After so many Americans expressed anti-France sentiment over the conflict with Iraq, the French tourism industry has launched a massive campaign to lure yankees back.
The France Tourism Office's "Lets Fall In Love Again" promotion features great deals on hotels and airfare, as well as a contest to live like Joe Millionaire.
There are many deals for Americans as part of the promotion, including:
- Air France is offering rare summertime airfare deals as low as $599 round-trip from the U.S. to Paris.
- Rail Europe is offering up to 70 percent of rail fares and passes.
- Some Concorde hotel properties are offering three nights for the price of two.
- The Relais & Chateaux, a group of unique boutique hotels, is also offering three nights for the price of two.
- Sofitel will offer a free fourth night stay for every three nights paid.
- Citadines apartment-hotels is offering a 10 percent discount.
- Galleries Lafayette is offering a 10 percent discount card, free tote bag and invitations to private fashion shows.
- The Crazy Horse is offering free champagne.
The French Government Tourism Office has also produced a short film, "Let's Fall In Love Again," featuring Woody Allen, Wynton Marsalis and George Plimpton.
The promotion also features a contest for two business class tickets on Air France, a limo ride to the Château de la Bourdaisière in the Loire Valley (you may have seen it on a little show called "Joe Millionaire") and two first-class France Rail passes.
The tourism office has also launched a new "Club France" membership, which costs $19.99 a year and features all sorts of discounts and deals.
France's stance on war might have disenchanted some Americans, but now the country's tourism officials hope to entice those yanks to return to the land of gourmet cuisine, sidewalk cafes and high fashion. Why not take advantage?