D'après son Comité Régional du Tourisme, Paris et sa région sont restées la première destination touristique au monde en 2013 avec 32,3 millions de visiteurs.
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Dans le même temps, plusieurs professionnels du tourisme lancent de leur côté une tribune pour "sauver Paris" qui devient une ville de moins en moins attractive et dont le fonctionnement et les services semblent totalement dépassés face à ses concurrents.
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En fait, il manque une précision de taille dans ces chiffres puisqu'à ma connaissance, il s'agit de destinations touristiques visitées par des étrangers...
Si l'on inclus tous les touristes qui visitent une ville, New York par exemple a accueilli 55 millions de visiteurs en 2012, dont 11 millions d'étrangers.
Il y a donc fort à parier qu'au cumul, NY (seul) reste très loin devant "Paris et sa région" car je n'imagine pas 23 millions de touristes Français (soit un tiers de la population), nombre nécessaire pour que l'île de France passe en tête, venir visiter la capitale chaque année !
Bonjour, le vrai problème c'est que les visiteurs sont peut etre les plus nombreux a Paris, mais ce n'est pas la qu'ils dépensent leur argent, pour cela ils vont a Londres ou ailleurs, et il me semble avoir vu que les touristes étrangers aux USA dépensent
beaucoup plus que les touristes en France.Mais c'est bien la faute du gouvernement francais et des syndicats, quand on oblige les magasins sur les Champs Elysées a fermer a 22 heures , au moment ou il y a une foule de touristes qui s'y promènent.
La France se tire une balle dans le pied. Ajoutons a cela une insécurité de plus en plus présente, et on peu s'attendre a une désaffection de la destination.
beaucoup plus que les touristes en France.Mais c'est bien la faute du gouvernement francais et des syndicats, quand on oblige les magasins sur les Champs Elysées a fermer a 22 heures , au moment ou il y a une foule de touristes qui s'y promènent.
Ce n'est à la base pas complètement faux, mais, si je fais partie de ceux qui souhaiteraient que les magasins aient davantage de liberté dans leurs heures d'ouvertures, je pense malgré tout que c'est assez anecdotique dans le bilan général...
Londres ou Rome sont bien davantage morts le dimanche que Paris par exemple. À Paris, si les magasins ferment assez tôt le soir, il y a de nombreux quartiers qui restent ouverts le dimanche (le Marais, les Champs, une partie du Quartier Latin et de Montmartre, Bercy Village notamment, sans parler des marchés et marchés au puces).
Il ne faut donc pas voir, à mon avis, la fermeture des magasins comme un frein au développement touristique d'une ville, c'est principalement un manque d'agrément pour les personnes qui y vivent, bien davantage que pour les touristes.
Par ailleurs, les touristes viennent aussi (et parfois surtout)à Paris visiter les monuments historiques et les musées et au final, entre les heures d'ouvertures des magasins, celles des musées, des monuments et, surtout, les balades que l'on peut faire dans la ville à toute heure (ce qui, à mon sens, représente le plus intéressant de la découverte de Paris, avant le shopping ou les musées), ce n'est définitivement pas dans les heures de fermetures des magasins qu'il faut voir un éventuel problème pour les touristes...
La France se tire une balle dans le pied. Ajoutons a cela une insécurité de plus en plus présente, et on peu s'attendre a une désaffection de la destination.
Pour vivre Paris au quotidien, dans différents quartiers et un peu à toute heure, on ne peut pas dire que l'insécurité soit un problème criant ! On ne peut pas nier qu'il y a parfois des agressions mais celles-ci restent rares en définitive.
Maintenant, en tant qu'habitant de Paris, s'il y a moins de touristes dans les années à venir (ce n'est pas vraiment ce qui se dessine en réalité...) je ne m'en plaindrai pas 😉 !
Bonjour, je constate la réaction de mes clients en visite a Paris, les passages sont de plus en plus court et comme ils trouvent les prix de plus en plus chers, bien sur ils achètent peu.Et coté insécurité, étant moi meme parisien d'origine et passant régulièrement dans la capitale, je vois une multiplication de vols ou tentatives de vols dans le RER pour Versailles par exemple,
et les cas récents du Louvre conduisant a la fermeture du musée sont réels. Sans compter des minorités qui deviennent des majorités dans certains endroits ou quartiers, j'ai eu des remarques d'étrangers qui me disaient il y a tellement d'africains que
ce n'est pas Paris comme je l'avais imaginé. Pour ce qui est du résultat d'une moindre fréquentation touristique, je suis d'accord avec toi, je ferais la queue moins longtemps pour visiter une exposition, j'ai loupé certaines expos au grand palais car on me donnait un créneau d'accès en nocturne entre 3 et 4 heures du matin!!!
je constate la réaction de mes clients en visite a Paris, les passages sont de plus en plus court et comme ils trouvent les prix de plus en plus chers, bien sur ils achètent peu.
