French Travel Media Awards 2016 follow hot on the heels of the Oscars

From trekking round Mont Blanc to camping in Provence, Nice on a shoestring to the culinary delights of Auvergne, the regions and lifestyle of France were celebrated by an inspirational variety of entries to this year’s French Travel Media Awards.

The winners were announced last night, March 1, at a celebratory evening in the stylish surroundings of Searcy’s country-style townhouse at 30 Pavilion Road in London’s fashionable Knightsbridge.  And the judges?  The people who matter most – the readers.

A shortlist of four articles per category was selected from amongst a record number of entries and then posted on the france.fr Facebook page.   The site’s 90,000 UK fans were then invited to read the articles and vote for their favourites, with the chance to win a bottle of champagne for their efforts.

Sponsored by Voyages SNCF and compered by stand-up comedian and passionate Francophile Ian Moore, the evening was attended by more than 70 print and online journalists, as well as by representatives from French partners – Aix en Provence and Marseille, Antibes, Auvergne, France Montagne, Lille, Loire, Midi-Pyrénées, Normandy, Northern France, Toulouse, and Vendée.

And the winners were …

 BEST GOLF FEATURE

Chris Bertram for ‘Focus on France’ in Golf World

(Nominees: Andy Goodall, Dorset Echo; Minty Clinch, The Mail on Sunday)

BEST FAMILY FEATURE

Emma Forrest for ‘Not just for the rich and famous’ (French Riviera) in Family Traveller magazine

(Nominees: Carolyn Boyd, France Magazine; Fiona Whitby, Sunday Mirror; Liz Edwards, Sunday Times Travel Magazine)

BEST REMEMBRANCE TOURISM FEATURE

Lindsay Sutton for ‘Remembering the spirit of Dunkirk’ published across 7 different regional titles including the Liverpool Echo

(Nominees: Andy Sibcy, Jersey Evening Post; Tim Davey, Bristol Post)

BEST WINE & GASTRONOMY

Paul Dring for ‘Queen of the South’ in Jamie magazine

(Nominees: Chris Zacharia, Flux magazine; Judy Armstrong, France magazine; Michael Raffael, Food & Travel magazine)

BEST CITY BREAK FEATURE

Audrey Gillan for ‘On a shoestring Nice’ in Olive magazine

(Nominees: Emma Thompson, National Geographic Traveller; Sarah Siese, The Mayfair Magazine; Tom Chesshyre, The Times)

 BEST BLOG

Rosana McPhee for ‘Aquitaine region, Bordeaux and St Emilion’ in Hot & Chilli

(Nominees: Emily Mawson, countrybycountry.com; Julie Falconer, A Lady in London; Michael Cowton, essentialjourneys.co.uk)

 BEST DESTINATION FEATURE

Karyn Noble for ‘A Weekend in Hyères’ at Lonely Planet online

(Nominees: Andrew Gilchrist, The Guardian; Carolyn Boyd, The Times; James Stewart (The Sunday Times, Travel).

The awards ceremony ended with a Special Recognition Award to France Magazine for its coverage and support of Paris following the November terrorist attacks.   Editor Carolyn Boyd accepted the award on behalf of all the former editors, regular contributors and readers who made the tribute so special.

56th Jazz à Juan 2016 (14th to 24th July 2016)

Since 1960 and the creation of Jazz à Juan, jazz has changed, jazz has mutated, it is everywhere, « all over the world », permeating, transfusing and instilling itself into all musical styles, redefining borders and boundaries, and must be recognised as the vast musical trajectory which has brought Afro-American culture to the threshold of the most contemporary and universal questions in music, while careful not to become lost in the prolixity of what we might conveniently call « World Music », nor hardened into an academic discipline destined for maintaining heritage.

And so Jazz à Juan has remained, for all these decades, an open and evolving festival, in other words optimistic, intuitive, nonconformist, avant-gardist, universalist, synergistic, culturalist, environmentalist, humanist, intimist, modernist, mutationist, mutualist, progressive, retrofuturist…

While celebrating its 56th anniversary, Jazz à Juan retains all the visceral instinct of its own legend. This year once again, as jazz and its close musical relatives cyrstallise into rare forms, the festival is more than ever open to artistic expression, welcoming many legendary figures who come to perform their most recent hits to the public.

