CNN travel | How American tourists are saving France’s summer

Predicted huge tourism losses in the Alpes-Maritime region have failed to materialize. Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou/CNN

Paris (CNN) — Summer is in full swing in Paris and the entrance square to the Louvre is busy with vendors selling water or Eiffel Tower souvenirs. Among them, US tourist Chris Walkley is enjoying his first visit to France, taking selfies with his girlfriend by the art museum’s glass pyramid.

“Paris definitely lived up to its reputation,” says Walkley, from Boston. “Food’s been great. Everyone’s been very hospitable.”

For Walkley, traveling to France has been a symbol of getting his life back to normal after two years of restrictions and disruptions caused by the pandemic. “I feel like things are back on track,” he adds with a smile.

For France, Walkley’s presence is a symbol of optimism.  –read more–