MEDIA FORUM
September 24 to 25
The exclusive event bringing together US Media and France in Normandy:
The first edition of the Media Forum will take place from September 24 to 25 in Caen. It will gather up to 25 North American journalists and content creators specializing in tourism, gastronomy, lifestyle, luxury, outdoor activities, and culture. This flagship event is organized by Atout France USA as part of the special “France 250” edition celebrating Franco-American friendship.
The program includes discovery of the host region (pre-tours), followed by workshops, panels, and networking sessions showcasing France and its partners. The event will be followed by post-tours across France.
THE EVENT
Panels
The theme for the panels is savoir-faire or knowledge. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to learn directly from the media to understand the US media market while Media will hear from local artisans in Normandy explaining their specific industry.
State of US Media in 2026: Future of Travel Storytelling in an Evolving Landscape/Who will tell France's stories?
What media actually want from destinations: Lessons for destination to be an effective resource/partner
The New Luxury Traveler: What does luxury mean to American travelers in 2026.
Emerging Trends in Travel/Travel Trends for 2026 and beyond: Experiences and Themes Editors Observe
Savoir-Faire in Normandy: How Heritage, History and Gastronomy play an important role in the region
THE
PROGRAM
25 meetings
TWO days
PRE-TOUR
Monday, September 21
- depart USA
Tuesday, September 22
- Morning arrival in Paris
- 10:30-12:00 Transfer to Giverny(1 hour 15 minutes by car)
- 12:00-13h30 Lunch in Giverny at Oscar
- 13:30-15:00 Visit Monet’s home, gardens and gravesite (2026 marks 100 years since Monet’s death)
- 15:00-16:30 Transfer by car to Rouen
- 17:00-19:00 Visit Rouen’s medieval center
- 19:00 Dinner at La Couronne, the oldest restaurant in France since 1345
- Overnight in Rouen at the 5-star Hotel de Bourgtheroulde
Wednesday, September 23
- 8:00 Transfer by car to Falaise (2 hours)
- 10:00-12:00 Visit the Chateau de Falaise, birthplace of William the Conqueror
- 12:00 Lunch in Falaise at La Bastide du Laizon
- 15:00-17:00 Visit Arromanches and the D-Day Beaches
- 17:40-18:40 Transfer to Omaha Beach and visit
- 19:30 Dinner in Omaha Beach
- Overnight at Mercure Omaha Beach
MEDIA FORUM PROGRAM
THURSDAY, September 24
- 8h45 Departure for Memorial de Caen
- 9h45-12:00 Visit Memorial de Caen
- 12:00 Lunch
- 12:45-13:00 Welcome to Media Forum
- 13:00-14:00 Opening session: panel and discussion
- 14:15-18:15 One-to-one meetings
- 20:00 Cocktail and Gala Welcome Dinner
FRIDAY, September 25
- 07:30-08:30 Breakfast
- 08:30-09:15 Closing session and panels
- 09:15-11:00 One-to-one meetings
- 11:00-13:00 Lunch and departure for post-tours
HOST DESTINATION
Normandy
Nestled between rolling countryside and the ever-changing sea, Normandy is a land where history, beauty and art come together in unforgettable ways. Just two hours from Paris and easily reached by road, rail or air, this iconic French region welcomes visitors with a rich blend of heritage, charm and authenticity.
From the timeless silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel rising from its mystical bay to the striking white cliffs of Étretat Cliffs, Normandy is filled with landscapes that seem lifted from a painting. Wander through the medieval streets of Rouen, home to France’s tallest cathedral, stroll through Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, or discover the colourful harbour of Honfleur and the elegant seaside glamour of Deauville. With six UNESCO-listed treasures, seven of France’s most beautiful villages and more than 600 kilometres of coastline, Normandy offers inspiration at every turn.
Camembert PRODUCTION
Monet ART
A land shaped by courage and remembrance, Normandy carries the legacy of World War 2 through its D-Day beaches, cemeteries, memorials and museums — powerful places where stories of freedom, peace and reconciliation continue to resonate. It is also the birthplace of Impressionism, a region whose luminous skies and dramatic scenery inspired masters such as Claude Monet and generations of artists thereafter.
