Reconstruction and the Trente Glorieuses (1945-1975)

The thirty years following World War II saw explosive growth in French tourism.

Marshall Plan Tourism

American aid helped rebuild tourism infrastructure while American visitors, both tourists and stationed military, brought new expectations and spending power: - Hotels modernized with American-style bathrooms and amenities - English became increasingly important in tourism services - Credit cards and traveler's checks facilitated international tourism

The Automobile Revolution

Mass car ownership transformed French tourism: - The Nationale 7 became the legendary "Route des Vacances" - Motels and roadside restaurants emerged - Camping grew exponentially with car-accessible campgrounds - Previously isolated regions became tourist destinations

Planned Resort Development

The French government undertook massive planned tourism developments: - Languedoc-Roussillon coastal development created new beach resorts from scratch - Plan Neige developed ski resorts like Les Arcs and La Plagne - New towns like La Grande-Motte represented modernist tourism planning

The Birth of Club Med

Founded in 1950, Club Méditerranée revolutionized vacation concepts with its all-inclusive village model, influencing resort development worldwide.