Air France and Atout France – France Tourism Development Agency

France can evoke images of sophistication in attire, timeless history and elegant food and while these are notably evident, there is so much more to France.

France, is surrounded by the European nations of Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Italy, is a country of great diversity and exceptional natural beauty.

Respected by major European powers , this nation enhances our world with fashion and food, and is home to some very notable names. Products from the country have a reputation for exceptional quality: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Peugeot, Hermes, Cartier, Bugatti etc to name a few.

Playground for the Elite

France is also known for appealing to celebrated people and draws the rich and famous alike. Arguably one of the most sought after country in the world, many notable visitors are drawn around the Eiffel Tower in Paris and to the Champagne region. Many celebrities live around the South of France.

Since the French people are naturally fashionable, they are polished and respectful of the tourists or eminent visitors, visiting their country and it’s easy to slip into the country and enjoy a certain level of pampering. From Henri Rousseau’s impressionist art to Roman Polanski’s cinematic genius, to the nostalgic on screen artistry of Brigitte Bardot’s. France has given us these legendary personalities for decades.

Luxurious Hospitality

Not just for the elite, France is for anyone seeking a lavish yet tranquil retreat. The appeal of the economic and political stability means France is a popular destination for more than just its world-class landscapes and luxurious lifestyle.

Being home to the leading Hospitality, Tourism, and Hotel Management schools in the world certainly translates into numerous 5 star hotels and resorts with well-trained professionals. No detail is overlooked and discerning travelers are treated to the finest in luxury and pampering. Tourism is an important aspect of the French economy, and ultra fine dining is available in every city. Exclusive resorts all across the country cater to guests seeking some of the finest food the world has to offer.

Today, there is a large focus on luxury on a global level. Luxury of today can be divided into two main groups: material luxury and immaterial luxury. Historically, luxury was exclusively something material, that people could show off to gain some respect, wealth and status in the society.

The new kind of luxury is what Air France and Atout France – France Tourism Development Agency, call “real experience”. Those luxurious, unique experiences, such as drinking the finest wines at Bordeaux and Champagne or eating out at a beautiful Michelin starred restaurant, serve as a proof of wealth. With the advent of social media such luxury is rapidly gaining popularity. People like to share their luxurious experiences with friends and followers, encouraging them to experience the same.

Influencing Our World

Enjoying the French influence is as easy as visiting the kitchen. The attention to detail, the French are renowned for shows up in their cuisine. The food of the nation is often about indulgence. Think cheese with delectable Camembert and Gruyere, French Croissants and Macarons are the world’s finest and somewhat of a national obsession. Dishes range from French Haute Cuisine like Coq au Vin to Breads like Baguette, Chacuterie and Desserts.

The French influence is enjoyed across the globe. The luxury of quality is a gift to anyone who has enjoyed the hospitality of this wonderful nation or experienced the craftsmanship of a French attire. French values influence their culture and reputation, which means that in the middle of our globe is a tiny, peaceful nation that both welcomes the world yet remains uniquely and wonderfully distinct.

Where better to jet off to in 2016 than Saint Tropez in the South of France, where the sun shines for more than 300 days a year?

But it’s not just the sunshine which allures people to this beautiful corner of the world. The region also plays host to a string of exciting events and festivals, making it the perfect place to head for any time of the year.
Top 10 unmissable events to whet your appetite when considering where to spend your holidays:

1. Nice Carnival
After Rio in Brazil, the Nice Carnival is arguably the largest and most colourful in the world, with amazing floats and animations sweeping through the seaside city. It’s an intoxicating scene, drawing crowds of more than one million people who line the streets to catch a glimpse of the giant puppets who appear to dance in the sky overhead.

2. Citron Festival in Menton
Talking of food, there is also the fantastic Citron Festival in Menton to brighten up a stay on the French Riviera in the winter. This event – where more than 145 tons of oranges and lemons are used to decorate the town.

3. Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Tennis Cup in Monaco
Spring is a particularly beautiful time of the year on the French Riviera, and a stay in a luxury apartment in the heart of Monaco is a lovely choice so you are easily placed to take advantage of the principality’s packed agenda. First on the calendar is the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters held in the salubrious Monte Carlo Country Club, which attracts some of the biggest names in tennis such as Monaco resident Novac Djokovic and British favorite Andy Murray.

4. Top Marques show in Monaco
Another great event for car lovers is the not to miss, Top Marques Monaco, the world’s most exclusive supercar show which offers VIP guests the chance to test drive their dream vehicle on parts of the Formula 1 circuit.

5. Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is without doubt one of the most important dates in the movie world and an infectious time to visit this beautiful city. It regularly attracts the biggest names in Hollywood who come to promote their films, compete for the prestigious Palme d’Or award and party.

6. Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
Just as the Cannes film festival is wrapping up, it will be time to head to Monaco again for the Monaco Grand Prix; the most electrifying and anticipated race on the Formula 1 circuit. The event, which sees drivers like Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton race through the streets of the principality at speeds of up to 280km per hour.

7. Jazz Festival in Juan-les-Pins
One of the highlights of spending the summer on the Cote d’Azur is the chance to tap into its rich musical heritage, and no venue is as spectacular as under the giant pine trees on the shores of the Bay of Cannes in Juan-les-Pins. It is in this unique setting that musicians such as George Benson, James Blunt and other top international musicians perform during the Jazz à Juan Festival.

8. Jazz Festival in Ramatuelle
More jazz, this time in Ramatuelle, a delightful medieval village a stone’s throw from Saint Tropez and the perfect attraction for those holidaying in private villas on the water’s edge at Pampelonne, which is actually in the same commune as Ramatuelle. The Jazz Festival Ramatuelle is played out, in the historic Theatre de Verdure and surrounding gardens.

9. Monaco Yacht Show
In many places September signals the end to summer but not in the South of France, where temperatures linger in the mid 20 degrees, until the end of the month. A hugely popular event to seek at this time of year is the Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s most exclusive boat extravaganza featuring many of the most spectacular yachts available for sale and for charter on the globe. It’s a great chance to marvel at super yachts such as Kokomo, a magnificent 58 metre sailing yacht which was presented at the show by Fraser Yachts.

10. Les Voiles de St Tropez
Continuing along with the sailing theme is Les Voiles de St Tropez Regatta, one of the most anticipated yachting events on the nautical calendar. Organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the race attracts top racers and sailing enthusiast from all over the world who come annually to battle it out in the waters off Saint Tropez.

These are just a few of the events that have been mentioned; there are countless other events held up and down the Cote d’Azur which make the perfect outing from your holidays in Saint Tropez. And there’s a whole lot of France waiting to get explored, courtesy the fabulous  Air France and Atout France – France Tourism Development Agency .

Paris

History, beauty, food, wine, art, culture, tradition, lore, romance, this city has it all! There is so much to see, do and experience in this ancient and romantic destination. Paris, is broken down into ‘ arrondissements’ numbered 1-20. Dating from 1807 and means “ an administrative district of some large French cities ”.

Hop onto one of the world’s best Airline -The Air France, sit back with your ‘ tasse de café ’ and take a  virtual tour, readying yourself for the expérience exquise!