Normandy’s pleasures extend far beyond its scenery. Here, gastronomy is a way of life: creamy Camembert, fresh scallops, crisp cider and the renowned Calvados and Bénédictine brandies showcase the region’s rich culinary traditions, while bustling markets like those in Dieppe celebrate the finest local flavours. Renowned for its equestrian heritage, Normandy is also home to prestigious stud farms and world-class events, including the celebrated races of Deauville.
EXHIBITORS
Proudly partnered with these destinations, hotels, airlines and cultural sites
Nestled between rolling countryside and the ever-changing sea, Normandy is a land where history, beauty and art come together in unforgettable ways. Just two hours from Paris and easily reached by road, rail or air, this iconic French region welcomes visitors with a rich blend of heritage, charm and authenticity.
In 2027, Normandy will celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, its most legendary son. The ambitious “MILLENIUM – 2027, European Year of the Normans” project will unite communities across Normandy and beyond, with a vibrant program of cultural and festive events taking place throughout Europe in tribute to the enduring Norman legacy.
Ben Collier, Marketing Manager for English-speaking markets
Located in the heart of Normandy, just 2 hours from Paris, Caen la mer blends rich history with coastal charm.
From William the Conqueror to the D-Day Landing Beaches, it offers a powerful journey through time, alongside a thousand years of heritage, wide sandy beaches, elegant seaside resorts, and vibrant local culture. A perfect base for exploring Normandy, it’s where city and sea meet in one compelling destination.
Florence Nikolic, Head of Media Relations
A respectful and deeply human place of remembrance, the Caen Memorial Museum is a must-see destination on your Normandy itinerary
This essential visit offers a powerful understanding of D-DAY and the global context of WW2.
In the heart of Sainte-Mère-Église, in front of the bell tower on which the parachutist John Steele was hung, the Airborne Museum will make you live and understand the events of the D-Day since the preparation in England, until the conquest of the freedom!
Hugo Lavannier, Communications Manage
The first museum built to commemorate June 6, 1944 and the Battle of Normandy
Chloé Macé, Communications Manager
Collection Maubreuil invites you on a journey through two distinctive yet complementary properties. Members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Château de Maubreuil and Maison Maubreuil share a common vision of hospitality, inspired by travel and the art of welcoming guests.
Awarded a Michelin Key, Château de Maubreuil invites you to slow down within a lush 20-hectare estate, where every detail evokes faraway destinations. Maison Maubreuil, the first 5-star hotel in the heart of Nantes, continues the journey at the pace of the city, within the intimacy of an elegant and singular address. Here, every space tells a story, and every stay becomes an experience in its own right.
Come and discover Marseille in the off-season – the best time of year! Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, the capital of the south of France reveals itself through its land and sea, its people, history and Mediterranean cuisine, all under the gentle warmth of September.
Anne Dallaporta, PR Officer
Toulouse, the vibrant capital of Occitanie, blends architectural beauty, a warm southern lifestyle and a spirit of innovation, from its iconic brick‑pink monuments to its world‑renowned aerospace sites.
At the heart of the South‑West, the city is also the perfect gateway to remarkable destinations less than an hour away: the Fronton vineyards and Canal du Midi in Haute-Garonne, the UNESCO‑listed treasures of Albi, the elegant brick architecture of Montauban and the historic charm of Auch. Together, they reveal a region rich in heritage, landscapes and authentic southern character.
Marine Esch, PR Officer
ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès is the Tourism and Convention Bureau of the Lyon Metropolitan Area.
We’re here to help you explore the destination and stay up to date on the latest news. With 2,000 years of history and a UNESCO World Heritage designation, Lyon attracts millions of visitors from around the world thanks to the beauty of its historic neighborhoods, its reputation as a culinary capital, and its high quality of life!
