We prefer the London Eye to the Eiffel Tower ...say the French
FRENCH holidaymakers are more likely to have gone up the London Eye than the Eiffel Tower, a survey shows.
They say British tourist attractions are better than those at home.
Many had not bothered with the main sights in their own capital, even though Paris is the world’s most popular tourist city. While only 39 per cent had ascended the 1,063ft Eiffel Tower, 46 per cent had been on the 443ft London Eye wheel.
Only 31 per cent had been to the Palace of Versailles, the magnificent chateau and gardens to the west of Paris built by Louis XIV in the 17th century, compared with 44 per cent who had visited Buckingham Palace.
When asked why they had prioritised the UK attractions, 37 per cent said they ‘were internationally famous with a rich historical past’ while 35 per cent said they were ‘simply superb’.
Flight comparison website Jetcost. com, which commissioned the survey, said its findings reflect a growing fascination with Britain because of factors including the royal wedding and the approach of Brexit.
‘More French tourists went abroad and visited the London big wheel rather than the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral,’ it said.
‘French tourists find that the attractions abroad have a richer history and are simply prettier.
‘Tourist attractions are always more attractive in other countries than in our own country of origin.
‘It’s a pity – we should put our national activities and attractions on top of the list. They are part of our culture, heritage and history.’
Researchers interviewed 2,417 French adults who had travelled abroad in the past five years.