Bpifrance and UI Investissement have successfully divested their stakes in the France Tourisme Group, marking a significant achievement after a decade of collaboration.

Target Information

The France Tourisme Group, founded in 1999 and led by Ghislain de Richecour, is a prominent player in the Parisian river tourism and excursions market. The group specializes in offering cruises on the Seine and the canals of Paris, as well as excursions to major French tourist attractions. Serving a diverse clientele that includes both domestic (Île-de-France and national) and international visitors, France Tourisme provides unique experiences to discover Paris and key French sites through three main divisions: France Tourisme for excursions, Vedettes du Pont Neuf for Seine cruises, and Canauxrama for cruises along the Canal Saint Martin, Canal de l'Ourcq, and the banks of the Marne, catering to personal and professional events.

In early 2016, Bpifrance and UI Investissement supported Ghislain de Richecour in acquiring Les Vedettes Du Pont Neuf and Canauxrama, expanding the group's offerings and integrating new tourism products alongside its original excursion services. This strategic acquisition significantly boosted the group's revenue, doubling it to reach 20 million euros. Despite facing various external challenges, including historical floods in 2016 and 2018, the Notre Dame fire in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the group has successfully adapted and transformed its operations for sustainable growth, with robust post-COVID recovery and numerous development prospects.

Industry Overview

The tourism industry in France remains one of the most vital sectors of the economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. In 2023, the industry is rebounding from the challenges posed by the C