France has been the world’s most visited country since the 1980s.

France is on course to welcome a record number of tourists this year, helping boost sector revenue by about 4 percent, minister for foreign affairs and tourism Laurent Fabius said. Revenue from tourism last year represented 7 percent of France’s economic activity and brought in revenue of 150 billion euros. With the attractions of the capital Paris, its Loire Valley chateaux, Alpine ski resorts, Riviera beaches and gastronomic pleasures, France has been the world’s most visited country since the 1980s.

The Chateau de Versailles, one of France’s most visited tourist sites, is to house a new luxury hotel where visitors will have the opportunity to sleep like royals.

With peeling paint, faded walls and spider webs now common sights at the Chateau de Versailles, the hotel venture would attract private funds to spruce up several buildings in dire need of an upgrade.
Because Versailles is run by the French Govt and funds come out of the Ministry for culture, The property is at odds all the time with trying to have funding to have an on going upkeep, unlike the Vaux-le-Vicomte ( which is what Versailles was fashioned on) with it'a private funds and has always a fantastic upkeep.
So the French Govt is asking corporations or wealthy individuals to bid on an unused building at the  Versailles to make into a small, but luxurious hotel plus contributing to other buildings upkeep at the site. We shall see what happens in the coming months.

Day Trip from Paris to visit Champagne country - just 45 minutes away by TGV Train....

I love to visit ( on a day trip from Paris) the Champagne Country and Reims its capitol. 
The Paris train leaves you off at the city center and you can walk to many of the Champagne houses.
Of course,one must have lunch at Les Crayeres hotel dining room, at Le Parc or its new less formal, Brasserie. 
But one must also make a stop at Maison Fossier Pastry shop and buy a tin or two of their famous Pink Biscuit, just the right size to dunk in a glass of Champagne. 

The Castle at Versailles can be over-whelming and so a suggestion for a lovely, calm lunch nearby...

A new lovely bistro with lovely prices to match has opened near the Castle of Versailles and I suggest you make it a lunch stop either after or before your visit.

                                      A great prix-fixe lunch at 27 to 35 Euros

Paris in August is a restaurant/cafe ghost town for locals and visitors.........and as the English Female Pop group once sang......

“It’s a cruel, cruel summer,

 leaving us here on our own, 

it’s a cruel, cruel summer

 now they’re gone…” 

 Paris is largely a ghost town in August, as most Parisians are away for the month on holiday on the beaches of Normandy, or down south in the Côte d’Azur. This means that it can be challenging to find quality restaurants, boulangerie, or other stores open as many are closed, for the entire month. This is especially the case with top tier restaurants, as staff take much needed rest from their demanding work. However, a few good restaurants are open, so all is not lost if you are in Paris during this extended vacances. If you want a list, please email me at Howard.lewis@protravelinc.com

One of my most favorite hotels in all of France - Les Sources de Caudalie -It's Heaven any way you look at it

An award-winning hotel and spa situated in the peaceful surroundings of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. 

This country estate is made up of wonderful guest rooms and suites distributed between five quaint cottages, all of which are quintessentially French in décor with plush furnishings, antique collectibles and crisp fresh linen. Many of the rooms open out on to terraces which over look the beauties of either the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte's vineyards or lake. 

 The spa and hotel are surrounded by vast areas of vineyard, while the beautiful city of Bordeaux is only fifteen minutes away.

 There are two restaurants ( both fabulous!!) , one of which restaurants, La Grand 'Vigne - - is one of the finest in the region. Their other is La Table du Lavoir and is set in a former orangery and is perfect for dining al fresco on their terrace. The mouth watering menu in either will no doubt not disappoint, with fresh seafood delicacies and infamous French deserts. Lastly their wine bar Rouge is great for hearty traditional French cuisine in the style of tapas to be accompanied by the wide 

Bordeaux wine selection and great conversations with the wine hosts. Les Sources de Caudalie boasts a 15,000 bottle wine cellar, and wine tastings with the sommelier offer an excellent introduction to some of the region's best vintages. When you talk about farm to table these days, here it’s really true as you drink a glass of wine, all you need to look 10 feet outside the dining room window and see the vine it was grown on.

 Grapes have proven antioxidant and protective properties, and the Vinotherapy spa combines the use of Caudalie beauty care products with unique therapies such as a Merlot wrap, a Sauvignon massage or a crushed Cabernet scrub. Treatments are on hand to combat ageing, provide total relaxation or even promote weight loss. The hotel also has a cigar room (Hurrahs!) , outdoor swimming pool, gym, and tennis court.

The most remarkable Stained Glass windows in all of Paris, and its Not Notre Dame, but right near it. Sainte Chapelle

This breathtaking Gothic chapel, with its stunning stained glass windows, is one of the most exhilarating places in Paris. It was commissioned by Louis IX in the 1240s to house relics from the Holy Land, most notably the Crown of Thorns and part of the True Cross. Imposing and yet marvelously intricate, La Sainte-Chapelle is located on the Ile de la Cité near Notre Dame. It has two tiers: an intimate area at ground level with an awe-inspiring view, and a raised space with radiant tall windows and a small balcony. One of the great achievements of Gothic architecture, the Sainte-Chapelle boasts one of the most extensive displays of stained glass to be found anywhere. Bask in the light of bygone days and feel the warmth and wonder emanating from some of the most beautiful windows in the world.
Go early in the morning, during the Paris tourist season to get your tickets or you'l find long lines.
To recover the crowds after your visit, step across the square to the Les Deux Palais for a cafe.
Another way to avoid this, is to attend one of many chamber concerts held here in the evening. 

Experience the waterways of Paris in a self-drive electric boat

Many visitors to Paris think that the Seine is the only body of water in town. In fact, Paris boasts several canals that can be navigated by boat - a charming way to see the city from a whole new perspective.

A company called Marin d'Eau Douce now offers visitors and locals rentals of small electric boats that they can self drive along the canals. There are several itineraries to choose from. No licence is required. Rates begin at Euro 40 an hour and there are 2 to 8 persons boats to chose from.

The boat rental company can also provide a lovely picnic lunch, if you wish. 

To quote a Marvin Hamlish Song "Nobody Does It Better" than the French Pastry chefs............

Helmet New Cake Shop in the 9e

near the Madeleine