Mathilde Carpentier, Promotion and Press Director
Léa Valleix, Press Officer
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur brings together three iconic destinations, each offering a unique experience. Provence embodies the art of living, with its authentic heritage, vibrant culture, and world-renowned gastronomy and wines. The Southern Alps invite visitors to explore breathtaking mountain landscapes, outdoor adventures and ski resorts that will host the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Côte d’Azur, the world-famous French Riviera, unfolds through its iconic lifestyle, prestigious events, elegant seaside resorts, and a remarkable artistic legacy.
Together, these three destinations shape a diverse and sun-drenched region where the Mediterranean, the mountains, culture, and the French art of living come together to create unforgettable experiences.
Rabiha Benaissa, PR Officer
Pays d’Orange en Provence is a destination at the gateway to Provence, combining exceptional Roman heritage, world-renowned wines and the Provençal art of living.
Home to the UNESCO-listed Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch of Orange and the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the destination also offers vibrant markets, gastronomy, cycling along the ViaRhôna and Via Venaissia, and a rich calendar of cultural events and festivals. Easily accessible by train and ideally located between Avignon and the Rhône Valley, Pays d’Orange en Provence offers an authentic and inspiring base from which to discover Provence.
Yan Baczskowski, Director
Located in Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin is a cultural site, unique in the world, and dedicated to wine. Inside its modern and iconic architecture, the Cité du Vin welcomes visitors from around the world and offers a wide range of activities that celebrate wine as a living and universal cultural heritage.
With its interactive Permanent exhibition based on digital technologies, its various tasting experiences, its cultural events and practical facilities (shops, restaurants), the Cité du Vin celebrates wine regions from all over the world and visitors from all walks of life (beginners, wine lovers, professionals, families and young people, companies, French and international...), are invited on a spectacular journey around the world, across the ages, in all cultures! In 2026, Cité du Vin celebrates its 10th anniversary with a large programme of festivities, all year long.
Aurélie Lascourreges, PR Officer
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, holidays with a genuine meaning. Here in the southwest of France, travelling is all about slowing down — without missing out on enlightening experiences. Just a quick 1–4-hour high-speed train ride from Paris, Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers you a chance to take a deep breath, reconnect, and truly relax. Visitors come for the landscapes, the stories, and the people — and leave feeling inspired.
Picture a morning surf session on the French Basque Coast to clear both your body and mind. A quiet stroll among the pines along one of Europe’s most unspoilt coastlines. A bike ride through the Bordeaux or Cognac vineyards after a tasting — or the freedom to roam our 5,000 km of cycling routes. Time spent with local producers in the Dordogne Valley, or a hands-on cooking class to discover regional flavours. An early-morning hike in the Pyrenees to watch the sunrise. A relaxed coffee with friends in Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed city centre, or an afternoon exploring enlightening exhibitions in Limoges or Poitiers. In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, visitors are invited to slow down, breathe, and reconnect — with themselves, with nature, and with the people they meet along the way. Explore our travel ideas and meet our partners. Together, we can create experiences that are truly meaningful
Céline Boute, Head of Press and Marketing
Just a few hours from Paris and the Loire Valley, Vendée is one of France's best-kept secrets. With 250 km of Atlantic coastline, the destination blends long sandy beaches, charming islands, unspoilt nature, picturesque villages, vibrant local culture and world-class attractions.
From gliding through the peaceful canals of the Marais Poitevin – the "Green Venice" – to cycling along the Atlantic coast, surfing the waves of "Little California" in the south, browsing authentic local markets, tasting fresh seafood and regional wines, or stepping into history at the world-renowned Puy du Fou theme park, Vendée offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Rooted in authenticity and the French art of living, Vendée invites visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature, meet passionate local producers and artisans, and savour memorable moments through exceptional gastronomy, outdoor adventures and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for family holidays, sustainable tourism, cycling, surfing, nature, Michelin-starred restaurants, local food, heritage or unique storytelling opportunities, Vendée is an inspiring destination waiting to be discovered. Welcome to Vendée – where every journey becomes an experience to feel, taste and share.
