French tourism is 'performing strongly'

Holidaymakers are continuing to cross the channel to take a break in France, it has been revealed.

The French government has made the claim, noting that tourists from the Middle East are flocking to France to discover the delights of the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur.

Junior minister Herve Novelli revealed that nearly 82 million foreign nationals visited the country during 2007.

He said: "There is a kind of very deep fidelity among foreigners from countries nearby."

The Frenchman added: "The summer of 2008 confirms in the end the solid state of French tourism and the fact that it was not very sensitive to the slowdown in the global economy."

The Lonely Planet travel guide describes France as a nation which offers visitors "gastronomic greatness" coupled with an abundance of art museums and notes that the capital city is oozing culture.

Holidaymakers, it says, should remember that France gave the world champagne, casseroles and fine cuisine and visitors are advised to sample some of Paris' delicacies such as chocolate, cheese and wine.