With the FIFA World Cup around the corner, Collette Head of Marketing James Hewlett notes that the home of the reigning champions, France, has many compelling attractions to make it high on the wish list of any curious traveller.
As hosts of the Rugby World Cup (2023) and Summer Olympic Games (2024), France has every reason to anticipate an even more significant rebound in tourism in the coming months.
Add the stunning coastline, world-class cuisine and Europe’s only Disney resort and it deserves a spot in the top 10 for Australian travellers. From D-Day commemorations in Normandy to art and culture in Paris, here are some of France’s top attractions.
D-Day (not just for history buffs)
November can be recommended to visit Normandy, although the weather is a minor consideration compared to the unimaginable events on these sands almost 80 years ago.
The numbers and logistics of the D-Day landings on the morning of 6 June 1944 are staggering. More than 3,000 Australians were involved.
We owe it to them to stand where they fell to honour their sacrifice at least once in our lifetime. Pausing to reflect at the beaches, cemeteries, museums and exhibits here is time well spent.
Pure genius on display
Some 450 years earlier, an Italian-born genius sketched the predecessor of the mechanised weaponry that landed on Normandy beaches. Early designs for the tank, bicycle and helicopter were among the outputs of Leonardo da Vinci.
Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the product of several years’ work, rests graciously behind bulletproof glass in the Salle des États gallery in the Louvre, Paris. His genius was driven by a relentless curiosity to understand and search out knowledge in every area of interest, including his ‘original’ profession, art.
Cabaret, a high-kicking cut above
Less than 3km from the Louvre, Paradis Latin theatre crackles with anticipation, bound by perfectly poised dancers, eyeing guests lucky to be joining the Saturday-night L’Oiseau Paradis show.
What follows is an energetic pre-show, mixing dance singalongs from recent decades. Dancers strut between tables, passing efficient wait staff who double as cheerleaders.
Not a spare seat is seen as couples and celebrating locals squeeze in for the main show, a brilliantly varied mix of acts, each choreographed to perfection. Comedy, circus skills, song and sensuality roll seamlessly and are devoured with joy, laughter – and raised eyebrows!
To find out more about France tours, visit gocollette.com