Sylvain Ha, International Tourism Promotion Manager
Chambord has inspired admiration and fascination around the world for over 500 years. A masterpiece of the reign of Francis I, the Château de Chambord is an architectural testament to the French Renaissance.
Listed on France’s first register of historic monuments in 1840 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, Chambord is the second most-visited castle in France. It welcomes over one million visitors annually. This exceptional site is also distinguished by the largest walled forest park in Europe, which spans 5,440 hectares. Owned by the State since 1930, the National Estate of Chambord is a public industrial and commercial institution under the supervision of the ministries responsible for Culture, Agriculture, and the Environment, and under the high patronage of the President of the Republic. The institution was incorporated into the Grand Parc de Rambouillet by a decree of the Council of State on June 1, 2018. The Board of Directors is chaired by Philippe Donnet. Since January 2023, the public institution has been headed by Pierre Dubreuil.
Mathilde Fennebresque, Head of Communication
We offer direct flights between Tahiti and Paris, Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney and Tokyo, and we serve more than 80 cities through our codeshare partners.
Air Tahiti Nui's fleet is exclusively composed of spacious and comfortable Boeing 787-9s: the Tahitian Dreamliner.
Rail Europe is the global platform for European train booking. We have been the trusted partner for the travel industry and train operators for 90 years. Our rail expert teams provide technology solutions and customer care services to +25.000 partners in more than 70 countries. International travellers who want to travel by train easily throughout Europe can also book their travel directly thrtough our state-of-the-art train booking website and app. Our catalogue of products focuses on 250 rail providers such as SNCF, SBB, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, OBB, SNCB, Regiojet, iryo, OUIGO España and UK National Rail, and rail passes including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes.
We sell around 5 million European train tickets every year. Our offices are around the globe and we are headquartered in Paris.
Raquel Garcia Perez, PR Officer
We are delighted to welcome you to this charming 17th-century manor house.
Our romantic hotel, with its authentic charm, to relax in one of our characterful rooms, enjoy the peace and quiet, stroll through our large wooded park, or unwind on the terrace surrounding our beautifully landscaped square courtyard, typical of the Bessin manor houses, all within easy reach of the seaside (3kn) and the D-Day landing beaches.
normandie-hotel.org/en
MEDIA
ATTENDEES
Chris Christensen is the creator of AmateurTraveler.com. Amateur Traveler is a popular online travel podcast and blog that focuses primarily on travel destinations. The podcast, which is 20+ years old, was downloaded over 1.98 million times in 2025. It has 1000+ episodes, each about a different destination. Chris also owns Hotel-Scoop.com, where his team of professional travel writers reviews hotels and resorts.
Chris is in the Podcasting Hall of Fame and has won 2 Travel Creator Awards, a Lowell Thomas Award, 5 NATJA awards, and a SMITTY Award from Travel+Leisure as the "best independent travel journalist."
In 2025, 52 different episodes of the Amateur Traveler were available on the entertainment systems of 8 different airlines: Air India, FlyDubai, KLM, Lufthansa, Mauritius, Oman/QAT, South African, and Singapore.
Melanie Hansche is the editorial director of special projects at Food & Wine and a former restaurant owner. She's created food and lifestyle content for 25 years across two continents and started her career in food journalism in Sydney at Australian Gourmet Traveller. She then spent eight years working as the magazine and cookbook editor for Aussie food icon Donna Hay before relocating to the USA in 2014. After serving as food director at health and wellness publisher Rodale, she joined Food & Wine as its deputy editor in 2018. In her current role, Melanie manages editorial franchises and accolade programs like Best New Chefs and Global Tastemakers, which recognizes the best in international culinary travel.
Eric Rosen is the Director of Travel Content at The Points Guy, where he guides the editorial team’s coverage of travel, points and miles. He first joined TPG as the site’s original managing editor in 2011. Since then he went on to contribute to various publications including Afar, Bloomberg, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and National Geographic Traveler for over a decade. Over the course of his career so far, Eric has become one of the world’s foremost experts on travel loyalty programs and continues to make national press and public appearances on behalf of TPG.
