Exploring the Unique Experiences of France

The hidden gems of France were on display this week as Atout France invited media to learn more about the country’s many travel offerings in its Unique Experiences event.

Several exhibitors – including representatives from several destinations as well as Club Med and Air Canada – and were on hand to present and to meet with media one-on-one. Marie-Andree Boucher, press manager for Atout France, told PAX that through the event, the organization is looking to showcase France as a travel destination beyond Paris and other popular tourist draws.

According to Armelle Tardy-Joubert, director - Canada for Atout France, the country is currently working toward a goal of drawing 100 million international arrivals over the next few years, an initiative which has seen a $1 billion investment in France’s tourism sector over the next five years, including funding for accommodations, equipment, infrastructure and travel businesses.

“Travellers are changing and today, experiences mean everything when it comes to travelling,” Tardy-Joubert said of the evening’s theme. “Of course, we will always be in awe of the Eiffel Tower, we will enjoy a cruise on the Seine and spend hours listening to cicadas sing in lavender fields in Provence.”

Here’s a whirlwind trip of the Unique Experiences available in the country, as well as how to get there:

Air Canada

According to Sabina Steffensen, manager of leisure sales and product development and analysis for Air Canada, Canadian travellers will have several options to get to France this summer as Air Canada offers Montreal-Paris service with two daily flights, in addition to previously announced non-stop service from Montreal to Lyon, also debuting next summer with up to five weekly flights, she said. Air Canada rouge will provide service between Montreal and Nice.

Club Med

While mainly known for their properties in sun destinations, Club Med offers travellers 15 Alpine resorts from which to hit the slopes in one of the top ski locations in the world, said Julien Laurent, marketing, communications and press specialist for Club Med Canada. The company’s newest Alpine resort in France, Val Thorens Sensations, opened last December.

Viking Cruises

Five river cruise itineraries are currently offered by Viking in France – up from the three cruises which the line started with in the country, said Jo Lynch, Viking’s business development director for Eastern Canada. To fully immerse guests in the destination, French experiences such as mustard and oyster tastings are offered to travellers, Lynch said, and with the launch of Viking’s ocean cruising program, the new Viking Star travels along the Atlantic coast of western France. All itineraries fill up quickly requiring early bookings, Lynch added.

Martinique

Located in the Caribbean, the French territory of Martinique offers Canadian travellers a taste of France in a sunny setting slightly closer to home - only five hours from Montreal, where both Air Canada and Air Transat offer non-stop service, said Jessica Marie, coordinator - promotion and development for the Martinique Tourism Authority. The ‘Island of Flowers’ also has several new properties opening as well as enhancements to existing accommodations, including Le Simon Hotel opening in 2016, while the Martinique Convention Bureau will also open next year, welcoming meetings and events to the island.

Pays de la Loire

Situated along the Atlantic coast of southwestern France, Pays de la Loire caters to travellers’ palettes with a variety of offerings including the region’s famed wine and salt, said Virginie Priou, public relations for the region’s tourism agency. Travellers wanting to burn off those extra calories can also take advantage of the region’s many cycling opportunities through the French countryside, she said.

Rennes & Nantes

The nearby cities of Rennes & Nantes share a lot of similarities, said Xavier Theret, head of international promotion and relations for Nantes Tourism. Boasting large student bodies, the historic cities are home to several celebrations and festivals. Music is a particular draw, said Theret, with festivals devoted to genres ranging from classical to heavy metal. Food is also a big part of the local culture, with specialties including cider, crepes and seafood caught fresh from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Midi-Pyrenees

The home of Airbus, the Midi-Pyrenees region features numerous travel opportunities, according to Jacques Daolas, promotion manager for Destination Midi-Pyrenees. Amid the scenery of the Pyrenees mountain range, travellers can observe the night sky from the observatory located on Pic du Midi, while closer to earth, the annual Marciac jazz festival provides a chance to glimpse stars of a different kind, with past performers including Diana Krall, Marcus Miller and Wynton Marsalis, the festival’s godfather.

PHOTO: Armelle Tardy-Joubert, director - Canada, Atout France; Marie-Andree Boucher, press manager, Atout France; Yann Fouliquie, deputy consul, Consulate General of France in Toronto.