With the arrival of the May bank holidays, the majority of French people are preparing to take advantage of these long days to go on a getaway. In this context, the car is the preferred means of transportation for approximately 76% of travelers, according to an OpinionWay survey conducted for Ulys electronic toll collection system. Several reasons explain this overwhelming choice: the flexibility offered, the often lower cost compared to other modes of travel, not to mention the pleasure of being able to stop wherever they please. From Paris to Marseille or to Brittany and Normandy, this automobile preference also reflects deep-rooted habits and logistical realities. The primary objective remains simplicity and comfort, two essential qualities for trips with family or friends during these long weekends.
Despite public transportation’s efforts to attract vacationers, the French appear attached to their cars, a symbol of freedom and autonomy on the road. This choice, sometimes criticized for its environmental impact, remains more prevalent than ever. In some areas, we’re lacking attractive and effective alternatives to dislodge the car, which is firmly entrenched in people’s minds. Before continuing with this trio of arguments, it’s useful to draw on factual data and comparisons of costs, time, and comfort to fully understand the motivations behind this lasting trend.
- Flexibility and organizational freedom 🛣️
- The often more attractive cost of travel 💶
- The comfort and adaptability of a personal vehicle 🚗
- Preferred destinations accessible by car 🏖️
- The influence of cultural and family habits 👫
Flexibility: a major argument for choosing a car during the May bank holidays
The primary reason why most French people prefer to travel by car during the May bank holidays is undoubtedly the flexibility this mode of transportation provides. The ability to leave at the desired time, take breaks where and when desired, or even change one’s itinerary along the way makes the car particularly suitable for short or medium-distance getaways.
For vacations with family or friends, the car also makes it easy to take luggage, leisure equipment, and even pets. Without strict schedule constraints or connections to manage, vacationers rely on this freedom to optimize their comfort and personal organization.
For example, a family new to Paris can easily avoid the crowds by leaving early in the morning, then decide to visit a village or tourist site not accessible by public transportation. This route choice also offers valuable flexibility in the event of adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, which isn’t always the case with trains or planes.
Drivers also appreciate being able to park their vehicles close to their accommodation, whether it’s a second home, a hotel, or a campsite. This eliminates the need to use local transportation upon arrival, reducing stress for many. Moreover, soft mobility on site often complements a personal car once the vehicle is parked.
Here are some of the advantages of a car in terms of flexibility:
- Departure at the desired time 📅
- Possibility of changing routes 🚦
- Frequent stops for breaks or visits 🛑
- Easy loading of luggage and equipment 🎒
- Private parking or parking close to the accommodation 🅿️
In this context, the car presents itself as a practical and reassuring solution, particularly sought after for long or busy journeys, embodied by popular brands like Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, and Volkswagen, developed to combine comfort and robustness on diverse roads.
| Concrete examples | Free choice of departure times |
|---|---|
| Early departure to avoid heavy highway traffic | Easy route modification |
| Spontaneous visit to a small town like Chartres or Blois | Personalized breaks |
| Stops at picnic areas or local restaurants | Carry luggage and equipment without constraints |
| Transport a bicycle, stroller, or sports equipment | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PWiz0KzLVg |
Beyond flexibility, the cost of travel remains an important factor in explaining the French’s enthusiasm for cars during these extended holidays. This is often a decisive factor, especially for large families, where the total cost of a trip can quickly rise. To better understand this reality, it is useful to refer to a concrete example of a journey between Paris and Marseille, which is very representative of habits during the off-season. This 773 km journey by car takes approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes with a typical Renault Scénic IV Diesel vehicle. In 2025, the price of diesel at the pump is 1.553 euros per liter on average, which results in a fuel cost for this journey estimated at approximately 166 euros, to which are added 69 euros in motorway tolls.
If fuel were purchased at a higher rate, particularly at certain motorway service stations where prices can increase, this amount would rise to €178. For drivers who prefer a more economical route on secondary roads, the journey time can double to 12.5 hours, but the fuel cost would then drop to €100, offering a more affordable solution for those on a tight budget.
