CruisePro Set to Expand the French Cruise Market


Après une rénovation à Brest, le Quenn Mary 2, ici dans le canal du Panama, reprendra la mer à l’occasion d’une nouvelle traversée transatlantique au départ du Havre le 25 juin @Cunard

CroisiEurope


Fifteen brands, but not fifteen companies doomed to compete for the same passengers.

For Emmanuel Joly, head of Cruisepro, the breadth of the portfolio is, on the contrary, the main lever for the growth of the general travel agency in France. « All of our brands meet demand without cannibalizing each other », he asserts.

Royal Caribbean targets families and fans of large ships, Virgin Voyages targets adults, while Celebrity Cruises occupies the premium segment.

Cunard cherishes its maritime heritage, NCL leans toward a more relaxed offering, and Azamara focuses on destination immersion.

Cruisepro also covers luxury and ultra-luxury with Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Crystal Cruises or Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. AmaWaterways finally enables its presence on the river cruise segment.


Cruisepro: deals with networks “in the works”

The proliferation of brands is therefore not aimed at repartitioning the existing client base. It is intended to widen the market by offering responses to profiles and budgets that are very different.

To achieve this, Cruisepro wants to strengthen its ties with travel agencies. Emmanuel Joly notes that signatures with several distribution networks are currently in the works.

The reservation calendar makes this collaboration all the more strategic.

Despite the growth of last-minute sales, driven, he says, by geopolitical uncertainties, the manager recalls that it is generally necessary to book nine to eighteen months before departure to obtain the best terms and preserve a real choice of cabins.

The work with distributors must therefore begin well before boarding. It involves training, product briefings, and the ability to direct each client toward the cruise line that truly matches their expectations.

Cruisepro also aims to bring cruising out of its circle of regulars. “We must reach clients who take exotic trips”, says Emmanuel Joly. In other words, persuade travelers who already travel far but have not yet considered the ship as a way to discover.


New Developments as Proof by Example

The 2027 programming must give agents talking points. Royal Caribbean will position Mariner of the Seas departing from Barcelona on itineraries that travel through the Costa del Sol, Casablanca, Tangier and Portugal. A way to combine time onboard with a sequence of calls rarely gathered on a single Western Mediterranean cruise.

Celebrity Cruises will again offer a seven-night Iceland circuit aboard the Celebrity Silhouette. Cunard, for its part, will focus on a transatlantic crossing between Le Havre and New York on June 25, 2027, aboard the Queen Mary 2. The ship will have just emerged from a renovation carried out in Brest and will feature a French-speaking accompaniment.

NCL will launch in April 2027 the Norwegian Aura, touted as the largest ship ever built for the company. Oceania Cruises will inaugurate the Oceania Sonata in August of the same year, while developing culinary-themed cruises.

On the more exotic segments, Cruisepro can rely on Azamara’s long voyages and the expedition cruises of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. In the river segment, AmaWaterways will reinforce its departures on the Magdalena River, in Colombia, with two 60-passenger vessels and calls in Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Laurent Guéna Published by Laurent Guéna Journalist – TourMaG.com
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Ukraine: French Travel Agency Offers a Trip to Western Ukraine


L’agence française JMB Voyages propose un circuit "Noël en Ukraine" - Depositphotos

Aer Lingus


A year ago already, tourism professionals had traveled to Ukraine for a solidarity stay with the Ukrainian people.

In the spring, a new edition again allowed several industry players to discover the country’s reality, among them Jean-Marie Bernard.

The head of JMB Voyages, who went from selling dreams on glossy paper with Québec Le Mag to realizing travelers’ wildest dreams, as we reported in a previous article, then experienced an event that deeply unsettled him.

From that experience was born an idea: to offer, in turn, a trip to Ukraine, prioritizing the parts of the country spared by the conflict. It is an eight-day circuit, in December next, in the Carpathians and Galicia, around Lviv.

“During this journey, I befriended Olga Sansone (the director of Vacanture, a Ukrainian incoming operator). Before the war, she had six offices, but since then, activity has obviously slowed.

Following this stay and this meeting, Olga and I decided to give it a try. The idea is to help, with plenty of quotation marks, Vacanture to keep its head above water and to survive.

I am therefore proposing a trip to Ukraine, obviously in a conflict-free area.

Of course, that does not mean there has never been anything in this region, but I returned there on my own recently, and I heard no alert
“, explains Jean-Marie Bernard.


Travel to Ukraine: “I went to the country twice, in 2026”

A bet that may seem crazy, even troubling, and the organizer is well aware of it.

“I suspect that not all feedback will be friendly. I’ve talked about it around me; people call me crazy.

There is no financial objective for me, nor any publicity. I have visited the country twice this year. You know, this trip offers many beautiful things to see, but what will be most memorable are the encounters.

They are interesting for everyone, because they are also comforting for Ukrainians, who see foreigners who are neither diplomats nor humanitarians.

It is also a way to keep hotels and infrastructures, like the incoming agency, afloat while bringing, on my scale, a glimmer of hope
“, he confides.

Moreover, this is not the first initiative from a French operator.

Already in January last year, Nomade Aventure decided to create a journey in Transcarpathia.

A circuit that will only go on sale once the conflict is over, or at least when France Diplomatie indicates that it will be possible to travel there, changing the tint of its map, currently entirely red.

Just like JMB Voyages, the tour operator does not want to fall into voyeurism or dark tourism, but to offer a sign of hope to suffering populations.

However, unlike Nomade Aventure, for JMB Voyages, the Ukraine stay will indeed take place. It will run from December 10 to 17, 2026. It plans to explore the western part of the country, immersed in the Christmas festivities.


