CT Insight Report: What’s new in France?

Renowned for its cultural landmarks and heritage attractions, France remains a leading destination for international travellers. The country ranks among the top five outbound markets for GCC travellers, according to the 2026 Connecting Travel Insight Report, featuring data from travel analytics firms RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group.

Strong demand from the GCC is supporting increased connectivity between the UAE and France. To cater to peak summer travel levels, UAE carrier Etihad Airways will launch a thrice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Paris from 1 July 2026, coinciding with major events such as the Tour de France, which takes place from 4 to 26 July. For families, the destination has been further enhanced by a €2 billion expansion at Disneyland Paris, marking the largest development in the park’s 34-year history. 

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Tourism revenue in France rose 9% in 2025 as the country welcomed a record 102 million visitors, up 2%, reaffirming its position as the world’s most visited destination. Among 120 hotel projects and 12,800‐plus rooms in the pipeline, 2026 openings include Zannier Bendor Île de Bendor, a low‐impact private‐island resort off Bandol on the French Riviera, with 93 Provençal‐style villas, a wellness hub and an art gallery.

Also in focus, Saint‐Tropez’s 19th‐century Château de la Messardière, a luxury hotel with 86 rooms, will host HBO’s The White Lotus Season 4 filming from April to October. New attractions include an Egyptian‐themed zone at Parc Astérix and the reopened Musée des Sacres Royaux in Reims, displaying coronation artefacts.