Alain Ducasse travel tips

Last year, Air France rolled out a swanky new business class on its new Boeing 777-300s, with lie-flat seats, 4K high-definition screens, and sommelier-selected wine. This year, the French flag carrier is continuing to invest in its premium service, upping the ante with new upgrades to its celebrated first-class product, La Première.

Air France La Première, the airline's highly-lauded first class, is getting not one, but two upgrades in 2024—and it all starts on the ground.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, May 29. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

As the world’s most visited country, France is no stranger to welcoming tourists. But even by its own busy standards, 2023 was an absolute record-breaker. However, the dynamic will be slightly different this summer. 

MGM Resorts International's sparkling Bellagio Fountain Club is set to make a triumphant return for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024, promising race enthusiasts an unparalleled VIP experience at one of the circuit's most anticipated events.

Travelers to Italy in summer often feel they have to decide between city or beach—take in the cultural riches of a major art destination or give in to the dolce far niente vibe of a stunning waterfront locale. Some places make it easy to do both—Venice has its Lido beaches and the seaside hamlet of Nervi is a suburb of Genoa, but here are five other ways you can combine urban and coastal getaways without much fuss.

A popular port of call for cruisers or daytime stop for French Riviera travelers, Monte-Carlo offers so much more than a quick diversion on a longer trip. The principality sandwiched between France and Italy offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, an incredible, palm-tree adorned setting on the coast, and top notch hospitality. With an almost nonexistent crime rate, a distinct local culture, 300+ days of sun per year and hoards of attractions, ranging from luxe beaches to lounge on to top rated restaurants, Monte-Carlo may be the best home base for your next getaway on the Côte d'Azur.

Pavyllon London is the latest restaurant from the prolific French-born Yannick Alléno, the superstar chef who’s been awarded an impressive 15 stars across 17 restaurants in Paris, Courchevel, Monaco, Dubai, and Seoul. That puts Alléno on a very short, elite list of Michelin’s most-awarded chefs comprised of himself, Joël Robuchon, Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay, Pierre Gagnaire, and Martín Berasategui.

There are currently 142 restaurants in the world with Michelin three-star ratings. As the world’s most influential restaurant guide, a Michelin rating is the most important accolade a chef can receive. A three-star rating vaults any Michelin-rated restaurant into the uppermost tier of the top restaurants in the world. If you’re a culture and gastronomy aficionado, and chasing the high price of excellence is of great importance in your culinary matters, here are five Michelin three-star restaurants worth paying a visit.

The Hôtel de Paris is a Monte Carlo institution just steps away from the famous Casino of Monte Carlo and steeped in history. Originally opened in 1864, the property has recently undergone an extensive renovation, creating a hotel that is filled with modern touches but that also is deeply respectful of its Belle Epoque tradition. In addition to providing a very luxurious experience, one of the hotel’s most important undertakings is its deep commitment to sustainability.

From 29 September until 11 November, the eagerly anticipated Festival des Etoilés Monte-Carlo is set to captivate the culinary world with the return of its exclusive four-hands dinner series. This year’s edition is marked by a collaboration of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s Michelin-starred chefs with esteemed guest chefs, Julien Royer, Amaury Bouhours, Sven Wassmer and British Chef and restauranteur, Jason Atherton.

Has there ever been a fictional character with a more glamorized lifestyle than Carrie Bradshaw? She’s worn designer bags as well as shoes that have sold out immediately afterwards, made Magnolia Bakery world-famous, and, this past summer, even had a pop-up “experience” dedicated to her in an empty space in SoHo. One doesn’t need to “couldn’t-help-but-wonder” why: Carrie made being single and living in New York seem like an endless, well-dressed adventure, where carriage rides in Central Park with romantic millionaires, fabulous parties in Tribeca, and trips to the Vogue closet were always in reach. So when visiting New York City, it’s always fun to see the sites that made up her fantasy.

The fall season is already looking to be a busy one for culinary, with a number of exciting food festivals taking place at various cities, islands and resorts.