France Could Prohibit Adult-Only Hotels Over Age Bias

The Debate Over Adult-Only Holidays in France

The idea of adult-only holidays has sparked a heated debate across France, with some advocating for the right to enjoy peaceful vacations free from the noise and chaos of children, while others argue that such spaces promote discrimination and intolerance. This discussion has gained traction as more adults seek out destinations where they can relax without the presence of young ones.

Children cannonballing into pools, running through the lobby, and even having spaghetti on the floor in restaurants are just some of the scenarios that many adults want to avoid during their vacation. These experiences, while common in family-friendly accommodations, have led to a growing demand for child-free environments. However, this trend is now being challenged by French politicians who believe that such spaces are not only discriminatory but also harmful to society.

A Call for Inclusivity

Laurence Rossignol, a former French families minister, has been vocal about her stance against adult-only venues. She argues that excluding children from certain spaces is a form of age discrimination and should be illegal under the Penal Code. According to Rossignol, these child-free areas allow people to express their dislike for children, which she claims is unacceptable. “To not like children is to not like humanity itself,” she said, emphasizing the importance of including all members of society.

Her proposal to ban such spaces has drawn mixed reactions. Some readers of HAWXTECH expressed concerns that banning adult-only hotels could lead to another form of discrimination. Gid Eon suggested that it’s also discriminatory for those who don’t want to be around children. Bliss Natasha added that people who choose not to have children should be able to enjoy their holidays in peace.

Balancing Needs and Preferences

Arwen Carol, a part-time supply teacher, believes that not wanting to be around children isn’t discrimination—it’s simply a desire to relax. She argues that there are plenty of family-friendly spaces available, and both types of accommodations can coexist without turning the issue into a conflict.

Sarah El Haïry, the French government’s high commissioner for childhood, has taken a strong stance against excluding families from accommodation. She calls this exclusion “real violence” and has launched a ‘Family Choice’ campaign to encourage parents to support businesses that offer child-friendly services and events. El Haïry criticizes the notion that silence and the absence of children are luxuries, suggesting that such attitudes are institutionalizing an unrealistic expectation.

The Popularity of Adult-Only Vacations

Adult-only holidays are not a new concept. They have been popular since the 1970s in places like Greece, Thailand, and the United States. Advertisements for these resorts often feature smiling adults enjoying wine in complete silence, highlighting the appeal of a quiet and undisturbed environment.

An Expedia survey in 2023 found that guests at adult-only resorts were 63% more likely to rate their experience as “exceptional” compared to those at mixed-age resorts. Some HAWXTECH readers, including parents and guardians, have even expressed willingness to pay extra for a child-free hotel, flight, or cinema. Their reasoning is not necessarily about the presence of children, but rather the behavior associated with them.

Diverse Perspectives on the Issue

Shannon Baird, a mother of two, believes that banning child-free hotels is unnecessary. She points out that not everyone wants to deal with the constant noise and energy of children. Alex Doody, on the other hand, argues that if he's paying thousands for a holiday, he expects a certain level of service. He claims that unchecked children creating mayhem and kids having meltdowns over Minecraft are disruptive to his experience.

Thomas Pennington adds that a simple reason why adult-only venues shouldn’t be banned is that not everyone wants children. According to the French Institute for Demographic Studies, one in 10 French people say they don’t want children, a number that has more than doubled since 2005. As fewer French people have children, researchers estimate that up to 5% of the holiday market in France is adult-only.

The Legal Landscape

Despite the growing demand for adult-only spaces, no family in France has ever taken legal action against a venue for displaying a “no children” sign. Article 225-1 of the French Penal Code states that people who discriminate based on age or family status face three years in prison and a fine of €45,000. However, legal experts note that enforcement of this law in the context of adult-only hotels remains unclear.

A Personal Take

While many readers of HAWXTECH disagree with the idea of banning child-free hotels, Sue Dudley feels differently. She finds adult-only holidays “very boring,” highlighting the diversity of opinions on this topic.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the issue of adult-only holidays touches on broader societal values, personal preferences, and the balance between inclusivity and individual rights. Whether these spaces should be banned or not remains a contentious and complex question.