Dans ce cas, que l'on ne vienne pas me citer Londres comme étant préférée des touristes vu que, comparativement, Paris est une ville très bon marché ; la capitale anglaise totalement hors de prix... même pour un Parisien ! Ce n'est donc pas non plus le seul critère à retenir...
les cas récents du Louvre conduisant a la fermeture du musée sont réels
Ha bon, le Louvre est fermé 😐 ? première nouvelle...
j'ai eu des remarques d'étrangers qui me disaient il y a tellement d'africains que
ce n'est pas Paris comme je l'avais imaginé
Petite remarque raciste de base et fort navrante...
Hé bien si Paris ne ressemble pas à ce que ces gens s'étaient imaginés, ils ont bien fait de venir : ils ont pu constater que l'un des intérêts de cette ville était justement en partie lié à ses mélanges ethniques... Ce n'est pas nouveau, Paris et même la France dans son ensemble, est une terre de passage et d'échanges, un point stratégique de migrations, et ce depuis toujours. Et c'est très bien comme ça.
Par ailleurs, pour l'essentiel, ceux que certains disent être des Africains ne sont, pour l'énorme majorité d'entre eux, que d'origine africaine. La plupart d'entre eux sont français et nés en France. Habituel amalgame dont use le FN...
Tu t'es déjà baladé à Chinatown dans New York ? Ça te pose un problème qu'il y ait des étrangers dans une grande ville ?
Pour ce qui est du résultat d'une moindre fréquentation touristique, je suis d'accord avec toi, je ferais la queue moins longtemps pour visiter une exposition, j'ai loupé certaines expos au grand palais car on me donnait un créneau d'accès en nocturne entre 3 et 4 heures du matin!!!
Mais encore une fois, ça n'en prend pas le chemin du tout ! Tous les musées de Paris annoncent chaque année des chiffres records de fréquentation...
" ... j'ai eu des remarques d'étrangers qui me disaient il y a tellement d'africains que ce n'est pas Paris comme je l'avais imaginé "
plusieurs réactions :
amusée :ce ne seraient pas les mêmes, par hasard, qui te résument leur voyage en Afrique en disant "l'Afrique, c'était biiiiieeeen, ... mais par contre, qu'est ce qu'il y a comme noirs !"
logique : si Paris ne leur semble pas conforme à ce qu'il avaient imaginé, ils ont aussi le doit de se remettre en cause et se demander pourquoi leur imagination est différente de ce qu'ils ont vu !
agacée : par le racisme primaire qui se dégage de ton message, que tu n'assumes même pas en le prêtant à d'hypothétiques clients et/ou étrangers !
Ca doit être difficile de ne vivre qu'avec ça dans le crâne !
Bonjour, je n'ai pas dit que le Louvre était resté fermé , mais il l'a été un jour ou deux a cause des pickpockets.Quand aux remarques racistes, il faut bien se rendre compte que pour un américain de Pittsburg il s'imaginait la France comme étant peuplée d'européens, et pour les autres on peut comprendre ils étaient allemands et polonais.Pour ce qui est des quartiers comme chinatown a New york, je connais plutot celui de San Fransisco. Mais on ne peut pas comparer un pays jeune (les USA)dont l'essentiel de la population est issue de l'immigration mondiale et un pays européen, ceux de la vieille europe qui ont
eu des vagues d'immigration essentiellement européenne.
il faut bien se rendre compte que pour un américain de Pittsburg il s'imaginait la France comme étant peuplée d'européens,
C'est un problème de manque de culture... Que ça ne corresponde pas à l'idée qu'il s'en faisait, tant pis pour lui, il n'avait qu'à se cultiver et voyager un peu. Au moins, en venant à Paris il aura justement eu un aperçu du vrai Paris, c'est donc une bonne chose.
Mais on ne peut pas comparer un pays jeune (les USA)dont l'essentiel de la population est issue de l'immigration mondiale et un pays européen, ceux de la vieille europe qui ont eu des vagues d'immigration essentiellement européenne.
