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IN BRIEF
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Faced with an increasingly hectic lifestyle characterized by urban density, the French are now turning to a new way of traveling: peaceful tourism. Favoring calm, reconnection with nature, and escape from the hustle and bustle of cities, this movement is establishing itself across the Hexagon. This article explores the reasons and stakes of this underlying trend, the new types of favored accommodations, as well as the French regions where the need for authenticity is expressed most strongly.
The countryside: a new paradise for French vacations
In recent years, nature has attracted more and more vacationers seeking renewal. After recent restrictions and lockdowns, the desire for freedom and wide-open spaces is asserting itself. The platform Airbnb observes a 25% increase in bookings in rural departments in autumn 2024, confirming a growing interest in green tourism. According to the figures, stays in the countryside have even doubled between 2020 and 2025, revealing a genuine enthusiasm for escape into the heart of the French bucolic landscapes.
Why does this return to nature appeal to the French?
Many vacationers today are primarily seeking a new, more authentic lifestyle to better disconnect from the constraints of daily life. The countryside, once perceived as too quiet, now stands as the symbol of renewal. For city dwellers who have felt the limits of urban life, it provides a restorative pause, conducive to relaxation. This need for freedom comes with a desire to reconnect with simple and local values. Thus, as sociologist Jean Viard points out, nature brings a sense of emancipation while opening the door to a deep reconnection with oneself and with traditions.
The development of unusual accommodations and tailored offers
The tourist offer adapts to this aspiration for tranquility, multiplying options designed to ensure isolation and a change of scenery. Beyond traditional campgrounds, new formats are flourishing: treehouses, tiny houses, caravans, glamping, farm stays or water-side retreats create a unique range of possibilities for staying close to nature. This renewal of rural accommodations is reflected in the growing popularity of stays promoted on dedicated platforms such as peaceful places to escape the noise or through destinations highlighted in tourism news.
French regions popular for their authenticity
The Opodo barometer from March 2025 shows that while beach destinations remain essential, 15% of vacationers are now favoring green territories. This dynamic is notably reflected in a 60% increase in searches for rural rentals in Ain, Haute-Vienne, and Loire. Interest in locations such as preserved villages around Nice and refuges in the heart of Europe continues to grow, confirming this need for disconnection and preserved landscapes.
The impact on the tourist sector and local offers
The popularity of peaceful tourism stimulates the local economy and enhances the value of rural heritage. Tourism players adapt their offerings, focusing on authenticity and eco-responsibility: promoting local markets, cycling tours, farm stays, and discovering artisanal products. New hubs are emerging, supported by public initiatives and ministerial visits like those mentioned during the visit of the Minister of Tourism to Gréoux-les-Bains (see news), which highlight the strategic role assigned to this gentle tourism.
Responsible tourism and expectations for serenity
By deepening their choices, travelers are increasingly seeking the immersive experience: discovering preserved villages, environmentally friendly accommodations, but also exploring aquatic and preserved territories in the South of France, as shown by trends in the aquatic kingdom of the South. This quest for serenity and authenticity is transforming the way vacations are taken, with a desire to limit ecological footprints and prioritize well-being.
