According to the latest Septeo Hospitality Barometer, the French open-air sector continued to perform well in May. The analysis, based on data from one thousand establishments using the eSeason Resa system, shows a positive trend in online bookings compared with 2025, with a 3% increase in bookings and a 6% rise in revenue.
The May public holidays clearly encouraged short stays and trips to nearby campsites, supporting demand and highlighting holidaymakers’ growing interest in more flexible travel patterns and holidays spread throughout the season. The average booking value stands at €625, slightly down from the €668 recorded in April.
In terms of markets, French customers remain the real driving force of the sector, accounting for 72% of total bookings. Among foreign markets, Germany remains firmly in first place with 8%, followed by the Netherlands (5%), while Belgium and Spain each account for 3%. Switzerland maintains a stable share of 2%.
Accommodation remains the preferred option
In terms of accommodation types, rental units remain by far the preferred choice, accounting for 68% of bookings. However, pitches also increased their share, reaching 32% of the total. This development is once again attributed to the impact of the May public holidays, which favoured traditional camping and last-minute bookings.
At territorial level, significant differences emerge, with some destinations accelerating strongly ahead of the summer season, while others lag behind 2025. Among the most dynamic areas are Vendée and Finistère (+8%), the Somme (+17%) and Morbihan (+4%), confirming the attractiveness of the Atlantic coastline and natural destinations. In contrast, the Pyrénées-Orientales (-17%) and Var (-8%) are among the weakest performers.
Positive outlook for the rest of the season
Ahead of the peak season, signals remain encouraging, with holidaymakers continuing to actively plan their summer holidays despite a still complex economic and international environment. According to the Septeo Hospitality Barometer, the average basket value is €1,057 for rental accommodation (+1.1% compared with 2025), while pitches remain broadly stable with an average value of €367 (-1%).
Bookings also continue to be made well in advance, in line with what was observed last year. Average length of stay has decreased slightly but remains high in both segments: 6.92 days for accommodation units and 6.12 days for pitches (compared with 7.04 and 6.33 days respectively in 2025). According to Septeo’s analysis, this trend reflects more the rise in short stays and spring getaways than a slowdown in demand.
French clientele and seaside destinations
The structure of demand has changed little compared with 2025: French customers remain overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 72.5% of stays, compared with 73.4% the previous year. Among international markets, Germany strengthens its position as the leading foreign market with 7.9% of stays, up from 7.2% in 2025. The Netherlands also remains a key market at 6.4%, despite a slight decline year on year (6.5%). This is followed by visitors from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Spain and Switzerland.
The ranking of favourite destinations remains unchanged from last year, with Hérault (8.69%) in first place, followed by Vendée and Landes in second and third positions respectively. The Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts therefore continue to concentrate the majority of holiday demand.
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