“Just make sure to wear a lot of sunscreen”: French Ambassador says tourism is safe for peak summer period

“Just make sure to wear a lot of sunscreen”: French Ambassador says tourism is safe for peak summer period

His Excellency, Jean-Pierre Thébaultthe French ambassador to Australia believes that the French tourism season is safe for all despite recent civil unrest across the country.

Last week, Smarttraveller updated its warning for Australian travellers headed to France, “Since 27 June, riots have occurred across France which have turned violent, leading to the destruction of property including vehicles, shops, police stations and schools,” the site, said.

“Be particularly vigilant at night and avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.”

An overturned car on fire during the fourth night of protests. (Source: The Guardian – YouTube)

Speaking to Travel Weekly, Mr Thébault said tourists can be confident of their holiday plans to France this summer.

“They all will be truly welcomed,” he said.

“And will be able to visit in full confidence. The situation has already calmed down.

“Despite providing impressive photo opportunities for some medias, incidents were extremely localized.

“July and August are the peak tourism season and all France has prepared to welcome our international visitors.

“I was recently myself in regional France. In Provence and Ile de Ré. The season promises to be fabulous. Just make sure to wear a lot of sunscreen!”

Obligatory shot of ‘The City of Love’.

Civil unrest as we have seen in recent days is something the French government will hope to keep a lid on as they prepare to host the 2024 Olympic Games in July and August next year.

Mr Thébault says the millions who will attend the games should very much advance on their plans to enjoy the sixth Olympic Games in France.

“The French Olympic Committee has prepared a fantastic programme where all major sports will be on grandiose sites, linked to French history, such as Versailles, the Champ de Mars,” he said.

“But do not forget: the Olympic Games will also take place in Marseille, a place and region to really visit… As well as in the Pacific: all surf competitions will be in Tahiti, in French Polynesia. A first!

France will host the Olympic Games for the sixth time next year. (iStock – Daniel Bartus)

“On top of that Australian athletes I know are preparing intensively and are eager to do even better than in Tokyo, which was already great Games for Australia. I so expect that Australia will perform great.

“And Australians are powerful supporters! Best to be on site to express your enthusiasm. And whatever the outcomes, all France is worth to be discovered and rediscovered again and again!”

Up to 10 million tickets will be sold to the third Olympic Games held in Paris next year.

Riots in France broke out after a 17-year-old French citizen was intercepted by police who failed to provide a driver’s license and was under the legal driving age.

According to the Attorney General in charge of the case, the situation escalated when the driver refused to comply with French police and sped away, he was ultimately shot and passed away from his injuries.

Demonstrations have since spread through Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Lille and as far as Belgium.

Mr Thébault comments echo the sentiment of French minister, Bruno Le Maire, who told the  U.K’s Daily Telegraph, “All the major democracies today are faced with this kind of problem.”

“Our British friends should be happy to visit France and have no fear.”

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]