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An unusual weekend for lovers

A treehouse perched in the canopy, a transparent bubble open to the stars, a yurt nestled in a valley: these accommodations invite guests not just to sleep somewhere different, but to experience a stay in a whole new way, and they’re attracting more and more couples. Lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences who want to take their time, reconnect with nature, and break away from routine by treating themselves to a unique getaway to celebrate Valentine’s Day or a wedding anniversary.

Stepping outside the ordinary

This has been a strong trend in tourism in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic: French people are increasingly favoring more personalized and secluded accommodations while also aspiring to travel more often and closer to home.

Against this backdrop, the market for unique accommodations is booming:
  • It generated 430 million euros in revenue in 2023, according to the Observatoire de l’Insolite (Unic Stay/Cabinet Alliances).
  • This represents a 65% increase compared to 2021, with 1.2 million overnight stays sold (+46%).
  • And supply is keeping pace, with the number of professional listings having jumped by 30% in two years.

Today, this sector, which combines a change of scenery, originality, and local charm, comprises more than 2,226 establishments catering primarily to couples (in the 35–44 age group) who have traveled an average of 252 km to treat themselves to a weekend getaway.

Choosing the perfect getaway

Among the unique accommodations that most appeal to French couples are:
  • The treehouse, whether built on stilts or perched on a rock. Despite the sector’s significant diversification in recent years, it remains the undisputed star of this type of lodging.
  • The yurt, a nomadic legacy from the steppes of Central Asia, is particularly appealing for its cozy atmosphere and enveloping round shape.
  • The barrel, often carved from oak from local vineyards, offers a sense of regional character and intimacy.
  • The caravan, with its vintage curves and antique details, evokes a sense of vintage, adventurous romance.
  • The teepee, with its more rustic charm, takes visitors on a journey back to the days of the Wild West.
These unique lodgings all emphasize authenticity and a reconnection with nature. In recent years, they’ve been joined by accommodations that cater to the following desires:

  • A complete escape, such as the pod, a minimalist, designer cocoon offering a weekend of auditory or sensory immersion, or the very popular private spas.

  • Compact yet fully equipped spaces like Tiny Houses (demand has risen by 79% in two years).

  • A taste for independence, driven by the rise of van travel, these new, increasingly comfortable “caravans” that are also winning over more and more French people.

Treat yourself to a memorable gift

Giving your partner a romantic weekend getaway is already a romantic gesture. But treating your partner to a trip on a sailboat, in a lunar dome, or in a cabin on the water is also a lovely surprise for the person who shares your life. Letting them open the envelope, discover the destination, and choose the perfect unique lodging for the two of you turns a simple gift into a delayed declaration of love. 


Valérie from Comme des Français

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