|
IN BRIEF
|
As the end-of-year holidays approach, an exciting question arises: do the French prefer a snowy Christmas in the mountains or opt for the warmth of sunny beaches? With 53 % of them considering traveling during this festive period, preferences waver between ski resorts and getaways to warm destinations, revealing marked trends and varied desires.
The mountains, a traditional choice for Christmas #
Holidays in the mountains, particularly in the Alps, remain a sure bet for snow and winter sports enthusiasts. Renowned resorts such as Avoriaz, La Rosière, and Montgenèvre continue to attract vacationers in search of thrilling experiences on the slopes. Statistics confirm this, with a 30 to 40 % increase in bookings this season, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these destinations.
The Alps: an ideal setting for family celebrations
The Alps concentrate most of the choices of vacationers, particularly in the regions of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The beauty of a snow-covered mountain, coupled with the authenticity of alpine villages and modern infrastructures offering various activities, makes the Alps a sought-after destination for Christmas. Families looking for a friendly atmosphere and activities for all find their happiness in this spectacular setting.
Other mountain ranges: charm and accessibility
Outside the Alps, the Pyrénées and Vosges also attract family audiences. Less frequented than their alpine counterparts, they offer more affordable rates and a welcoming atmosphere. To ensure a guaranteed snow experience, the presence of artificial snow has played a key role in the strategy of the resorts, reassuring vacationers about skiing conditions.
Sun and beaches: attractive alternatives for Christmas #
Alongside the appeal of snowy mountains, Christmas vacations are also synonymous with sunny escapes for many French people. Destinations such as Morocco, Senegal, and South-East Asia have seen their popularity grow, offering a very different experience where the sun reigns supreme.
À lire the classic and sports car show in the United Kingdom on June 7th and 8th, 2025
Morocco: a welcoming land in winter
Morocco positions itself as an essential destination with captivating cities such as Marrakech and Essaouira, where vacationers can enjoy the mild climate while savoring authentic moments within enchanting riads. This country, a true crossroads of cultures, attracts those seeking both cultural and relaxing experiences under the sun.
South-East Asia and the Caribbean: exotic choices
South-East Asia, particularly Bangkok, also attracts with its affordable prices and exotic atmosphere, recording a significant growth of 22 % in searches this year. On the other hand, the Caribbean remains popular for its idyllic beaches, with cities like Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, and Saint-Denis in Réunion showing a notable increase in bookings.
Tips for an economical trip at Christmas #
In the face of strong demand, prices can quickly rise, hence the importance of some tips for traveling at a lower cost during this time:
- Plan your dates wisely: leaving on December 31 can offer significant savings on international flights.
- Anticipate your return: returning on December 26 or January 1 allows you to benefit from savings on airline tickets.
- Make your bookings early: popular destinations fill up quickly, which leads to price increases.
Varied choices reflecting French desires #
Whether it’s hitting the snowy slopes or relaxing by the water, the Christmas period offers a multitude of options to satisfy all tastes. While some opt for the traditional warmth of the French mountains, others prefer the mildness of exotic destinations, seeking to turn their end-of-year holidays into unforgettable memories, whether under a white blanket or the gentle winter sun.
