Terrace or not, the French intend to take advantage of their soon-to-be found freedom of movement.
As of May 3, they will again be able to drive without restrictions.
The SNCF has moreover planned to make circulate "practically all" the trains during the bridges of May, Ascension and Pentecost.
Despite the uncertainties that persist on the date of reopening of terraces and shops, accommodation professionals have already seen reservations on the rise for a few days. "
Since last Thursday, at the announcement of the end of traffic restrictions, the phone has started ringing again
", rejoices Franck Chadeau, director of outdoor hotels Chadotel. “
We do not yet know the conditions under which we will be able to accommodate our customers - terraces or not, swimming pool or not - but they will be able to move around. For us, this is already very good news,
”adds Franck Chadeau, also president of the Vendée federation of outdoor hotels.
The Ascension weekend is generally a highlight of the pre-season for tourism professionals.
Last year, during this period, it was not possible to travel beyond a perimeter of 100 kilometers.
For many hosts, the season was done without the May bridges.
Comparatively, in 2021 the outlook is better.
"
Reservations are down for the Ascension compared to a normal year, but there are better compared to last year since we were not allowed to welcome tourists at the same time
", confirms Nicolas Dayot, president of the departmental union of outdoor hotels in Brittany.
“We are expecting a good month of May.
"
Solange Escure, Managing Director of Gîtes de France
As for furnished rentals, Gîte de France already has occupancy rates between 50 and 85% depending on the region. “
We are expecting a good month of May. People have such a great need to get some fresh air, to get some fresh air, to get out,
”underlines Solange Escure, general manager of Gîtes de France. According to her, the closure of restaurants does not slow down the French. "
If we have access to the terraces, that will be a bonus, but that does not prevent reservations,
" she slips.
Hosts expect a big last minute bookings after the upcoming announcements of easing restrictions. Like last summer, the coastline should be taken by storm. “
The French need more air than ever before, by the sea in particular,
” underlines Nicolas Dayot, from the departmental union for outdoor accommodation in Brittany. "
In a logic of proximity:
Ile-de-France residents are
starting to book furnished accommodation for Brittany and Normandy, Bordeaux residents on the Atlantic coast, Lyonnais on the Mediterranean coast, etc.
", confirms Didier Arino, associate director of the Protourisme cabinet. “
Second homes will also be taken by storm
He anticipates. Still unknown, the date of reopening of restaurants and sightseeing sites could also increase the number of day visitors.