Summer 2025: why do French beaches sell out in August?

Every summer, France's beaches attract their fair share of holidaymakers. But this year, the trend is even more pronounced: seaside destinations are booming, particularly in August. Between the return of foreign tourists and French enthusiasm for the coast, the figures confirm an exceptional season.

Source : Article "Tourism in France: the momentum of 2024 is confirmed in the first half of 2025 and should continue this summer" available on atout-france.fr

An expected return of international tourists

After several turbulent years, 2025 finally marks a return to normal. According to the latest figures published by the French Ministry of Tourism and Atout Francetourist bookings for the June-August period have risen by 4.7% compared to 2024. Vacation rentals fared particularly well, with +16% in bookings in coastal destinations.

Visitors from Northern Europe and North America are back, seduced by the diversity of the French landscape and the reputation of our beaches. For tourism professionals, it's a breath of fresh air after several complicated seasons.

August, still the favorite month for vacationers

No surprise there, August remains the strongest of the season. Campsites, the darlings of families and groups of friends, are anticipating a rise in visitor numbers of around 4% compared to summer 2023 (source: Atout France).

Some regions are even seeing their popularity soar. On the Opal Coastfor example, a recent regional study counted more than 37,000 summer trips between Boulogne and Calais. Large beaches, adapted infrastructures and easy accessibility: the recipe is winning over more and more families in search of a simple, convivial vacation.

What are the top destinations in 2025?

According to a study reported by CNewsnine of the ten French cities with the biggest increase in visitor numbers this year are on the coast. They include : Arcachon, Antibes, Saint-Maloas well as a number of resorts in south-west France and Brittany that combine authenticity, heritage and seaside activities.

How about enjoying these destinations in a different way?
In Arcachon, for example, avoid the beach crowds and take to the open sea with Liberty Pass for a boat trip in total freedom!

A changing tourist calendar

Interestingly, the season is not linear. Some resorts experienced a slight dip in Julyquickly offset by a massive influx in August. The return of foreign travelers is a major factor in this phenomenon.

This new dynamic raises questions: is it simply a post-pandemic interlude, or is it a lasting trend in the way we travel? Only time will tell.

In a nutshell

The summer of 2025 confirms the appeal of French beaches: visitor numbers are up, foreign tourists are back and coastal towns are more attractive than ever. To avoid the crowds while enjoying the sea, alternative solutions such as pleasure boating are the cote.

And if you're looking for a towel on the sand... or a Liberty boat... Pass this summer?

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