Mr Henri Prévost-Allard, Deputy Mayor, Tourism and Mr. Claude Maniscalco, Director Saint Tropez Tourist Office recently visited Mumbai between 27-29 November. The aim of this visit was the unveiling of Saint Tropez's 2013 event calendar and through diverse channels such as the media and the network of travel agents/tour operators, update the discerning Indian traveller on novelties and unique experiences in Saint Tropez.

Located in the South of France, Saint Tropez with a population of just 5,000, is a chic watering hole for the jet setting international crowd and annually welcomes 5 million global visitors. The village is well known in India amongst the large number of discerning travellers that journey abroad. Major Indian industrialists are already cognizant of Saint Tropez and its attractions, and regularly visit the village. Many of them have a second residence here or stay aboard their yachts.

There is a strong historical link that binds the village of Saint Tropez and India. This link manifests itself in the form of a love story between one of Saint Tropez's most well known citizens, the General Allard and an Indian Princess, Bhanu Pan Dei. General Allard served under the Sikh Maharajah, Ranjeet Singh from 1822 to 1839. He fell in love with the Raja of Chamba's daughter, Bhanu Pan Dei who bore him 7 children. The General settled his wife and children in Saint Tropez and came back to Lahore to cement ties of friendship and cooperation. Unfortunately, he passed away in Peshawar. Princess Bhanu Pan Dei converted to Christianity in the hope of finding her husband in the afterlife. The legacy continues through their descendants, Mr Henri Prévost-Allard who was part of the delegation who visited Mumbai. Mr Prévost-Allard is an avid traveller with a strong passion for writing. This passion has led him to author books, including one on his illustrious grandfather, the General Allard.

To commemorate this historical link, many proactive steps were taken to further bilateral ties of co-operation between Saint Tropez and India. The village welcomed the former Minister of Tourism, Ms Kumari Selja on an official visit in 2010. Another noteworthy event is the dedication of 2012 as the ''Year of India'' in Saint Tropez. The town offered itself as a platform for showcasing Indian art and culture to its 5 million visitors. The delegation's visit to Mumbai is part of the ''Year of India'' celebrations.

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