French fancies at London show

It’s the world’s favourite tourist destination – attracting 84 million people. But next week, France is coming to us.

Taking place at London’s Olympia, The France Show 2015 gives Francophiles the perfect opportunity to find out why our neighbour across the Channel is the top choice for holidaymakers.

The annual French lifestyle and property show, which runs from January 23-25, showcases the best of France, including inspiring tourist destinations, fine gastronomy and dream properties.

And for those with a love of all things Gallic, it gives Oxford folk a taste of the country’s renowned food and wine, cultural attractions, sporting pursuits and laid-back approach to life – just by hopping on a bus or train to the capital.

Highlights of this year’s show include: n Holiday ideas – with tourist board representatives from popular destinations and still-to-be explored regions such as Vienne, Berck-sur-Mer, Finistère and The Loire Valley, along with holiday companies who will be showcasing exciting ideas for enjoying France in 2015.

* Language and Travel Forum – visitors are invited to join free sessions to find original ways to discover France and get tips for brushing up their French before they go.

* Travel advice – travel operators including Eurotunnel, Lorient South Brittany Airport and P&O Ferries will be on hand to explain the best ways to cross the Channel.

* Competitions – be in with the chance of winning holidays in France, from language-learning breaks to camping and self-catering trips.

* Accommodation providers – discover options to suit all tastes and budgets from flexible travel to self-catering apartments and boating holidays.

* Food and wine – get into the spirit with inspiration from top chefs, and join wine experts to discover some of France’s best vintages. Pick up tips at demonstrations from the likes of chefs Michel Lemoine and Franck Raymond.

* French market – shop for artisan cheese, perfect patisseries and regional goodies at the show’s market.

* Leisure – find out about everything from skiing to surfing, try your hand at that old favourite petanque, and enjoy a programme of live entertainment with a Gallic twist.

* Property Exhibition – it may be a dream for most of us, but those looking for more than just a break across La Manche can find out about thousands of houses for sale, with estate agents and property experts on hand to answer questions. For the first time there is also a French Property Auction with more than 60 properties going under the hammer.

It all amounts to the greatest celebration of the world’s favourite destination, all under one roof – just over an hour from Oxfordshire.

ESSENTIALS

* Tickets for The France Show 2015 can be booked online at thefranceshow.com or call 01242 264777 (a handling charge of £1 per order will be charged).

* Ticket Prices: Adults £12 in advance/£16 on the door (accompanied children under the age of 16 are allowed entry free of charge).

* We are offering 500 lucky readers the chance to buy two tickets each to the show and pay just a £1 booking fee instead of the £16 per person you would pay on the door.

To claim your tickets please visit thefranceshow.com and enter the following code: OXT44. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis with only two tickets available per entrant. The offer is valid until this Monday, January 19.

WIN A CHIC HOTEL BREAK IN LONDON'S KENSINGTON

Friday Life is offering readers a chance to win a superb package for two people to attend the show AND have a fabulous one night overnight stay in the chic Hilton London Olympia Hotel, pictured.

Not only that but the lucky winner will also have breakfast included at the Hilton, lunch at The France Show and admittance to a wine seminar included in the prize – a package worth more than £200.

For a chance to win, simply tells us the name of the President of France. Email your answers to tim.hughes@oxfordmail.co.uk by midday on Sunday, January 18, 2015.

The Hilton London Olympia hotel sits on bustling Kensington High Street, a five-minute walk from the Olympia Exhibition Centre and is surrounded by a lively mix of shops and restaurants. Guests can unwind after their busy day in sleek, modern guest rooms, relax with cocktails and dinner at the hotel’s Society Bar & Restaurant, and work out in the fitness centre.

Choose any night to stopover between January 22 and 25 inclusive (subject to availability). The prize is non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives. Insurance, transport and beverages are not included. The winner must be 18 years-old or over. Usual rules apply. The Editor’s decision is final.

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