French Senator Calls for Ban on Child-Free Resorts, Calling Them Discriminatory
A French senator has argued that child-free resorts and adult-only hotels are discriminatory and risk fostering intolerance in society, suggesting they should be banned. The debate in France has intensified over whether excluding children from holiday spaces is inhumane.
Laurence Rossignol, a Socialist senator and former families minister, said, “We can’t build a society by segregating children as if they were troublesome pets. Children aren’t dogs—they’re part of our community.”
Last month, Sarah El Haïry, France’s high commissioner for childhood, criticized adult-only resorts as “not part of French culture or values.” She launched a “Family Choice” award to promote child-friendly destinations, calling it a stand against the “no kids” trend. “We can’t accept a society where children aren’t welcome on restaurant terraces,” she told Parents magazine.
Rossignol urged the government to take stronger action, proposing a parliamentary debate on making child bans illegal. She argued that such policies normalize intolerance, allowing people to say, “I don’t like children and don’t want to see them,” which she called unacceptable. “Rejecting children means rejecting humanity itself,” she said.
Globally, adult-only resorts—often marketed with images of peaceful, child-free relaxation—have grown in popularity, especially post-pandemic. While destinations like Mexico, Thailand, and Greece have long catered to this market, France has traditionally prioritized family-friendly tourism, with fewer adult-only options (estimated at 3-5% of the sector).
As France’s birthrate declines and President Macron pushes pro-family policies, the role of children in public spaces is under scrutiny. A recent report on reducing screen time for kids emphasized their “right to be noisy” and reclaim their place in society.
Hospitality industry representatives, like Véronique Siegel of the UMIH union, argue that adult-only hotels are rare in France and simply meet niche demand. “If we ban them, will travelers just go abroad?” she asked.
Vincent Lagarde, a business professor studying child-free resorts, noted that most guests choose them not out of dislike for children, but for peace and quiet—highlighting the ongoing tension between personal preferences and societal values.People chose child-free resorts because they needed a break. Lagarde explained: “French society is experiencing both physical and mental exhaustion right now—people need to escape from the pressures of work and family life. It’s not as simple as disliking children. My research found that about a third of these vacationers were exhausted parents who just needed time away from their families. They didn’t dislike their kids; they simply needed a pause from their usual routine. I also spoke with teachers and others who work with children—these aren’t people who dislike kids, but they do need occasional time without them.”
The second reason people opted for adults-only resorts was to enjoy quality time as a couple or with friends. A 2014 French poll showed that 56% of parents had taken trips without their children, often for romantic getaways. Finally, Lagarde noted that child-free locations carried a “perception of luxury”—hotels could charge more simply because there were no noisy children around.
While French anti-discrimination and trade laws leave room for interpretation on this issue, no family has ever filed a legal complaint against a hotel for excluding children. Lagarde predicted steady growth in this market, similar to the rise of child-free weddings.
Jean-Didier Urbain, an anthropologist and author of What Our Travels Say About Us, added: “Society is increasingly prioritizing comfort, relaxation, and downtime—this trend reflects that. After all, vacations have always been a time to step away from social obligations.”
FAQS
### **FAQs About France’s Proposed Ban on Child-Free Hotels & Resorts**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. What is the proposed ban on child-free hotels in France?**
French lawmakers are considering a ban on hotels and resorts that refuse children, arguing such policies are discriminatory against families.
**2. Why are child-free hotels considered discriminatory?**
Critics say excluding children unfairly targets families, limiting their vacation options and reinforcing social divides.
**3. Are child-free hotels common in France?**
Yes, some high-end or adults-only resorts market themselves as child-free for guests seeking quiet or luxury experiences.
**4. What’s the argument in favor of child-free hotels?**
Supporters say adults-only spaces cater to travelers who prefer peace, romance, or relaxation without disruptions.
#### **Legal & Social Impact**
**5. Would this ban apply to all hotels in France?**
If passed, it would likely affect any hotel or resort that explicitly bans children, with possible exceptions for niche accommodations.
**6. How do other countries handle child-free hotels?**
Many countries allow them, but some have restrictions if policies are deemed unfair to families.
**7. Could hotels still have “adults-only” sections instead?**
Possibly—some resorts may designate certain areas as adults-only while allowing families elsewhere.
**8. What penalties might hotels face if they refuse children?**
Fines or legal action, depending on how the law is enforced.
#### **Traveler Concerns**
**9. Will this make vacations more stressful for adults who want quiet trips?**
Some worry about noise and disruptions, but hotels may adapt with soundproofing or family-friendly zones.
**10. Are there alternatives for travelers who prefer child-free stays?**
Yes, options like boutique hotels, cruise lines, or private rentals may still cater to adults-only preferences.
**11. How do parents feel about this proposal?**
Many support it, saying it ensures fair access, while others respect adults-only choices.
**12. Could this hurt France’s tourism industry?**
Debatable—some hotels may lose adult-focused clientele, but family tourism could grow.
#### **Practical Tips**
