Atout France Special Issue | Media India Group

Air France has a worldwide network of 183 destinations in 98 countries. Air France has been operating flights to India for over sixty years and offers 21 weekly direct flights from India to Paris, operating from 3 metros: Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to the world through a single airport: the powerful hub of Paris-Charles de Gaulle. With its partner KLM, passengers can also fly daily from Delhi and Mumbai to Amsterdam.

World-famous, highly appreciated wines from the Saint Emilion, Médoc, or Sauternes appellations…to be discovered during a visit and wine tasting (3 000 wineries open to the public) or by an initiation to grape picking during harvest time!
A unique historical heritage with Bordeaux, Port de la Lune, 40 000 years of History with the prehistoric sites and decorated grottos of the Vézère Valley, the jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion, the routes to Compostela, the Vauban fortifications of Blaye / Cussac-Fort-Médoc. A whole host of unforgettable sites awaits you!

Located at the foothill of the Mont-Blanc, Chamonix is a French alpine town with a distinctly European character. Its unique positioning makes it accessible to the three key European hubs of France, Italy and Switzerland making it an ideal destination for holiday makers and business visitors alike. Its key tourism highlights include the cable car ride up to the highest point in Europe at the Aiguille du Midi with a sweeping 360 deg panoramic view of the Mont Blanc range and the scenic cog train ride Montenvers to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) as well as the Ice Grotto.

Is walking on the Les Planches boardwalk with the sea as a garden; it is discovering its protected architecture in a seaside resort where everything is at walking or biking distance. It is playing on Norman golf courses, boating on the Estuary, attending an unforgettable show of horse races, listening to a concert in the little Italian style theatre in the Casino or discovering the talents of the American Movie Festival. It is also wandering along the elegant boutiques or between the market stalls.

Located half-way between Switzerland and Paris, Dijon seems an idyllic marriage of location and history. And what a history! Since its birth 2000 years ago, Dijon has flourished. Its historic centre covers 98 hectares and everything from half-timbered houses, 17th century mansions, Gothic churches, to gargoyles and all – is protected. It’s like being dropped into a historical novel where every page is fascinating. So, forget about being organised, forget about mapping out routes and itineraries, and just wander. It’s a compact, pedestrian-friendly area and a joy to discover on foot, following the ‘Owl’s Trail’… or riding a funny machine called ‘Segway’ !

A Magical Dream Destination, a must do for a wonderful trip to Paris

Over the past 15 years, Disneyland® Paris has established itself as the leading tourist destination in Europe. With over 230 million visits since it opened in 1992, the resort has grown to host two Disney Theme Parks and their hotels to become a vibrant entertaining family holiday destination. With 15 million visits in 2010, Disneyland® Paris ranks as the top-visited tourist destination in Europe!

Cosmos, Globus & Avalon Waterways are part of the Globus family of brands, the world’s largest and most experienced, and trusted travel organization. For over 80 years, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers with hassle free vacation experiences that showcase a destination in a deeper way, revealing the true essence of each destination.

Constructed in 1855 by Napoleon III for his wife, Eugenie de Montijo, and formerly their summer mansion, the Hotel du Palais is now among the most beautiful hotels in the world. It overlooks Biarritz’ main beaches and the Atlantic beyond. Its luxury and ageless charm coupled with the areas’ outstanding sports facilities make the Palais an international mecca for vacationers and sports enthusiasts alike. In 2011 the Hotel du Palais became one of the eight French Palaces.

Tourism & Spirituality Heart of Normandy

Lisieux is one of the most charming places in Normandy, located 25 kilometers south of the sea and its prestigious seaside resorts (Deauville) and only 2 hours from Paris. It is an ideal starting point for exploring Normandy, its countryside and its gastronomy. Lisieux is also a member of the Tourism and Spirituality Working Group at Atout France which offer 18 key destinations, 16 spiritual and religious sites, hotels… to cater for holidaymakers keen to explore key heritage sites and towns and cities connected with shrines and apparitions of the Virgin Mary, cities steeped in art and history, the sacred places of pilgrimage and religious devotion.

The most exclusive Observation Deck of Paris

In April 2010 Montparnasse Tower the most exclusive Observation Deck of Paris offering beautiful views of Paris by day and night became the first French tourism monument to set up an Indian operation, highlighting the growing importance that India has for the French tourism industry. With an a year gone by , Mr.Jean Marc Champrobert , Sales Director – Montparnasse Tower Paris shares his experience of the Indian market & also shares the upcoming renovation plan which will make Montparnasse Tower Paris a must visit attraction of Paris.

Nice, the 5th largest town in France and an international tourist centre is a dynamic, modern capital which has managed to preserve its art of living throughout its long and rich history. Nature is in the forefront and it has become the foundation of a new policy favouring sustainable development in all areas. It is now a priority for the town to become a benchmark for environmental matters and the “Green” town of the Mediterranean. Times are changing… and so is Nice, with its spectacular cultural effervescence and a renewal in main infrastructures…

With the France Rail Pass Premium, experience the " service à la française"… Rail Europe is delighted to introduce the France Rail Pass Premium, the ultimate way to discover France treasures, with style. Enjoy not only the comfort of travelling in 1st Class, but also the service and professionalism of a private concierge, included in the price of your pass. Save time and energy to focus only on the best, the France Rail Pass Premium has it all to guarantee you a seamless experience.

Rhone Alps, the 2nd largest region in France, as big as whole Switzerland, is composed 70 % of mountains, and beside that, some of the largest lakes of Europe, vineyards in Beaujolais and Rhone Valley, lavender fields and sunflowers in the south…Temperature wise, we are in the south-eastern side of France, sharing a border with Italy and Switzerland, the climate is tempered in the cities, cold and dry in the mountains. Our particularity: we can touch snow anytime of the year; we can ski every month of the year.

At the feet of the Medieval Citadel of Carcassonne

The HOTEL MERCURE***Porte de la Cité proposes its 80 air conditioned rooms, where modern decoration fits softy and cosy comfort. Flat screen TVs, telephone, High Speed Internet free of charge, swimming pool, conference facilities, whatever the purpose of the stay, every guest will feel at home!

Experience the Other Side of the South of France

Come over and visit a region nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees Mountains and the Spanish border. Experience the South West of France! In Pau, you will discover sumptuous palaces, parks and gardens inherited from 19th century British visitors. In the historic centre you will find the castle, the birthplace of Henri IV, the King of France (1553-1610), one of the city’s many cultural heritage highlights.

Capital of Alsace and a European capital, Strasbourg boasts a unique cultural and architectural heritage. Its rich beauty can be explored on foot, by pleasure boat, on bicycle, by mini-tram… Its waters are omnipresent and its historic centre, classified as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, spans an insulated ellipsis bordered by the branches of the river Ill.

The French Riviera remains a sought after destination and rightly so. With its sandy beaches, azure skies, the blue Mediterranean as some of its chief attractions, the Riviera welcomes visitors all year round. The glamorous sea side resorts of Cannes and St Tropez give you an opportunity to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. With a plethora of options possible for sightseeing, dining, entertainment, your trip to Cannes & St Tropez will be full of unforgettable moments.

Exclusive Romance in Paradise