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Do you know the history of vacations? Where did we go on vacation back then? A brief historical overview and a dive into the archives of old newspapers...
©️Gallica - BnF
The year 2020 will definitely be unique. All our habits are disrupted, even those that promised us relaxation and letting go… In 2020, we are called to spend our vacations in France. For several reasons, first to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus, then to support the national economy and more specifically the tourism sector.
Everyone is obviously aware of the establishment of paid leave in 1936 under the Popular Front, which considerably shortens the history of summer vacations in France. However, before it reached its peak in the 1970s, know that this “concept” is much older than it seems. In fact, people already talked about being on vacation since Antiquity, yes indeed!
Indeed, the Roman emperor Hadrien never missed an opportunity to flee Rome during the heatwave and go to Tivoli, in his splendid villa. Imitated by many aristocrats, they settled for several months near Naples to enjoy the summer without suffering from the heat and disease-carrying mosquitoes. The Romans will be the first to travel for pleasure.
In the Middle Ages, the concept of vacations differed greatly. Holidays (such as Sunday) and public holidays are decreed by the Church. These days are dedicated to reflection and prayer. At the time, one could also be granted leave to help with harvesting, grape picking, or other crops. In short, in the Middle Ages, only the richest could enjoy their summer residences while the poor did not rest, rightly.
It is necessary to wait for the Renaissance to truly speak of tourism. Indeed, artists and writers travel around Europe to gain knowledge and develop their creativity. In the 18th century, new countries are visited, people go to the mountains (Mont Blanc is climbed for the first time in 1786) and to the seaside - destinations favored by the Anglo-Saxon bourgeoisie following the rise of transportation like the train.
If children already had school vacations before 1914 (one month in the summer to help in the fields), more or less based on the Catholic calendar, these have not stopped evolving since the paid leave law passed by the Popular Front in 1936.
After 1936, the long “school” vacations take place from July 15 to September 30, in addition to a few days at Easter and Christmas. Workers, on the other hand, have 12 working days of paid leave from their employers.
The boom of vacations arrives in the 1950s. The wealthiest vacationers rush to seaside villages to set up camp. Workers enjoy this rest at home. Many organizations invest money and time to allow children to go to camps. This is the case for the Red Cross or even large companies like the SNCF or EDF.
Since 1981, 5 weeks of paid leave and RTT (reduced working hours) allow employees to leave in the summer but also in the winter, to ski. We no longer travel only in France but all over the world in search of the unusual, the beautiful, the different.