To quote the 19th-century novelist and playwright, Honoré de Balzac; “Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.” So, for those who aspire to live a good and elegant life, visiting France is an absolute must. So, while there are a million good reasons to visit France, choosing when to go can be a daunting proposition. So, why not consider what events are on to find (at least) one that might take your fancy, and work your dates around that? We’ve chosen five exciting events to whet your appetite.
Tennis: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2024, Monte-Carlo Country Club, Monaco
6th – 14th April: An ATP Masters tournament that serves as the curtain-raiser to The French Open, this is a perfect opportunity to see the best players in the world in the most luxurious of locations. The Monte-Carlo Country Club tennis complex is a stones throw from the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the cream of Monegasque and international tennis glitterati. This is a 3-set tournament, so the action is fast and furious – an absolute must for elite tennis fans.
Cinema: 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes
Image © Christophe Bouillon / FDC
14th to 25th May: The Cannes Film Festival is probably the most famous and most high-profile of the “Big Five” major international film festivals held annually in Europe and North America. This is where all the big names in film and documentary-making congregate, to support and raise the profile of films from all corners of the earth. No established star or up-and-coming actor would miss this festival for all the champagne in France. Greta Gerwig, in recognition of her outstanding career, has been appointed the Jury President of the main competition. Cannes is the place to be and be seen!
F1: Monaco Grand Prix
23rd to 26th May: For prestigious and glamorous events worldwide, nothing tops the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. Since 1929, the glitterati have flocked to Monte Carlo to this world-famous narrow and winding street circuit. It is widely considered the most challenging of all the races and therefore, from the point of view of the drivers, the one where they can rely more on their own precision driving skills, rather than flat line speed. And being as this is a street circuit, it feels up-close-and-personal for spectators, whether they’re in one of the grandstands or sipping champagne on a superyacht in the harbour.
Sport: Olympic Games Paris 2024
26th July to 11th August: Never to be overshadowed, Paris is pushing the proverbial boat out when it hosts the Olympic Games this summer. The opening ceremony and parade of athletes will take place on the River Seine, rather than as convention dictates, in the main stadium. This promises to be an extraordinary spectacle and the sporting events to follow in the following fortnight, will be set in some of the most iconic venues across Paris, the Isle-de-France, and the rest of the country. The Paralympic Games will follow, from 28th September until 8th September.
corporatehospitality.paris2024.org
Yachts: Monaco Yacht Show, Port Hercule, Monaco
25th to 28th September: Under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, the ultimate showcase for the most renowned boat builders in the world, this annual event is dedicated to the world of superyachts and those who are fortunate enough to be in the market for one. So prestigious is the MYS, that only the purveyors of the epitome of cutting-edge innovation and excellence are granted the opportunity to exhibit here. More recently, the privilege of being invited to exhibit has been extended to those in the ultra-high-end markets associated with super yachting – luxury cars, jets, helicopters, to name a few. This makes the MYS the ultimate retail therapy opportunity of a lifetime!
