France Guide ., Spring 2010 issue

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Bonjour,

To kick off the season – much-awaited not only for the weather, but also for the launch of our annual FranceGuide magazine!  – we’ve come up with something new and refreshing.  Since Canadians are using the web more and more to book trips and share ideas via social networking, we wanted to be part of the game. FranceGuide, available online for years now, has grown into a full-blown webzine, combining the best of both worlds:  the usual enticing photos and witty, informative articles of the print copy, with the possibility to reach an endless number of readers. Even great, world-renowned Chef Alain Ducasse, who prefaces this year’s magazine, couldn’t resist becoming a part of our world on the web!  I strongly suggest you take a few minutes to watch our video interview with him.
 
For those of you who have received your copy of FranceGuide at home, or picked it up at one of our distribution points, you’ve certainly noticed a reduced number of pages…  Indeed, we’ve revised the format to respond to the ever-growing demand, and now print and distribute 60% more copies than last year.  But of course, how could we do justice to covering a full-year in France in only 60 pages?  That’s why the webzine includes 40 exclusive online articles, tips and videos.

Check out the articles below to learn more about all of the webzine’s functions and advantages, before becoming engrossed in its rich content.
Don’t forget to let us know what you think!

Caroline Putnoki
Director for Canada

FranceGuide 2010
 
New FranceGuide 2010 is prefaced by great Chef Alain Ducasse
ATOUT FRANCE, the France Tourism Development Agency is thrilled to present its most recent edition of FranceGuide, the reference for Francophiles and sophisticated travelers. The magazine offers twice as much, with over 40 articles available online exclusively.

 
Alain Ducasse, ambassador of the French art of living, confides in us
The chef, trendsetter and leader first prefaces the magazine, and then, for our cameras, elaborates on sustainable development and the fascinating diversity of his homeland, so intricately linked to the excellent reputation of French cuisine.

 
 Web bonus     
Before you bite into your new FranceGuide…
Here are a few hints to guide you through your online viewing. Be one of the first to tell us what you think! The pen icon at the bottom of each page allows you to share your personal experiences and comments, as well as post pages to your Facebook or Twitter account. The heart leads to our coups de coeur – tips and insider information about French regions – and a click on the arrow brings you to a short video. All you have to do now is sit back and enjoy the browse!

Why France?
 
Ten reasons to visit France in 2010
The release of FranceGuide magazine is the perfect opportunity for the France Tourism Development Agency to remind Canadians why the world’s most visited destination deserves to be seen this year.

Excerpts from our new webzine
 
 Magical Impressionism in Normandy     
Magical Impressionism in Normandy
by Monique Burns
Picnics in hay-scented fields, lazy boat rides on the Seine, world-class art exhibits, dramatic sound-and-light shows, dance parties in riverside guingettes, and footloose rambles through the countryside. Monet would have loved this, as would have Renoir, Degas and all the other 19th-century artists who made Normandy the birthplace of Impressionism.
 Bordeaux fête le vin      Bordeaux fête le vin
by Gary Lawrence
With four days of festivities, half a million tastings and nearly as many visitors, Bordeaux’ celebration of wine is the real deal. Could any other city in the world be more appropriate than Bordeaux to pay homage to the nectar of the gods?
 All That Jazz      All That Jazz
by Monique Burns
On the Cote d’Azur, moonlight glistens on the Mediterranean and filters through a grove of centenary pines. In the distance, the lights of Cannes glitter around the crescent bay of Golfe Juan. Onstage, a stone’s throw from the sea, a saxophonist throws back his head and launches into a slow, sensuous riff.

The grand annual France survey
 
 From you to us     
From you to us
Each month, we share with you our favourite French news, events and unbeatable deals to better inform you and give you a taste for France. Take advantage of our yearly survey to update your profile and be sure to receive news you’re interested in for your next travel to France!