Lyon, May 11, 2026 – Public holidays, characterized by bustling terraces and extended meals with family and friends, significantly alter French consumer habits. A recent study by Sunday, a company specializing in restaurant payment solutions, reveals a substantial increase in spending during these periods, with particularly pronounced differences in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Significant Increase in Spending in Lyon and the Region
In Lyon and the surrounding region, the average restaurant bill soars by 50% on public holidays compared to regular weekdays. Tips follow a similar upward trend, more than doubling on certain days.
The study, based on 500,000 bills recorded in Sunday’s partner restaurants during the April and May 2025 public holidays, highlights significantly higher consumption whenever the French have free time.
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as in Occitanie or Grand Est, the disparities are particularly visible. Consumers take greater advantage of public holidays to dine out, extend meals, and increase their restaurant budgets.
Public Holidays: Key Moments for the Restaurant Industry
This dynamic confirms a trend observed for several years in the sector: restaurateurs now generate a significant portion of their business during long weekends and public holidays, which have become true peak periods for customer traffic.
In a context where purchasing power remains under pressure, these figures also indicate that consumer spending decisions are increasingly shifting towards ‘pleasure’ expenses concentrated on key moments rather than spread throughout the week.
More Generous Customers on Holiday
Another finding of the study is that tips increase sharply during public holidays. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, they are more than twice as high as those left during the week.
This phenomenon is observed in several French regions, particularly in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Grand Est. Conversely, the Île-de-France region shows a much more limited increase.
For restaurant professionals, these periods are becoming strategic, both for turnover and for the indirect remuneration of front-of-house teams.
This spring holiday season also confirms the growing economic importance of social gatherings in household consumption, particularly in major regional cities like Lyon, where the restaurant industry remains one of the most dynamic sectors of local commerce.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The increased spending during public holidays underscores the resilience of the restaurant sector in Lyon despite broader economic challenges. This trend suggests that consumers prioritize experiences and leisure activities, especially when they have extended free time.
Local businesses and policymakers in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes can leverage these insights to further boost the regional economy. Strategies could include promoting local culinary events during public holidays, encouraging tourism, and supporting restaurant owners in adapting their services to meet increased demand.
The study’s findings provide valuable data for understanding consumer behavior and optimizing business strategies within the hospitality industry in Lyon and across France.
Source: https://www.lyon-entreprises.com/actualites/article/lyon-depenses-restaurant-jours-feries