Travel to Ukraine: Lviv, the Carpathians, Drohobytch and Jovkva on the programme…

The departure will be from Paris, heading to Rzeszów, in Poland.

“We decided to pick a small airport really very close to the Ukrainian border.

We opted to avoid Kraków, because it is a large city and a very touristy destination. It would therefore have been difficult to pass through without visiting it. We really wanted to focus on Ukraine.

Then travellers will board a bus chartered by us to reach Lviv. I will be present on this trip, as will Olga, who will be our guide on this occasion
“, details the leader.

During the week, travellers will stay in one hotel, Leopolis, a mythical 5-star in the largest city in the west of the country.

It will then allow excursions across the region, to discover villages of the Carpathians, Drohobytch, a salt town whose wooden Saint George church is on the UNESCO list, or Jovkva, a Renaissance jewel…

“The idea is not to multiply accommodations. We have made the journey as pragmatic as possible.

I know the hotel, the restaurants, the museums, etc. I have no doubt about the quality and organization of what we will offer.

In Lviv, there is no problem. We will go to places not very far away. The center of Lviv has not been touched by the war, and fortunately, because it is magnificent.

There is a very intense cultural and social life. I myself was surprised by this; it is quite disconcerting. They live the present moment to the fullest. They are living life to the maximum present.
“, he explains.

This aligns with observations by Fabrice Del Taglia, head of Nomade Aventure, who noted that inhabitants live a normal life in a prosperous city reminiscent of Prague or Budapest.


Ukraine: “many people go there, there are many Europeans”

Now the task is to find participants.

And, unsurprisingly, the organizer does not expect a flood of applications.

“The main uncertainty lies in how potential participants will respond. I have no idea at all.

We are not at all on traditional marketing to sell trips.

The idea, to fill the trip, is to focus on people who have a particular bond with the country and the Ukrainians, such as associations, NGOs or friendly associations, this kind of audience. One has to be realistic: no tourist wanting to travel in December will choose Ukraine
“, Jean-Marie Bernard does not kid himself.

To depart, the trip must count at least 12 participants and, at most, 20 people will be admitted.

On the French Government’s travel advisory site, the country is formally discouraged, whatever the motive for travel.

Under these conditions, is it possible to send tourists on site?

“There are several legal issues in this matter.

The country is formally discouraged. Now, the recommendations of the MAE have no absolute value. The Court of Justice of the European Union explains well that these are factors to consider, but it is not because a destination is red that it is forbidden to go there.

It is also necessary to check whether there are indeed exceptional and unavoidable circumstances on site preventing proper execution of the contract.

In my humble opinion, it is not forbidden to send travelers. However, the fact that the country is entirely red automatically entails an insurance exclusion.
“, analyzes Chloé Rezlan, associate lawyer and co-founder Adeona Avocats.


Can a travel agency send travelers to a country at war?

Jean-Marie Bernard has of course asked himself the question.

“First of all, you should know that the country is not completely hermetic. Many people go there, whether NGO workers, diplomats, business leaders, etc.

I saw it when crossing the border. There are still many Europeans in general, French, Italians, Spaniards, Germans. Moreover, it is quite easy to go there.

As for insurance, travellers will automatically benefit from standard cancellation insurance, the cost of which is borne by JMB Voyages.

And medically, Olga works with a Ukrainian insurance company that covers all medical costs, as well as war risks. So, if ever an attack hits a place where we are, a response will be possible
“, the boss explains.

A way to respond to the doubts of the lawyer.

It should be noted that Jean-Marie Bernard maintains, like other French people, a special relationship with Ukraine since the large-scale conflict launched in 2022 by Russia.

“I hosted a Ukrainian family for a year at my home. In Champsaur, where I live, we also created an association of which I became president, Solidarité Ukraine Champsaur-Valgaudemar.

We have carried out quite a few initiatives to help these people, who fled the war, to integrate. In fact, I visited the family I had hosted this year. They now live in Kiev.

It is a very impressive city, which lives almost normally, aside from the alerts. Since my stay, the capital has unfortunately become a particular target of Russia, which makes life there very difficult today.

The trip we are proposing is more of a test run to prepare for the future, the post-war period. When life returns to normal everywhere, tourism in the country will no doubt be one of the sectors that will help reconstruction of the country and the nation
“, concludes the one who hopes for peace to restore Ukraine’s grandeur and its tourism.


French People Want to Travel but Struggle to Take Action


L’envie de voyager des Français reste forte malgré les freins - Depositphotos.com, Ivantsov

CroisiEurope


A study conducted by Qualimétrie for Marco Vasco among 1,033 French people highlights a paradox: the desire to travel remains strong, yet the organization of trips is becoming an increasing obstacle.

According to the study, 90% of respondents have a dream travel project that they never realized.

Budget remains the main obstacle, cited by 68% of those surveyed.

But lack of time has also become a significant brake: it affects 40% of respondents, and up to 59% of those aged 25-34. The complexity of organizing trips is, meanwhile, mentioned by 33% of those polled, with a share reaching 43% in the Île-de-France region.


The desire to travel persists despite geopolitical tensions

In this context, professional support seems to retain its appeal. 76% of French respondents consider a travel agency useful or indispensable today, compared with only 9% who deem it useless.

Expectations primarily focus on security and reliability (27%), ahead of travel planning (25%), price (25%) and destination expertise (23%). Price remains a significant lever: 59% of respondents say they would be ready to depart today if rates were more attractive.

International uncertainties do not seem to fundamentally undermine departure plans.

66% of those questioned say their desire to travel has not changed despite geopolitical tensions, while 20% declare it has weakened. Nearly one French person in two (48%) also plans to revive a trip that was previously postponed or canceled.

