Photos featuring France's landscapes and famous tourist activities are on show at the French Residence as part of an exhibition hosted by the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Entitled 'Vacation? In France!', the exhibition which kicked off on Wednesday features activities that holidaymakers can enjoy during vacations to France, including ziplining, cycling, scuba diving, and exploring ancient castles.

France is currently positioned as the world's second-most popular destination for bicycle tourism after Germany, with more than nine million cycling trips taking place across the country per year, according to the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

For running enthusiasts, France also offers numerous trails, including the challenging and prestigious Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). 

In September, Vietnamese athlete Ha Thi Hau finished fourth in a 100km race on the UTMB, becoming the first runner from Southeast Asia to make it to the top 10 of the UTMB trail running tournament. 

While visiting France, tourists can also explore approximately 45,000 castles dating from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period. 

Moreover, sand yacht racing on Débarquement beach near Caen, playing petanque, or donkey riding in the Pyrenees are all favorites amongst holidaymakers.

France is currently gearing up to host the Olympics in 2024 and has many activities planned for guests before, during, and after the international sporting competition. 

France’s tourism industry is still in the process of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a lot of promotional activities being held to help the industry lift itself up, said French Consul General Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser.

Before the pandemic, France welcomed 90 million foreign tourists who came to explore the richness of its natural and architectural heritage, as well as enjoy the country's world-famous art of living. 

Mountain activities alone contributed 20 billion euros to the tourism economy, with a focus on summer ecotourism and winter skiing. 

According to the French Consulate General, France is popular with tourists thanks to its 49 properties listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO; nearly 8,000 museums, 6,000 festivals, and almost 45,000 monuments, parks, and gardens protected as historical relics; 17 world-famous vineyards; and a network of 19,000km of bicycle routes.

It also has the second-largest sea area in the world and the world's largest ski area with 350 ski resorts.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place outside the French Residence at 6 Le Duan in District 1 through the end of January next year.

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