Air France wants to attract medium-haul passengers

EXCLUSIVE - On board services, rates, seats. To attract 20 million passengers a year, the national company changes everything. Le Figaro is aware of these changes will be implemented on April 1.

Air France commits the battle against the inexorable progression of low-cost airlines and reveals the heart of its strategy to develop its medium-haul network from Charles de Gaulle Airport. For that measures correspond to passengers' expectations, the company has consulted thousands. Result, improved service on board and on the ground, processing fee schedules and new chair. These measures concern 20 million passengers a year, 80 destinations operated by 70 Airbus and the chartered planes smaller from its subsidiary Hop! .

Lower prices

To carry out this reform, Air France has seen big: more than 10,000 people were interviewed in nine European countries. In a few years, attitudes have changed. Now the price but also the purchasing facilities of tickets, boarding, booking changes, etc. are major points in the choice of a company.

Premium Eco passengers previously installed with Business customers will now be placed at the forefront of the economy cabin, behind the curtain of Business class. In addition, the Premium Economy class changes its name to Eco Flex. If they lose the real meal tray, passengers retain access to the course Sky Priority: priority queue for registration and boarding, as well as for safety and police checks.

Moreover, besides the new headquarters and improved service in all classes, the Air France fares were revised downwards. For example, Flex tickets to Rome will fall by 21% to 699 euros to Barcelona from 13% to 648 euros and Zurich 8% to 579 euros. Eco Flex will be divided into three quota seats characterized by booking classes called Y (the most expensive), M and B in order to graduate the price according to the filling of the aircraft.

But the big news of the reform is called Go-Show: Day off and on site at the airport, passengers can ask to travel on another flight if places are available, regardless of the price paid in Eco Flex. As subscribers, they will enjoy total flexibility with access to the last seat and a reduction of 40% from the full price Eco Flex. Examples: Geneva to Zurich or 514 euros to 554 euros.

Regarding the rear of the cabin, no significant change to the restrictions notes, except their name. Mini Mini Eco become and remain the basic travel, not changeable and non refundable, no choice of seat and free luggage; Classic, renamed Eco Classic, are subject to change 70 euros with luggage, seat selection and press.

Birth Hop! Air France

It remains to be seen how these innovations, from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, will focus with flights from Orly and province where they were previously operated by Air France and Hop !, its subsidiary mainly dedicated to short haul. Now all come under the single name Hop! Air France. Unless the shuttle, which is strictly Air France.

Even when we asked about the consequences of this differentiation between Orly and Roissy brands: curiously, Hop! has adopted when creating a pricing structure incompatible with that of its parent company. It does not meet the same rules to combine flights each other or to the same restrictions (length of stay, obligation to spend the night from Saturday to Sunday on-site, etc.).

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Val-Thorens elected world's best ski resort

The station located in Savoy won the votes at the World Travel Awards 2014.

And two. For the second consecutive year, Val-Thorens has been voted best ski resort in the world and also best French ski resort, at the World Travel Awards 2014.

Savoy station which opened its 2014 season (twenty tracks between 3000 m and 2100 m) on Saturday has started with great news.

"An immense pride and a thirst to do more! Share what we're together we can move mountains! "Said Gregory Guzzo, director of the Val-Thorens Tourist Office.

US to Nouvele Zealand, many stations were also in the race, including Perischer (Australia), United Niseko (Japan), Bansko (Bulgaria), Ruka (Finland), or Val Gardena (Italy).

Over 600 km of slopes

Furthermore, 5-star hotel Altapura Val Thorens has, meanwhile, won the title of best French hotel. The hotel offers 75 rooms and 16 suites with a warm and comfortable decor and stunning views of snow-capped Alps. The Pure Altitude Spa is a space of 1000m² dedicated to well-being and relaxation after a day on the slopes.

The World Travel Awards 2014, which have existed for twenty years, was held Saturday in Kitzbuehel, Austria. The ski Awards were created last year. More than one million votes were registered on the Web in 127 countries. The results come from the general public votes, experts from the middle of tourism, tour operators and corporations.

