Rising September Travel Among French Vacationers
According to a study conducted by eDreams, an increasing number of French travelers are choosing to postpone their holidays until September, with popular destinations including Marrakech, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. As the peak summer season comes to a close, September emerges as an appealing month for many French vacationers. The favorable weather, a decrease in tourist crowds, and often more attractive pricing contribute to this growing trend, as confirmed by booking data from the online travel agency eDreams. The analysis, which focuses on reservations made between May 1 and July 20, 2026, sheds light on the preferences and habits of French travelers during the late summer season.
Mediterranean Hotspots Dominate Late Summer Travel
The allure of sunshine and proximity to the Mediterranean coast are key factors for September travelers. Marrakech tops the list as the most booked destination, reaffirming Morocco's enduring appeal. It is closely followed by two major Spanish tourism hubs, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Other notable mentions rounding out the top ten include Lisbon, Ajaccio, Rome, Figari, Athens, Heraklion, and Porto, highlighting a strong preference for the Mediterranean region. This trend is mirrored in the rankings by country, where Spain takes the lead with 17% of French bookings, followed closely by France itself at 15%, Italy at 9%, and both Portugal and Greece at 6% each.
Planning for September vacations is not a last-minute endeavor for the French; the study indicates that 44% of travelers book their trips between 61 and 90 days in advance, while 42% secure their plans more than three months prior to departure. Only 13% finalize their plans within two months of their travel dates. The beginning of September is particularly popular, with the week of September 6 alone accounting for 28% of departures. Overall, the first three weeks of September represent 74% of all reservations, leaving just 6% for the final week. In terms of duration, trips lasting one to two weeks (7 to 13 days) are the most favored, comprising 31% of bookings, closely followed by shorter stays of 3 to 4 days at 28%. Consistent with these destination choices, short-haul flights make up 58% of all reservations, a slight increase from 56% in 2025.
Beyond traditional destinations, certain cities are experiencing remarkable growth compared to September 2025. Venice has recorded the highest increase, with a staggering 106% rise in bookings, capitalizing on its off-season charm. Domestic city breaks in France are also thriving, as evidenced by the impressive performance of Lille (+82%) and Toulouse (+57%). Other seaside destinations are also proving dynamic, such as Hurghada in Egypt (+35%) and Split in Croatia (+34%), attracting travelers seeking extended warmth.
France remains a reliable destination for European visitors during the fall. Spaniards comprise the largest group of tourists (27% of bookings), followed by Portuguese, Italians, and Germans, each accounting for 11% of arrivals. Predictably, their favored cities include Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille. The complete study is available through eDreams, an online travel agency founded in 1999 and part of the eDreams ODIGEO group, recognized as the world's leading travel subscription platform. The group operates in 44 markets through its brands (eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo, Travellink, and the comparison site Liligo) and has launched eDreams Prime, a subscription program boasting over 8 million members since its inception in 2017, granting access to a comprehensive range of travel services.
As reported by presseagence.fr.
