Questex’s 2017 France & Monaco Focus sales guide offers travel advisors a targeted look at the top three-rated destination for American travelers. In addition to providing a comprehensive update on accommodations, from Paris to the French Alps, editors spoke to France travel experts to report on the latest trends, up-and-coming niche markets and iconic attractions for first-timers, foodies and families visiting the region.
Expert Suggestions
Along with numerous restaurant recommendations, several travel advisors provided their take on must-see itineraries. Suggestions ranged from sending clients beyond Paris to Bayeux, a quaint town with major appeal, and Mont Saint Michel, an historic island commune just off France’s northwest coast. “Small discoveries” itineraries are also gaining popularity and include touring the Pyrenees and Lourdes or national parks.
Within Paris, Jill Taylor of Jet Set World Travel pointed to foodie tours in St. Germain des Pres, Seine River cruises and private museum tours as favorite activities among her clients. Taylor also recommended Bordeaux for the emerging destination’s abundance of wineries, where visitors can take part in vineyard picnics and private tastings.
Accommodations Update
The accommodations feature looks at the year’s top hotel renovations at over 10 leading properties. Hôtel de Crillon, a landmark property on Paris’s Place de la Concorde, made the list for its famed 17th century façade juxtaposed with a contemporary interiors. Splendide Royal Paris’s new suites, including the Suite Elysée and Familiar Suite, provide guests with an entire floor to themselves and some of the hotel’s best views of the Eiffel Tower. Another standout suite is the Pompadour Suite at Le Meurice, which is an elegant Versailles-style apartment encompassing up to 4,050 square feet of first-rate living space.
The Hotel Chateau d'Audrieu, a Relais & Châteaux property in Normandy and two new Four Seasons hotels, opening soon in the Haute-Savoie Alps, were among the non-Paris based properties that made the list. Additionally, the report featured a roundup of new Michelin-starred restaurants, including both three and two-star rated eateries.
Access the France & Monaco Focus, along with Italy, London and Germany sales guides, from any device at travelagentcentral.com/focus-series.