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe and culmination of the 3 Valleys area has the largest ski area with over 600 km of slopes. The station, known for the quality of its snow, was established in 1971. Since then, she continues to innovate to meet the largest number of skiers and snowboarders: accessibility at all levels, performance and innovation ski lifts , festive atmosphere, development of panoramas, numerous activities, quality of services (hotels and restaurants).

The list of winners in the other categories

Hotel Altapura Val Thorens - Rue du Soleil 73440 Val Thorens Tel: 04.80.36.80.36 www.altapura.fr Double room from € 302 (winter rate from 2014 to 2015).

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More flights, more services with Transavia France

With more planes and opening of new lines, a subsidiary of Air France wants to become the largest low-cost airline operating from Paris-Orly.

With 31 aircraft flying from Amsterdam to 104 destinations, Transavia Holland does not have much development margins. It serves indeed the main destinations "leisure" which the Dutch are fond of. However, with only 14 aircraft based at Orly, Transavia France can dream big. Following agreements with Air France pilots (the parent company), its fleet will increase by 5 units every year to reach a total of 30.
Starting this summer, five new destinations including Le Figaro has learned exclusively complement the existing 36: Dublin, Munich and Valencia. On the other hand, Transavia continues its offensive on the Greek islands with the service of Thessaloniki. Finally, the company will open a stopover in Tirana (Albania), where no direct flight from Paris exists. Also will open a link Nantes Madrid.

Color change

"The increase in the fleet will amplify the existing frequencies, particularly in Spain, Tunisia and especially Portugal," says Hervé Kozar, deputy general manager of Transavia. With this expansion, Air France will not be compelled to abandon the competition very popular take-off and landing slots left vacant by reducing its short-haul offer. Ultimately, Transavia France aims to become the first low-cost airline from Orly, from 2.5 million to 4 million passengers. Also good service, Transavia wants to continue to offer attractive prices with call to EUR 30 Naples, Venice and Pisa, even if they can climb up to 300 euros one way by filling the plane.
As with any low-cost , it is obviously necessary to pay extra for various services such as baggage: 15 euros for 15 pounds or 20 euros for 20 pounds, 40 euros round trip (50 euros against 20 kilos on Ryanair and easyJet 46.92 euros). To improve comfort, passengers can also purchase "more" seats (for example, those located in front of the emergency exits offering extra space) at 15 euros (15.30 euros against easyJet). On board, the map shows reasonable prices: soda or sandwich baguette 3 euros to 6 euros. Although the cabins are surdensifiées 737/800 with 189 seats (180 against 160 at KLM or Delta), the approval of the traveler remains correct.
Transavia tickets can not be combined with those of Air France unlike Vueling or Germanwings that establish links with their parent, Iberia and Lufthansa . In addition, frequent passengers were not entitled to the benefits conferred by their Flying Blue Air France (gain of miles, priority check-in, line-fast, more seat, etc.). Business travelers will therefore remain marginal on board. On this issue, the company has fallen behind its competitors who do everything to attract this. A detail in the coming months, the costumes of hostesses and stewards will be renewed, the current green flashy vintage will be replaced by a more sober color.
As for the website , you will find out in February 2015 in an ergonomic version much more flexible to use. Guests can buy them with additional services until the last minute.

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Some major temples in Thailand

Among the countless number of temples in Thailand, we want to introduce you to a few, among the most beautiful and most indispensable.

Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple in Thailand. It is located in the heart of Bangkok right inside the Royal Palace and houses the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot). This statue of Buddha made of jadeite has an eventful history. Found in Chiang Rai in 1434, she was in possession of several kings of Lanna Kingdom and also spent over 200 years in Laos before being recovered by Rama I in the conquest of Vientiane in 1778. It was finally transferred to its location present in 1784. The atmosphere around this place is special and moving. At the foot of the altar, you can sometimes see the royal and popular present that ammoncellent.

