France adjusts youth and senior vacation aid programs for 2026
The French National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) is revamping its "Départ 18‑25" scheme, which has helped tens of thousands of 18‑ to 25‑year‑olds subsidise up to 75 % of a European trip. Starting January 2026 the catalogue will expand, with the maximum grant capped at €200 and eligibility tied to a household reference income below €17 280 per fiscal share. The agency notes, “Dès janvier 2026, le catalogue d'offres évolue pour vous proposer désormais une offre encore plus large et exclusive”.
At the same time, the Agirc‑Arrco pension fund will discontinue its senior holiday assistance in 2026. The program, which offered reduced‑price vacations to retirees as a social‑cohesion measure, is being withdrawn as the fund refocuses its resources. Seniors are being urged to seek alternative options for affordable travel.
Both changes reflect a broader reassessment of French public‑sector social benefits ahead of 2026, affecting younger travellers and retirees alike.