Latest news with #IleDeFrance
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Alexandre Leciel's AdCreative.ai Acquired by Appier for $38M as Founder Charts Path to Unicorn Status
Alexandre Leciel sells to Appier for $38M, remains CEO to scale world's leading AI ad platform and launch new investment firm. Paris, Ile-de-France, France, July 21, 2025 -- Alexandre Leciel (formerly Tufan Gok) is pleased to announce the sale of his AI-powered adtech company, to publicly listed AI leader Appier for $38 million. The transaction, which closed on March 4 following regulatory approvals, represents a landmark achievement in Leciel's rapid rise from solo founder to one of Europe's most influential voices in artificial intelligence and startup innovation. Founded in late 2023, was built from the ground up by Leciel and quickly became the world's most-used AI advertising platform. In just 18 months, it attracted over 3 million users in 195 countries and powered more than 1 billion advertising creatives for global brands including L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, and Pernod Ricard. The speed and scale of this growth drew the attention of major investors and ultimately led to its strategic acquisition by Appier. Under Leciel's leadership, became known for pioneering technologies tailored to modern marketers. These include AdSora, the world's first text-to-video generator purpose-built for advertising; AdLLM, a large language model trained on 840 million high-performing ad texts; and Creative Scoring AI, which predicts ad performance using object detection and saliency mapping. Additional tools such as Product Photoshoot AI and the Ad Fatigue & Audience Generator further distinguish the platform in the AI marketing space. The venture received backing from top-tier investors including Kima Ventures, Bond Capital, and Koç Holding. 'Turning a seed cheque into a 33-fold return in under two years is exceptional,' commented one early backer, underscoring investor confidence in Leciel's leadership and vision. Though the sale marks a major milestone, Leciel remains firmly committed to the company's future. Retaining his position as CEO, he is leading into its next chapter under Appier's umbrella. 'Selling was never the finish line — it's the fuel for our unicorn journey,' Leciel says. 'This acquisition gives us the resources to scale faster, innovate deeper, and continue redefining what's possible in AI-powered advertising.' In parallel, Leciel has recently launched Leciel Capital, a new investment vehicle focused on supporting high-potential founders and frontier technologies. With a growing profile as both operator and investor, he is now setting his sights on building not just one, but multiple transformative ventures. For more information about please visit About is an AI-powered platform that helps businesses create high-converting ad creatives at scale. Developed by Alexandre Leciel in Paris and acquired by Appier in 2025, the platform combines proprietary generative models with predictive analytics to deliver measurable performance for marketers worldwide. serves users in over 195 countries and continues to expand under Leciel's leadership as CEO. Contact Info: Name: Alexandre Leciel Email: Send Email Organization: Website: Release ID: 89165103 If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority.
South China Morning Post
09-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
5 great places to stay on a Paris side trip, from the countryside to seaside
Between hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, reopening the doors to Notre-Dame Cathedral and marking 80 years since the Normandy landings, 2024 was a banner year for tourism in France. More than 100 million travellers visited the country, spending a record €71 billion (US$84 billion) – 12 per cent more than in 2023. And the bulk of them, unsurprisingly, spent considerable time in Paris. There is reason to visit the French capital this summer too – from the David Hockney retrospective at the Louis Vuitton Foundation to the Centre Pompidou's final exhibitions before a five-year renovation begins in September. But there are always reasons to tack on a stay outside the city, either within the Ile-de-France region that surrounds Paris or slightly further afield. Here are five countryside and seaside properties that can be easily added to any Parisian sojourn. 1. Le Doyenné Travel time from Paris: 45-60 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train from Gare d'Austerlitz. If you only have a night to skip town, use it wisely and take the train 40km (25 miles) south of Paris to the village of Saint-Vrain.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Forbes
Exploring Paris' Hidden History: The Subterranean Tourist
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY O2 : Ossuary in the catacombs of Paris, Ile-de-France, France on July 02, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Frédéric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images Beneath Paris' grand boulevard lies a hidden history filled with buried secrets, ancient passageways, and forgotten worlds. For adventurous travelers and history enthusiasts alike, these underground spaces provide a unique opportunity to step back in time. The Subterranean Tourist Series is your guide to the hidden history just beneath the surface of the world's iconic cities. Here's a look at Paris' buried past. Catacombes de Paris 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol‑Tanguy, 75014 Paris Beneath the romantic streets of Paris lies a haunting maze of tunnels filled with the bones of over six million people. The Catacombs, originally limestone quarries, were transformed into city cemeteries in the late 18th century when the existing cemeteries overflowed. Visitors descend a spiral staircase into dim, narrow tunnels lined with artfully arranged skulls and femurs. