SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW
Lascaux 4 opened its doors in December 2016 bringing to life a complete replica of the world famous, 20,000 year old Lascaux Caves in Dordogne. Housed in the Centre International de l’Art Pariétal Montignac-Lascaux, a brilliant visit. projet-lascaux.com
In April 2017 the prestigious wines of the Rhone Valley get a swanky new showcase venue. The magnificent 18th-century mansion of Calvet de la Palun, one of the last grand mansions built in Avignon, Provence, will open as a wine tourism complex called the Carré du Palais. Tastings, workshops, wine bar with a view to die for, restaurant, hotel and shops will make this a wine venue with massive appeal. www.carredupalaisavignon.com
Fashion fans will adore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum which will open in Paris in autumn 2017 dedicated to the work of the great couturier, featuring his iconic collection including accessories, clothes, sketches and photographs. www.fondation-pb-ysl.net
AWESOME ANNIVERSARIES
The famous film Festival of Cannes celebrates 70 years of glamour from May 17 to 28 2017 – you can expect a rendez-vous to remember as the stars arrive to join in this milestone birthday.
Meanwhile in Le Havre, from May to November 2017, the UNESCO-listed City and its historic port will celebrate their 500th anniversary in style. There are numerous exciting contemporary art installations by internationally renowned artists, exceptional exhibitions, futuristic street parades including the much lauded Royal de Luxe with their extraordinary giant puppets and much more! normandie-tourisme.fr
It’s show time sensation at the award winning historical theme park Puy du Fou as in 2017 they celebrate 40 years of bringing history to life with the opening of a new show, a new hotel and two new restaurants. www.puydufou.com
EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS
In the 18th Century Hotel de Caumont in lovely Aix-en-Provence is hosting the just opened “Marilyn I Wanna Be Loved By You” exhibition. It’s an un-missable opportunity to view some of the most memorable photographs of Marilyn Monroe including the legendary photographs from “The Last Sitting”, taken a month before Marilyn’s death, by photographer Bert Stern. Catch it before it ends 1 May 2017. www.aixenprovencetourism.com
The Alpes-Maritimes department will celebrate its gorgeous gardens heritage with a brand new event: The Côte d’Azur Garden Festival. Events will take place in several town centres including Cannes and Menton between 1 April and 1 May 2017 with the theme “Awaken your senses”. franceuncovered.com
SENSATIONAL SPORTS
Capturing the imagination, the round the world Yacht race, the Vendée Globe sees the sailors set off on their heroic nautical adventure from Les Sables d’Olonne on 6 November 2016. Greet them on their return to Les Sables d’Olonne after their long journey in February 2017. www.vendee-tourism.co.uk
Hot on the heels of the football Euro 2016 championships, France is preparing for an epic hand ball event. The 2017 25th edition of the Men’s Handball World Championship takes place in several cities including Lille, recently voted one of the friendliest places in France! www.francehandball2017.com
In May of 2017, the world’s best national surfing teams will ride the waves off the coast of Biarritz to compete for Gold in the International Surfing Association’s flagship event in the world-renowned surf destination, located on France’s southwest coast. www.isasurf.org
Find out more at: www.france.fr
