Airbnb: French Prefer English Channel Coasts and Mountains This Summer


Villers-sur-Mer arrive en tête des destinations françaises enregistrant les plus fortes progressions de recherches sur Airbnb cet été.  Depositphotos.com/nupix

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The French have prioritized nearby destinations this summer.

According to Airbnb, searches were notably concentrated on the coastal towns of the Manche, with five destinations among those showing the strongest increases: Villers-sur-Mer (+45 %), Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (+34 %), Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (+31 %), Le Crotoy (+30 %) and Le Tréport (+25 %).


The Northern Coastline Appeals

The ranking is led by Villers-sur-Mer, ahead of Collioure (+39 %) and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (+36 %). Benodet (+35 %) and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin round out the top of the table, while Perros-Guirec (+29 %) and Noirmoutier-en-l’Île (+26 %) also feature among the most searched destinations.

This rise in northern coastal destinations comes during a summer marked by several heatwaves. Airbnb highlights the appeal of these territories for their natural spaces and a climate perceived as milder.


The Mountains Continue to Grow in Popularity

Rural areas account for 64% of bookings made in France on Airbnb. The mountain region is also gaining traction: the volume of searches for Le Bourg-d’Oisans has notably more than doubled. Huez, Les Gets, Chambon-sur-Lac and Samoëns are also among the mountain destinations favored by users.

Another takeaway: the French prefer relatively close destinations, with stays averaging less than 350 km from home. For Clément Eulry, director of Airbnb France, this shift reflects a desire to explore a broader palette of destinations beyond the main tourist hubs.

Amara Nambinga

Amara Nambinga

I write about tourism, culture, and emerging destinations with a Namibian perspective. Through my articles, I try to highlight the places, people, and travel stories that show how Africa and the wider world are changing.