Artistic and literary places in France as tourist attractions

Abstract

As heritage and cultural tourism assume greater significance, the variety of 'tourist places' covered by that description has become more evident. Places associated with writers, painters and others can use those connections to promote a specific kind of image and to attract visitors. There is a general assumption that such artistic or literary places will attract the more discerning visitor and this is tested with reference to three small towns in France. The evidence presented here suggests that the visitor group is more diverse and includes both 'generalist' tourists and those who come to a place with a very specific purpose in mind. Among the influences upon the tourist perception and expectation are the ways in which the place is promoted, the nature of the link with an artist or writer, and the other attractions which the place has to offer tourists and visitors.