Martinique Lewis is an award-winning diversity in travel consultant, President of the Black Travel Alliance, Director of Partnerships for the Black Travel Summit, and the host of National Geographic's Black Travel Across America. She is also the creator of The ABC Travel Greenbook and App, the number one resource connecting destinations to Black travelers and the African Diaspora globally. Trusted among her peers as a "connector," she is always connecting the dots to ensure the travel industry is mindful of diversity—not just as a "buzzword" but as an action that produces results. As a digital disruptor and someone immensely in love with all things travel, she strives daily to change the narrative by advocating for travelers from different demographics across multiple platforms. Working directly with tourism boards and travel brands, she creates content that is exciting and influential. Her mission is to change the face of tourism forever so that everyone feels represented and sees themselves reflected. Martinique has been recognized by Travel + Leisure and Travel Pulse as one of the "Most Influential People in Travel." She is deeply committed to the success of the Black Travel Ecosystem and has dedicated her life to supporting all those within it.
Derrik J. Lang is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning writer, editor, and producer who has covered travel and culture for more than 15 years. He currently oversees international features as editor in chief of AAA Explorer, senior features editor for Westways and Auto Club Enterprises’ forthcoming luxury magazine, and senior producer of the Traveling with AAA podcast. He previously served as the lifestyle editor of Shondaland and senior editor of American Airlines’ American Way. Derrik spent 12 years as an entertainment journalist at The Associated Press, interviewing celebrities ranging from the Beach Boys to the Beastie Boys and covering award shows like the Oscars and Grammys. Fun fact: He once played himself in an episode of All My Children.
Eben Diskin is an award-winning travel journalist who has filed stories from six continents. He tries the pizza in every country he visits, and proudly hasn't checked a bag since 2014. He’s also the Founder and Editor of The Townie, an online publication for opinion pieces on issues local to the Massachusetts North Shore.
Josh Rivera is a Senior Editor at USA TODAY, where he leads travel coverage with a focus on culture, identity, and the human stories behind how and why we move through the world. Before joining USA TODAY, Rivera contributed to The Wall Street Journal, Univision Washington and El Nuevo Dia, covering topics ranging from family dynamics to shifting cultural trends.
Annemarie McCarthy is the Senior Destination Editor for France, Spain and Portugal and is responsible for all the guidebook and digital content covering France. She has been working for Lonely Planet for more than ten years.
Terry Ward is a Florida-based freelance travel writer and journalist who lives in Tampa. She spends several months a year on the road reporting on topics ranging from adventure, scuba diving, and cultural travel, to family travel and science. She speaks several languages, including French, Spanish, and Dutch, and has covered travel for Afar, CNN, National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, The Washington Post and many other media outlets. She writes a monthly column for Scuba Diving Magazine and Tampa Magazine and appears frequently on local TV as a travel expert. She spent three years living in France's Aveyron department in the town of Rodez.
Maeve Wade is an assistant editor and writer covering wine, spirits, and food at Wine Enthusiast. Her writing is informed by her experience working at Discovery Wines and by her exploration of food, drinks, and culture around the world. She is especially interested in the way drinks and dishes bring people together. Based in Manhattan, Maeve spends her free time shamelessly waiting in line at the hottest new bakery, shaking up seasonal cocktails for friends, and daydreaming about her next bottle of Burgundy.
Yulia Denisyuk is an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, writer, Telly-Award-winning filmmaker, and podcast host who turned to journalism after serving in the U.S. military and working as a Fortune 500 brand manager. Yulia's work appears in The New York Times, National Geographic, TIME, Conde Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, and more. Yulia covers culture and travel, highlighting underrepresented communities in her work. For past assignments, she’s shared a roof with nomads in Mongolia and learned the art of Imigongo with artist collectives in Rwanda. Yulia is the founder and host of the Going Places platform. She frequently speaks at conferences and events, leads trips, and teaches media & storytelling workshops around the world.
