The Romantic Movement and Natural Tourism (1815-1850)

The Romantic era brought a new appreciation for nature and regional cultures, diversifying French tourism beyond urban centers.

The Discovery of the Alps

Writers like Rousseau and later the English Romantics transformed perceptions of mountains from fearsome obstacles to sublime natural wonders. Chamonix, once a remote valley, became fashionable after hosting early mountaineers attempting Mont Blanc. By the 1820s, it had hotels, guides, and a nascent tourism industry.

Thermal Tourism

France's numerous thermal springs, used since Roman times for health purposes, became fashionable social destinations. Towns like Vichy, Aix-les-Bains, and Évian developed elaborate spa complexes, casinos, and hotels, creating the template for resort tourism.

The Mediterranean Discovery

The Riviera's transformation began when British doctors prescribed its mild winter climate for tuberculosis patients. Nice, then part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, became a winter resort for wealthy invalids and their families. When it joined France in 1860, it brought an established tourism infrastructure that would later revolutionize coastal tourism.