Take a look at the 2016’s programme  here.

Restaurants around the UK join worldwide celebration of French gastronomy

• Twenty-five UK restaurants taking part in second global Goût de France/Good France event on 21 March
• French gourmet dinners to be served in 17 restaurants in London and eight in Scotland, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, Surrey and Suffolk

On Monday 21 March 2016, 25 restaurants around the UK will join over 1,500 chefs from all five continents for a worldwide celebration of French food and drink.

The names of the participating restaurants were announced by the French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, and three-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse in Paris on 28 January 2016.

Goût de France/Good France is a global initiative supported by the French Foreign Ministry. Taking place in restaurants and French embassies around the world, the event will showcase the vibrancy, creativity and innovation of French cuisine, while remaining true to the values of sharing, enjoyment and respect for good food and the planet.

In the UK, 25 chefs have devised special French gourmet menus, which will be served to diners on 21 March. Menus include an appetizer, starter, main course, selection of French cheeses, dessert and French wines and champagnes.

A range of restaurants – from local bistros to fine dining establishments – are taking part, and the menus are priced at the discretion of the restaurant. Menus will be based on fresh, seasonal and local produce with reduced levels of fat, sugar, salt and protein. Dishes already announced include twice-baked Roquefort soufflé, turbot with clams and wild garlic, mussel gratin with Provençale herb crust, millefeuille with chestnut cream and mandarin coulis, and baked chocolate tart with roasted plum compote.

The French Ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, will host her own Goût de France/Good France dinner at the French Residence in Kensington, London, on 21 March.
Ambassador Bermann said: “I am delighted that so many restaurants around the UK will be joining us on 21 March in this global celebration of French food and drink.

“Goût de France/Good France will be a chance like no other to savour some of the world’s finest gastronomy – from well-loved classics, to innovative new dishes and fusions, all of which showcase the best of French cooking today.”

The participating UK restaurants are:

• Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester (Mayfair, London)
  Chef: Jean-Philippe Blondet
• Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons (Great Milton, Oxfordshire)
  Chef: Raymond Blanc
• Boundary Restaurant (Shoreditch, London)
  Chef: Michael Carter
• Brasserie Joel (Westminster, London)
  Chef: Walter Ishizuka
• Escoffier (Westminster, London)
  Chef: Simon Stocker
• Fleur De Sel (Edinburgh, Scotland)
  Chef: Anne-Laure Roger
• L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Covent Garden, London)
  Chef: Xavier Boyer
• L’Escargot (Soho, London)
  Chef: James Tyrrell
• L’Etranger (South Kensington, London)
  Chef: Chris Siomadis
• La Garrigue (Edinburgh, Scotland)
  Chef: Jean-Michel Gauffre
• Lazenby’s on York Place (Scarborough, North Yorkshire)
  Chef: Simon Lazenby
• Le Garrick (Covent Garden, London)
  Chef: Charles Lepelletier
• Le Petit Nantais (East Molesey, Surrey)
  Chef: Jean-Philippe Gravier
• Le Pont de la Tour (Tower Bridge, London)
  Chef: Frederick Forster
• Les Deux Salons Restaurant (Trafalgar Square, London)
  Chef: Mathias Oberg
• Maison Bleue (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk)
  Chef: Pascal Canevet
• Marianne (Notting Hill, London)
  Chef: Marianne Lumb
• Mon Plaisir Restaurant (Covent Garden, London)
  Chef: François Jobard
• Mosimann’s (Belgravia, London)
  Chef: Anton Mosimann
• Pillars University of West London (Ealing, London)
  Chefs: Michael Coaker and Nathan Vasanthan
• Rivea London (Knightsbridge, London)
  Chef: Alexandre Nicolas
• Taste (Cumbernauld, Scotland)
  Chef: Paul Clark
• The Clarendon Hotel (Hebden, North Yorkshire)
  Chef: Lionel Strub
• The French Table (Surbiton, London)
  Chef: Eric Guignard
• The Grill at the Dorchester (Mayfair, London)
  Chef: Christophe Marleix

Members of the public can view participating restaurants’ menus on the Good France website: http://www.goodfrance.com. Table bookings should be made directly with the restaurant.

Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Minister, said: “The Goût de France/Good France event unites chefs from all horizons and from around the world on the same evening, with one shared goal: celebrating the excellence and creativity of French gastronomy.

“Gastronomy is part of France’s heritage and our identity, as was demonstrated by UNESCO in 2010 when it incorporated the “gastonomic meal of the French” into the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
“With this second Goût de France event, we invite the world to savour the taste of France.”

Chef Alain Ducasse said: “We called upon all connoisseurs of great food – and they answered our call. Better still, even more countries and restaurants will be participating in this second edition of the event.

“That is the great success of this initiative, proving that French cuisine is borne by a powerful dynamic, because it speaks a language of generosity and humanism. The world needs this appetite for happiness.”

Twenty UK restaurants took part in the first ever Goût de France/Good France event on 19 March 2015, joining over 1,300 around the world. Restaurants taking part in the UK included local bistros to fine dining establishments, in locations including London, Yorkshire and Oxfordshire.

Website: http://www.goodfrance.com
Twitter: @Good_France #GoodFrance

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© A.Lamoureux

The Vendée lies on France’s Atlantic coast, just south of the majestic river Loire
and less than three hours’ drive from the nearest Channel port. It is only an
hour by car from the airports of Nantes and La Rochelle. With as much sunshine
as the South of France, the Vendée is a place to visit all year round.

Top 5 For 2016

Vendée Globe, The Hardest Yatching Race
On the 6th of November 2016, the eighth edition of the non-stop, solo,
unassisted round-the-world yacht race will set sail from Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Taking part in the Vendée Globe 2016/2017 will be some of the best sailors
from France and around the world. The stage is now set for the eighth edition
of this thrilling adventure!

Portrait Of William Christie
During the William Christie Festival (August 2016), The Jardin du Bâtiment,
garden of the conductor William Christie, is open to the public. Inspired by the
Italian and French gardens of his favourite period, the world-renowned and
ever-changing landscape is a must-see.

Le Chateau De La Goujonnerie
Renovated by Les 3 Garçons, a group of three friends better known for their
stylish Shortditch restaurant, the Château de la Goujonnerie is a fantastic
holiday home. Situated between le Puy du Fou and “Le Marais Poitevin”, this
fantastic five-bedroom chateau is the perfect setting for peace and relaxation.

Portrait Of The Michelon Family
The last remaining wine-makers of Brem-sur-Mer, Patrice Michon and his two
sons, have revolutionised traditional Vendéen practices at their St-Nicolas
estate, using biodynamic agriculture techniques to produce their wines. They
have focused on the soil, creating the right balance between the earth, plants
and environment to produce favourable conditions for growth.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

L’hostellerie Du Général d’Elbé
Noirmoutier Village will welcome L’Hostellerie du Général d’Elbé
in May 2016. This historic 18th-century property, in the heart of
Noirmoutier and near the port, will offer 26 personalised rooms.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2017

They Are Back!
Sailors return from the Vendée Globe following their epic nautical
adventure.

Place du Capitole soir – ©D.VIET

Toulouse has some wonderful surprises in store for you. The city is a muststop-
over when exploring South-West France. Open and radiant, the city’s
incomparable “art de vivre”, coupled with the wealth of its cultural heritage,
three UNESCO sites, plus aeronautic and airspace discoveries is bound to draw
you in.

Top 5 For 2016

UEFA EURO 2016
In Toulouse, one of 10 of France’s host cities, football fans will be able to watch
four important matches: three group stages (the 13th, 17th and 20th of June
2016) and one quarter-final match (the 26th of June 2016). On the 20th of June
Wales will take on Russia.

