France
People from the UK have voted France the number one short haul destination for a happy holiday according to the results of a new survey* revealed today by the organisers of The France Show 2011.
The survey, carried out among 1000 adults, examined various components of a holiday, including: the quality of accommodation; the food; length of travel to destination; weather; duration; travelling companions and cost. Despite the recent popularity of the staycation, and our long-standing love affair with Spain, the study showed that a getaway to France is more likely to lead to a happy holiday experience for people from the UK than any other destination in Europe.
For those in need of a French fix to boost happiness levels throughout the winter months, fret not, France is coming to the UK. From 14 to 16 January 2011, The France Show will bring the very best of French life to Earls Court, London. The finest in French food, wine, shopping, travel, culture and property will be brought together in one place so Londoners can enjoy a little bit of French ‘je ne sais quoi’ right on their doorstep.
New for 2011, The France Show will host the biggest French market ever seen in the UK. With over 50 hand-selected French artisans, there’ll be a vast array of hand-crafted products, along with gourmet foods to try and buy. With well-loved French classics alongside some more unusual and harder to find regional delicacies, brought to the UK by Europe’s largest market operator, Groupe Géraud. Recreating the ambience of a typical French market, there’ll be space for visitors to sit down and enjoy their purchases over a glass of wine within a convivial atmosphere.
The Flavours of France Theatre has an array of regional French personalities hosting entertainment and interviews, whilst those with a real craving for French cuisine will learn techniques and recipes from top French chefs within a series of practical demonstrations. There’ll also be a superb selection of France’s best wine producers, giving visitors the chance to sample and purchase from a fantastic range of fine wines. For those thirsty for greater knowledge, the Wine Tasting Theatres offer seminars with world leading experts, including writer and broadcaster, Suzi Atkins, with a range of sessions suitable for beginners through to the more experienced.
If you’re one of the 16 million adults in the UK who wishes you could speak French, then why not consign embarrassing school French to history and join one of the French classes? Specifically designed to offer you a fresh, fun and easy approach to learning, this could be just the start you need to get your confidence back and set you on your way to being fluent in French.
Whilst the The France Show is the closest you can get to France without actually making the journey, it’s also the perfect place to start planning a visit. With an excellent range of ferry operators, holiday companies, regional tourist offices and travel experts, visitors will get inspiration, information and a fantastic range of unique discounts and offers.
For some, a more permanent French connection is called for. Not only is France the destination for happy holidays, it has also been awarded the accolade of ‘the best place to live in Europe’ according to the annual Quality of Life Index. So why not visit The French Property Exhibition, hosted within The France Show, and explore the option of buying your dream pied-à-terre, chateau or farmhouse in France. They’ll be estate agents, developers, solicitors, banks and other professionals providing free advice to guide you through every aspect of buying property in France – with confidence.
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