VACAF-approved vacations: everything you need to know

Vacations are a special time to recharge your batteries, discover new horizons and share moments with your family. To enable everyone to take advantage of this time, even on a limited budget, the Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF) has set up the VACAF scheme. Thanks to this scheme, thousands of families have access to high-quality, low-cost holidays in a variety of destinations throughout France.

What is the VACAF scheme?

Definition

VACAF is a service offered by certain Caisses d'Allocations Familiales to make it easier for families on modest incomes to go on holiday. This is afinancial aid paid directly to an approved vacation establishment, which reduces the amount to be paid by beneficiaries. This simple and effective schememakes vacations more accessible by limiting administrative constraints and offering a wide choice of destinations.

Objectives and beneficiaries

VACAF's main objective is to favor access to vacations for all, particularly for households that would not go without this assistance. Beneficiaries are generally families receiving benefits who meet certain resource criteria defined by their CAF.

To qualify for the aid, you must:

Receive at least one family benefit
Have a family quotient less than or equal to €800 in January 2025
Have at least one child aged between 0 and 20 (born between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2024)

Beneficiary recipients are informed, at the beginning of February (not before), in their "My account" space on caf.fr and the mobile application. There are no steps to take. If you haven't received anything, it's because you're not entitled to this aid.

Conditions may vary from one department to another, but the intention remains the same: to offer children the chance to experience a holiday, away from everyday life, while supporting parents in organizing their stay.

How does the scheme work?

The principle is simple: the CAF determines, according to the situation of each household, the amount of aid granted for a stay in a partner establishment. Once the accommodation has been chosen from among VACAF-approved structures, the reduction is applied directly to the bill. Families therefore don't need to advance the full cost, which makes booking easier.

This assistance is capped at €800. Its amount varies according to your January 2025 family quotient:

For Qf of 0 to 300 €: 70% of the cost of the stay with a maximum aid amount of 560 €.
For FQs from €301 to €750: 60% of the cost of the stay, with a maximum aid amount of €480.
For FQs from €751 to €800*: 50% of the cost of the stay, with a maximum aid amount of €400.

Where to go on vacation with VACAF?

Types of approved accommodation (campsites, vacation villages, gîtes, etc.)

With VACAF, the possibilities for destinations are numerous. Families can choose from:

family campsites
comfortable self-catering cottages in the heart of nature
holiday villages by the sea or in the mountains

Accredited establishments are spread throughout the country, making it easy to find a place to suit your desires and budget.

How to find an approved VACAF establishment

To find an approved establishment, simply consult the official list on the CAF website or search directly with partner establishments such as Cévéo vacation villages.

How to book a vacation with VACAF

To book a holiday, the first step is tocheck with your CAF if you are eligible for VACAF aid. A letter or an alert in your Mon Compte space will inform you of your eligibility. Once approval has been obtained, simplycontact an approved establishment and indicate that you wish to benefit from the aid. The accommodation provider will then deduct directly the amount paid by the CAF.

To find out about our rates (aid deducted) and availability in real time, get your allocataire number and contact one of our stay advisors on 04.73.77.56.14!!

How to use your VACAF vouchers during your stay?

What is a VACAF voucher?

A VACAF voucher is actually a notification of eligibility sent by the CAF. It's not a physical check but a confirmed entitlement that allows the vacation center to apply the discount directly to your bill.

What you need to know about using vouchers

The voucher cannot be combined with certain promotions or specific assistance; it generally only covers accommodation (and sometimes taxes), not extras such as catering or ancillary activities. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's best to ask at the time of booking exactly what the assistance covers and what you have to pay for.

FAQ

Vacaf

What is VACAF?

This is CAF family vacation aid, intended to finance part of the stay at an approved vacation center.

Who can benefit?

CAF recipients receiving a family benefit, with at least one dependent child, and whose family quotient is less than or equal to €800 in January 2025.

How much assistance can I receive?

The rate at which the cost of the stay is covered depends on January's family quotient.
Help is calculated on the basis of a stay cost capped at €800.

When can I use my VACAF voucher?

The stay must take place during school vacations in the zone where you live (A,B,C), and last between 3 days/2 nights minimum and 8 days/7 nights maximum.

Can I combine several VACAF vouchers?

No, only one grant is awarded per year and per household for a single stay.

What are the eligibility criteria?

They vary by département, but are mainly based on the family quotient, the number and age of children, and whether you receive a family benefit.