On Location: What’s new in France? Rendez-vous highlights the must-sees, must-dos

The 18th edition of the Rendez-Vous en France trade show touched down in Lyon from April 1-2, attracting 1,950 tourism professionals.

Some twenty tour operators and travel advisors from Canada participated in the event, which was led by Mélanie Paul-Hus, director for Canada at Atout France, and her colleague, Marine Alméras, an operational marketing manager.

Held at the Halle Tony Garnier, the event facilitated the scheduling of more than 28,000 business meetings. With nearly 700 exhibiting companies highlighting French tourism offerings, the show brought together 750 buyers and influencers from around the world.

Festive evenings and pre-tours allowed participants to discover several French regions, including the host region, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. PAX participated in an itinerary that was dedicated to gastronomy in Drôme and Ardèche, all the way to Lyon.

Among the new developments to look out for in France this year, Paul-Hus immediately mentioned the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be showcased in Paris, "with dedicated tours allowing visitors to rediscover the iconic venues of the events, new tourist attractions, recently constructed buildings, not to mention the famous Olympic flame, which will return this summer."

In the south of France, in Aix-en-Provence, it's the Year of Cézanne, which is celebrated through a series of exhibitions and special events in tribute to the painter.

In Normandy, Caen's millennium is in the spotlight in 2025, with numerous festivities planned through the fall.

The region, the birthplace of Impressionism, also invites visitors to discover superb works in inspiring locations.

The Centre-Val de Loire region continues to celebrate the Loire à Vélo cycle route, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

"Our host destination, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, showcases its rich gastronomic tradition, highlighted this year by the inclusion of the French gastronomic meal as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site," Paul-Hus said.

"The region is also renowned for its mountain resorts: skiing in France is gaining popularity among Canadians, and tourism stakeholders are also keen to showcase the mountains in summer, a sustainable offering ideal for those seeking a break and wide-open spaces."

Lyon at the heart of the festivities

Participants of the Rendez-vous en France trade show participated in several themed evenings organized in Lyon.

At the Musée des Confluences, a cocktail reception brought together nearly 1,000 guests to discover the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

On April 1, an evening at the Grand Hôtel-Dieu welcomed 1,900 attendees in a historic setting, showcasing French regions with entertainment, culinary specialties, and cocktails. Finally, an evening at the Château de Bagnols was organized by Beaujolais Tourisme in an enchanting setting.

The invited media—including PAX—also participated in a discovery day of Lyon, including a guided tour exploring the world of silk and the traditional techniques of the Canuts (silk weavers) in the historic district.

A stop at the Maison Brochier Soieries, specializing in the production of exceptional silks, enhanced the experience.

The tour continued at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, a former 17th-century convent, where ancient and modern works are exhibited. Lunch took place at a traditional Lyonnais Bouchon (a type of restaurant found in Lyon), Bouchon des Cordeliers, a must-see in Lyon!

In the afternoon, a new guided tour allowed visitors to discover medieval and Renaissance Lyon through its cobbled streets, courtyards and traboules (covered passageways, or shortcuts, found in Lyon).

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, of which Lyon is a part, is easily accessible via the international airports of Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Geneva, and Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne.

Located in the heart of France, it offers a stunning diversity of landscapes, ranging from the majestic peaks of the Alps to the verdant valleys of the Massif Central. Known for its mountains, lakes, forests, and vineyards, it harmoniously combines nature and heritage.

Lyon, the capital of gastronomy, embodies urban vibrancy, while destinations such as Annecy, Mont Blanc, and the thermal baths of Vichy showcase the cultural richness and local art of living.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.