27-05-2025
Adult-only hotels and holiday resorts could be banned in European country – as they are a ‘threat to society'
THE French government is planning to crack down on adult-only hotels, campsites and restaurants.
The decision comes after some people claimed that there was a growing intolerance towards children in the country, which is also facing a falling birthrate.
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Sarah El Haïry, the high commissioner for childhood, said the "no-kids trend" has caused "violence against children" and poses a threat to society, reports The Times.
She also addressed those who complain about noisy children and how they are spreading the "idea that children are a nuisance" and putting pressure on parents to make sure they stay quiet.
She added: "A child shouts, laughs and moves … we are institutionalising the idea that silence is a luxury and the absence of children is a luxury."
El Haïry also said that government lawyers were currently looking at taking legal action against some hotels that refuse children completely.
Many hotels in France advertise that they are adult-only, including Saint-Delis in Honfleur in Normandy, which charges €334-a-night (£280.12).
The hotel promises an 'exclusive' and 'peaceful' experience.
Some campsites are also adult-only, like Camp Laurent in southwest France.
There are fears that France will follow the example of Belgium, where one in 10 restaurants now ban children, according to Paris Match magazine.
Laurence Rossignol, a socialist senator, is leading the campaign against adult-only venues and she plans to introduce a private member's bill making it illegal to ban children from hotels, campsites and restaurants.
However, some lawyers are saying that there is no need for it to go this far, as banning children from such places is already illegal.
The luxury hotel claims to make guests 'feel like they're abroad' with an adults only spa and golf course
They argue that the ban falls under a law prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of "origin, gender, family situation or age".
El Haïry will now be bringing together tourists and travel industry executives to encourage them to adopt a "pro-kids" approach.
Some of those who argue for child-free zones claim they are necessary as children are becoming more unruly following a more 'positive parenting' approach that has grown in popularity over the past decade.
Others have disagreed claiming that it is natural for children to be loud and want to run around.
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Some travellers like having the choice for child-free hotels, with one person commenting on social media: "I only book adult-only and have loads of choice, both budget and luxury.
"If only there were adult-only flights too."
However, others felt differently, with one person stating: "I've never stayed adults only and can't really see the appeal, for me.
"I like children and young people and imagine that adults only places are full of loved up couples and old grouches."
Also, one woman visited an off-the-radar paradise island off the French coast – and flights from UK cost just £40 return.
Plus, Eurocamp holidays in France cost less than UK breaks this summer – with £5pp a night stays, on-site pools & waterparks.
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