City breaks represent the new travel trend among the French, tells easyHotel

An exclusive study conducted by Norstat for easyHotel highlights a growing shift in how the French approach travel, with city breaks now firmly established as a preferred mode of escape. These short urban stays have become increasingly popular, driven by a desire for flexibility, affordability, and ease of organization.

Among French travelers who have taken a city break over the past two years, domestic city breaks were three times more frequent than trips elsewhere in Europe, a gap exceeding 200%.

Location and budget considerations are key, as travelers favor multiple short getaways over long vacations. This evolution reflects a new philosophy of travel centered on freedom, spontaneity, and everyday discovery—an approach embodied by easyHotel through its network of affordable, centrally located hotels in major European cities.

Once seen as an occasional alternative, the city break has become a natural reflex for French travelers across all generations, from young professionals to couples and families. The survey points to 100% of respondents having taken at least one in the past two years. Typically lasting two or three nights, these stays answer a growing need for balance: getting away without extensive planning, changing scenery without traveling far or overspending.

56% of French spend less than 150 euro for a two-night stay

It also follows a trend for travel turning more fluid and intuitive, aligned with modern lifestyles—people travel more often, for shorter periods. Simplicity now stands out as a core value, with ease of organization cited as the primary motivation, ahead of price and frequency of travel.

In practice, 56% of French travelers spend less than €150 on accommodation for a two-night stay, prioritizing practicality and value over excess. Spring and fall remain the favored seasons, ideal for exploring cities without peak-season crowds.

While Paris continues to lead, destinations such as Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice are gaining traction, reflecting a more balanced urban tourism landscape and a renewed interest in rediscovering France.

For easyHotel, the rise of city breaks signals a lasting transformation in urban travel and traveler expectations. With hotels in key European metropolitan areas, easyHotel supports this shift by offering affordable accommodations in prime locations.

As Daniel Thompson, Marketing Director at easyHotel, explains, urban getaways are the core of the business of a company such as easyHotel.  Travelers’ demand for simplicity and essential comfort at affordable prices is at the heart of the chain’s offer, with features such as queen-size beds and high-quality soundproofing allowing guests to explore more, spend less, and travel on their own terms.

Through this study, easyHotel reinforces its role as both an observer and an active participant in the evolution of urban travel, remaining committed to making city stays as simple as they are inspiring.

easyHotel operates a portfolio of nearly 50 hotels with approximately 4,700 rooms in 12 countries, including 16 franchised properties (1,000 rooms) and 32 hotels that are either owned or leased (3,700 rooms).

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