Tourists have been flocking back to France as 2022 turns into "an exceptional year – and it's not over yet," said its tourism minister, as the country rebounds from two summers that were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olivia Gregoire said that spending on restaurants and hotels is up in France, which is the world's number one vacation destination.

"Thirty-five million French people went on holiday this year," said Gregoire. "And Europeans – but also Americans – found their way back to France. Coming back in force, they spent, and they came to visit the whole country and most notably Paris."

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She said that the tourism sector was "truly an essential motor for France's economy," which was "particularly badly hit" by COVID-19 restrictions.

There were 90 million people who went to France on vacation during the record-breaking year of 2019 – which was also the last year of fully open borders before COVID-19 took hold.

In Paris, there has been a notable uptick in the numbers of visitors strolling along the Champs-Elysees boulevard, queuing for the famous view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or wandering the renowned galleries of the Louvre Museum.

Paris has seen 9.9 million people visit this summer – down just 3.5 percent on 2019's numbers. The influx of holidaymakers has taken place in spite of the many issues France is facing at the moment.

There is the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, rising inflation and the spiraling cost of living.

France has also had a summer of extreme weather – from heatwaves with temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius, to a record-breaking drought and widespread forest fires which have destroyed campsites and holiday parks.

The French tourism minister pointed to future sporting events as well which provide a positive outlook for the tourism sector.

France will host next year's men's rugby world cup and then in 2024, the Olympics and Paralympic Games will be held in Paris.