Rebecca Tobin manages the newsroom and editorial initiatives and production for Travel Weekly and oversees the publication's award-winning website, TravelWeekly.com, and its editorial social media. She is the host of the Folo by Travel Weekly, a weekly podcast that "follows" top news and trends with additional perspectives and voices. Tobin was the managing editor for Travel Weekly and previously covered the cruise industry as a reporter and oversaw assignments, including her own, for the Cruise feature guide. She joined the team as an editor for Travel Weekly's website and for Travel Management Daily; before that, she was a reporter at newspapers in New Jersey and Maryland.
Adeola Crown is a New York City-based travel and lifestyle creator passionate about helping people discover unique destinations, local experiences, and the joy of solo travel. Through storytelling, travel guides, and immersive content, she inspires her audience to explore more confidently and make the most of every journey. Across her social media platforms, she has built a community of followers who follow along for travel inspiration, hidden gems, food recommendations, and experiences around the world.
Oliver Gee has lived in Paris since 2015, and runs the award-winning channel The Earful Tower, which is everything from podcasts, award-winning walking tours, books, and social media channels.
Lauren Paige is a writer, editor, and author with over a decade of experience in food, health, wellness, and beauty. She currently serves as a Digital Content Producer at USA TODAY. She's also the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Beauty Chronicles, a bilingual French-English large-format magazine by Officine Universelle Buly 1803 exploring the intersection of plants, landscape, culture, and natural beauty. Previously, she held editorial roles at Dotdash Meredith across Health.com, People Inc., and Allrecipes, and as Associate Editor at L'Oréal Paris Beauty Magazine.
Min Kwak is the creator behind @minywander, a luxury travel platform for travelers who want more than inspiration; she gives them a plan. Through Instagram and the blog Minywander.com, she pairs exceptional visual storytelling with thoughtfully crafted guides and itineraries that are practical, well organized, and easy to follow. Her work focuses on boutique hotels, unique stays, and destinations beyond the typical highlight reel, helping travelers experience the world with confidence and intention.
Since 2016, Jeremy Tarr has been the Digital Editorial Director of Fodor's Travel, the storied 90-year-old travel brand. Based in Los Angeles, he oversees a diverse group of opinionated and well-journeyed editors, who collectively produce a wide range of daily travel coverage. He also oversees the quarterly tent-pole articles, including the annual Go List, No List, and the Fodor's Finest Hotel Awards. While at the helm, Fodor's has won a Webby Award for Best Travel Site and the Lowell Thomas Award for Best Editorial Website every year from 2022 to 2025 (two golds, a silver, and a bronze).
Mary Winston Nicklin is a Franco-American writer and editor based in Paris. A regular contributor to National Geographic, she also writes for Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Afar, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. She's also the author of multiple Lonely Planet books, In addition, she's the editor of Bonjour Paris, the oldest English language website about the City of Light.
Laura Dannen Redman is the Digital Travel Editor of Robb Report, bringing 20 years of experience as an editorial leader, digital strategist, and award-winning storyteller. Previously, Laura was the digital content director of Afar, which was nominated for a Webby and a National Magazine Award during her time; deputy digital director of Condé Nast Traveler; and executive editor of the short-but-sweetly-lived Further magazine. She’s an avid traveler (all 7 continents) with special interest in Scotland, Ireland, Australasia, and the Middle East, as well as adventure, wellness, arts & culture, and family travel. Passionate about mentoring journalists and finding that next great story. Laura is based in Brooklyn, NY with her travel-happy husband and daughters.
Matt Ortile is a Paris-based travel writer and editor contributing to Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Elle Decor, Wine Enthusiast, Esquire, and elsewhere. He also covers design, food and wine, LGBTQ+ travel, and sustainable and ethical tourism.
Peter Scowen is s a columnist for the *Globe and Mail* on a variety of topics. From 1993 to 1998, drawing on ten years of experience as a journalist, he served as editor-in-chief and columnist at *The Mirror* and then at *The Hour*, two Montreal-based cultural weeklies. His first book, *Trahison tranquille*, published by Les Intouchables in 1998, is a collection of his best columns. From 1998 to 2002, Peter Scowen was the arts editor at the *National Post* in Toronto. He has lived in Paris since 2011 and is a lover of life in France.