Space Travel
Travel 50 years back in time to experience the genuine thrill of the first great
space mission. With its new temporary exhibition entitled “Space, what a
story!”, the Cité de l’Espace guides you through mankind’s greatest adventure.

Toulouse Jacobin Convent
After several months of renovation work, the Jacobin Convent now provides
visitors with a new reception and gift shop within the superb La Vierge
chapel. Another major new feature is that tourists can take advantage of an
interpretation trail with information panels and multi-media stations presenting
the history and the architecture of the site. In addition, it often hosts festivals
and exhibitions.

Canal Du Midi
Throughout the whole of 2016 it is also possible to celebrate 20 years of the
UNESCO classification of the Canal du Midi that crosses Toulouse: what would
you say to relaxing on a boat trip or taking a bike ride?

Greater Region
From 2016, Toulouse is now the capital of the new greater region of South-
West France that has regrouped the Languedoc-Roussillon/Midi-Pyrénées areas.
There are so many reasons to enjoy a city break in southern France: Spanish
accents and Italian façades, new connections by air, road or rail; sporting
events and cultural highlights.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

More Than One Option
The summer ends in Toulouse with a selection of events in the
last weekend of September for art lovers, aeronautical fans and
gourmets: the 1st biennale of the Le Printemps de Septembre
International Contemporary Art Festival, the 2nd edition of the
Aerial Meeting and Toulouse à Table within the backdrop of the
Fête de la Gastronomie.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2018

In 2018, Toulouse will be celebrating the centenary of the first
air-mail flight connecting Toulouse to Barcelona with the opening
of a new major tourist site. A museum featuring extraordinary
equipment dedicated to the air-mail adventure and a look at the
trade aspects of aeronautics.

In 2014, the Val de Loire was recognised as a tourism brand http://www.valdeloirefrance.com was set up in June 2015, inviting people to discover a destination
in which lifestyle and hospitality are everything. Richly illustrated with videos
and images, it serves four purposes: attract, plan, organise and implement and
emphasize the visitors’ experience.

Top 5 For 2016

500th Anniversary Of The Arrival Of Leonardo Da Vinci
2016 celebrates the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Leonardo Da Vinci at
the Royal Château of Amboise and the Château of Clos Lucé. The Loire Valley
welcomed many Italian artists, and their influence can be seen throughout.
Special visits, exhibitions and events are on the programme.

May 2016 – The Harmony of the Seas Leaves Saint-Nazaire
The largest cruise ship in the world which has broken all records: 362m long,
66m wide, up to 6,360 passengers and 2,100 crew members.

Fontevraud Lights By Yann Kersalé
Fontevraud will inaugurate the lighting of the Royal Abbey as designed by
internationally renowned artist Yann Kersalé. Kersalé uses light to devise a
subtle and poetic setting, capturing the spirit of Fontevraud.

Key Events
Every year, from December to the beginning of January, Christmas events are
organised at major sites – Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau,
Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Sully-sur-Loire and others such as Beaugency,
Meung-sur-Loire, La Bussière. Visitors leave behind the everyday life and delve
into the enchanting world of the end of year festivities.

Remarkable Tapestries In Angers
The exhibition at Jean Lurçat Museum “The Apocalypse – According to Jean
Lurçat” questions the artist’s relationship with the remarkable Apocalypse
Tapestry hosted in the Angers fortress.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

Opening Of The Château Of La Bourdaisière Cellars
La Bourdaisière, known for its extraordinary Tomato and Dahlia
gardens, opens its troglodyte (cave) cellars to visitors in 2016 to
host events and entertainment but also to visit the permanent
exhibition with an innovative multimedia tour: projection of 3D
images on the tuffeau stone walls.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2017

The Sailors Are Back
The first arrivals of the Vendée Globe racers after over 24,000
nautical miles and three months at sea from the Cape of Good
Hope (South Africa), Cape Leeuwin (Australia) and Cape Horn
(Chile). They will be crossing the Atlantic to regain Les Sablesd’Olonne
at the end of January 2017.

