20 Dec 2016
France has been showered with accolades this year as a vibrant, innovative, exciting and dazzling tourist destination. From the top of its snowy mountains to its lush vineyards, beautiful beaches, cultural cities and picturesque villages, not to mention gorgeous hotels and ravishing restaurants – there is something for everyone to fall in love with. Following the tragic events earlier this year, Atout France is delighted that there has been so much recognition of the huge range of excellence in tourism in France and its overseas destinations, a really great way to end the year.
Sunday Times Travel: Sunday Times Travel Editor Awards2016
Paris took this prestigious award for many reasons including its joie de vivre, urban innovation including the pedestrianisation of the banks of the Seine, rejuvenation of old SNCF buildings, plus an “irrepressible lust for life”, energy and style.
Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2017: Winner of the Best City to visit in 2017
"They used to call her the 'Sleeping Beauty', but – though she's hit the snooze button a few times – Bordeaux is now wide awake and ready for action" says Lonely Planet. Awesome architecture, great gastronomy, wonderful wine and a whole lot more make this scintillating city a dazzling destination.
Condé Nast Traveller 2016 Awards: Gongs Galore
Best of the World's top 100 AND Best overseas holiday hotels in the Americas and Caribbean: Eden Rock St Barth. After refurbishment, this classic hotel is set to wow more than ever.
Best overseas holiday hotels in Autralasia & the South Pacific: The St Regis Bora Bora resort, French Polynesia. A truly luxurious resort, including private gardens, outdoor decks and plunge pools plus a spa on its own island. X-factor: Every villa has a dedicated butler.
Winner of the Favourite Ski Resort: Courchevel took the prize thanks to its exceptional restaurants and bars, brilliant hotels and chalets.
Tatler travel awards 2016: Gold Standard
Calling it “ritzier” than ever and “legendary”, Tatler awarded this recognition to the Ritz, Paris following the sparkling renovation and reopening of the world's most famous hotel.
British Guild of Travel Writers: Highly commended top 2016 BGTW Tourism Award
Unveiled in 2016, Cité du Vin the city's emblematic new building on the banks of the Garonne celebrates and showcases the region's famous wine in a sensational museum.
Telegraph World Snow Awards 2016: European Resort of the Year
Val d'Isere was honoured with the award after being judged by leading figures in the UK ski and snowboard industry as well as by public vote. The resort has a fantastic new 10-person heated seat gondola (and wifi) which has increased access to the stunning Solaise area plus a new beginner area and day lodge including a picnic area with microwave ovens.
World Ski Awards 2016: Best Ski Resort in the World
Val Thorens, the largest ski area in the world won the title of 'Best Ski Resort In The World' for the third time in four years. More than 1.6 million people from 85 countries voted in the awards choosing Val Thorens for 'the best of skiing, the best of atmospheres, a pioneering spirit, breath-taking natural environment and exceptional snow conditions'.
The World Ski Awards also awarded: The Koh-i-Nor hotel in Val Thorens for France's best ski Hotel; Le Chalet Zannier, Megève , won France's Best Ski Boutique Hotel; Chalet Mont Tremblant, Meribel won France's Best Ski Chalet.
World Travel Awards 2016: A raft of recognitions
Europe leading beach hotel: Cap Eden Rock – Antibes. The glitzy but authentic hotel on the French Riviera continues to inspire as it has since it first opened in 1870.
Europe leading city hotel: The Ritz – Paris. “When I dream of afterlife in heaven,” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz.” Elegant, glamorous and utterly gorgeous, the Ritz is back after a four year facelift.
Europe's leading city break destination: Lyon. This lovely city with its wonderful architecture, culture and gastronomy deservedly took first place amongst a whole host of heavyweights.
Europe's leading luxury hotel: The Peninsula – Paris. Since this 5 Star hotel opened in 2014 it's won a legion of fans for its sheer class, beauty and style.
Europe's leading spa resort: Evian resort. Stunning location, numerous activities and a great golf course, culture, fabulous cuisine and a whole lot more.
Europe's leading themed resort: Disneyland Paris, the world's favourite theme park continues to thrill.
QS: Best Student City 2016
In a study of 116 of the world's leading urban destinations for international students, Paris took first place, Lyon 46th and Toulouse 74th.
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For further information please contact
Anne Pedersen, Head of Public Relations Department, Atout France
Tel. 020 7061 6624
