This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
News, new tourist offers, must-sees, trends, favourites… Two of our tourism expert collaborators take turns writing in this new weekly section to inform you of what is happening here and elsewhere in the world of travel.
Here we go again !
The summer of 2023 will be that of culture and festivals. This is at least what emerges from the survey carried out for Event attractions Quebec and unveiled on May 23. Nearly three-quarters of Quebecers — 73% — plan to take part in a cultural activity, festival or other event. The regions arousing the most interest are Quebec, Montreal, Charlevoix, the Laurentians and Gaspésie. It is therefore better to opt for another corner of Quebec if you are looking for calm this summer… or else to go there before or after the high season. Among the festivals that pique my curiosity: Contre-Courant, in the Hautes-Laurentides, which calls for rediscovering nature through art and offers shows in the forest, on the water or on the farm. Revenge of the cities? Another survey, this one conducted by the Transat Tourism Chair in April, revealed that the French, Ontarians and Americans in the northeastern United States intended to favor urban stays during their getaways in the province. Montreal risks finally regaining its pre-COVID summer animation. For inspiration, consult Québec Vacances.
A fifth Marriott hotel in Montreal
Among the new additions to Montreal, you can’t miss the Art Deco-inspired design of the HONEYROSE boutique hotel. Pay attention to the pastel furniture, the flowers that line the bottom of the walls leading to the bedrooms and the superb view from the swimming pool. This is the Marriott group’s fifth address in the metropolis, and it is located in the Quartier des Spectacles. The 143-room Tribute Portfolio establishment as well as the Muze Lounge Terrasse and COMMODORE restaurants, managed by executive chef Gregory Faye, opened their doors at the end of May. Here too, tourists will live alongside Montrealers, who will have access to the Essentrics studio at 15e floor and at the MFLEURS boutique, on the mezzanine. A colleague will take you on a more detailed tour of this establishment next Saturday in these pages.
Gainsbourg always
If, like me, you are impatiently awaiting the opening of the Maison Gainsbourg in Paris, scheduled for September 20, know that the exhibition Serge Gainsbourg. The exact word, presented at the Public Information Library (BPI) of the Center Pompidou, is extended until September 3. Those who plan to visit the City of Light this summer can write it down in their notebook! We go there above all to browse in his library (oh, a horoscope book?), zieuter the drafts of his songs and wallow for a moment in his creative universe. We take the opportunity to discover the exhibition dedicated to the architect Norman Foster – the Ombrière du Vieux-Port de Marseille, it’s him – by listening to the podcast created for the visit.
Ponant celebrates its 35th anniversary
While many cruise lines are touting the virtues of their greener but ever larger boats, the French company Ponant continues to bet on small ships while seeking to reduce its environmental footprint. Since 2021, the Commander Charcot, the first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by LNG, is criss-crossing the Arctic and Antarctica. Three years earlier, six yachts with 92 cabins and suites equipped with catalytic converters had made it possible to divide by four the polluting emissions of Nox, one of the main gases responsible for ocean acidification. Of course, this type of experience comes at a price. But how not to dream while imagining sailing through the islands of the Pacific? It now remains to be discussed with one’s conscience to determine whether air travel to reach one’s destination cancels out the impact of these innovations… and whether all regions of the world should be explored by tourists.
Not new, but still beautiful
This content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.