Anneau de la Mémoire ©Jérome POUILLE

Northern France is surprisingly rural, gorgeous and overflowing with culture.
People here are proud of our shared history and whilst the weather is much like
home, the welcome is always warm. Whether you are coming for a cultural visit,
shopping and gastronomy, wartime history, coastal activities or just to relax
and enjoy a taste of France, your perfect break is much closer than you think!

Top 5 For 2016

Football
Watch EURO 2016 with the England vs Wales match in Lens on the 16th of June
and the Italy vs Ireland match in Lille on the 22nd of June.

Battle Of Fromelles Centenary
On the 19th and 20th of July 1916, Fromelles became the theatre of a bloody
battle in which British and Australian troops were defeated against the German
6th Army. Nowadays, many monuments and venues around Fromelles still
commemorate the many lives that were lost on those terrible days, on
both sides.

Exhibition “Modigliani, The Inner Eye”
From the 27th of February to the 6th of June, the LaM Museum in Villeneuve
d’Ascq will host a unique exhibition on Modigliani. Over 120 works, including a
hundred by Modigliani himself, will display the artist’s genius.

Northern France In 1914-1918
A new museum dedicated to WW1 that will allow you to understand thematically
and chronologically the main stages of the conflict.

Memorial
The new Memorial in Neuville-Saint-Vaast will be dedicated to telling the story
of a WW1 Christmas like no other.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

Louvre Lens Museum
Visit the new museum dedicated to WW1 in Souchez, the Lens on
the 1914-1918 Peace and War museum.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2017

Battle Of Arras
2017 will be the centenary of the Battle of Arras with the celebration
of Vimy for Canada and the UK.

Pic du Midi ®HPTE_P_ COMPERE

Unspoilt countryside, villages of character and historical attractions, rivers and
canals, vineyards and towns typical of the South of France: Midi-Pyrénées is
all about discovery, new experiences and the human touch. Famous for its
gastronomy, friendliness and endearing charm, this region takes up much of
southwestern France between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Top 5 For 2016

Night At The Summit Of The Pic Du Midi
One of the most majestic summits in the Pyrenees, the Pic du Midi – 2877
metres high – is also an astronomy observatory and a Dark Sky International
Reserve. Now accessible to the general public, spend a magical night on the
summit dedicated to observing stars with an astronomer.

Meet The Last Descendent Of Toulouse-Lautrec
Nicole Tapié de Celeyran, the great-great niece of Toulouse Lautrec will be
delighted to show you around the Château du Bosc, where the artist used to
live as a child. A great add-on excursion to the Museum Toulouse-Lautrec in
Albi, which houses the largest collection of works by the artist.

The Tour De France On Electric Bikes
The Route des Cols itinerary runs along 386 km in Midi-Pyrenees, crossing such
mythical passes as the Col du Tourmalet and amazing mountain landscapes.
Now anyone can ascend the iconic Pyrenean stages of the Tour de France
effortlessly thanks to electric bikes!

Discover The Hidden Face Of Toulouse
Behind the somber facades and doors, Tolouse hides true treasures. The many
Renaissance mansions, built thanks to the woad trades, are home to some truly
stunning inner courtyards and well worth a visit. Why not stay at the new fivestar
hotel La Cour des Consuls, built in a former 16th-century private mansion?

Learn To Cook With A Chef
Chefs in Midi-Pyrenees are ready to share their savoir-faire and knowledge. At
the Halle aux Terroirs in Tarn, you will learn to cook regional specialities like the
famous “croquants de Cordes” or perhaps a menu inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec
recipes. You will of course also get to savour the creations and as a bonus be
advised on wine pairings.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

New Tour In Lourdes
Beyond the spiritual aspect, Lourdes also has an important
historical and cultural heritage. “Evoking Lourdes in the Middle
Ages” is an historical tour reminding us of the medieval city of
Lorda, the former name of Lourdes, protected by its two fortified
lines, twelve towers and nestled up to the fortified castle.

