For Immediate Release

October 30, 2007

 Contact:  Erica Houskeeper, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing

802-828-0528

This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Vermont and France Establish Ground-Breaking Partnership for the 2009 Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration

 MONTPELIER, Vt. – State officials and the French government have signed a landmark agreement to actively cross-promote tourism in Vermont and France over the next three years with a primary focus on the Lake Champlain Quadricentennial commemoration in 2009.

 A memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday at the State House by Vermont Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Bruce Hyde and Jean-Philippe Perol, Director of the Americas, Maison de la France in New York. Gov. Jim Douglas attended the event, as well as Consul General of France François Gauthier, who facilitated the agreement.  This is the first agreement between the Maison de la France, also known as the French Government Tourism Office, and the United States. 

 “Vermont and France share many cultural and social connections, and many Vermonters trace their heritage back to France,” said Gov. Jim Douglas. “This agreement allows us the opportunity to cooperatively strengthen these bonds and to encourage mutual tourism exchanges between Vermont and France.”

 In 2009, Vermont, New York and Quebec will mark the 400th anniversary of French explorer Samuel de Champlain’s first visit to the region and the exploration of the lake that now bears his name. Champlain, who also explored northeastern North America and founded Quebec, was born in Brouage, France in 1567.

 “Samuel de Champlain has been a tremendous precursor to the French-American friendship that binds our two countries,” said Gauthier, whose office is based in Boston. “Before the United States was formed, Champlain established the first bridge between France and New England.  I hope the Quadricentennial celebration will, in both Vermont and France, increase awareness of our common roots and common values to which we are still attached today. France will be honored to participate in the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of Lake Champlain.”

 The Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission is planning a year-long commemoration of the region’s rich cultural heritage, and Lake Champlain’s critical importance as a natural and recreational resource.

 “We’re incredibly proud that Vermont is the first state in the nation to have an official agreement with the French Government Tourism Office,” said Hyde, who chairs the Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission “We’re looking forward to working closely with France and continuing this partnership well beyond 2009.”