French families face higher vacation costs as fuel prices surge

Fuel prices in France have risen sharply, with diesel reaching €2.09 per litre near La Rochelle and gasoline hitting €1.98 per litre on average as of 20 July 2026. The price jump of about 21 cents per litre in a week translates into a 600‑kilometre round‑trip costing roughly €250 in fuel, forcing families to cut back on meals, activities and even travel distance during holidays.

At the same time, some households are offsetting the higher travel expenses by sharing accommodation with friends. By staying in a rented apartment in Argelès‑sur‑Mer or Grau‑du‑Roi for a reduced fee of €600 for two weeks, families can limit total vacation spending to around €1,500, roughly half of what they previously paid when including accommodation, fuel, meals and activities.