Atout France returned to Dublin on 2 December to host its first Irish event since the pandemic alongside exhibiting partners from Air France, Atlantic Loire Valley, Corsica, Cotentin Normandy, Normandy Tourism and Vendée. Held on The Market Floor in The Irish Stock Exchange building at the heart of the capital, the festive soirée brought together 36 media and trade guests to reconnect with destinations from France's north, west and south and discover what's on offer in 2026 for the Irish market.

Partners and Air France VIPs were offered a tour of Dublin's historic district surrounding the venue with passionate historian Laura Fitzachary, into which the links between France and Ireland were expertly woven. The event commenced with French cocktails and a presentation by Karim Mekachera, Director of Atout France UK and Ireland, followed by a ringing of the historic trading bell to kickstart the networking, which offered guests a chance to discover what's new in France for 2026. Guests were treated to French-inspired cocktails and dishes and a spectacular croquembouche. The evening also featured a prize draw with generous donations by Air France and Normandy Tourism: of a pair of return flights between Ireland and France, a pair of return ferry crossings with Irish Ferries or Brittany Ferries plus a two-night stay in Normandy.

News from Normandy Tourism
In 2026, Impressionism takes the spotlight once again in Normandy, marking the 100th anniversary of Monet's death with special exhibitions and a new edition of the Normandy Impressionist Festival blending timeless masterpieces with bold contemporary art. The Explore Normandy Pass remains one of the most cost-effective ways to discover historic sites the region has to offer and other hidden gems off the beaten track. The Normandy Low Carbon Rate allows visitors to travel responsibly while also making the most of generous discounts at a number of attractions. Normandy Battlefields for Peace will also continue to collect funds for Handicap International, supporting today's war victims. Turning towards 2027, the region will mark a millennium since William the Conqueror's birth. The celebrations begin with the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum in London - a historic moment of cultural connection, reminding us of a common past.

News from Cotentin Normandy
Offering a spectacular symphony of landscapes from lush green hills and golden beaches to sheer cliffs, the Cotentin peninsula is an unspoiled area of Normandy that will continue to offer exceptional opportunities for travellers in 2026. Ideal for hikers, the GR®223 is a must-do 260km trail following the Cotentin coastline. Nicknamed the Sentier des Douaniers, it combines magnificent seascapes, cultural heritage and pristine nature. Exploring the Cotentin peninsula by gravel bike reveals the region's hidden treasures off the beaten track through eight stages of 55 to 60km each. Stay overnight at a hotel on l'île Tatihou, an uninhabited island accessible only by boat or on foot at low tide.

News from the Atlantic Loire Valley
The Atlantic Loire Valley (Pays de la Loire) has much to offer. Regional capital Nantes is served by direct flights from Dublin and is a vibrant city known for art, gastronomy and award-winning green credentials as the first French city to have received the European Green Capital Award, in 2013. Nearby Saint-Nazaire blends maritime heritage with sustainability, with immersive cruise liner experiences at Escal'Atlantic while the EOL Centre éolien highlights the future of offshore wind energy. Cycling continues to dominate in the region: the Nature Is Bike gravel festival returns to Angers on 30–31 May 2026, celebrating cycling, nature and French art de vivre, while in August, Mayenne hosts the International Cycle Tourism Festival for the first time. And with Le Mans Classic returning to become an annual event from 2026, it's the perfect opportunity to explore Le Mans' captivating medieval heart.

News from Vendée
2026 in Vendée will see the third edition of the Vendée Arctique, a single-handed yacht race between France and the Arctic Circle, while a qualifying race for the 2028 Vendée Globe will take place at Les Sables-d'Olonne on 7 June 2026. For cycling fans there's the Maro 70', a new 70km gravel route that starts from France's sardine capital, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. This month, award-winning theme park of historical shows Puy du Fou will première a new evening show, 'Le Mystère de Noël'. And did you know Vendée has two beautiful islands off its coast? Noirmoutier now boasts a new hybrid venture by esteemed seafood chef Alexandre Couillon of La Marine: 'Elise, Poissons & Braise' is both a fishmonger and a counter dining experience, specialising in charcoal cooking. And a short ferry ride from the mainland is Ile d'Yeu, where La Ferme d'Emilie welcomes visitors to its bucolic farm ecosystem with new restaurant using produce grown on site.

News from Corsica
Corsica has become the first Mediterranean island to be awarded a Gold label by Green Destinations, a distinction that recognises its strong commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation as the island strives to become a benchmark in responsible travel. From 12-27 September 2026, the Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques in Calvi will once again honour the island's vocal traditions, bringing together Corsican and international ensembles for powerful a cappella performances. Cyclists can explore the island through the 600km Grande Traversée (GT20), a north–south route that crosses villages and mountain landscapes, completed in 12 stages. In Bonifacio, Festi Bocca 2026 will celebrate Corsican gastronomy with tastings, workshops, chef demonstrations and lively events showcasing the region's finest products, most of which are entirely unique to the island.

News from Air France
Air France offers daily flights from Dublin and Cork, connecting Irish passengers to nearly 170 destinations across 73 countries via Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and over 300 destinations when combined with KLM. New routes launched this year include Phuket and Punta Cana, with Las Vegas joining the network in April 2026. The airline continues to elevate its product with French elegance, from the spacious new La Première suite to upgraded Business Class cabins featuring privacy doors and lie-flat beds. Long-haul guests enjoy complimentary champagne and Michelin-inspired dining, while Flying Blue members benefit from free Wi-Fi across an expanding connected fleet.

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