The Royal Palace in Bangkok

Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, is distinguished by its tower (prang) kmher style, symbolic representation of Mount Meru. Built at a time when Ayutthaya was still the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Wat Arun is a magical and mysterious place. It is recommended to visit with the lights of dawn and dawn, when the sun's rays provide an enchanting play of light.

Wat Arun is a majestic monument

Wat Pho
Located almost in front of the Emerald Buddha Temple, on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, in the Grand Palace enclosure, place of worship is the largest temple in Bangkok and also hosts the most prestigious massage school Thailand. Its majestic reclining Buddha statue covered with gold leaf measures 46 meters long.

The reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha
This temple houses one of the largest Buddha statues in gold in the world. About 5 meters high and weighing nearly 5.5 tonnes, Buddha had been hidden by monks under a thick layer of plaster to protect this treasure from potential invaders in case of conflict. The Golden Giant Buddha of Wat Traimit was accidentally discovered years later when he was moved: a fall broke the plaster layer, revealing the beautiful statue. Today, plaster pieces are visible in the temple.

The Golden Buddha before it takes its final position

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a well known and visited temple in Ayutthaya. The place, which sees an influx of Buddhist pilgrimage hundreds throughout the year, houses the statue Phra Buddha Chinarat, one of the most beautiful statues of Buddha currently exist and which serves as a model for many replicas worldwide .

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and its many Buddha statues

Wat Mahathat
It is at Wat Mahathat, a major temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is a relic of the Buddha brought from Sri Lanka there are more than 1000 years. She is buried under the main chedi of the site. Nakhon Si Thammarat is the capital of Buddhism in southern Thailand: it was the first large city to adopt Theravada Buddhism.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple in the province of Chiang Mai. Doi Suthep mountain is the name on which it is built. Located 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, it overlooks the valley and offers a stunning view of the North pearl. Sacred site for Thai, it is also a popular destination for foreign visitors.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Ko Kaew Suttharam
Wat Ko Kaew Suttharam is located in Phetchaburi. It is particularly interesting to visit for "farangs" (Caucasian people) because the wall, which was painted entirely in the 1730s, still leaves appear the paintings of the first westerners visiting the Kingdom of Siam!

Inside the Wat Ko Kaew Suttharam

Phimai Historical Park
This Khmer-style temple is a shrine of Mahayana Buddhism: it was erected to the tenth century, at a time when the region was part of the great Khmer empire. It is in the center of the city of Phimai (Phimai Muang), in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima, formerly an important town in the region. This temple is mentioned on an inscription dating from 1082 still in place at the nearby temple of Prasat Phnom Wan, with the name of King Jayavarman VI. An inscription dating from about a century later at Preah Khan, near Angkor, as quoted on an imperial roads.

Phimai Historical Park and Khmer style prang d e

Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. King Mengrai lived there at the time of construction of the city. This temple houses two Buddha statues very important and revered Phra Sila (a marble Buddha) and Phra Satang Man (a crystal Buddha).

The beautiful Wat Chiang Man

Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh, built in the Chiang Mai pregnant, date of 1345 and offers a classic example of architecture of Lanna (northern Thailand). It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated image and moved here several years ago from Chiang Rai. It includes several buildings.

The majestic chedi of Wat Phra Singh

Wat Rong Khun
Located 13 km south of Chiang Rai, Thailand, Wat Rong Khun is commonly called the white temple. It was built by Chalermchai Kositpipat, renowned Thai artist who wanted to create a lasting tribute to Rama IX, the present King of Thailand, and to honor his hometown.

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Today was your first flight in a helicopter. And have you got a scare!

