They used to say "Everyone has two countries, his own, and France." That still seems to be the case today, with France for the 11th year in a row the top tourist destination in the world, boasting over 76.5 million visitors in 2001, about 3 million of them Americans. And, despite September 11, tourism to France was up last year (by 1.2 percent), one of the few places in the world that was. Best of all, they're offering up a new, free, travel guide, to help you plan your trip this year, counting on even more Americans to say "I love France" and prove it by going there.
The 96-page magazine-style publication, FranceGuide2002, covers Paris and all the regions of France with detailed information about suggested itineraries, coverage of events and special anniversaries, plus practical information about the Euro, high-speed TGV trains, and much more. There are also articles by five international celebrities, including actress Jeanne Moreau, Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Peter Mayle (author of the Provence books), Jean-Pierre Jeunet (director of the movie Amelie), and the president of Fauchon (Paris' most elegant food store), Laurent Adamowicz.
In addition to the FranceGuide2002, here are just a few of the brochures available to help you get organized:
The Romance of France, a free, 13-page pocketsize guide covering the regions, travel agencies, hotel groups and services, as well as some practical tips for lovers en route and inside la belle France. Available now.
France for the Jewish Traveler, a 32-page booklet covering Paris and five major regions, in its 6th edition. Available now.
The Insider's Good Value Guide to France, due out in May 2002, covers Paris and all the regions with listings of good-value hotels, restaurants, activities and other tips.
For the free copy of FranceGuide 2002, as well as other brochures, contact the French Government Tourist Office public information hotline, "France on Call" at 410/286-8310 or visit their new Web site, www.franceguide.com.
