FOCUS ON FRANCE - FEBRUARY 2008

Have you heard?
 
Smoking banned in all public interiors in France!
One major cliché of France is the image of a smoker, but no longer -- A nationwide ban on smoking in cafés, restaurants and bars went into effect Jan. 1...
 
Paris on Valentine’s Day: for Couples AND Singles!
As luck would have it, this year the usually unassuming event of St. Valentine’s Day is making itself known all around. Many many people seem to be anticipating it as an almost fully resurrected Christmas, love-style.
Discover
 
A Wine Tour of France - in the US!
Discover your inner oenophile through this entertaining and educational series. Each month, we will discuss a new French wine or brandy, focusing on their distinctive and essential characteristics.
 
Not to be missed : ARC DE TRIOMPHE DE L’ETOILE
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his military victories and honour the soldiers who fell during his campaigns.
 
Le Jules Verne restaurant re-opens in the Eiffel Tower
In November of 2006, SETE, which operates the Eiffel Tower, selected Groupe Alain Ducasse and Groupe Sodexho (via L’Affiche) to re-imagine and modernize Le Jules Verne restaurant. In December 2007, Alain Ducasse presented the “new” Jules Verne, on the second level of the Eiffel Tower, France’s most symbolic monument
Product News
 
Just for you: Special fares start from $300. But, time is limited!
Don’t delay and book now a romantic getaway to Paris or another European city or escape the winter blues and discover the beautiful island of Tahiti, from $400. Travel from any Air France U.S. gateway to France, or to other European destinations and from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti in Tempo (Economy Class). Fares are valid for travel through March 31st, 2008.
 
Rail Europe offers Thalys special: 50% discount on one-way Thalys tickets for travel between France-Belgium-Netherlands
Rail Europe is currently offering 50% off the normal price for one-way full-fare tickets on all routes of the high-speed Thalys train connecting Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam. Tickets must be booked by March 2, 2008 for travel through March 20, 2008.
 
Cannes and Sony launch the first World Photography Award
Every year, the city of Cannes distinguishes itself by creating awards of international fame. This year, Cannes and Sony are launching the first World Photography Awards, an international event that will pay tribute to photographers around the globe and reward the world’s best images.
Hot Deals
 
Are you really an Art lover?
This spring,have your clients come and experience Paris’ major artistic event – Marie-Antoinette exhibition from March 15th to June 30th, 2008
Maison de la France News
 
Travel agents seminars
In 2008, for the first time, France Event 2008 will combine the media tour and the travel agent trade shows so that you, the travel profesionnals,will have an opportunity to meet some of our main partners as well as journalists.

Maison de la France / French Government Tourist Office

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