Non, pas des vagues d'immigration ESSENTIELLEMENT européennes... Une importante immigration depuis l'Afrique et l'Asie (Chine, Cambodge, Inde...) également.
il faut bien se rendre compte que pour un américain de Pittsburg il s'imaginait la France comme étant peuplée d'européens
Ah, parce que "européen" est un nouveau ethnonyme ? On est "européen" comme on est "arabe", c'est ça ?
ceux de la vieille europe qui ont
eu des vagues d'immigration essentiellement européenne.
Bah faudrait savoir. Il y en a trop ou non, des "africains" et autres drôles de personnages inquiétants ? Non mais parce que, hein, la génération spontanée, c'est bien joli mais j'y crois pas trop. S'ils sont là, c'est qu'ils sont venus et s'ils sont venus, c'est qu'on les a au strict minimum laissés faire. Ou plutôt qu'on les y a encouragés.
Alors si un américain de Pittsburg ou un chinois de Beijing trouve à redire sur la composition ethnique du pays qu'il visite, soit ici la France, il peut bien aller se faire....
Qui veut chasser une migraine n'a qu'à boire toujours du bon
Rebonjour, si tu connaissais les américains des campagnes tu comprendrais leur réaction, certains sont incapables de situer Paris sur une carte, j'ai travaillé avec des gars qui n'avaient meme jamais visité New York, alors qu'ils étaient a 400 km de la ville par autoroute, c'est dire leur peu d'interet a part le boulot et la chasse aux cerfs.
Rebonjour, si tu connaissais les américains des campagnes tu comprendrais leur réaction, certains sont incapables de situer Paris sur une carte, j'ai travaillé avec des gars qui n'avaient meme jamais visité New York, alors qu'ils étaient a 400 km de la ville par autoroute, c'est dire leur peu d'interet a part le boulot et la chasse aux cerfs.
Oui, oui, je sais très bien cela.
C'est d'ailleurs bien pour ça que je dis que c'était un problème de culture. Cet Américain vivait uniquement sur des clichés sans rien connaître de Paris.
Encore une fois, l'expérience aura donc été bonne pour lui puisqu'il aura pu découvrir Paris "pour de vrai". Avec ses étrangers (dont il faisait partie à ce moment, au demeurant 😛 !).
Rebonjour, les stéréotypes ont du mal a disparaitre dans l'imaginaire de beaucoup d'étrangers qui viennent en France pour la première fois, certains on vu des films anciens, d'autres les témoignages de parents venus en 1945 pour la libération.Que penser d'un jeune ingénieur pétrolier Texan venu pour un stage de 3 mois en Allemagne qui venait avec son papier toilette pour les 3 mois, sans compter savon, dentifrice etc..son père lui avait décrit l'après guerre qu'il avait vu!
Comme quoi il ne faut pas se lancer dans discussions intellectuelles, restont simples.
Le problème c'est qu'il ne reviendra pas, alors que lorsque l'on aime un endroit on y retourne, raison pour laquelle je vais régulièrement au Mexique ou au Chili. Donc pour retourner vers le message initial, regardons les chiffres de fréquentation dans le futur, et faisons un effort, béret , baguette sous l'aisselle, et bouteille de vin a la main, les touristes en redemandent.
Bonjour, en effet cela serait interessant a connaitre, mais si l'on écoute une certaine actrice américaine qui a vécu a Paris cela risque d'etre mitigé.
Que penser d'un jeune ingénieur pétrolier Texan venu pour un stage de 3 mois en Allemagne qui venait avec son papier toilette pour les 3 mois, sans compter savon, dentifrice etc..son père lui avait décrit l'après guerre qu'il avait vu!
Vous savez, en matière de stéréotypes à la noix, nous ne sommes pas en reste. A commencer par chez nous, en Union Européenne, dont la composition est très obscure pour la majorité des français qui parlent encore de Tchécoslovaquie et de Yougoslavie.
Si le cas de ce jeune texan vous heurte, moi il me fait sourire. En revanche, se plaindre parce que les habitants d'une région n'ont pas la bonne couleur de peau est autrement plus grave.
Qui veut chasser une migraine n'a qu'à boire toujours du bon
Donc pour retourner vers le message initial, regardons les chiffres de fréquentation dans le futur, et faisons un effort, béret , baguette sous l'aisselle, et bouteille de vin a la main, les touristes en redemandent.
