSummer holidays: transport, accommodation ... book now safely
“All it takes is a spark!
Johnny sang.
And it was Jean Castex who lit the fire, with the announcement of the end of the ban on interregional travel, on May 3.
In the next four days, searches on Airbnb for stays in France increased by more than 25%, both for the next few weeks and for the summer.
Side clubs, the figures are dizzy.
+ 200% growth in reservations at Pierre & Vacances for weekends in May since government announcements, compared to the same period in 2019.
"The summer is preparing at the moment, welcomes his side Alexis Gardy, the new CEO of Belambra.
Several of our 50 sites are already full
for the summer period.
From date to date, we are currently at + 70% of reservations compared to the same days in 2019. ”
Extension of the length of stay
In terms of destinations, few surprises.
Brittany, the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean rim take the lion's share.
“Reservations are exceptional in coastal areas,” enthuses the Union of Hospitality Trades and Industries.
But the mountains - Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central - continue to seduce regulars and “new converts” from last summer.
Contrary to usual trends, however, and as further proof of the urgency to get some fresh air, bookings in July are (for now) higher than in August.
Notable facts too: the lengthening of the length of stay and the attraction of the premium offer.
"The French have saved money during the periods of confinement and decide to put a little more resources for a vacation that they have been waiting for a long time", decrypts Grégory Sion, the general manager of Pierre & Vacances.
Something to delight tourism professionals, but also ... the Ministry of the Economy, which dreams of a dazzling recovery in consumption.
Employees also find color.
“Since the announcement of deconfinement, we have received 300 calls per day, insists Didier Gireau, the president of France Thalasso, the thalassotherapy union.
It feels good to see smiles on the faces of the teams again.
"
Book with peace of mind
Even the most adventurous holidaymakers aim for… Europe!
“Since Thursday, we have observed a
boom in Spain, Italy and Greece, indicates René Marc Chikli, president of the union of tour-operating companies (SETO).
I have the impression that people are taking less refuge in the non-profit sector - family, second homes - and that the flexibility of offers encourages them to give it a go.
"
Because it is another specificity of the summer of 2021, the exceptional circumstances have resulted in exceptional booking conditions.
The vagueness linked to the health situation has been bypassed by professionals, whether in the accommodation or transport sectors.
They have multiplied the reimbursement and cancellation solutions to convince future vacationers.
You can therefore book with peace of mind.