France is already a vacation favorite for many, but that doesn’t mean the country isn’t continuously working to improve its tourism product — and there’s plenty of new offerings debuting within the next year to entice clients on their next visit.
From hotel openings to new attractions and upcoming events, here’s a look at what’s new around France.
New Attractions for 2022
Next March, the Chateau Villers-Cotterets — which has been abandoned for decades — will reopen to the public after a full restoration. The property, which was completed in the mid-16th century, is the only Renaissance castle in the Picardy region of Northern France. There are also plans to open a French language-focused center at the castle in 2023, featuring an exhibition hall, workshops and artist residences.
Over in Dijon (the capital of the Burgundy region), the International City of Gastronomy and Wine will debut on April 22, marking the starting point of the region’s famed wine route. The eco-friendly, 8.5-acre neighborhood will feature a gastronomy and wine cultural and training center with a Ferrandi cooking school; new shops and restaurants; and a four-star hotel.
Set to open next spring in the Champagne region is the Cite du Vitrail in the town of Troyes, a cultural and educational tourism project centered around stained glass, a specialty of the region. Housed in a restored 18th-century space, the center will dedicate some 32,000 square feet to showcasing stained glass works from the 12th to 21st centuries.
Major Upcoming Events in France
In addition to Christmas markets around the country in November and December this year, Lyon will host holiday-themed festivities in the form of its annual Festival of Lights, taking place Dec. 8-11. Commemorating a religious tradition that dates back to the 19th century, the festival sees all the windows of the city decorated with lights, while the streets are filled with light installations.
In 2022, a few of the country’s major festivals include the International Comics Festival of Angouleme, taking place Jan. 27-30; the two-week-long Nice Carnival celebration, from Feb. 12-26; the Bordeaux Wine Festival — Europe’s largest wine event — held June 23-26; and September’s American Film Festival in Deauville/Normandy, the only European film festival of its size that is open to the public.
Nationwide events, meanwhile, range from the Fete de la Musique — a celebration of music on June 21 featuring thousands of concerts throughout France — to the famed Tour de France bicycle race, taking place July 1-24 in 2022.
Noteworthy New Hotels in Paris and Beyond
Though Paris has already seen a slew of hotel openings this year, one of the most significant new properties is the luxury Cheval Blanc, with just 72 rooms and suites overlooking the Seine River in the heart of the city. Other recently introduced offerings include the Saint James Paris, Paris’ only hotel in a chateau/family estate; the art deco-inspired Kimpton St. Honore Paris; and Pullman Paris Montparnasse Hotel, a new flagship for the brand that is now Paris’ third-largest hotel.
Kimpton St. Honore recently opened in Paris.
Credit: 2021 Kimpton Hotels & RestaurantsThe Paris region also welcomed the first hotel to open within the grounds of Versailles in June; the luxury Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Controle features a mere 14 rooms and suites, and offers guests private access to the chateau and its grounds.
Still to come to the city this year are the 36-room Soho House Paris in Pigalle (slated for fall), and the five-star Madame Reve Hotel, located in the 19th-century Louve post office building (opening in late October). Bulgari Hotels and Resorts is also getting ready to open a Paris property this year, featuring 76 rooms (mostly suites) and a full range of luxury facilities.
Six Senses Loire Valley will have 88 suites and villas.
Credit: 2021 Six SensesOther parts of the country are also seeing exciting new properties spring up: In the Loire Valley, for example, a chateau is being transformed into the Six Senses Loire Valley, expected to open in May 2022 with 88 suites and villas, equestrian and tennis centers, an organic farm, an art gallery and a natural lake with a beach.
And in Bordeaux, a few of the options that have already debuted in 2021 include the five-star Villas Foch Bordeaux — housed in two 17th- and 18th-century mansions — and two new Marriott properties. The Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel features a rooftop pool, while the playful Moxy Bordeaux pays homage to the area’s industrial heritage.
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