France Travel TRENDS

France Travel TRENDS 2026 Quiet Escapes, Personalised Journeys and Slow Discoveries According to data from leading hotel groups, travel firms and global trend forecasters, 2026 will be the year we step back from packed travel plans and lean into something softer, slower and far more personal. Think quiet escapes. Ultra-tailored retreats. Fewer tick-box itineraries, more goosebumps. We asked award-winning France travel specialist Mark Bonte of French Side Travels, a familyowned company specialising in unique, tailormade trips to France, to share his predictions for travel trends this year. “In France, the shift from multiple to meaningful feels not just natural - but inevitable” he says. “It’s a combination of things that are driving the move towards more personal itineraries - digital overload for sure, but mostly it’s about travellers wanting carefully curated journeys that are often shaped around life stages and their passions. ”At French Side Travel we’re finding that travellers want France-based getaways that are completely unique and cater to their personal desires - solo rediscovery trips, honeymoons, special anniversaries, postretirement adventures, multi-generational gatherings, creative sabbaticals, and culinary pilgrimages. It’s about adventure, and unforgettable moments - not just a tour. Mark Bonte, award-winning France travel expert “The emphasis is on trust” Mark says. “Guests want to hand over the details to experts who understand not just the destination - but the traveller. And few countries are better placed for this than France. There is so much to discover, from untouched nature to dynamic cities, quaint seaside villages to abbeys perched in the mountains, river and canal cruises, chateau stays... France is a hub for art, culture, gastronomy, fashion, and much, much more. A place to explore hidden jewels, visit iconic must-sees, shop in a bustling market, and immerse yourself in the French art de vivre.” Corsica authentic, unspoiled, uncrowded Corsica - authentic, unspoiled, uncrowded “We see Corsica as one of the key areas for visitors looking for an authentic getaway, a deep connection with nature, and amazing gastronomy. Step off the plane and you’re greeted by the scent of wild maquis herbs - rosemary, myrtle, immortelle - drifting on warm air. Granite peaks plunge into aquamarine coves lapped by the Mediterranean Sea. Villages cling to mountainsides, shutters half-closed against the sun. We love restaurants which offer traditional Corsican dishes like Figatellu sausage grilled over vine cuttings, plates of local brocciu cheese and chestnut honey served on a shaded terrace.” Corsican cuisine is a feast for the senses 36 | The Good Life France Discover authentic France The Good Life France | 37