Millennials and Gen Z Rent French Châteaux for Milestone Birthdays
A growing wave of older Gen Zers and young millennials are swapping bars and restaurants for castles and châteaux in France for milestone celebrations. Oliver's Travels reports that close to 40% of inquiries for milestone birthday stays came in the last two years alone, with around one in three 30th-birthday bookings made in that same period.
France is the most popular destination, followed by the UK, with most customers coming from the US and Britain. Airbnb has also seen Gen Z travelers "swapping city breaks for rural castle stays," a trend described as "only gathering pace."
For many, château birthdays serve as a "wedding substitute" — a way to create a grand, memorable celebration for those who aren't getting married or who kept their weddings low-key due to finances. One host spent €2,200 on a three-day celebration for 21 guests, while another's château rental and private chef cost around €7,700 total, with guests contributing €125 each
