Breaking News: Lacanau Tackles Seasonal Worker Housing Crisis
Lacanau, a popular seaside resort in Gironde, is implementing innovative solutions to address the housing crisis faced by seasonal workers. The initiative comes in response to the recruitment difficulties that have arisen since the COVID crisis, with 60% of hotel and restaurant institutions reporting reduced activity due to human resources problems.
Initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism
The Minister of Tourism, Nathalie Delattre, visited Lacanau on June 20, 2025, to discuss and evaluate the solutions in place. Key initiatives include the census of state boarding schools, provision of Crous chambers, the Visale guarantee by Actionlogement, and the endowment of equipment to communities, homestays, and campsites with mobile homes.
“There is a conflict of use between sustainable accommodation, furnished tourist furnishings, and seasonal dwellings,” said the minister. “We have launched several devices to address this issue.”
Twinning with Val Thorens and Les Menuires
Lacanau has twinned with the Belleville Valley (Val Thorens & Les Menuires) to offer seasonal workers the opportunity to work in winter there and summer here via intermittent permanent contracts (CD2I). This loyalty program has been beneficial for workers like Jeanne Justeau, who has been able to maintain a balanced work-life routine.
“I do winter in Val Thorens for five months, before going on an offseason and then over five months here for the summer season,” explained Justeau. “I’ve been lucky to always have housed positions, but many of my friends struggle due to the high cost of accommodation.”
Challenges and Solutions
The housing crisis has been exacerbated by changes in the working conditions and habits of seasonal workers post-COVID. Many seek a better work-life balance, making affordable housing a critical factor in their decision to take up seasonal work.
“After the COVID years, we found that many people wanted to change their daily lives and find a better balance between their professional and personal life,” noted Nicolas Jabaudon, director of the Médoc-Atlantique Tourist Office. “The problem of accommodation has become a significant concern.”
Some seasonal workers have resorted to extreme measures, such as sleeping in their cars during the summer. The initiatives launched by the Ministry of Tourism aim to alleviate these challenges and ensure that seasonal workers have access to affordable housing.
Future Implications
The solutions being implemented in Lacanau could set a precedent for other tourist destinations facing similar issues. By addressing the housing crisis, these initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for seasonal workers but also boost the local economy by attracting more workers and enhancing the overall tourist experience.
The innovative approaches taken by Lacanau highlight the importance of collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and communities to overcome challenges and create sustainable solutions for all.
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