A view of the cross and sculpture of Pieta by Nicolas Coustou in the background of debris inside Notre-Dame de Paris, in the aftermath of a fire that devastated the cathedral, during the visit of French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner in Paris Macron announced the fast timescale - for a process some experts said would take decades - in an address to the nation where he hailed how the disaster had shown the capacity of France to mobilise and unite. Pledges worth around €700 million (US$790 million) have already been made on Tuesday from French billionaires and businesses to restore the Gothic masterpiece. Most of the roof has been destroyed, its steeple has collapsed and an unknown number of artifacts and paintings have been lost. The main organ, which had close to 8,000 pipes, has also suffered damage. Plan, factfile and history of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. (AFP/Kun TIAN/Patrice DERE/Gal ROMA) But the cathedral's walls, bell towers and the most famous … [Read more...] about Macron vows to rebuild a “more beautiful” Notre Dame in five years
What attracts tourists to france
Vietnam – seven reasons to visit
V – Varied landscape Vietnam is one of the favourite playgrounds of Mother Nature, boasting a wondrous blend of mountains, highlands, caves, rivers, plains, beaches, and epic delta regions. With Mount Fansipan, as its backdrop, Sapa is home to terraced rice fields, cascading waterfalls, and secluded tribal villages perched on distant slopes. Halong Bay is the perfect getaway to experience luxury cruises as well as outdoor activities such as kayaking. It is an enthralling experience to cruise amidst the towering limestone karsts jutting out of the Gulf of Tonkin. The endless spectacle of the limestone world continues further south in Trang An and Tam Coc located in Ninh Binh province, offering limitless opportunities for travellers. Complementing the Central Highlands, exquisite pristine beaches enrich the beauty of Central Vietnam. Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave system, is a particular highlight, although it remains difficult to explore. However, this imposing … [Read more...] about Vietnam – seven reasons to visit
Vietnam, France tighten strategic partnership
Bertrand Lortholary, French Ambassador to Vietnam On these meaningful special occasions, French Ambassador to Vietnam Bertrand Lortholary spoke to Vietnam Economic News’ My Phung more about prosperity and bright future of growing multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. What are your assessments of bilateral cooperation achievements after 45 years of bilateral diplomatic relation establishment and five years of strategic partnership? Our two countries have achieved an exceptional level of political relations, based on a unique and shared history, as illustrated by numerous historical landmarks such as President Mitterrand’s visit to Vietnam in 1993 or the Francophonie Summit in Hanoi in 1997 and President Chirac’s visit. Among all these landmarks, the most recent ones are President Hollande’s state visit to Vietnam in 2016 and, a few months ago, the official visit of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, at … [Read more...] about Vietnam, France tighten strategic partnership
Culture is key to Hanoi tourism promotion
How has Hanoi turned its thousand-year-plus history and culture into advantages to promote tourism development? Hanoi has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a City of Peace. With its thousand-year-plus history, Hanoi considers cultural tourism products the foundation for tourism development. In recent years, the capital has created a pedestrian zone on streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, which opens from 7pm Friday to midnight Sunday every week. Free Wifi and a variety of street art forms make the pedestrian zone attractive to visitors. Hanoi has also launched its first book street on 19/12 Street in Hoan Kiem District. Other tourist destinations include a Vietnamese Ao dai space, Lan Huong Fashion House, Tan My Design, and Hanoi Culture Space at the Dong Lac Communal House, which presents traditional craft products. Travel companies are encouraged to offer tours to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Dinh Square, Ho … [Read more...] about Culture is key to Hanoi tourism promotion
Telegraph lists out 17 reasons to visit Vietnam
UK daily newspaper The Telegraph has picked 17 reasons visitors should take advantage of a paperwork-free trip to Vietnam, which has maintained its essences despite a tourism boom. Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. According to Telegraph, one of the reason is hustle and bustle in Hanoi. What makes Hanoi so interesting is that it feels very old-fashioned, stuck in the past with its French colonial history entrenched in its pavement cafes, architecture and wide tree-lined boulevards. “Take a ride in one of the thousands of tuk-tuks swarming through the city’s streets to get a sense of the daily buzz,” The Telegraph wrote. In addition, The Telegraph’s experts also picked cuisine is one of the reason why should visitors choose Vietnam. From pho to banh mi, and spring rolls to steamboat, Vietnam’s cuisine is fascinating. “We watched tofu being made and shaped into pliable white girders, ready to be cooked with tomato sauce. There were stalls heaving with … [Read more...] about Telegraph lists out 17 reasons to visit Vietnam