The evolving popularity of tourist sites in France: what can be learned from French statistical publications?

Abstract

This article suggests an approach to the history of tourism in France through the study of statistics collected by various agencies there since the 1950s, which however offer differing definitions and methodologies, making comparison fraught. In the 1950s, the Health Ministry inquired about vacation homes, whereas more recently, various agencies counted paid entrances to sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, arguably undercounting visits to others, such as churches or parks, where entry is free. In the broad sense, tourism, an act of aesthetic appreciation by a spectator, is impossible to measure. The importance of reliable statistics, however, is essential for an understanding of tourism patterns, both historical and present. France, according to World Tourism Organization statistics – arguably flawed – attracts more tourists than any other country in the world. This article follows the French figures for nine categories of tourism to suggest tentatively that larger numbers have been visiting a comparatively smaller array of destinations, calling into question the case for an increase in ‘niche’ tourism in the past 10–15 years. Military and war tourism seem to have declined relative to fine arts in recent years.