The machine rises smoothly, as placed on a cushion of air. The sound of the rotors (not to be confused rotors and blades, it is here ) reaches you, muffled through the helmet the pilot asked you to put on your ears, and also serves as headphones. Seconds after takeoff, the helicopter rushes already muzzle forward, as you have already seen in films. It does not shake, but it freely advance in air: it's a bit the idea that you made you the flying carpet.
Already, the shadow of the camera, blades and skates away. Below, on the island of Reunion, the morning begins. Cars swallow the dual carriageway, the throngs of houses lined seem to pursue a peaceful existence and the distant ocean waves crashing face the big hotels recognizable by their ornate forms pools.
First flight. And you, you're there, in the air, in this tiny cabin with 6 other people. You were never ridden in a helicopter for all your life. The body, fine steel film is reminiscent of a used car. Nothing to do with the solid hull of Airbus. Much of the shell is made of glass, juxtaposed windows, fly's eye so. Even if you gave up watching the scenery, impossible to escape this vision of the void. In fact, a helicopter, it's a bit a flying 2CV. Yet there is a Squirrel, "manufactured by Eurocopter ( Helicopters Airbus today ) in Marignane, "says Cecilia Botta, captain of the Air Force retired, which controls the number of machines times per day for the account of the company Helilagon .
Fear of heights. The driver knows you're afraid. And to reassure you, she keeps talking into the microphone, in a soft voice, firm and reassuring. Every five minutes, she turned to the passengers, their smiles, their demand "are you?" And she says: "The first settlers arrived in La Réunion, in the bay of Saint-Paul, below, in 1665 ... The city of the Port, you now see on the left, is home to the fourth largest port in France ". And the world from there that seems so far away now. It's just ten minutes you fly and you got the feeling of being there for an hour.
Circuses and pitons. But already you get used. The helicopter flies over the forest quietly spread on the slopes of the west of the island, on the way to the top. There before, presents a ridge. And Cécile Botta says: "We arrive in the Mafate , one of the three cirques of the island soon under our feet, 1000 meters in altitude. ". The transition is abrupt. You look down, and see. And you see an abyss. Beautiful, but a chasm anyway. You shiver.
Canyons, plateaus, tournicotent roads in the mountains, fields, even in the shade, drop-offs. You spend binoculars camera and you know in advance that it is better to look with your eyes, because the photos will not make. In Mafate, as in other places steep, the helicopter is not just for tourists. Several villages inaccessible by road, are well bunkered. The-air is also the fastest way to get from one end to the other of the island in an emergency or as when a dignitary, such as the President of the Republic, visit Réunion.
The Iron Hole. The scenery file under your eyes and here already Salazie and the peak of Anchain, rocky protuberance that defies the clouds. The sun begins to illuminate the highest peaks. You breathe calmly, you're persuaded that we must trust the technique, you listen to the voice of the lady who always says, speaks botany, geology, history, gastronomy. And then cascades.
There are some famous water falls, Reunion. Including this one, iron hole, an abyss at the bottom of which are emptied several waterfalls. "Let's go!" Announced the pilot. The helicopter forward at speed along a green wall. "We will go right." The left of the chopper suddenly raises. The machine now operates almost horizontal. Your hands are sweaty, your brain applesauce. You have the ridiculous reflex to grab the metal bar before you. So you look out. White cataracts that perform dizzying jumps of several hundred meters into the lush vegetation. . Superb "Did you like it?" No mufti; you outline a smile. "So we go back."
Antics in series. Now the cuckoo addresses the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active in the world. The Volcano, as say the islanders with a capital V. In headphones, the conference turns volcanology: the formation of the dome, rashes, Hawaiian phenomena. The crater appears on the left, deep, formidable, lunar. This is the moment chosen by the driver to perform a somersault. The unit is raised sharply. You tell yourself that dry land is still not bad. You remember your fears of transport: this motorcycle enthusiast who had taken you for a ride on the device, zigzagging nimbly in traffic; this rolling unconscious boyfriend to 130 km / h on the A6, a day of big departure, in the pouring rain, blind to brake.
Under your feet, the panorama is desert, rocky. "It's called the Plain of Sands. It's very easy to access. Filmmakers come to take some beautiful pictures to decorate their films. And it's a corner where you turn commercials for cars, "said the driver. Cecilia Botta inspire total confidence, but you stay on your guard. At one point, here she hesitates, who stumbles on a word. So irrationally, you worry if it is mistaken in his speech, does it not risk a small driving error?
Creole Vosges. Without transition, here "Creole Vosges", as said the guide, this part of the island where cows graze in the green pastures surrounded by soft wooden fences. It produces cheese. Amazing. Then Cilaos and "to the right of the device, the Piton des Neiges" summit over the island of its 3070 meters .
For a few more minutes parade circuses, pitons and ramparts, these wonders declared World Heritage by UNESCO since 201 0 over slopes covered with thick forests voisinant striking fractures at the bottom of which flow from the raging torrents. Cecilia Botta now list the local specialties "to put in her shopping list" before leaving the meeting: "tamarind jam, guava jam, vanilla, cheese from our cows ..."
Swallowing regularly. The landing approach, you fear the ultimate caper. The pilot will she not take advantage of the docility of its passengers to begin a complete U-turn, a kind of looping? Is it possible helicopter, anyway? It will not happen. The descent begins. "Remember to regularly swallow." The helicopter covers its base horizontally flying over its track, a language débroussaillée a hundred meters long. The aircraft landed. The blades gradually stop turning. The belts are loose.
You go down, glad these wonderful sensations. Photo shoot off the Squirrel. Cecilia Botta smiled. She has never stopped smiling throughout the flight. "The antics, you mean, turns? There are two 45-minute flight, it will!

