Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Tourism: Record-Breaking Summer on the Côte d’Azur

 

The Côte d’Azur has enjoyed an exceptional summer season, with coastal hotels posting some of their strongest results in years, largely fueled by a surge in international visitors. Yet while hotels and rentals celebrate record demand, traditional restaurants are voicing concerns.

After a lively spring boosted by major events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Lions, UNOC, and Ironman, the region entered summer with strong momentum. May saw coastal hotel occupancy climb to 77% (+2 points over 2024), with several days above 90%. June broke records with 85% occupancy (+3 points).

That strength carried into the peak season. In July, hotels reached nearly 87% occupancy (+1 point), with revenue per available room up 8%. Tourist residences and furnished rentals also performed well, averaging 79% and 74% respectively.

Early August confirmed the boom: coastal hotels reached 92% occupancy during the first two weeks, peaking at 98% over the August 15 holiday weekend. The full month is expected to close around 85%. Private holiday rentals also hit their annual high, with 88% occupancy in early August. In the mountains, the season proved strong too, averaging 50% occupancy and up to 62% mid-August, while tourist residences climbed to 65%.

International visitors lead the charge

Foreign travelers made up the majority of hotel stays—55% in July and 58% in August. The North American market, particularly the U.S., is driving this growth. American visitors are also the region’s biggest spenders, averaging €170 per person per day compared to €75 for French tourists.

With these results, Côte d’Azur France Tourisme is eager to keep the momentum going. Following a successful promotional tour in North America earlier this year, a new campaign is scheduled for February 2026, targeting Boston, Houston, Chicago, and Toronto.

Despite record-breaking visitor numbers, locals note that improved public transport has eased congestion, helping to create a surprisingly calm and enjoyable summer season for residents and travelers alike.

No comments: