For many Britons of a certain age, the charming towns, imposing chateaux and pavement cafes of France summon up cherished memories of first times abroad on a school exchange or a family holiday. In an era when long-haul flights were the preserve of the wealthy, a boat trip across the Channel was a welcome break for generations of holidaymakers.
The lure of package tours to Thailand, the Caribbean and other far-flung destinations appeared to have changed all that; but les vacances en France are back. A combination of increased air taxes on long-haul flights, political instability throughout the Arab world and the recession at home have all contributed to a surge in the number of Britons booking Gallic breaks.
An analysis of nearly five million British holiday bookings this year revealed a boom in travellers heading to Paris, the Loire valley and beyond. In total, 31% more tourists are expected to visit the country this year, compared with 2010.
Carmen Konopka, editor of Destination France magazine, said the squeeze on incomes in the UK was a big factor. "People don't have lots of money and it's not expensive to get to France. You can pack your car and drive across from not much more than £30, which makes a big difference. I think there's also a fear of flying at the moment with more ash exploding, so driving somewhere becomes more attractive. » | Paul Gallagher | The Observer | Sunday, June 05, 2011
