Tourism declines in Drôme and Occitanie amid heatwaves and rising costs

Tourism in the French regions of Drôme and Occitanie faced challenges during the summer season due to extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and reduced consumer purchasing power.

In Drôme, overnight stays in July and August fell by 10% compared to the previous year, totaling 4.2 million. Local professionals noted that French tourists are opting for shorter stays and reduced spending on restaurants and paid activities due to high fuel and toll costs. While German and Swiss visitors remained, there was a noticeable decrease in tourists from the Netherlands and Belgium. Competition from more affordable destinations like Spain and Portugal is also cited as a factor.

In Occitanie, while August showed more resilience than July, overall attendance remained below 2025 levels. An exceptional heatwave, with temperature anomalies reaching +3.7°C, forced travelers to shift activities to cooler morning or evening hours. Economic constraints have also led to significant budget adjustments; many tourists are spending less on leisure activities and dining out, though accommodation sectors like gîtes and rentals have shown more stability than the restaurant industry.