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IN BRIEF
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This summer, the French show marked preferences in vacation destinations. A survey conducted by Elabe for La Tribune Dimanche revealed a ranking of the most popular tourist spots. From their choices, a clear trend emerges: islands are at the top of preferences, with favored places such as Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron. Let’s discover together the ranking of the 100 popular destinations for summer vacations.
Leading destinations at the top of the ranking
According to the survey, Île de Ré ranks first among the preferred summer destinations of the French. With its natural beauty and charming villages, it attracts vacationers seeking relaxation. Île d’Oléron closely follows, confirming the appeal of islands in vacation choices. In third and fourth places are two iconic Corsican towns: Ajaccio and Bonifacio, known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich historical heritage. Finally, Saint-Malo, with its maritime history and beaches, completes the Top 5. This ranking reflects a strong attachment of the French to authentic and sunny places for vacationing.
Destinations outside the islands
When expanding the ranking to the top ten destinations, other attractive places emerge. La Rochelle, perched in sixth place, is famous for its old port and festivals. Annecy, a charming town in the Alps, reads in seventh position, promising picturesque mountain landscapes and refreshing water activities. Biarritz, with its surfable beaches, ranks eighth, followed by Noirmoutier-en-l’Île in ninth place, known for its salt marshes and varied landscapes. Saint-Jean-de-Luz completes this selection, celebrated for its family-friendly and festive atmosphere.
Preferences vary by generation
The survey results are not uniform, as destination preferences evolve according to age groups. Let’s take a closer look at the destinations favored by different categories of vacationers. For families with children, Île de Ré remains a must-visit, followed by Ajaccio and Bonifacio. Young adults aged 18 to 24 especially prefer Ajaccio at the top, followed by Île de Ré and Cannes. As for those aged 25-34, their choices mainly focus on Île de Ré, Annecy, and Île d’Oléron.
The 35-49 age group shares the same preferences, placing Île de Ré at the top. However, those over 50 tend to favor Bonifacio, followed by Île de Ré and Ajaccio. It is also noted that seniors aged 65 and older primarily choose Île d’Oléron, Île de Ré, and Saint-Malo, indicating tastes centered on tranquility and nature.
Mediterranean destinations highlighted
Occitanie also shines in this ranking, with Argelès-sur-Mer, which ranks 21st, marking the top spot for this region. Other Mediterranean seaside resorts appear, such as Le Grau-du-Roi, Palavas-les-Flots, and La Grande-Motte, all known for their summer vibe and sunny beaches. These destinations attract families seeking relaxing vacations by the sea.
Less popular spots
At the other end of the ranking, we find less popular cities, with Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Grenoble, and Dunkerque occupying the three last places. This choice can be explained by leisure or attraction offerings that are less suited to the expectations of summer vacationers, or simply by stronger preferences for other types of destinations.
In summary, the ranking of summer destinations for the French reveals a strong attraction to islands and the coastline, while other places are certainly appealing, but to a lesser extent. If you wish to plan your vacation, explore this ranking and let yourself be inspired by the preferences of others. For advice on destinations to avoid this summer, discover this article. For discoveries beyond borders, also check out our selection of European destinations here.