In the short term, 75% of respondents anticipate leaving abroad in the next six months.

For 2027, the projection is even higher: 85% plan to travel outside France, even though only 5% have already booked their stay.


Europe for short getaways, Asia for longer journeys

In terms of destinations, Europe tops travel intentions (53%), ahead of Asia (30%) and North America (16%).

The duration of the stay nonetheless influences choices. For one week to ten days, Europe is preferred by 66% of respondents. For ten to twenty days trips, Asia becomes the destination of choice for a French person in two.

The motivations are mainly linked to discovery: 29% mainly want to discover new cultures and 24% seek unique experiences, while 20% primarily look for rejuvenation.

Beyond travel intentions, 83% of the French surveyed say they are more inclined to open their horizons and discover the world. This aspiration is especially pronounced among women and the 25-44 age group.

According to Marco Vasco, this momentum is already starting to show in bookings. The bespoke travel specialist says it has observed, for a month now, a recovery in bookings for 2027.


Amelia Brille Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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Tourism in France: Summer 2026 Contrasts Between International Visitors and French Consumers


Christian Mantei, président d'Atout France), Serge Papin, Ministre du Tourisme et Christelle Chassagne, présidente d'ADN Tourisme dressent le bilan touristique de l'été - Photo CE

CroisiEurope


In opening of the IFTM 2026, Serge Papin, minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power, presented, on Tuesday 15 September 2026, a first assessment of the summer tourism season.

According to the data presented by the minister, international tourism receipts reach 49.5 billion euros between January and the end of July 2026.

For the month of July alone, they amount to 9.4 billion euros, i.e., +3.7% compared to 2025.

“France continues to attract, to seduce, to persuade and even very far,” emphasized Serge Papin.

“At this stage, we can reasonably anticipate that international tourism will generate this year more than 80 billion euros in receipts, with attendance expected to exceed 100 million international tourists,” adds Christian Mantei, president of Atout France.

International air arrivals also rose during the summer, with a particularly marked increase for some long-haul markets. Mexico shows a 14% increase, ahead of Canada (+10%), China (+5%), Japan (+4%) and the United States (+3%).


The Departure Rates of French People in France Fall

However, the rate of French departures within France in midsummer, in July–August, falls by 5 points to 59%.

The Climate Action Network notes on its site that this drop confirms the retreat in summer departures observed since 2019 (-20% of overnight stays in August between 2019 and 2025 according to INSEE).

The rate of French people leaving abroad continues to rise (+4 points, to 34%).

Serge Papin nevertheless notes that June and September resist: “Tourism remains an essential need, a breathing space. The shoulder seasons are gaining importance: the French no longer go away only in July and August, but increasingly early and late,” the Minister stressed.

The departure rate in June climbs from 15% to 18%, and the intentions to depart in September rise from 20% to 22% compared with last year.

The departure rate of the French would thus be stable over the June-to-September period at 72%.


“A Climate Shock, and an Inflation Shock”

The coastline remains the primary tourist space frequented with 43% of stays, ahead of cities (33%) and the countryside (32%). The mountains account for 15% of stays and continue to grow, notably in the Northern Alps, where attendance increased by 16% in August.

Conversely, some destinations in the south of France experience a more contrasting season, notably due to the budgetary choices made by tourists.

“On the scale of France this summer, we had territories that experienced a more contrasting season. This summer we faced two shocks: a climate shock, and an inflation shock,” said Christelle Chassagne, president of ADN Tourisme.

In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, which was affected by wildfires and despite a campaign to revive activity, 42% of professionals report a drop in bookings; 32% report stability and 12% report an increase.

Purchasing power also weighed in decisions: “We want to go on vacation, but we go for shorter durations. We increasingly go to family settings, in non-market units, and we will have major trade-offs on dining and leisure,” she notes.

Pearl Resorts: French Polynesia Is a Paradise for Lovers


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

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A postcard-perfect setting: wild coconut trees, white or pink sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear and warm waters, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Placed on motus, these splendid coral islets of French Polynesia, the Pearl Resorts properties do not simply offer an immersive approach to Polynesian luxury. They are also a true paradise for lovers.



© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


In every Pearl Resort, unforgettable experiences for couples


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

Whether your clients choose a bungalow over the water or a beach villa at Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts facing the iconic Mount Otemanu, whether they prefer the lush natural setting of Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, or opt for Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts, an authentic Polynesian sanctuary tucked away on one of the Tuamotu archipelago’s finest atolls, or the very private address of Vahine Private Island in the Taha’a lagoon, every moment spent as a couple is guaranteed to become a memorable experience.



© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


Whatever the circumstances or requests—honeymoons, marriage proposals, Polynesian wedding ceremonies, vows renewals, anniversaries, romantic getaways, lunches or dinners on a privatized islet—the experience is fully organized to fit your clients’ desires. The Pearl Resorts teams bring unmatched know-how, and each property has a well-stocked catalogue of proposals from which to pick, to compose a fully customized rendezvous. Still, a little advance planning is advisable.



And there are real weddings as well…

These ceremonies can be immortalized, upon request, by genuine professionals of photography and video. They allow couples to seal their love in a Polynesian style, though they are symbolic and therefore carry no legal status. However, those who wish to marry “for real” can do so on site by arranging everything in advance: The Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts handles all organization at the Vaitape town hall, in coordination with the couple’s wedding planner.

The Bora Bora property also organizes bespoke ceremonies to make engagement proposals or vow renewals unforgettable.