Lille Grand Place © Laurent Ghesquiere

On the other side of the Channel, Lille is coming into its own as a cultural and
buzzing metropolis. A few train stations away, discover different atmospheres:
Flemish architecture in Lille, industrial buildings in Roubaix, Tourcoing and
modern art in Villeneuve d’Ascq … and then of course there is the people of
Lille’s love for throwing a party!

Top 5 For 2016

Villa Cavrois
This gorgeous art deco villa was the home of an industrial owner in the 1930s.
It has been completely refurbished and has become a must-see in the
Lille metropolis!

Paris-Roubaix Race
The Hell of the North leads straight to heaven, in particular on 9th of April
when the grueling Paris-Roubaix race takes place. Thousands of fans from
across the world line the streets to cheer on and encourage the riders along
the cobblestones and streets.

Hotel Clarance
This new hotel recently opened in the heart of Old Lille, and it is a true gem.
Set in a former private mansion, it has been completely redecorated, and now
hosts a five-star boutique hotel, so cosy you would like it to be your home.

Visit Lille On A Dutch Bike!
Hop on one of Le Grand Huit bikes and join the guides as they show you all the
best spots of the city. En route, enjoy their quirky stories about Lille’s history.

Gare Saint Sauveur
Do not miss the Gare Saint Sauveur, a very “Lille” place where culture and “art
de vivre” meet! Set in a former train station, this cultural centre is the best
for family exhibitions, a welcoming restaurant and fun activities during the
weekends (except in the winter). In Spring 2016, a special exhibition on football
will celebrate EURO 2016!

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

EURO 2016
With Ireland playing in Lille, and England and Wales in Lens, the
Lille metropolis will be the place to be during the European Football
Championship! Come and join the excitement at the Stade Pierre-
Mauroy in Villeneuve d’Ascq, one of France’s newest stadiums!

Aix-en-Provence and Marseille both enjoy an ideal sunny climate. With almost
300 days of sun a year guaranteed, you will be able to partake in cultural,
sports and outdoor events all year round.

Top 5 For 2016
Temporary Exhibition Of Picasso
From the 27th of April to the 29th of August 2016, the MuCEM in Marseille
will host a major exhibition exploring how Picasso nourished his work with
influences from popular arts and traditions.

EURO 2016

England will kick off EURO 2016 in Marseille with the opening match on the 11th
of June against Russia. In addition, Marseille will host a total of six matches,
including a quarter final and a semi final.

Exhibition “Turner and color” From May 4 to september 18

Considered the precursor of Impressionism, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775 – 1857) undoubtedly reign in the landscape of 19th century English painting. In partnership with the Tate Britain in London and the Turner Contemporary Margate.

www.caumont-centredart.com

Open My Med – May/August 2016

“Open my med” is Marseille’s first fashion festival. It is organised by the
Mediterranean House and the Fashion Jobs (MMMM). The goal is to put
Marseille on the map as a fashion destination. An exhibition at the MuCEM and
a staging at Château Borély will be devoted to Yacine Aouadi – Marseille born
fashion designer.

Opt’art At The Fondation Vasarely

The foundation Vasarely, made out of 16 impressive hexagons and built in
1976, is a veritable work of art inspired by Bauhaus architecture. Two of the
many highlights are Vasarely’s permanent exhibition showcasing the artist’s 42
impressive installations and a room dedicated to optical art.

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The Tourist Office suggests the #provenceaixperience PASS. More than 20 free
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What We Are Looking Forward To In 2016

The J1 Hangar

A symbol of the industrial past of Marseille, the J1 hangar makes
its come back in the local landscape. The Grand Port Maritime de
Marseille just showed the headlines of the future project named
MJ1. Exhibitions, conferences, workshop and co-working places are
scheduled.

What We Are Looking Forward To In 2017

“Marilyn Monroe Under the Eye of Photographers”
22nd October – 17nd April 2017
The exhibition will present the immortal images of the actress,
the most famous photographs of “the last sitting”, made a month
before her death, by photographer Bert Stern. It will be hosted in
the Caumont Art Centre in Aix-en-Provence.