Aucun intérêt d'alimenter des clichés s'il ne correspondent pas ou plus à la réalité...
C'est comme ça, à Paris, il y a plein d'étrangers, résidents ou touristes, et si ça ne lui plait pas hé bien ma foi, ton plouc Américain n'a qu'à pas revenir 😛... Je trouve en tout cas très bien qu'il ait vu le "vrai" Paris.
Tu veux qu'on chasse les étrangers de Paris aussi pour que ça colle mieux à l'image que s'en font les touristes ? Allons, allons, c'est totalement n'importe quoi...
Je constate en tout cas que, sur ce forum même, les Canadiens du Québec qui viennent à Paris sont en général enchantés de leur séjour... Et de mon côté, mes copains étrangers (Japonais, Russes, Indiens... entre autres), sont toujours ravis de venir à Paris.
Par ailleurs, il suffit de voyager un peu dans le monde pour constater que Paris est plutôt une ville agréable pour les touristes (attention, je n'ai pas dit qu'il n'y avait pas de défauts, j'anticipe à l'avance ceux qui vont interpréter mes propos de travers 😛...).
Rassurer vous le cas du Texan nous a bien fait rire aussi, surtout quand on vu sa tete en traversant Francfort.Pour la Yougoslavie et la Tchécoslovaquie c'est le nom qui nous vient a l'esprit pour les gens de notre génération, il faudra sans doute attendre une période de plusieurs années avant que les jeunes aujourd'hui parlent de Serbie, Slovaquie etc... un peu comme pour moi les pays africains que j'appelle toujours Togo, Dahomey, Zaire mon cerveau y a été formé a l'école.
Tu as raison, certains étrangers sont enchantés et y reviennent, j'avais pris en charge un sud africain, et après un repas très gastro, passage dans un cabaret connu, nous nous sommes retrouvés a reprendre un souper a 3 heures du matin, avec steak et tout.Cela lui a semblé tellement extraordinaire que cette vie parisienne l'a poussé a y revenir avec sa femme a plusieurs reprises. Dun autre coté j'avais un client californien pourtant cultivé et francophile qui n'est plus revenu après les émeutes de banlieue, (cela date de quelques années maintenant) par peur d'etre pris dans de nouveaux affrontements.
Comme quoi on ne peut jurer de rien.On verras bien d'ici quelques années l'évolution.
Dun autre coté j'avais un client californien pourtant cultivé et francophile qui n'est plus revenu après les émeutes de banlieue, (cela date de quelques années maintenant) par peur d'etre pris dans de nouveaux affrontements.
Encore un Américain quoi 😛... C'est lié à la désinformation des JT américains qui évoquaient carrément une guerre civile à Paris... Or dans Paris intra-muros, il ne se passait strictement rien.
Bonsoir, il s'agit de Scarlett Johannson, qui trouve les parisiens tristes, mal polis et grossiers, et Paris difficile a vivre, dans une interview a la télé américaine, et malheureusement les américains prennent cela au pied de la lettre.On a déja un "french bashing" très actif la bas.
Les chiens aboient et la caravane passe, mais c'est quand meme embetant quand tu te fais chambrer, de passage chez eux.
Tu n'as qu'à leur balancer les clichés et autres a priori qu'ils se trimbalent chez nous ! Ils n'ont pas le monopole du chambrage et nous avons peut-être plus de matière qu'eux pour cela, non ?
Personne n'est obligé de croire tout ce qu'on raconte, et si on s'en contente c'est qu'on renonce à s'élever au-dessus du troupeau !
.. never mind !
Actualité voyage › France › Paris - Île de France · 6 replies
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Avec 10,2 millions d'entrées en 2018 (+25% sur une année), le célèbre musée parisien demeure toujours le musée le plus visité au monde. Lire la suite...
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8,1 millions de passagers pour ADP en 2011. Aéroports de Paris a enregistré une série de records de trafic en 2011 à Roissy comme à Orly. Le trafic augmente…
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If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
- Iconic sites under scaffolding – yes, even world-famous landmarks
- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
- Formerly affordable destinations now priced out of reach
- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
- Concerning health or logistical situations in certain countries
10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
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The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners
Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence
But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
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The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts
In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
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Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice
The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
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Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments…
What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive.
PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15%
Valid until: November 13, 2025!
One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
