On some French beaches, rent a deckchair or a parasol can quickly transform a day of relaxation into a real financial chasm. While this equipment cost less than 15 € for purchasesome seaside resorts display prices 20 to 30 € per dayraising the family bill to surreal levels.
Prices that are soaring on the French Riviera and Corsica
The Côte d’Azur The most expensive area remains. In Saint-Tropez or Cannes, a couple can spend € 100 for two deckchairs and one parasolnot to mention the supplements for catering. In Corseprivate beaches offer packages close to 80 € per day For services sometimes limited to the simple provision of equipment. For many vacationers, these prices give the impression of a ” TOLL “ access to the sea.
Associations like UFC-Que Choisir point the finger at a Price opacity. Prices displayed only on site, additional costs to book in advance, and sometimes even a half-day invoicing without significant reduction. Result: many tourists discover the note only once installed.
Why do prices explode?
The high operating cost of private beaches (municipal fees, seasonal wages, maintenance) is often advanced as justification. But according to several tourism experts, these prices mainly respond to a captive market logic : In very touristy areas where demand is strong, operators know that the majority of vacationers will pay for lack of immediate alternative.
Some municipalities are starting to impose a pricing ceilingas in Biarritz, where the rental of a deckchair cannot exceed 15 € per day. An initiative welcomed by consumer associations who hope to see it extended to other regions. In the meantime, vacationers must redouble their vigilance and compare prices before settling.
Solutions for low -budget beach days
Faced with these prices disconnected from reality, several options emerge. THE public beachesnow better equipped with showers and sometimes free shaded areas, attract an increasing number of vacationers anxious to control their budget.
In addition, Local rental platforms between individuals offer parasols or deckchairs for only a few euros, a simple and practical alternative. Also, many families choose toInvest in their own equipment : With a parasol at 12 € and two deckchairs at 20 € each, the purchase is often profitable in a single day.