Personalized ceremonies, on demand

The Taha’a by Pearl Resorts also offers, in complete privacy, the exchange of vows and rings. The ceremonies take place either in a quiet spot on the beach or on a nearby motu distinguished by its extraordinary heart shape!

As in Bora Bora, the ceremony can be personalized with flower garlands, musicians, dances, cocktails, photos or video shooting.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


At Tikehau by Pearl Resorts, within the grand setting of the Tuamotu archipelago, traditional wedding ceremonies take place on its pink-sand beaches, unless aesthetes opt for a Polynesian blessing in the sumptuous private Royal Villa.

Placed, as in the other Pearl Resorts, under the sign of nature as a guarantee of renewal and abundance, these ceremonies are of course personalized on demand—with decorations, flowers, cake and the bride’s arrival by canoe!


And also, a multitude of romantic rendezvous

If all these ceremonies are musts, lovers—whether on their honeymoon or simply taking a romantic getaway—will also find happiness in the wide range of romantic experiences offered by the Pearl Resorts houses. Beginning with private boat transfers—champagne included—to reach the hotel. Upon arrival, a personalized in-room welcome set according to each couple’s tastes—champagne, petit fours, flower garlands, etc.—awaits the lovers.

All of these properties also offer breakfasts delivered by traditional rowing boat to the lovers’ villa. While their table is being set, the couple is invited by the oarsman to take a short stroll by boat. It is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the first sunlight and the lagoon’s colors. And a magical moment not to be missed!


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


A less spectacular but equally enticing option: breakfast served on a tray placed on the private pool of the villa.

Of course, each Pearl property also offers duo massages in its spa. Each property features at least one double treatment cabin dedicated to couples, sometimes lavishly immersed in lush nature as at Bora Bora.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


A keen sense of detail

Bora Bora, Taha’a, Tikehau and the Vahine Private Island hotel also invite lovers to meet for a beach lunch or for a moonlit dinner, with a pretty table set right by the water. At Taha’a, dancers and musicians welcome couples with the sound of the pu and treat them to an exceptional show during their four-course dinner, ending with a fire dance, swayed by the evening breeze and the lapping lagoon.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


In Tikehau, romantic getaways last as long as a picnic or even an entire day (Royal Pape Miti) on a motu (islet) of pink-sand in its crystal-clear lagoon. At lunchtime, lovers are invited to sample coconut milk-marinated raw fish or grilled lobster, or both, according to their tastes. And one of the hotel’s specialists will come on site to give a massage for two.

Thanks to the Pearl Homes’ meticulous attention to detail, these intimate moments become precious memories.


Cruises to fully enjoy the sunsets


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

Since sunsets are breathtaking in Polynesia, the Pearl Resorts houses invite lovers to make the most of them.

At Tikehau, mini-cruises by boat are organized at the moment when the sun begins to descend.

Bora Bora, meanwhile, invites lovers to discover the lagoon during the “golden hour,” aboard its solar-powered luxury catamaran—the Okeanos Pearl. Zero-emission operation guaranteed! To make this experience even more unique, a selection of wines, beers and sodas accompanies the ride.

If Polynesia embodies love, the Pearl houses are synonymous with truly unique experiences to share as a couple. The only constraint is to choose according to your heart and desires!


Pearl Resorts of Tahiti in Inspirations Voyages


© TourMaG

Laurent Tapotofarerani, Business Developer Europe, reveals the Pearl Resorts of Tahiti offer in French Polynesia. A luxury and authentic asset to boost your sales at travel agencies.

🎦 See the show


Contact Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


Avec Pearl Resorts, la Polynésie devient un paradis pour les amoureux
Reservations contact – French Polynesia :

Email : [email protected]

Tel : (+689) 40 507 601

Commercial contact – France :

Laurent Tapotofarerani

Email : [email protected]

Tel : (+33) 06 88 88 40 55

Website : Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

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Things to Do in French Polynesia: Best Activities and Excursions

Table of Contents


  • 1. Explore Tahiti and its rich local culture

  • 2. Underwater diving and snorkeling in Rangiroa

  • 3. Hiking on Moorea’s peaks

  • 4. Discovering local culture and traditional dances in Raiatea

  • 5. Relaxation and nautical adventures in Bora Bora

  • 6. Immersion in the wild nature of the Marquesas

  • 7. Visiting a vanilla plantation in Tahaa

  • Is it worth visiting French Polynesia and Tahiti?

  • What budget to plan for a trip to French Polynesia and Tahiti?

  • Bora Bora or Tahiti: which French Polynesian island should you choose for your trip?

  • Which island to visit in French Polynesia: Moorea, Tahiti, or elsewhere for the best hiking?

French Polynesia, with its 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, offers a wonderful diversity of activities for travelers. Each island possesses its own character, ranging from cultural discoveries and nautical adventures to breathtaking natural landscapes. For those wondering what to do in French Polynesia, this guide presents a variety of options to fully enjoy this destination.

1. Explore Tahiti and its rich local culture

Tahiti, the emblematic starting point of French Polynesia, serves as the gateway to the Society Islands. In exploring Tahiti, one encounters a vibrant local culture through its markets where crafts, tropical fruits, and gastronomy tell a story deeply rooted in Polynesian heritage.

Tahiti also unveils remarkable archaeological sites such as the marae, witnesses to ancient beliefs and living traditions of these oceanic lands. At the Tahiti and Islands Museum, the history and customs of French Polynesia are revealed even further, while the warm welcome of locals allows for an authentic immersion in the local culture of Polynesia.

