[Photo provided to China Daily]

Subsequent packages focused on honeymoons, wine tastings, shopping and hiking, Qi says.

Family vacations will be next year's theme. Tours will focus on Paris' Disneyland and Charente's large museums.

"(Parents and kids) can also hike and rock climb in the Alps, and enjoy southern France's beaches."

Shopping has become a primary part of promos.

Chinese buy luxury items, perfumes, cosmetics, wines and caviar.

Tax rebates at certain sites from June 24 to Aug 4 this year proved successful.

The Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann even set up a special tax-rebate counter for Chinese tourists.

Galeries Lafayette has offered special discounts to Chinese tourists during the Chinese Spring Festival and employs 150 Chinese-speaking staff members.

Many hotels feature Chinese logos and information, and offer tea and salty breakfasts to suit Chinese tastes.

Indeed, it seems France's efforts to appeal to Chinese tourists have proven a tour de force.