Shanghai, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/30/2011 -- The French Minister of Justice, Mr. Michel Mercier and the General Consulate of France in Shanghai, Mr. Emmanuel Lenain visited the Grand Mercure Honqiao/UFE Pétanque booth during the inauguration of Shanghai French Week. Mr. Gilbert Mennetret, General Manager of the hotel and Vice President of UFE Shanghai warmly welcomed the distinguished guests.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao has been an active participant at Shanghai French Week since 2009. This year, Grand Mercure Hongqiao brings in the tradition French sport “Pétanque” together with UFE (Union de Français à l’etranger). It is a highly popular ball game originated from the south of France where players competes to throw an iron ball closest to the little wooden ball.
At French Week, exhibitors from France gather in the Yandang Road at the former French concession of Shanghai and elaborate the “art de vivre” of France! French Week has become a phenomenon, and a channel through which Shanghai people learn more about France and its culture! Every year, numerous visitors join French Week to appreciate the fabulous products including fashion jewelry, garment, cars, wine, and also traditional French cuisine.
About Grand Mercure Hongqiao
The Grand Mercure Hongqiao is a five star hotel part of the international collection of Grand Mercure Hotels – each expressing the spirit of their location. Close to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and railway station, within close proximity of exhibition centers as well as downtown Shanghai, the hotel is a popular choice for business and leisure travelers. It offers 484 spacious suites, all with panoramic skyline views.
About UFE
UFE (Union de Français à l’etrange) is a French organization that aims at helping French expatriates abroad in more than a hundred countries. M. Gilbert Mennetret, the General Manager of the Grand Mercure Hongqiao Shanghai, who is also the vice-president of the UFE Shanghai, “UFE Shanghai is being more and more dynamic, with more than 15 000 French expatriates here, we have a huge potential of growth” said Mr. Mennetret.