"50% of my customers are French": Spain, the star of summer 2025 thanks to attractive prices

The French are choosing Spain for their summer vacation this year . The country is leading the way in bookings, according to a study conducted by PAP Vacances, with a 14.1% increase compared to last year.

In the small Spanish seaside resort of Tossa de Mar, in Catalonia, you only have to listen carefully to hear people speaking French. "People who work in hotels often speak French first. There are a lot of them," notes Lucile, a mother from Annecy, who is far from disoriented.

Many, like her, prefer the Costa Brava to the French Riviera in the south of France. The Costa Brava is particularly popular with the French. It has recorded a 24.5% increase in bookings in one year, according to a study conducted by PAP .

"We like Spain for the heat," says Céline, who is coming here for the third consecutive year with her family. Her husband, William, appreciates the "friendly atmosphere" of the place. "It's friendly. Relaxation, we rest. There are some really pretty spots to explore. And swimming is really pleasant," he explains.

The main reason, however, remains the budget for these parents of three children: "For 10 days in a camper van, we paid 470 euros." In France, "it would have been at least twice that," she says.

"We'll get by on 50 euros for four people at a restaurant. We can go to twice as many restaurants, the math is easy," adds William.

Just a few meters from the beach, Ruben offers off-road vehicle excursions around Tossa de Mar. In recent years, he has seen an increasing number of French visitors. "Almost 50% of my clients are French. They are mostly families with children, and elderly people too," he explains. On average, house rentals in Spain are 30% cheaper than on the French Riviera.