In comparison, the train often appears to be a good alternative, particularly thanks to budget-friendly offers like Ouigo, which offers tickets for around €113 for a 3-hour 21-minute journey between Paris Gare de Lyon and Marseille Saint-Charles. Adding two additional pieces of luggage brings the total to €123, which is still attractive, but without the added convenience of a car. Finally, for travelers who prioritize speed, air travel offers the shortest flight (1 hour 20 minutes), but at the highest price, with an Air France ticket costing €173 per person for a flight from Orly to Marseille. For a family of four, this represents a total budget of €692, much higher than other options. Means of Transport ✈️🚄🚗
Average Journey Time ⏱️
Cost for 4 People 💶
Strengths ⭐
| Weaknesses ⚠️ | Car (Renault Scénic IV Diesel) | 7h46 (motorway) / 12h30 (secondary roads) | €166 – €178 (fuel + tolls) | Flexibility, comfort, unlimited luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long journey time, possible fatigue | Train (Ouigo) | 3h21 | €123 (with luggage) | Shorter journey time, economical fare |
| Less flexible, possible connections | Plane (Air France) | 1h20 (actual flight) | €692 | Speed, comfortable boarding |
| Very high cost, waiting times at airports | Discover the wonders of the world through our travel guides, practical advice, and tips for planning your unforgettable adventures. Explore new horizons and enjoy unique experiences. | It turns out that the car is often chosen as the least expensive solution, especially when you consider the entire family, children, luggage, and the freedom it offers. The majority of travelers rely on this observation to plan their getaways. To learn more about this topic, consult the more detailed analysis available on auto-moto.com or refer to Économie Matin, which explores trends related to May departures. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv24izR7M7w | The French’s favorite destinations for the May bank holidays and their accessibility by car |
These destinations are served by well-developed highways and efficient road networks, making it much easier to organize road trips. Brittany, with its coastal landscapes, hiking trails, and picturesque villages, attracts a large number of vacationers each year from major cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Nantes. Normandy also enjoys a certain reputation for its D-Day landing beaches, its gastronomy, and its historical sites. These regions invite both cultural and nature tourism, facilitated by the private car, which allows for exploring places off the beaten track. Here are some top destinations favored by car vacationers: 🌊 Brittany, for its coasts and wild islands 🕍 Normandy, between historic beaches and gastronomy
🌄 The Alps, for a spring mountain getaway
🏕️ Dordogne, for lovers of rural landscapes
Brands like Peugeot, Citroën, Toyota, and Ford are often the ideal road companions for these destinations, thanks to their reliability and comfort, suitable for journeys of several hundred kilometers. Favorite Destination 🚗
Average Distance from Paris (km) 📍
Average Driving Time (h) ⏳
- Tourist Attraction ⭐
- Brittany
- 500 – 600
- 5 to 6
- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Normandy
| 200 – 300 | 2 to 3 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | Loire Valley |
|---|---|---|---|
| 230 – 300 | 2 to 3 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | Alps |
| 600 – 700 | 6 to 7 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | Dordogne |
| 500 – 550 | 5 to 6 | 🌟🌟🌟 | The accessibility and appeal of these regions fuel the tendency to favor the car, despite the announcements SNCF’s optimistic outlook on its services and offerings for the month of May. Tourists know what to expect regarding timetables and prefer to travel in their own vehicles, further increasing pressure on the highways. |
| Cultural Habits and the Perception of the Car as a Symbol of Freedom in France | Beyond logistical and economic aspects, the car remains a powerful cultural and social marker in France. This perception plays a major role in the choice of mode of travel for the May bank holidays. | For several decades, owning a personal vehicle has been associated with autonomy, freedom of movement, and the ability to explore at one’s own pace. For the French, the car is not simply a means of transportation, but also a private space, a temporary cocoon that accompanies moments of relaxation. | This sentiment is further accentuated during the May getaway season. Taking a car inevitably allows one to escape the stress of tight train or plane schedules and avoid sometimes crowded public spaces. This desire for total control over their travel remains a key factor in vacationers’ choices to this day. |
| Manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Nissan, and DS Automobiles have clearly understood this trend and offer vehicles combining performance, comfort, and modern technology to appeal to these demanding drivers. Their range meets a desire for personalized experiences on the road, while offering the guarantee of safe driving during long journeys. 🚙 The car as a personal space and refuge | ⏰ Complete control over schedules and routes | 🎉 A sense of escape specific to road travel | 🏞️ Spontaneous discovery of places off the beaten track |
🛡️ Enhanced sense of security through vehicle choice
This influence of habit should not be underestimated to understand why the car’s contribution to the success of the May bank holidays remains so strong. It’s a combination of practical, psychological, and social factors that make the car almost essential for organizing a successful long weekend. Cultural Aspect 🚗
Detailed Explanation
Symbol of Freedom
The vehicle allows you to free yourself from time and geographical constraints
Personal Space
- A private setting to relax, listen to music, or chat with loved ones
- Enhanced Autonomy
- Independence in managing journeys, stops, and unforeseen events
- Attachment to the Brand
- Preference for French or European models, such as Peugeot and Citroën
Furthermore, the lifestyle of getting away from it all during long weekends has an impact on manufacturers’ marketing and innovations. We are seeing a rise in hybrid and electric models, such as the latest DS Automobiles Electric, seeking to meet the needs of eco-conscious drivers without sacrificing comfort.
| Road and logistical conditions that favor car use during the May long weekends | Finally, it would be incomplete to discuss the May long weekends without addressing the unique situation on French roads during this period. Vacationers’ travel logs and official statistics show that main roads, particularly motorways, quickly become congested from the first days of the long weekends. |
|---|---|
| Measures taken to improve traffic flow, such as the organization of recommended departure slots or the increased use of electronic toll collection, contribute to better managing these flows. However, high vehicle density remains a recurring phenomenon. The majority of drivers, often equipped with vehicles from brands renowned for their reliability, such as Toyota or Volkswagen, accept this constraint in exchange for the advantages of a car. | In this context, several alternatives such as carpooling, car rentals, and bus shuttles are attempting to capture a growing market share. These initiatives are particularly resonant with young people under 35, who, according to surveys, are the most motivated to travel to these bridges and who often combine several modes of transportation. |
| 🚦 Widespread use of electronic toll collection to save time | 🚗 Preference for reliable and comfortable vehicles |
| 🛣️ Saturation of main highways during departures | 🎯 Alternatives under development: carpooling, buses, rentals |
| ⏳ Timetable management to avoid congestion | Road conditions during the May bridges 🚧 |
Observed Consequences Congestion on major highwaysLonger travel times, frequent traffic jams
Deployment of electronic toll collection and incentives
Streamlining of payments and toll booth use
Efforts to improve signage
Better guidance and anticipation of traffic jams
- Pressure on gasoline and diesel vehicles
- Debate on environmental impact, interest in electric vehicles
- For those looking to better anticipate road conditions, platforms such as
- Économie Matin
- or
| L’Automobiliste | offer valuable updates, along with practical advice. This organization attempts to reconcile the appeal of the car with the sometimes difficult realities of French roads during peak periods. |
|---|---|
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIc5c-PBKFE | FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Car Use During the May Bank Holidays |
| Why is the car the preferred choice for the May Bank Holidays? Cars offer greater flexibility, sometimes lower costs for families, and comfort for long journeys. These factors are key for the majority of French people. | Is it often more economical to travel by car than by train or plane? |
| Yes, especially for large families or groups. The total cost of fuel and tolls is often less expensive compared to buying train or plane tickets together. | What are the main disadvantages of using cars for these getaways? |
| Traffic jams, driver fatigue, and environmental impact are limitations that must be considered when choosing a mode of transportation. | What are effective alternatives to reduce car use? |
Carpooling, well-coordinated public transportation, and electric vehicle rentals may be interesting options to develop further. How can we anticipate traffic problems during public holidays? Regularly checking traffic information sites and choosing early morning or evening departures helps you avoid rush hour and optimize your journey time.