Tourism Industry Prepares for Arrival of Holiday-Goers on Bridge of Ascension
Ascension Weekend Emerges as Popular Alternative to Peak Summer Tourism
A surge in domestic tourism has greeted campsites in Fréjus, Var, as Ascension Weekend approached. Many families, such as a group from Marseille, have opted for a relaxing three-day break in a mobile home, paying half the cost of peak summer stays.
Amidst the poolside sun loungers, many holidaymakers express a preference for this holiday weekend over the peak season. "Quality against cost, it doesn't get any better," one vacationer says. The beach, too, hosts an influx of tourists, with both French and foreign visitors already taking their first swims at nearby Saint-Raphaël beaches. Restaurateurs are pleased with the boost in business, reporting positive early results.
With the Ascension Weekend coinciding with a long holiday weekend in France, it sees a significant increase in domestic tourism, rivaling popular spring and early summer travel weekends. Campsites in the Var region suffer from high occupancy rates but shorter stays, in stark contrast to the peak summer months.
Traditionally, peak summer season (July–August) sees campsites and tourism infrastructure at full capacity, accommodating both domestic and international tourists for extended periods. The number of visitors and the overall economic impact are significantly higher during this time.
During the Ascension Weekend, tourism is predominantly domestic, with a focus on relaxation and outdoor activities. Though lively, the atmosphere is less crowded compared to the peak summer months. Economically, while businesses experience a substantial boost over a short period, the total impact pales in comparison to the peak season.
In general, campsites book up quickly during the Ascension Weekend, although there is more flexibility for late bookings compared to summer. Summer booking requires months of advanced planning, with many campsites reaching maximum occupancy for weeks.
Though detailed, location-specific data for Fréjus campsites is not available, general patterns in the Var region (and across France) confirm a strong but shorter-lived tourism surge during Ascension Weekend, providing a contrast to the longer, more intense peak season during July and August.
Travelers take advantage of the lower costs and more relaxed atmosphere during the Ascension Weekend, choosing camping trips in places like Fréjus, Var as an alternative to peak summer tourism. Contrasting the peak summer months, Ascension Weekend sees a surge in domestic tourism, with a focus on shorter stays and relaxation, offering a unique lifestyle experience that remains less crowded but still provides a boost for local businesses.
