France: The World’s Leading Tourist Destination in 2025

France has once again solidified its status as the premier tourist destination globally, welcoming an impressive 102 million international visitors in 2025. This marks a notable increase of 2 million visitors compared to 2024, translating to a 3% growth year-over-year and a remarkable 13% rise relative to 2019 levels. Such figures highlight not only the resilience of the French tourism sector but also its enduring appeal to travelers worldwide.

Celebrating the Recovery

During the presentation of the 2025 annual tourism report, Tourism Minister Serge Papin expressed his enthusiasm for these figures, emphasizing the sector’s robust recovery. He was joined by Atout France Director General Adam Oubuih and agency president Christian Mantei, who provided further insights into the performance of the tourism industry. Their collective optimism reflects a renewed confidence in France’s ability to attract visitors from around the globe.

A Narrow but Steady Lead Over Spain

France maintained its top position with a slim lead over Spain, which recorded approximately 97 million foreign tourists in 2025, with some estimates suggesting 96.8 million. This gap of about 5 million visitors, or roughly 5%, indicates a narrowing trend in recent years. In 2022, the difference was much more pronounced, with France welcoming 77 million visitors compared to Spain’s 52 million. While visitor numbers are closing in, France continues to outpace Spain in terms of international tourism revenues, which stabilized at around 36% more than Spain in 2025, down slightly from 38% in 2024.

Strong Growth from Key Markets and Higher Spending

The growth in visitor numbers can be attributed largely to European tourists, whose overnight stays in France increased by 5%. North American tourists also contributed significantly, with a 17% growth in the hotel sector. Notably, over 5 million Americans visited French destinations, despite facing economic and diplomatic challenges.

Spending patterns have also seen a positive shift, with the average expenditure per international tourist rising by 7% to 760 euros per stay. Total international tourism revenues reached a record €77.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance reported a favorable tourism balance of €20.1 billion, underscoring the sector’s economic significance.

Ambitious Goals and Focus on Accessibility

Minister Papin reiterated the government’s ambitious long-term target of achieving €100 billion in tourism revenues by 2030, a goal originally set by former Prime Minister François Bayrou. The strategy emphasizes sustainable tourism as a key priority, alongside the concept of “tourism for all.”

Addressing domestic accessibility, Papin highlighted a pressing issue: four out of ten French citizens do not take holidays. To tackle this, a new portal has been launched to consolidate 22 holiday assistance programs supported by the ANCV (National Agency for Holiday Vouchers). However, challenges remain, particularly in affordability. The share of 4- and 5-star hotels has increased by 22% between 2019 and 2025, while overall hotel numbers have remained flat. Additionally, the number of 5-star pitches in campsites has surged by 30%.

Debating Summer Holidays and Shifting French Travel Patterns

As discussions continue regarding the potential shortening of summer school holidays—a suggestion made by former President Emmanuel Macron—Minister Papin acknowledged the complexity of the issue. He called for a balance between educational needs and tourism demands, with no decisions finalized yet. This year marks 90 years of paid vacations in France, making the topic particularly relevant. The current zoning system for holidays dates back to the 1960s, with pre-war vacations typically spanning from mid-July to late September.

In 2025, French tourist behavior exhibited notable shifts. Domestic overnight stays declined by 5%, while outbound travel to foreign destinations increased by 4%. Many travelers opted for destinations in Spain and Southern Europe, with French spending abroad reaching €57.4 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year. Despite these changes, the tourism balance remained positive at €20.1 billion, and early indicators for 2026 suggest continued growth, with French outbound travel plans up by 4% compared to 2025.

France’s tourism sector stands strong, combining record international arrivals with ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and sustainability in travel. The future looks bright for this iconic destination, as it continues to attract millions while addressing the evolving needs of its citizens and visitors alike.