Whether it's a cult film, a memorable novel, or an addictive series, fiction acts as a powerful trigger for escape. According to a study conducted by Opodo, the European leader in online travel agencies, the French are largely influenced by works of fiction when it comes to travel: 84% of French people have already traveled or plan to do so under the influence of a work of fiction, 62% of 18-24 year olds would be inspired by a film or video when choosing a destination, and 52% of French people would be ready to travel the world to visit an emblematic place seen in a book, a film or a series.
A desire for elsewhere carried by the younger generations
At the 18 24-years, the impact is even stronger: 95% are inspired by what they have seen or read, compared to 76% of those over 65. The younger generations, who are big consumers of series, films and immersive stories, see fiction as a gateway to escape.
Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter in the streets of London, discover New Zealand through the world of Lord of the Rings, or visit the Highlands of Scotland, lulled by Outlander…For French youth, fiction becomes a driving force for discovery, a way to seek out in reality the sensations experienced vicariously through the screen or the pages of a book. It should also be noted that women are more inclined to travel based on what they see. (86%) only men (81%).
Despite this attraction to places present in works of fiction, 16% of French people say they were not influenced by what they saw or read, the highest percentage of all nationalities surveyed!
Documentary or Blockbuster? A Generational Question
If the documentary remains the main trigger for the desire to travel for the French (65%, well above the world average of 52%), younger people tend to turn more readily to works of fiction. 62% of 18-24 years say a movie or video might convince them to pack their bags.
Whether they're captivated by Hollywood classics, Netflix blockbusters, or YouTube videos from passionate creators, young people travel primarily through images. Conversely, 71% of 65 year olds and more prefer to rely on documentaries, often seeking a more authentic perspective, whether it be an animal report on Africa or a portrait of civilization seen on Arte.
Around the world… for a place seen on screen
But whatever the generation, the attraction to these real places immortalized by fiction goes beyond mere dreams. 52% of French would be willing to travel the planet to visit an iconic place discovered through a film, series or book. A trend that peaks among 35-44 years (69%), undoubtedly seduced by the combination of exceptional travel and cultural passion. Even the older ones do not rule out this idea: 42% of those aged 65 and over declare themselves willing to cross borders to follow in the footsteps of fiction, ahead of the Portuguese (38%) and the Germans (30%).
Imagination also plays its part. When asked which fictional worlds they would like to visit, the French favor historical universes inspired by the great medieval sagas, such as Game of Thrones ou Vikings (32%). Behind them, the magical and enchanted universes, in the manner of Harry Potter ou The Witcher, seduce 24% respondents. Finally, aquatic universes, such as Aquaman or, Avatar, seduce 20% respondents.
Among younger people, the fascination with elsewhere sometimes takes a more spectacular turn: 38% of 18-24 years would dream of exploring an underwater world worthy ofAvatar orAquaman, and 29% of them admit a weakness for futuristic universes, like Star Wars ou Blade Runner. On the contrary, 29% of those aged 65 and over declare that they do not want to visit any of these imaginary worlds, proof that the taste for virtual escape also remains a generational affair.
Even fiction preferences seem to draw dividing lines. Men, for example, are 22% to dream of interstellar travel in galactic settings inspired by science fiction, against 13% women. Of Dune, à Interstellar, space continues to fascinate…
Fiction, a very French engine of escape
While global trends confirm that fiction inspires travel, the French stand out for their attachment to culture, discovery, and imagination. They remain attached to documentaries, but they don't hesitate to dream of elsewhere, carried by the emotion of a work or the magic of a story. An invitation to see, and experience, the world differently.
What should we quickly remember?
Whether it's a cult film, a memorable novel, or an addictive series, fiction acts as a powerful trigger for escape.