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Dubai, beyond appearances

Besides shopping malls and skyscrapers, the city-state offers a Serious Face.

Tuesday, November 4, 19 hours. All-Dubai press towards the entrance of the new Sofitel Dubai Downtown at the invitation of the group Accor to celebrate the opening of the third hotel of this brand in the city. After the Palm Jumeirah Island and recently renovated, the new 350-room hotel is for now - because everything is so fast here in town planning - just outside the famous Burj Khalifa Tower.

87000 Rooms

For the occasion, the avenue leading to the entrance took, ephemeral, the allure of Paris Champs Elysees. The long front of the establishment luxury has been dressed mistaken in shops eye to many French brands: Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Sephora, to restaurant Consulate, who usually set up shop in Montmartre. At the end of this avenue cinema , proudly an Arch of cardboard where Dubaïotes - in abaya for women and for men thob - come to be photographed. To complete the postcard in the hotel lobby, a beret accordionist plays a refrain to Amelie ...

Sébastien Bazin, head of the hotel group, has made ​​a special trip from Paris to welcome the guests and the owner of the hotel. Dubai remains an important market for the hotel group, as for all the others too: there are now nearly 650 Dubai hotels representing approximately 87,000 rooms, a number expected to double by 2020, when the future World Expo. And these accommodations are far from empty; their occupancy rate is over 85%. A market even more important that Dubai does not want to be the Singapore of the Middle East inevitably associated with superlatives, especially to excess where everything is still "the greatest or highest in the world."

Dubai has no oil and outside of finance, his only source of growth remains tourism. Tourism that has trouble moving from France, although the city-state really does not miss assets. To say with us "I am leaving in Dubai ..." still sounds like a provocation, a travel professional, or a must for a trip to Asia, the Australian or Indian Ocean ... Yet, Dubai has arguments as a vacation destination six hours and thirty minutes by plane, a time difference of only three hours with France an almost perpetual sunshine, heat, desert in range of 4 × 4, a varied hotel and an almost impeccable safety. There, on the other hand, for all tastes and almost all budgets.

One can easily find in pacing the corridors of the Dubai Mall, as have 75 million visitors in 2013. If this side of the globe, it is envisaged few go a full day in a downtown shopping, better there put his prejudices aside. With more than 1,200 shops and a shopping area of around 115 land soccer , all major international names therein. Even the classic department stores such as Bloomingdales, Galeries Lafayette or Marks & Spencer ... The whole floors devoted to fashion , from ready-to-wear for young designers through the prestigious haute couture brands.