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Denfert‑Rochereau (Lines 4, 6, and RER B). Ticket Information Eiffel Tower Military Bunker Champs‑de‑Mars (underground near Eiffel Tower), 75007 Paris A concealed military bunker used for radio transmissions is located beneath the Champ‑de‑Mars near the Eiffel Tower's base. It's not always open, but it's included in special tours. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel (RER C). Ticket Information Crypte Archéologique de l'Île de la Cité 7 Parvis Notre‑Dame – Place Jean‑Paul II, 75004 Paris Just steps from Notre‑Dame, the Archaeological Crypt unveils centuries of Parisian history that has been buried beneath the city. This underground site features preserved Roman ruins, medieval walls, and the foundations of ancient buildings that once comprised the heart of Lutetia, Paris's predecessor. Interactive exhibits and 3D models help bring the city's transformation from a Roman outpost to a Gothic metropolis to life—a must-see for history enthusiasts eager to explore Paris' hidden past. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Cité (Line 4). Ticket Information Paris, France - April 24, 2019: Victor Hugo tomb in the crypts of French Mausoleum for Great People of France - the Pantheon, Paris, France getty Crypt of the Panthéon Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris Beneath the grand dome of the Panthéon lies a hidden crypt where many of France's greatest minds are buried. Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo are among the notable figures laid to rest there. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10). Ticket Information Basilique Saint‑Denis Crypt 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 93200 Saint‑Denis Often referred to as the birthplace of Gothic architecture, the Basilica of Saint‑Denis houses France's royal necropolis in its underground crypt. Under the soaring nave, visitors can see the tombs of almost every French monarch from the 10th to the 18th centuries. The stone effigies and burial vaults tell the story of France's Kings and Queens. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Basilique de Saint‑Denis (Line 13). Ticket Information Château de Vincennes Moat and Casemates Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes. Just outside Paris, the Château de Vincennes conceals a network of underground rooms and defensive structures beneath its moat. Once a royal residence turned military stronghold, its subterranean spaces include powder magazines and storerooms that played a vital role in its defense, illustrating medieval fortification architecture. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Château de Vincennes (Line 1). Ticket Information Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation Square de l'Île‑de‑France / 7 Quai de l'Archevêché, 75004 Paris. Located beneath Île de la Cité, this stark, minimalist crypt honors the 200,000 French victims deported to Nazi camps. Narrow corridors, dim lighting, and iron bars create a powerful sense of confinement and loss in a subterranean tribute. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Cité (Line 4). Ticket Information: Free Entry Command Bunker – Musée de la Libération de Paris 4 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol‑Tanguy (Place Denfert-Rochereau), 75014 Paris Twenty meters below the Place Denfert-Rochereau lies the secret command post of Colonel Rol‑Tanguy, a leader of the French Resistance. Preserved exactly as it was in 1944, the bunker features maps, phones, and furnishings from the era. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Denfert‑Rochereau (Lines 4, 6, RER B). Ticket Information Canal Saint‑Martin Underground Vaults Bastille / République vicinity, Paris 11th/4th arrondissements. Sections of the Canal Saint‑Martin vanish into underground vaulted stone tunnels. Built initially by Napoleon, these caverns offer a rare glimpse into 19th-century hydraulic engineering. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Bastille or République. Ticket Information The Archaeological Crypt, beneath Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. getty Saint‑Sulpice Crypt Église Saint‑Sulpice, 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris Beneath the Church of Saint‑Sulpice lies a large crypt with ancient tombs and early Christian relics. Known for its astronomical gnomon, the crypt offers a spiritual and scientific glimpse into Paris's religious history. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Saint‑Sulpice (Line 4). Ticket Information Carrières des Capucins / Quarries of the Capuchins Beneath Montparnasse, near Raspail (Lines 4, 6), Paris 14th. These abandoned limestone quarries beneath Montparnasse once supplied the stone used to build Paris. Later, they served as bunkers and hideouts; now, the tunnels can be visited on select guided tours and heritage days. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Raspail (Lines 4, 6). Ticket Information Sorbonne University Cellars Sorbonne, 47 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris The prestigious Sorbonne University has ancient wine cellars and storage vaults beneath its historic buildings. Sometimes open during heritage events, these spaces reflect centuries of academic history and hidden secrets beneath the classrooms of this ancient university. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Cluny–La Sorbonne (Line 10). Ticket Information Musée de la Magie / Museum of Magic 11 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris Located in 16th-century vaulted cellars in Le Marais, this museum showcases illusion and sleight of hand with antique magic tricks, automata, and live demonstrations. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Saint‑Paul (Line 1). Ticket Information Exploring the sewer tunnels underneath the streets of Paris, France. getty Les Égouts de Paris / Paris Sewer Museum Place Habib Bourguiba (Pont de l'Alma), 75007 Paris The Paris Sewer Museum offers a unique and fascinating tour through the city's complex underground wastewater system. First opened to the public in the 19th century, the museum explores actual sewer tunnels and highlights the engineering brilliance of Baron Haussmann's modern sewage network. Visitors walk above gently flowing water while learning how the sewers transformed from medieval filth to a clean, organized system vital to modern Parisian life. See also the separate Historic Sewer Tunnels Tour. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Alma‑Marceau (Line 9). Ticket Information Hôpital Saint‑Louis 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris Hidden beneath a hospital basement, this medical wax museum showcases thousands of detailed dermatological models that were once used for educational purposes. Eerie, clinical, and unique. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Goncourt (Line 11). Ticket Information Viaduc des Arts / Vaults beneath Promenade Plantée Promenade Plantée, 1 Coulée Verte René‑Dumont, 75012 Paris A series of arched 19th-century vaults beneath an old railway line now houses artisan workshops, ranging from violin makers to glassblowers, beneath a lush, elevated park. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8). Ticket Information: Free Self-Guided Access Place des Vosges Cellars Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris Beneath one of Paris's oldest squares lie preserved wine cellars, occasionally opened to the public. They reflect the aristocratic indulgence and architectural sophistication of the 17th century. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Chemin Vert (Line 8). Ticket Information École des Mines de Paris Vaults 60 Boulevard Saint‑Michel, 75005 Paris France's top mining school has a maze of rock tunnels and geological samples beneath its courtyard. The tunnels serve as educational exhibits and are rarely open to the public. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Vavin (Line 4). Ticket Information Pavillons de Bercy Cellars / Musée des Arts Forains 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris This whimsical fairground museum features underground storage areas that showcase carousels, games, and magic mirrors beneath historic wine warehouses. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Cour Saint‑Émilion (Line 14). Ticket Information Opéra Garnier Basement and Lake 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris Legendary for inspiring The Phantom of the Opera, the basement of Opéra Garnier includes a real underground lake. Built initially to compensate for the building's instability on marshy ground, this hidden reservoir adds to the mystery of the ornate theater. Access is usually restricted, but some backstage tours offer a glimpse of this fascinating architectural feature. How to Get There: Nearest Metro station is Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8). Ticket Information These hidden sites reveal only a small part of the history buried beneath Paris' streets. Mysterious, intriguing, and often forgotten, they provide an unforgettable gateway into the city's underground past. For any subterranean explorer eager to discover what's beneath the surface, this is where the adventure starts. More From Forbes
France 24
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
FRANCE 24 tries swimming in the Seine
🇫🇷 🏊 On July 5, the #Seine river flowing through the heart of #Paris welcomed back locals and tourists alike to take a dip in the waters — after over 100 years. 🤔 So, what does it feel like? FRANCE 24's Tanishk Saha took a dive in to find out 👀 Video by: Tanishk Saha
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Eiffel Tower summit closed and parks open overnight as heatwave persists in France
The summit of Paris' Eiffel Tower has been closed to visitors due to the brutal heatwave sweeping across France and the rest of Europe. 'Due to the heatwave, and to ensure everyone's comfort and safety, the summit will be closed through July 2,' read a statement published on their social media account. 'To all my visitors, please protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.' Visitors are being advised to postpone their visit until Thursday (3 July). Authorities in the French capital also announced that it would keep its parks open overnight on Tuesday for people to cool off amidst the punishing heat. National weather agency Meteo-France issued a red alert for 16 departments, including Paris and all the departments of the Ile-de-France region, for Tuesday 1 July and Wednesday 2 July, with temperatures expected to soar to 40C in Paris today. The number of schools shut across the country has surged to nearly 1,900, up from just 200 on Monday, in a dramatic response to the intensifying heatwave. In Paris, parents were advised to keep children home on Tuesday and Wednesday, while towns such as Troyes and Melun closed all their schools. In Marseille, public pools offered free entry for the duration of the heatwave, according to AFP. And in Orleans, authorities offered free access to air-conditioned museums in an effort to help locals cool off. The continent continues to grapple with an 'extreme heatwave', with two deaths linked to extreme heat in Italy so far. Dozens of heat warnings are in place across France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and well as the Balkans. 'Extreme heat is no longer a rare event – it has become the new normal,' UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned. 'The planet is getting hotter and more dangerous – no country is immune.'