2. Underwater diving and snorkeling in Rangiroa

In Rangiroa, set against the turquoise expanse of the Pacific that surrounds French Polynesia, scuba diving and snorkeling uncover a spectacular variety of marine life. The crystal-clear waters provide underwater vistas populated by colorful tropical fish and exceptional coral gardens, inviting both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts to immerse themselves in this world.

Fans of aquatic explorations will relish swimming alongside sharks, dolphins, and other emblematic lagoon species. This experience highlights the importance of natural conservation at the heart of the Society Islands and French Polynesia, where every dive reveals a fascinating world.

3. Hiking on Moorea’s peaks

The island of Moorea, an indispensable jewel of French Polynesia, invites hikers into verdant scenery and breathtaking viewpoints. The marked trails lead to summits such as Mont Rotui, offering dazzling vistas over the famed Cook and Opunohu Bays.

The Moorea hikes celebrate the natural beauty of these tropical landscapes and showcase the ecological diversity characterizing the Society Islands. Between lush forests, deep valleys, and shores of a brilliant blue, each step reinforces the allure of French Polynesia as a premier destination for nature lovers.

4. Discovering local culture and traditional dances in Raiatea

On Raiatea, nicknamed the sacred island of French Polynesia, the experience plunges you into a local culture deeply rooted in history. The archaeological site of Taputapuātea marae offers a vivid glimpse into ancient spiritual traditions.

Visitors witness traditional dances where movements, songs, and costumes tell old tales, revealing the living traditions of this people. Encounters with Polynesians take place in a warm, welcoming atmosphere rich in authentic exchanges. A nearby pearl farm visit further completes this immersion into craftsmanship and local know-how.

5. Relaxation and nautical adventures in Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora, the undisputed jewel of French Polynesia, embodies the ultimate image of terrestrial paradise with its turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches. Here, you can unwind in an overwater bungalow perched above the lagoon or sail a traditional outrigger canoes to gaze at the endless shades of blue that make French Polynesia famous.

The waters around Bora Bora invite a variety of water sports, offering a blend of leisure, adventure, and discovery in crystal-clear seas where nature rules. Light hikes on the surrounding motus perfectly complement this idyllic getaway.

6. Immersion in the wild beauty of the Marquesas

The Marquesas, located to the north of French Polynesia, invite wild and authentic exploration. Hiking through a lush, volcanic terrain reveals spectacular landscapes of rugged mountains, secluded valleys, and dense forests.

On Nuku Hiva, the formidable terrain enchants travelers with grand panoramas. Visiting the Marquesas means stepping into a nearly pristine corner of French Polynesia, while savoring the warm hospitality and generosity of local communities, far from the usual tourist routes.

7. Visiting a vanilla plantation in Tahaa

The island of Tahaa, often nicknamed the Vanilla Island, offers in French Polynesia a unique sensory experience amid fragrant plantations where Tahitian vanilla is cultivated with care. On a guided tour, you discover the vanilla life cycle, from delicate bud to refined spice, while enjoying the lush landscapes typical of this region.

This multisensory immersion perfectly illustrates the warm welcome and the local Tahitian culture, reinforcing the appetite for the cultural and natural diversity that characterizes Tahaa and the broader French Polynesia. Fans of living traditions and gastronomy will be delighted.

In French Polynesia, every island offers its own set of unique experiences, whether breathtaking natural landscapes, enriching cultural encounters, or water activities. Whatever your preference, this guide has introduced a few options to craft a memorable stay at the heart of this remarkable archipelago.

Is it worth traveling to French Polynesia and visiting Tahiti?

Heading to French Polynesia is a travel experience unto itself, and for many travelers, it is clearly worth it. Tahiti, as the international gateway, impresses with its volcanic landscapes, the variety of beaches, and the rich hiking opportunities around ridges and valleys.

Even for those who dream of nothing but paradisiacal lagoons, the main island offers a deep immersion in nature, where mountains, waterfalls, and marine panoramas create a striking contrast with the coral atolls. The quality of hiking sites around Tahiti enables spectacular views while absorbing the ecological diversity of the archipelago. From that perspective, combining a seaside stay with active excursions makes for the true richness of a trip to French Polynesia.

What budget should you plan for a trip to French Polynesia and Tahiti?

Planning a budget for a stay in French Polynesia involves several essential elements. The airfare all the way to Tahiti usually represents the heaviest expense, but once there, the travel rhythm tends to have the greatest influence on the total cost.

Accommodation, dining, and activities vary widely depending on the style of stay chosen. Simple, comfortable lodging around Tahiti can help moderate expenses, while guesthouses and overwater bungalows on the islands offer a high-end experience.

The local culture is also discovered through free or low-cost activities, such as craft markets, swimming in natural bays, or short day hikes. By planning your itinerary well— for example, combining Tahiti with excursions to Moorea or other nearby islands—you can create a balanced budget that reflects the traveler’s priorities.

Bora Bora or Tahiti: which French Polynesian island should you choose for your trip?

Choosing between Bora Bora and Tahiti for a French Polynesian trip largely depends on what you seek. Bora Bora is often perceived as the quintessential Polynesian dream: translucent lagoons, secluded motus, and luxury overwater accommodations.

It’s a stunning stop for those who love the sea, diving, and spectacular aquatic scenery. Tahiti, on the other hand, blends that beauty with a wilder relief, offering excellent hiking opportunities, mountain panoramas, and a more pronounced cultural and urban life.

Thus, Tahiti is suited for a more varied stay, while Bora Bora is ideal if your priority is total relaxation on a mythical lagoon. Incorporating both into your itinerary remains often the most enriching approach to understanding the contrasts of French Polynesia.

Which island to visit in French Polynesia: Moorea, Tahiti, or elsewhere for the best hiking?

