The Social Tourism Revolution (1936-1939)

The election of the Popular Front government in 1936 brought revolutionary changes that democratized French tourism.

Paid Vacations: A Revolutionary Right

The introduction of two weeks' paid vacation for all workers transformed French society:

• Millions of working-class families traveled for pleasure for the first time
• The iconic image of workers heading to the seaside on bicycles and trains became symbolic of social progress
• Camping emerged as an affordable accommodation option

Infrastructure for the Masses

The government invested in tourism infrastructure for working families:

• Youth hostels spread across France
• Holiday camps provided affordable family vacations
• Popular tourism guides helped workers plan trips
• Special reduced railway fares made travel affordable

This brief period before World War II established tourism as a right, not a privilege, fundamentally shaping French attitudes toward vacations.