Retirees are playing a central role in sustaining France’s tourism industry during the off-season, particularly in regions such as Corrèze where the visitor calendar now extends beyond the traditional summer months.
An Ipsos survey published in March 2024 found that nearly two-thirds of people over 60 plan to travel within the next five years.
With more disposable income for leisure—€2,230 annually compared to €1,776 for 18–34 year olds—this demographic has become a reliable market for destinations seeking to maintain economic activity outside peak periods.
While international travel remains attractive, seniors overwhelmingly favor France, with 77% choosing domestic destinations.
More than 70% of this age group already travel in the off-season, helping to keep many communities active at a time when younger families are back to work and school.
“The off-season is a real economic lever for the region,” said Anaïs Mathou, director of Gîtes de France Corrèze, which reports occupancy rates of around 70% in September.
Local tourism officials note that retirees not only bring consistent demand but also demonstrate loyalty to accommodations and regions.
“They like to find the link created with an owner or even with a person in the reservation department,” Mathou explained, adding that many visitors return year after year.
According to Tourisme Corrèze director Marie Saule, “here, the villages live all year round, and visitors contribute directly to the running of shops, craftsmen and services.”
Motorhome travel illustrates how this generation is reshaping expectations around retirement.
A 2023 AAA Data study reported that seniors represent the largest share of the motorhome market in France, with an average buyer age of 59 for new vehicles and 55 for second-hand.
On the ground, operators see the same trend. “Most of our attendance in the off-season comes from retirees, and for the pitches for motorhomes, it’s almost 100%,” said Vincent Homburger, manager of Camping du Lac de Marcillac.
For businesses in outdoor hospitality, the evolving habits of senior travelers highlight opportunities for long-term stability. Beyond accommodation, these visitors frequent farmers’ markets, restaurants, and cultural attractions, reinforcing local economies.
Corrèze has adapted with infrastructure tailored to this audience, including three dedicated motorhome circuits, 70 designated areas, and itineraries for hikers and heritage seekers.
“We have very active, fit seniors who come in a variety of profiles,” Saule told Le Figaro, ranging from club groups to vintage car enthusiasts.
For operators across the outdoor hospitality sector, the case of Corrèze underscores the value of designing services that align with senior travelers’ mobility, loyalty, and appetite for slow tourism.
As regions across Europe consider how to balance seasonal tourism flows, retirees are emerging as a cornerstone market capable of sustaining demand year-round.