The year 2024 marks the 900th anniversary of the birth of Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of both France and England in the 12th century. The Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud in the Atlantic Loire Valley (Pays de la Loire), her final resting place alongside her husband Henry II and son Richard the Lionheart, is organising a series of initiatives this autumn and winter, inviting the public to rediscover one of the greatest female figures in history.

Eco river tourism continues to grow fast in France – and a new four-river network brand in the Atlantic Loire Valley, Les Rivières de l’Ouest (‘The Rivers of Western France’) is launching to the UK market this year. Located in France’s largest basin of navigable rivers, Les Rivières de l’Ouest unites three departments – Mayenne, Sarthe and Anjou – and four rivers – la Mayenne, la Sarthe, L’Oudon and La Maine. Why visit? To experience France’s slow and green ‘tourisme fluvestre’ – a mix of ‘fluviale’ (river-based) and ‘terrestre’ (land-based) activities…

To mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, visitors from all over the world gathered in Normandy to commemorate the largest military operation in modern history. With the numerous official ceremonies, historical exhibitions and re-enactments, Normandy was in the spotlight throughout an intense week, particularly from 5 to 7 June, when the moving images of the tributes paid to the soldiers and veterans by many heads of state were relayed around the world.

European Waterways, the premier luxury hotel barge cruising company, renowned for curating immersive journeys that unveil the essence of Europe’s captivating regions, is pleased to announce a collection of new and enhanced excursions. These private, tailor-made adventures are designed to elevate guest experiences, offering deeper connections to the rich history, vibrant local culture, and exquisite food and wine of each locale.

Latest flight booking data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its knowledge partner ForwardKeys, shows France is set to keep its pole position as the world’s most popular destination for international arrivals this year.

Hilton has confirmed a franchise agreement with SNC Société d´Exploitation Nouvelle du Soleil d´Or, a subsidiary of SDPNE, to open a new hotel under its growing lifestyle brand Canopy by Hilton.