Among the numerous islands to visit in French Polynesia, Moorea stands out as a destination in its own right, yet is easily accessible from Tahiti. Moorea offers a delicate blend of idyllic beaches, lush vegetation, and dramatic relief that invites exploration.

The hikes on this island allow you to climb to viewpoints that offer unobstructed panoramas of crescent-shaped bays, or to traverse deep valleys flanked by waterfalls. For hiking enthusiasts, Moorea presents a variety of trails suited to different levels, while remaining relatively compact—an aspect highly appreciated during shorter stays.

Even along Tahiti’s coastline, trails allow you to appreciate the geological diversity and the power of the island’s volcanic landscapes. Integrating these islands into your itinerary in French Polynesia will reveal a full spectrum of terrestrial and marine experiences beyond the well-known turquoise lagoons often associated with this destination.

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, then revised, expanded, and validated by the editors of the desk.

Travel Etiquette: The Behaviors That Annoy French Travelers the Most

For some travelers, the journey toward the holidays can quickly turn into a source of irritation. A survey commissioned by the travel eSIM app Saily and conducted across 17 countries reveals the behaviors that French travelers tolerate the least when they travel. Between children left unsupervised, speakerphone calls, and conversations too loud, the sources of irritation are numerous. Yet the French also acknowledge adopting certain habits that could irritate their neighbors themselves.

From Unattended Children to Speakerphone Calls

In transportation, the French seem to mainly expect other travelers to respect the shared space. The behavior at the top of their annoyances is children left unsupervised, cited by 45% of respondents. Phone or video calls made on speaker follow closely, at 42%, while 39% of respondents name people who speak loudly.

Rowdy quarrels and the use of music or videos without headphones complete this ranking, with 37% of responses for each. In other words, the volume and the lack of control over children are the main irritations for the French during the journey.

Yet, the travelers surveyed are not free from behaviors that could disturb others. Thus, 40% report talking with fellow passengers they do not know. They are also 23% to take off their shoes during travel and 21% to applaud upon landing.

“We surveyed more than 16,000 people to find out which travelers push other people’s patience the most. Most people do not think they are part of the problem, but many admit to habits that could easily make a flight horrible for another traveler,” explains Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, behind the survey.

The annoying habits evolve once at the vacation destination. The most poorly perceived behavior is the littering on the beach, cited by 49% of the French. Next come talking loudly in quiet places (41%), playing music at full volume in public spaces (40%), leaving unattended children (38%), and reserving sun loungers with a towel for several hours without using them (30%).

The French are annoyed, but reluctant to intervene

The survey also reveals a paradox in French responses. If the behaviors of other travelers can exasperate them, the French show relatively little willingness to directly ask them to change their attitude.

Only 10% of those polled say they always ask someone to stop a behavior that annoys them. Conversely, 26% say they never intervene. France thus ranks among the countries where travelers are most reluctant to express their discontent directly.

The French also acknowledge some less exemplary habits during their holidays. Among them, 26% check their phone instead of enjoying the scenery, 23% admit they only speak their own language, and 19% say they have urinated in the sea, a lake, or the ocean.

These behaviors vary greatly depending on the country. In Sweden, 62% of respondents admit removing their shoes during travel and 52% say they have already urinated in the sea, a lake, or the ocean. In Japan, 52% report never asking another traveler to stop a behavior that annoys them.

Across the 17 countries studied, unattended children top the list of annoying behaviors during travel, with 52% of responses. Once at the destination, beach litter dominates, with 56%. This behavior is particularly noted in Poland (76%) and Brazil (64%).

“Travel brings together people with very different ideas of what is acceptable in a shared space. What may seem harmless to one traveler, such as chatting, removing shoes, or listening to music at full volume, can exceed the limits for someone else. The simplest rule is to avoid turning one’s own comfort into a nuisance for another traveler”, concludes Vykintas Maknickas.

French Bee Expands Flights to New York and Launches Maldives and Sri Lanka Routes


French Bee renforce ses vols vers New York et lance les Maldives et le Sri Lanka pour l'hiver - Photo French Bee

CroisiEurope


French Bee unveiled its winter 2026 – 2027 program.

The airline strengthens its frequencies on several of its flagship destinations and broadens its Indian Ocean offering with the launch of new routes to Malé, in the Maldives, and Colombo, in Sri Lanka, starting December 19, 2026.

Thus for the period from October 24, 2026 to March 27, 2027, French bee will offer from Paris Orly:

– Réunion (RUN): up to 14 flights per week

– New York – Newark (EWR): up to 7 flights per week, i.e., +5,000 seats compared to last winter

– Miami (MIA): up to 3 flights per week

– Montréal (YUL): up to 4 flights per week

– San Francisco (SFO): up to 3 flights per week

– Papeete (PPT): up to 3 flights per week


The Maldives and Sri Lanka as new destinations

French bee also continues to expand its network in the Indian Ocean with the launch of new links to the Maldives and Sri Lanka starting December 19, 2026:

– Malé (MLE): up to 2 flights per week from December 19, 2026 to March 27, 2027

– Colombo (CMB): up to 3 flights per week from December 19, 2026 to March 27, 2027, with a service extension until May 1, 2027

The airline will offer this seasonal route from Paris-Orly with two stopovers, in Malé (Maldives) and Colombo (Sri Lanka) on the return.

Stopovers will be possible in Sri Lanka for travelers wishing to combine the two destinations.

