Brazil welcomed 204,527 French visitors between January and August 2026, marking a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year. For Embratur, Brazil's national tourism office, this growth highlights the strategic importance of the French market, supported by improved air connections and a demand that extends beyond the traditional tourist hubs of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. July 2026 set a historical record for French arrivals in Brazil, with a 3.29% increase compared to July 2025. From January to July, the growth in French visitors reached 5.77%, the second-highest result for that period. France ranked seventh among the top countries sending visitors to Brazil and accounted for 15.6% of European arrivals. French tourists tend to visit Brazil for longer periods, with an average stay of 10.6 nights and an average expenditure of $1,711.69 per trip, according to Embratur. Nature, ecotourism, and adventure are the main motivations for travel, cited by 37% of visitors, followed by culture (34%) and sun and beach (23%). Nearly 37% of French visitors arriving in Brazil between January and July 2026 arrived outside the Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo axis. The Northeast region saw a 13.4% increase in visitors, with Ceará and Pernambuco registering 28% and 24% growth, respectively. Santa Catarina and Minas Gerais also saw significant increases, confirming the geographic expansion of French tourism in Brazil. "Today, the French tourist is the one who knows Brazil best in its entirety. He arrives via Rio, the Northeast, the Amazon, and each of these entry points tells a different story about the country," said Bruno Reis, president of Embratur. Improved air connectivity has played a significant role in spreading French visitors across Brazil. Five direct flights link France to Brazil, operated by Air France and LATAM. Travelers can reach major cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as Fortaleza and Salvador from Paris-CDG with Air France. TAP Air Portugal also contributes by offering connections through Lisbon, its main hub, allowing French travelers to access an extensive Brazilian network. After the opening of Curitiba in July, TAP plans to launch a new route to São Luís do Maranhão in October, enhancing access to the Northeast and Maranhão, particularly as an entry point to the Lençóis Maranhenses region. Embratur expects more than 2,000 flights and nearly 630,000 seats between France and Brazil for the entire year. On an international scale, Brazil welcomed 5.87 million foreign visitors during the first seven months of 2026, with air arrivals increasing by 12%. The Rio Carnival remains a major attraction, with Voyages d'exception advising travelers to book tickets for the Sambadrome well in advance, especially for the most sought-after parades and preferred seating. The agency also warns of potential street crime and recommends travelers avoid carrying valuables during large gatherings. The Amazon continues to attract French travelers interested in nature-focused stays. River cruises are a popular way to explore the region's wildlife and riverine communities while minimizing accommodation changes. Mathieu Ramus of Voyages d'exception advises travelers to bring light clothing, insect repellent, rain protection, suitable shoes, and a headlamp, and to use experienced guides. Travelers are also encouraged to consult a healthcare professional before departure to ensure they meet health requirements for their itinerary. In the south of the country, the Iguazú Falls in Paraná are a major natural attraction, located at the border with Argentina. The site can be explored from the bridges of the Iguaçu National Park, offering views of various waterfalls within the Atlantic forest. This stop can be integrated into a trip combining Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and southern Brazil. The Northeast region, with nine states ranging from Maranhão to Sergipe, offers a variety of attractions, including beaches, historical sites, and outdoor activities. Embratur highlights the lakes and dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, the beaches of Jericoacoara in Ceará, and Praia dos Carneiros in Pernambuco. The region also offers water sports, diving, and beach stays, supporting the growth of French tourism in the area, which saw a 13.4% increase in visitors from January to July 2026. From the Northeast coast to the Iguazú Falls, from the Amazon to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offers a diverse range of experiences across its vast territory. The distances between its main tourist attractions often require air travel to combine visits to multiple regions in a single trip. Internal connectivity is provided by LATAM Airlines Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Azul Linhas Aéreas, with regional carriers offering additional local connections. This internal network supports Embratur's goal of distributing tourist flows beyond major international entry points and encouraging longer stays across the country.