Spring getaway: real estate destinations popular with the French

IN BRIEF

Mountain is seeing strong growth for the spring holidays with an increase of 23.6% in bookings.
High mountain resorts like Tignes/Val-d’Isère (+28%) and Les Menuires (+26.5%) attract many tourists.
The spring offers milder conditions for skiing and other mountain activities.
French travelers are choosing the coast less, with an overall decline of 3.6% in bookings compared to 2024.
Destinations on the Côte d’Azur and in Brittany are declining, while regions like the South Atlantic are growing (+18.6%).

This year’s spring holidays promise a unique outlook for the French, with a growing interest in mountain getaways. A study conducted by the real estate site Particulier à Particulier (Pap) reveals that mountain destinations are experiencing a significant increase in bookings, capturing the attention of vacationers at the expense of coastal destinations. This article offers a detailed overview of the changes in preferences for spring getaways.

A Rise in Popularity for Mountain Destinations #

For the 2025 spring holidays, the mountain emerges as the preferred destination for the French, recording a rise in bookings of 23.6% compared to the previous year. This trend is notably driven by favorable snow conditions, with not only abundant but also late snowfall. Thus, high mountain resorts like Tignes/Val-d’Isère, Les Menuires/Val-Thorens, and La Plagne show impressive increases of 28%, 26.5%, and 25.1% respectively.

The Benefits of Spring in the Mountains #

Spring holidays in the mountains offer several undeniable advantages. Spring skiing stands out for its milder temperatures and softer snow, making the experience more comfortable, especially for families. Furthermore, traffic on the slopes is significantly reduced, resulting in shorter wait times for the ski lifts. Additionally, lift pass prices are often cheaper — ranging from -20% to -50% depending on the resorts — as are accommodation prices. Spring also allows for the exploration of other mountain activities such as hiking, biking, or via ferrata.

A Decline in Interest for the Coast #

Conversely, the interest of the French in coastal vacations appears to be diminishing. An analysis of bookings for the spring holidays shows an overall decline of 3.6% compared to 2024. This decrease is particularly pronounced in certain iconic destinations like the Côte d’Azur (-9.2%) and the regions of Brittany and Loire-Atlantique (-11.3%).

Emerging Coastal Destinations #

Nevertheless, some coastal regions are seeing an increase in popularity. Destinations like the South Atlantic (+18.6%), Vendée/Charente (+12.9%), and Pyrénées-Atlantiques (+15.8%) are experiencing significant growth. These areas, with a pleasant climate starting in spring, offer more attractive prices than traditional beach destinations. These trends reflect a shift in vacation choices towards more diverse and accessible getaways.

The choices of the French for their spring getaways express a marked preference for the mountains, illustrating a change in habits regarding vacation destinations. The advantages offered by stays in the mountains and the rising prices of iconic coastal locations influence these decisions. A true reflection of modern vacation desires that prioritize nature and comfort.