Laura Calder is a recognized and trusted expert in the fields of gastronomy, hospitality, and lifestyle, with a particular interest in French table manners. Best known for her James Beard Award-winning series “French Food at Home,” which aired on the Food Network, Laura is also the author of four cookbooks, as well as *The Inviting Life: An Inspirational Guide to Homemaking, Hosting, and Opening the Door to Happiness* and *Kitchen Bliss: Musings on Food and Happiness* (with recipes). She was named a Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit by the French government in 2011 and now lives in Paris with her husband, Peter Scowen.
Laura Calder writes the popular newsletter “A Breath of French Air” on Substack. She lives in Paris, where she devotes herself to her passion for French table settings and the French art of living. *The Inviting Life: An Inspirational Guide to Homemaking, Hosting, and Opening the Door to Happiness*, as well as four highly acclaimed cookbooks.
Erin Zaleski is an American journalist, writer, and editor based in France, specializing in history, culture, and travel. Her work explores places and figures with layered pasts, from historic houses and storied hotels to forgotten chapters of French history. Her writing has appeared in National Geographic, Newsweek International, The Daily Beast, U.S. News & World Report, Agence France-Presse, and other international outlets, and she has provided commentary for CNN International, Al Jazeera English, and France 24. She is also the founder of Paris Notes, an independent publication chronicling Paris past and present, with an eye for overlooked histories, unusual places, and institutions that have endured. She divides her time between Paris and the French countryside.
Kylee Nelson is an American content creator and luxury France travel planner based in Paris. As the founder of Kylee in France, she creates France destination-driven content for 40,000+ followers across Instagram and TikTok. Through her travel planning service In France, she personally curates luxury trips to France for American clients, with a focus on authentic regional experiences. Kylee has worked with tourism boards and brands through her career as a content creator and is passionate about introducing American travelers to the France they didn't know they were looking for
PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
Everything you need to plan your forum attendance without complications.
Caen Hotels
Best Western Royal Hotel
1 Place de la République
14000 Caen
Best Western Plus - Le Moderne
116 Boulevard du Maréchal- Leclerc
14000 Caen
FRECUENT
QUESTIONS
Do I need a visa to enter France?
No. Entry into France for short-term tourism (90 days or less) requires that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure.
What’s the weather like in Caen in September?
Generally mild with highs between 64-68 degrees Fahrenheit on average and lows between 52-54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does France have Uber?
Yes, Uber is available. We also suggest downloading G7, the French taxi app.
What should I pack?
Comfortable casual clothing for the pre-tour and forum. Cocktail chic for the opening dinner.
CONTACT
US
For any questions regarding the Media Forum, please contact:
ATOUT FRANCE tEAM
Adam Oubuih is the CEO of Atout France since September 2025. He was appointed by Nathalie Delattre, Minister Delegate for Tourism, upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Atout France—chaired by Christian Man.
Frederic Mazenq is the Regional Director for Canada, the United-States, Mexico, the United-Kingdom and Scandinavia. Before overseeing this region, Frédéric was the Regional Director of Japan, Asean & Australia. He has over 27 years of experience at Atout France and is based in the New York office.
Tiana Gamez joined Atout France in 2008 as a Marketing Assistant. She then worked her way up through the ranks in the marketing department and was finally appointed as Deputy Director in July 2024. She is based in the New York office
Karell Voelkl joined Atout France in 2013 as Special Events Manager. With a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry, she is now the Head of Events. She is based in the New York office.
Kate Schwab joined Atout France in 2018 as Media Relations Manager. With a demonstrated experience in hospitality PR ranging from wine and craft beer to chefs and restaurants, she is now the Director of Communications. She is based in the New York office.
Sophie Poussardin joined Atout France in August 2024 as a Press Relations Coordinator in the New York office. She is now a Major Project Coordinator working on 250 years of friendship between the United-States and France, or the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She is based in the Madrid office, in Spain.