France is recognized nationally and of course internationally for its wide variety of landscapes, climates and also local cultures. For travelers, it is essential to know the peak season periods, as they influence not only prices, but also tourist numbers and the calendar of local events. So, when does the high season start and end in France and should you favor it for your holidays? Our concierge agency in Bayonne answers all your questions about the high tourist season and provides you with the best advice for organizing your vacation.
What is peak tourist season?
The high season in France corresponds to the times of the year when tourist destinations are busiest. It is generally characterized by a favorable climate, numerous local festivities, and a significant increase in the number of national and international visitors. Naturally, the high season often tends to overlap with the school holiday calendar. When the school desks become empty, parents generally take advantage of their children's free time with them and thus take time off, thus taking the opportunity to go on vacation.
The high summer season:
In France, the high summer season is the most common time for vacations. It generally begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of August or even the beginning of September. During this period, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, Brittany and Corsica are taken over by vacationers. Cities like Paris, Nice, Marseille and Lyon also experience significant tourist influx. The mountains are not to be outdone and easily attract outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Concretely, in Bayonne, the summer season is definitely the high season. It is during the period from mid-June to mid-September that all things take a new turn. OUR concierge agency in Bayonne can only note the influx of travelers, the multiplication of events as well as the overall dynamism in this geographical sector. Of course, tourism spreads throughout the year but in much smaller proportions the rest of the year.
The high winter season:
For winter sports enthusiasts, the peak winter season is mainly between December and February. The French Alps, Pyrenees and other ski resorts attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. The mountainous regions of the Massif Central and the Vosges also experience an increase in crowds during this period. This seems obvious and yet, winter vacation departures are generally made to ski resorts. This is of course a statistic, all regions are equally affected by winter holidays even if not all of them meet with the same success and do not see the same number of travelers arriving.
Other tourist highlights:
Besides the summer and winter seasons, France has other peak season times linked to specific events. For example, the Cannes Film Festival in May attracts cinema lovers from all over the world. The Christmas festivities in December make Christmas markets and illuminated towns very popular. These highlights naturally spread over shorter periods of time but lead to the same phenomena: increase in the number of tourists, increase in prices and regularity of events.
Our advice for traveling in high season:
Traveling in high season generally happens naturally: the children are on vacation, your leave is over, you take the opportunity to go for a few days or a few weeks to a destination that you like. It is also an acquired habit: many people without children choose to go on vacation in high season when nothing prevents them from traveling in May and early June. However, here are some tips to make the most of your trip in high season:
- Book in Advance: Accommodations and flights fill up quickly in peak season, so book as early as possible to get the best rates and availability.
- Avoid holiday weekends: Long weekends and holidays can be particularly busy. Try to plan your trip outside of these periods if possible.
- Explore lesser-known areas: Instead of focusing on the most popular tourist destinations, consider visiting lesser-known areas to avoid the crowds and make the most of your vacation to relax.
- Plan activities in advance: Book tickets to tourist attractions in advance to avoid long lines.
- Stay flexible: Be prepared to adjust your itinerary based on weather conditions for air travel and be smart if traveling by car.
In summary, high season in France varies depending on the region and the activities you plan to do. Understanding peak season periods will allow you to better plan your trip, whether you want to enjoy the summer sun on the French Riviera or the snowy slopes of the Alps in winter. With proper planning, you can have an exceptional peak season experience in France.
