The favorite destination for vacationers is the sea. But did you know that this type of popular vacation is very recent? France 3 NoA invites you to go back in time to tell you about “holidays by the sea” on our beautiful Atlantic coast of New Aquitaine.
La marseillaise à pétanque 2022, 61st edition of the world –
At the end of the 18th century, sea bathing was not a leisure activity but strongly recommended by doctors for therapeutic purposes. Over the years, many resorts have been set up along the Atlantic coast: Royan, Biarritz and even Soulac. Their fame has gone beyond the borders of France.
(SEE AGAIN. The history of holidays by the sea in New Aquitaine on NoA
Royan, Arcachon, Biarritz: the beauties of the coast
During the birth of seaside resorts in the region, Arcachon and Royan competed with each other. First in favor of Royan at first, then, when the train arrives on the Basin, Arcachon in turn becomes a fashionable seaside resort.
The two cities look alike. One at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, the other nestled at the entrance to the Bassin d’Arcachon which bears its name. There are similarities in the architecture, such as with the splendid villas of the Ville d’Hiver in Arcachon or in the charming Parc district in Royan, very close to the main beach.
As for Biarritz, it was in the 19th century, at the instigation of Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Eugénie, that the small fishing port became a mecca for seaside tourism.
The first paid holidays
With the Popular Front government of 1936, the French discovered paid holidays. This is the very beginning of the democratization of holidays.
The duration of fifteen days, i.e. two weeks in 1936 increased to 3 weeks in 1956, then to 4 weeks in 1969 to stabilize at 5 weeks in 1982.
The history of Camping Pasteur in Arès
We take you on a discovery of the Pasteur campsite in Arès in Gironde. A family story that began at the end of the 1950s, with holidaymakers arriving from all over France, by car or even by scooter.
It was the time when wild camping was still authorized, but summer visitors were looking for conviviality around a game of pétanque or a wood fire… They were also looking for more comfort. Showers and toilets were offered, so all you had to do was bring a Canadian tent and a small camping gas…
In the shade of the Arès pines, this is where le Pasteur, the first campsite created by oyster farmers. The latter did not hesitate to take families on board to introduce them to the Basin and their profession. Conviviality remains the key word of this place still managed by the same family.
Holidays by the sea are still in fashion
The history of sea bathing is also the history of swimsuits. From integral outfits from the beginning of the 20th century to the bikini that appeared at the end of the 1950s, we have come a long way. Did you know that the bikini, this famous two-piece, caused such a scandal that it was banned on many beaches in Spain and Italy. In France, it will take time and mythical figures like Brigitte Bardot, who proudly displays it on the beaches of Cannes, to impose itself. The jersey then invaded the beaches in the 1970s.
Today, the swimsuit has become a real fashion item and the creations are constantly evolving. Laura Tiba, the granddaughter of Andrée Tiba, creator of the Janine Robin brand, a company created in 1948 in Paris and now established in the Arcachon basin. In his company, we will discover how the brand draws its inspiration from regional tradition.
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