Vacations in France: History and Old Newspaper Clippings

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.

Vacations from Antiquity to the Renaissance

Everyone is of course aware of the establishment of paid leave in 1936 under the Popular Front, which considerably reduces the history of vacations in France in the summer. However, before these vacations reached their peak in the 1970s, know that this "concept" is much older than it seems. In fact, people were already talking about being on vacation since Antiquity, yes indeed!

Indeed, the Roman emperor Hadrian never missed an opportunity to flee Rome during the heatwave and go to Tivoli, in his magnificent villa. Imitated by many aristocrats, they settled for several months near Naples to enjoy the summer without suffering the intense heat and disease-carrying mosquitoes. The Romans were the first to travel for pleasure.

In the Middle Ages, the concept of vacations differed greatly. Holidays (like Sunday) and public holidays were decreed by the Church. These days were dedicated to reflection and prayer. At that time, one could also be granted leave to help with the harvest, vineyard, or other crops. In short, in the Middle Ages, only the richest could enjoy their summer residences while the poor did not rest, precisely.

It was not until the Renaissance that we can truly speak of tourism. Indeed, artists and writers traveled around Europe to gain knowledge and develop their creativity. In the 18th century, new countries were visited, people went to the mountains (Mount Blanc was climbed for the first time in 1786) and by the seaside—destinations favored by the Anglo-Saxon bourgeoisie following the development of transportation like the train.

Vacations in the 20th Century

If children already had summer vacations before 1914 (one month in the summer to help in the fields), which were more or less aligned with the Catholic calendar, these vacations have continued to evolve since the paid leave law was passed by the Popular Front in 1936.

After 1936, the long "school" vacations took place from July 15 to September 30, in addition to a few days at Easter and Christmas. Workers, for their part, had 12 working days of paid leave by their employers.

The boom in vacations arrived in the 1950s. The wealthiest vacationers flocked to seaside villages to pitch their tents. Workers enjoyed their rest at home. Many organizations invested money and time to allow children to go to camps. This was the case for the Red Cross or even large companies like SNCF or EDF.

Since 1981, 5 weeks of paid leave and RTT allow employees to leave in the summer as well as in the winter, for skiing. We no longer travel only in France but all over the world in search of the unusual, the beautiful, the different.