French people are planning to spend less on summer holidays in 2026 as inflation, higher transport costs and geopolitical tensions reshape travel choices, according to a new survey. Fewer travellers are certain their trips will happen, while more are choosing destinations in France and cutting back on accommodation, food and activities.
The Ifop survey, carried out for Alliance France Tourisme in March 2026, found that 68% of French people plan to go away for at least a week this summer, down 9 points from 2025. Just 37% say they are certain they will travel, compared with 50% last year.
Dominique Marcel, president of Alliance France Tourisme, said the findings did not point to a collapse in demand, but showed the first impact of current economic and security concerns. He said: “This study shows that there is no collapse in the intentions of the French, who remain very attached to holidays, but that the first effects of the current situation are beginning to be felt, under the combined effect of concerns about security and tighter budget constraints,” said Dominique Marcel.
The research suggests that French holidaymakers are increasingly looking for trips that are closer to home, easier to reach and perceived as safer. The proportion planning to travel within France has risen to 71%, up 3 points on 2025, while 23% intend to travel elsewhere in Europe and 9% are looking beyond the continent.
The shift comes against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, a global energy crisis and inflation that continues to weigh on household purchasing power. For many families, the summer break is still a priority, but the way they travel is changing as budgets tighten.
On average, French travellers plan to spend 1,530 euros on their summer holidays this year, about 150 euros less than in 2025, according to Alliance France Tourisme. More than half expect to spend less than last year on accommodation, catering and other on-site costs, the group said.
That pressure is strongest on spending once people arrive at their destination. Marcel said 60% of respondents think they will reduce their on-site costs, a sign that visitors are trying to protect their budgets by trimming everyday holiday expenses.
Free accommodation with friends and family is also becoming more common. The survey found 31% plan to stay with relatives or acquaintances this year, up from 21% in 2025.
The findings also underline the gap between richer and poorer households. Alliance France Tourisme said 84% of well-off people plan to take a holiday, compared with 58% of those in more modest circumstances.
The survey suggests that travel demand in France remains resilient, but that economic uncertainty is changing behaviour. Holidaymakers are not abandoning travel, yet many are staying closer to home, taking shorter breaks and looking for cheaper ways to go away.
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