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.