Another shopping experience

There's even a shoe level, or an entire floor dedicated to the most famous brands of shoes. No way to do good business, here are highlights a different shopping experience: number of hotels are also directly connected to the shopping center where you can lunch or dinner (it closes at midnight at the end of week), making ice skating on the Dubai Ice Rink, true Olympic ice rink, or admire the giant aquarium where swim 33,000 marine species, including sharks and rays ...

Children are rather spoiled with Kidzania city at their level where they can perform one of the 80 professions offered to them, fireman surgeon or mechanic. It is also this mall, nerve center, which can be accessed at the Burj Khalifa, for up to the ^124th floor in less than a minute and enjoy the view to cut the breath offered by the platform form, partly discovery of the city.

Dubai is also The Palm, this palm-shaped islands, which have led, at any speed, villas and hotels Disney inspiration, in the image of Atlantis and its 1,539 rooms and 176 suites. First hotel resor t artificial island, fascinates with its setting: a monumental sculpture Murano glass Dale Chihuly US occupies the lobby. A giant aquarium with 60,000 fish is the joy of visitors which also includes a visit to the clinic in fish.

Warehouses transformed into galleries

For seven years, the fair Art Dubai has also become a major artistic event. It was at this time also qu'Abdelmonem Alserkal, a great collector, had the idea to recycle vacant warehouse, for installing galleries and workshops for young designers in the image of what was happening in Shoreditch in London or in the Meatpacking New York. Today this area, located in the Al-Quoz area, has more than twenty galleries worth it devotes a visit.

Finally, as to attract new customers, more inclined towards the well-being , the city has embarked on a major project - a more- in the Jumeirah district. A walk by the sea where onlookers can walk peacefully. But as here, things are never done by halves, it will make 20 km long and its coating will tartan.

LOG BOOK
Before leaving
Some books in English refer as Dubai. The Story of the World's Fastest City, journalist Jim Krane of the AP, dating from 2009, and available at iBooks format and Kindle for about 6.50 euros.
Guide side, there was a very original Uncommon Dubai, English Uncommon LTD editor. Sold 35 euros, it is a collective work written under the leadership of a young Palestinian director and poet, 36, Hind Shoufani.
And also released this year: Dubai, fashion for employment , Editions Gallimard, 180 pages, 14.90 euros; A great weekend in Dubai, Hachette tourism, 144 pages, 9.90 euros; and Oman and United Arab Emirates, Lonely Planet, with a large section of Dubai, 318 pages, 21 euros.
Getting there
From Paris, Air France offers a daily flight from 484 euros. Airfrance.fr .
Staying
Sofitel Dubai Downtown. 350 rooms including 16 suites with spa and pool, just opposite the Dubail Mall and Burj Khalifa. Much more oriented recreation and family , the Sofitel The Palm offers stays in a Polynesian atmosphere, rooms, suites and villas according to the budget. Sofitel.com
To see Atlantis, the city hotel. Atlantisthepalm.com
In the historic district of Al Fahidi, XVA Art hotel & cafe ( Xvagallery.com ) and Majilis Gallery ( Themajilisgallery.com ).
In the district of Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue. Alserkalavenue.com .
At Jumeirah, the famous Burj Al Arab hotel. A note that Jumeirah, one finds, if you 're not in a seaside hotel, a whole series of free beaches.

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In Riga, a visa for Chinese

Latvia, a small Baltic country of 2 million inhabitants, a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen area since 2007, she is becoming a front gate of the Chinese in Europe? From an immigration law passed in 2010, the residence permit in Latvia, and therefore in the EU can be attributed to foreign investors in the Latvian economy, or that buying real estate.
In most European countries, some Chinese more or less would have gone unnoticed. But Latvia is not a country of immigration. Hundreds of Chinese arrived since 2010 are giving rise to many questions to Parliament.
In the first eight months of 2013, they were 235, or 10% of the total number of foreigners applying for a residence permit. Compared with 2012 the real estate business written by Chinese citizens from ...

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