Marc-Antoine Blondeau, Chief Executive Officer of French bee, states: « This new program illustrates our intent to pursue measured growth, strengthening the destinations that shape our network while opening new opportunities for our customers. The arrival of the Maldives and Sri Lanka marks a new step in French bee’s development and complements an offering already largely oriented toward major international tourist markets. »

Air Caraïbes – French bee: Paul-Henri Dubreuil and the Revolving Door of Executives [ABO]


Air Caraïbes - French bee : Paul-Henri Dubreuil et la valse des dirigeants - Photo CH

CroisiEurope


Until the early 2020s, Air Caraïbes and the Dubreuil Aéro group as a whole were held up as a model in France.

It must be said that, at the same time, Air France regularly made headlines due to recurring labor conflicts and results not always matching those of its rivals.

Corsair continuously sought shareholders to avert a feared catastrophe, at the time, following the aborted takeover attempt by Air Caraïbes’ former management.

Then, slowly, the good pupil’s aura began to fade. The ascent of Paul-Henri Dubreuil to the head of the holding company that oversees the two firms in the family group was deemed necessary to preserve the father‑son relationship, according to the whispers we gathered, but also to give a direction to the family empire.

For now three years, a wind of instability has blown over a group that, since its creation and up to Marc Rochet’s departure, had known only one leader.

“The operational results of the Dubreuil Aéro Group have only declined since 2022, while Corsair has moved out of the red. There was a kind of reverse movement.

Strategic errors were made and you can start to see it, even if overall the entity is well managed,
” a well‑informed observer of the group tells us.



Paul-Henri Dubreuil and Christine Ourmières-Widener, a year and then they’re gone…



Since the end of the health crisis, Corsair has shown it can adapt very quickly, but also push its higher-end positioning, while the Dubreuil group would, on its side, have perhaps lost some of its momentum.

This back-and-forth movement is not hard to trace. One must look back to the induction of Paul-Henri Dubreuil at the head of the holding company that oversees the two firms of the family group.

On July 1, 2023, Marc Rochet was compelled to relinquish the general management of Air Caraïbes, while accompanying the new general manager, Christine Ourmières-Widener, as she took office.

The son of Jean-Paul Dubreuil thus ends a duo that had enjoyed great successes for twenty years.

A way, as we wrote at the time, for Jean‑Paul Dubreuil’s son to assert his takeover by forming a new duo, in the image of what his father and Marc Rochet had successfully done.

The entourage of the historic leader thus packs its bags and Christine Ourmières-Widener arrives with her close circle. Methods that disrupted the habits of the family business, while Sophie Jean-Victor, the sister of Paul-Henri Dubreuil, who was then responsible for communications and marketing, was also sidelined.

“Fundamental things were then broken. The company’s identity withered.

Overhead costs rose, substantial salaries were granted to newcomers, then it had to be paid back when parting with them.

Today, some managers are no longer reachable, because processes have been put in place, a bit like a major such as Air France. The contact has become somewhat dehumanized
“, we are told.

When you scrutinize Air Caraïbes’ social accounts, personnel costs rose from €24.57 million in 2022 to €30.56 million two years later, an increase of 24.3%. An increase that may seem significant. Yet, in volume, these costs are roughly similar to those of 2019.

The Christine Ourmières-Widener era was ultimately rather welcomed by some unions, who highlighted a more humane and close management approach.

Moreover, the processes have allowed for the professionalization of the organization and the improvement of the teams’ work. “She sounded the end of the recreation“, comments a former member of her close circle.

Was the challenge to bring the group up to European airline standards to better sell it? It is a rumor that circulated at the time.


Grégory Jamet imagined taking the helm of Dubreuil Aéro and then…

Yet, in December 2024, Christine Ourmières-Widener literally vanished. In the same vein as their commercial director, Brannon Winn, who would never return from summer holidays, without an explanation.

Thus, in January 2025, the sanction falls. Christine Ourmières-Widener and her faithful right-hand are removed. The separation is formalized.

Without knowing the exact reasons, even if we are told—in one account, a major clash, and, on the other, two letters from management in the Caribbean critiquing the CEO—one thing is certain: the link between the shareholder and the former leader would have grown distant over time.

Without a CEO, Paul-Henri Dubreuil would then personally take the reins of the holding, that he had previously resisted aviation, wary of Covid and the industry’s astronomical losses.

He does not yet imagine that the post requires a clear vision, sharpened knowledge, and a great deal of networking with officials to steer the two airlines.

At the head of the group, he looks at the sector, without pretense, all the more so since it remains highly strategic for the family business thanks to its substantial cash position.

Ultimately, the mission is not as easy as expected; he struggles to legitimize his position as airline boss, causing the business’s momentum to falter, and then a new leadership candidate shows up.

At the head of the group, he takes an interest in the sector, without pretense, all the more so as it remains highly strategic for the family business thanks to its significant cash reserves. Ultimately, the mission proves not as easy. Then another leadership contender emerges.

In October 2025, Grégory Jamet was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Dubreuil Aéro Services, a subsidiary that brings together the support functions for the aviation pole. The man thus imagines himself quite capable of leading the airlines.

The former CEO of COHOR, the association responsible for coordinating schedules at French airports, has been in the fold for several months, but seems to have the boss’s ear.

Paul-Henri Dubreuil extols his CV, speaks of him with high praise, and has him sit at his right during the Comex… until his downfall.


An unsettling instability for the employees

But already, in spring, the tensions flare. Grégory Jamet is sidelined, he does not intervene, or very little, during meetings. His word no longer carries the same weight.

In June last year, in front of many employees, the appointment of Géry Mortreux as general manager of the Air division of the Dubreuil Group is announced, without the former COHOR DG being informed. His departure becomes inevitable.

And while the teams are not yet aware, his ouster is not even mentioned in the press release announcing his… replacement last week.

