When the holidays rhyme with family reunion. The holidays are an opportunity to bring together several generations under the same roof, in "tribe" mode. "When families are scattered throughout France, the holidays make it possible to spend quality time together and to strengthen weak bonds", assures psychologist Beatrice Coppey-Royer *. It’s a long awaited moment! 83% of French people ** think that grandparents enjoy going on vacation with their grandchildren. And according to our witnesses, parents and the little ones too! * author of “Grands Parents, le maillon strong” (Ed. Albin Michel, 2018) ** Opinion Way Belambra poll, 2015
"We brought together four generations!": Béatrice, 63, retired
About ten years ago, my parents invited the whole family to spend the first week of July at a vacation club, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. The atmosphere was that of a summer camp. Our group of 30 did not go unnoticed. The advantage? No need to manage meals, cleaning … And we took advantage of the activities on offer such as sailing, archery, zumba … and dancing evenings! The formula really pleased us. Since then, it's been every summer, we start again, in a different destination: Corsica, the South of Italy, La Palmyre … The family has grown year after year: since the great grandchildren arrived, we are now about 40. There are four generations together! This formula gives us time to enjoy each other, to create beautiful memories … My parents invite us every time, it is a wonderful gift for our family ties.
"Every year, it's our ritual": Rosario, 63, painter
My three daughters, aged 26, 30 and 34, live near Montpellier, in Biarritz and in London, so we are taking advantage of the summer to get together. Every year, it's our ritual: they come to spend the first week of August with me in La Grande Motte. My big house, near the beach, is ideal. I love finding them, it reminds me of good times. They come without their companion, so it's even smoother. For my grandchildren, Calie, 3 years old and Maxime, 9 months old, this is an opportunity to get to know each other better and to create memories. The program is fairly free, everyone does what they want, but everyone gets together for meals and helps with household chores. I, who come from a family of eight children, love to see my home full of life and laughter. Their departure is always a bit hard! ; instagram.com/rosarioheins
"A moment between girls": Magali, 31, pharmacy assistant
For the past three years, I have been organizing a week's vacation with my mother Simone and my two daughters who are 3 and 6 years old. It all started with Corsica, which she dreamed of discovering. I was happy to give her this trip and to spoil her because she has worked hard all her life. She's not a great adventurer, without me she would never have been. Since she babysits my daughters a lot to help me out, it was also a way of thanking her. We loved this moment between girls, this quality time because the rest of the year, we just bump into each other. My partner doesn't mind because I'm leaving when he works a lot. I intend to enjoy it as long as possible, as long as my mother's form allows it. Next year, head for Brittany!
"I like to stay in my cocoon with my family": Maëli, 16, high school student
Since I was very young, I go on vacation for a week with Nicole, my Mamita, and my mother. My grandmother owns a mobile home in Cancale, Brittany, where we like to meet. As she lives alone, I am happy to keep her company. In the program ? Stroll, swimming pool, restaurants, reading … It's too good because I'm being spoiled! Our favorite activity is to brain three of us on sudoku! At the campsite, I don't hang out with other young people, I'm not interested: I prefer to stay in my cocoon with my family. Fortunately, there is a good connection: I am in touch with my girlfriends and the rest of the world, thanks to Tik Tok and Netflix! instagram.com/laviea15ans