China News Service, February 6 (Xinhua) 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and is also the Year of Culture and Tourism between China and France. Against this background, Catherine Pégard, Director of the Palace of Versailles, recently gave an exclusive interview to "European Times" in Paris. She shared the three important exhibition exchanges between the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Palace of Versailles in Paris over the past 30 years, as well as her views on French and Chinese culture. Exchange opinions.
On January 31, the "Concert to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and France and the Opening Concert of the China-France Culture and Tourism Year" held at the Royal Opera House of the Palace of Versailles in Paris kicked off the cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries. Catherine Pega said that the cultural relations between China and France have a long history, which can be traced back to the time of Louis XIV. He may be the first French king to send a mission to China to learn about this ancient country. Therefore, we are also part of this long history of communication.
"In 2019, 16% of the visitors to the Palace of Versailles were Chinese tourists. Today, we see that Chinese tourists are back." Catherine Pega said, "This is a moment to reconnect with Chinese tourists and French tourists. The latter can also travel to China during the China-France Culture and Tourism Year."
In order to provide visitors from all over the world, including Chinese tourists, with a better tour experience, the Palace of Versailles has also done enough homework. Catherine Pega said a reservation system has been developed for all visitors to the Palace of Versailles. This way, people can more easily plan their travels and book time slots in advance without queuing.
Catherine Pega also noticed that Chinese tourists often came in groups in the past, but for some time, the size of Chinese tourist groups visiting the Palace of Versailles has been much smaller, especially Chinese tourists from other countries. "I believe that France has taken many measures to facilitate different modes of travel, allowing Chinese tourists to travel in France in smaller groups." Currently, the Palace of Versailles is developing tour routes with Chinese-speaking tour guides. “We also provide audio guides in Chinese, with the goal of making the Palace of Versailles as welcoming to all tourists as possible,” said Catherine Pega.
During the period of travel restrictions, the Palace of Versailles also adjusted its attractions to meet the needs of as many tourists as possible. Catherine Pega mentioned that she noticed that more and more tourists, both Chinese and other, like to visit the gardens of Versailles and enjoy the spectacular water features while strolling. It is important for the Palace of Versailles to show that its attractions cater to the diverse preferences of different visitors.
Under the framework of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, the two countries will jointly hold an exhibition themed on exchanges between China and France in the 18th century at the Palace Museum on April 1. In this regard, Catherine Pega said that this is also the result of long-term cooperation between the Palace Museum team and the Palace of Versailles team. “As early as 2004, we had the opportunity to collaborate on an exhibition themed on Louis XIV and Emperor Kangxi.”
In 2014, the Palace of Versailles held the exhibition "China in Versailles - Art and Diplomacy in the 18th Century". In 2024, it will be the Palace Museum’s turn to host an exhibition. "The French exhibition curators were able to collaborate with their Chinese colleagues to strengthen relevant research and jointly come up with some concepts. For example, this time the collection of the Palace Museum will be displayed, especially the gifts given by the French king to the Chinese emperor, which have so far not been It has been publicly exhibited. I think this will be an important event in this year's China-France Culture and Tourism Year," said Catherine Pega.
In addition to thematic exhibitions, in terms of production or cooperation, the Palace of Versailles has also created a "Virtual Tour of Versailles". The exhibition has been shown in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau, and will be shown in Hangzhou in early 2024. Catherine Pega said: "I hope it will be exhibited in several other cities in China during 2024."
Catherine Pega introduced that the Royal Opera House Orchestra (Orchestre de l'Opéra royal) affiliated with the Palace of Versailles is preparing for a multi-city tour in China in April 2024. This will be another way to communicate with China through live music performances. forms of cultural cooperation. (null)