Now, it is the turn of the former Deputy General Manager Engineering & Maintenance of Air France to bring stability and discipline to a group that seems to be navigating by sight.

Géry Mortreux did not follow the classic path of a future airline executive. He mainly managed maintenance and operations, whether at Corsair or Air France. The new leader will therefore need to add depth.

With a good reputation, he arrives with the ambition to repair the accounts of the two airlines, while internal governance instability begins to weigh on the inside. Continuous leadership changes are not well regarded.

Remember that the group is also going through a delicate social period. The latest strike by PNC at French bee showed that internal dialogue was completely closed.

Within the teams and externally, these last three years are seen more as a period of economic regression, in terms of image and strategic vision.

In addition, the group is going through a delicate social period. The latest PNC strike at French bee demonstrated that internal dialogue was completely closed.

The situation seems more tempered at its tarmac neighbor. “The low-cost exists thanks to the good financial results of Air Caraïbes, but also because it bears certain costs, such as spare aircraft and other charges.

De plus, nous ne comprenons pas pourquoi elle multiplie les ouvertures de lignes qui ne sont pas toujours rentables, deplores a salariée.


Afterwards, the company has never been very transparent. One cannot say there has been a grand revolution; the main change is the instability at the leadership“.


CFC Cruises Rebrands as Ambassador Cruises: A New Identity to Strengthen Its Ambition in the French Market


What stays the same: the Francophone experience aboard Renaissance

Renaissance sous les couleurs d’Ambassador Croisières. © Andy Humbert

Climats du Monde


It is perhaps the essential takeaway: becoming Ambassador Croisières does not mean giving up what defines the identity of Compagnie Française de Croisières.

French‑speaking guests will again encounter aboard Renaissance its distinctive atmosphere, its traditional décor, a warm, convivial ambience, and the high standard of the cuisine and the crew’s service. The company will also continue to offer a cruising approach that is distinct from the largest ships, leaning more toward destination discovery, the quality of calls at ports that are sometimes out of reach for the biggest vessels, and the pleasure of taking one’s time, all within a Francophone setting.

Ambassador Croisières will maintain its European North and Mediterranean itineraries, exclusively departing from the French ports of Dunkerque and Marseille, allowing travelers to reach Renaissance without necessarily flying before the start of their cruise. Winter Caribbean sailings designed for an international clientele, offered aboard Renaissance from Pointe‑à‑Pitre since 2025, remain on the programme for upcoming seasons as well.


2028: an expanded lineup and new destinations

Another important development: the new itineraries for 2028 will soon be available for sale. This refreshed schedule aims to preserve the carrier’s DNA by continuing to visit its flagship destinations: Norway, Iceland, the Baltic, as well as Greece, the Adriatic, Spain, and the Caribbean, while introducing several new options and particularly appealing itineraries.

Among the highlights announced, Egypt will join the program with a 14-night cruise from May 28 to June 11, 2028, including notably a two-day stop in Alexandria to explore the legendary pyramids of Giza.

Ireland will make a strong comeback with an itinerary from July 16 to 24, 2028 that blends British and Irish coasts and offers the chance to visit Cork, Dublin, Liverpool and the Isles of Scilly.

Finally, from September 28 to October 4, 2028, travelers will be able to explore the south of Norway, with its iconic capital Oslo and the northern Denmark region in just six nights.

With this 2028 schedule, Ambassador Croisières intends to continue a strategy that combines enduring classics—those that helped drive CFC’s success—with new propositions, featuring itineraries crafted to emphasize the richness of the ports of call and the discovery of destinations.


New tools for travel professionals

Along with this new brand, the entire ecosystem aimed at travel professionals is evolving as well. To assist travel agencies in discovering and promoting the offer, new tools and sales materials will be rolled out progressively.

The 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 seasons will notably benefit from new brochures, crafted in an elegant Italianate format, more immersive and richly illustrated. Intended as true invitations to travel, they will let readers dive into the Renaissance experience both on board and at the proposed destinations, while equipping advisors with the essential keys to present the offer to their clients.

This new identity will also be accompanied by a range of point-of-sale materials designed for shop floors: small countertop stands, easy to set up, and a large-format Tribeca-style totem to boost the brand’s visibility within agencies.

Through these new aids, Ambassador Croisières seeks to empower professionals to better promote the brand, enhance its positioning, and ignite the desire to travel. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its ties with French and Francophone distribution networks and to making travel agencies a key partner in its growth.


A new identity, the same commitment

With this new identity unveiled at the IFTM trade show in Paris, Ambassador Croisières opens a fresh chapter of its development in France, built on the foundations laid by CFC Croisières and reinforced by the strength of an international group. This evolution clearly signals an ambition: to offer Francophone travelers an ever richer and more distinctive cruising experience, while strengthening closeness with its sales partners. Stay tuned over the coming weeks to discover the new 2028 lineup and the many innovations that will enrich Ambassador Croisières’ offering.

“This evolution is fully in line with CFC’s continuity, at sea as on land, with the same ambition and the same teams to carry it forward. The name change to Ambassador Croisières does not compromise our presence in France: our French office remains at the heart of our development and our teams continue to support our passengers, our partners and our agencies daily. We preserve what defines our identity and uniqueness, while benefiting from the group’s strength to sustain growth and open new opportunities. It is a new chapter in our history, but above all a step forward that lets us face the future with confidence.” — Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, President of Ambassador Croisières.


Contact Ambassador Croisières


CFC Croisières devient Ambassador Croisières : une nouvelle identité pour une ambition renforcée sur le marché français
Information and reservations at 04 84 89 02 90 and on www.ambassadorcroisieres.fr