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Welcome to the Audacious Kingdom
Audacious Kingdom celebrates the UK as a nation of creators, trend-setters and innovators who don't just defy the status quo – they redefine it. From three-Michelin-starred chef Clare Smyth's fresh take on fine dining to Octopus Energy's cutting-edge approach to clean energy, the UK's audacious spirit fuels a culture that inspires what comes next.
Whether you are looking for somewhere to visit, study or do business, the UK offers an experience like nowhere else. It is home to iconic entertainment, major music festivals and sporting events, world-leading universities and a thriving start-up ecosystem. Whoever you are and whatever your interests, there's something here for you. We look forward to welcoming you to the Audacious Kingdom.
Visit us (opens in new tab)
The UK welcomes millions of French visitors each year. Join them in discovering a country where centuries-old heritage meets bold innovation. From diverse landscapes and bustling cities to Michelin-starred dining, sporting spectacles and unmissable festivals, there's a rich variety of experiences to enjoy.
Study here
The UK is home to four of the world’s top ten universities, offering access to world-class education. Join thousands of French students who choose to study in the UK every year, and discover what our globally-renowned academic institutions have to offer.
Trade & Invest
The UK and France share a deep economic relationship. With £105 billion of annual trade and £210 billion of mutual investment, France is the UK's fifth-largest trading partner. Find out more about trade and investment opportunities across the UK, and access the support you need to achieve your ambitions.
Celebrating the UK’s Audacious Spirit
Meet some of the UK’s most innovative individuals, businesses and organisations, who dare to see things differently.
Clare Smyth MBE
Clare Smyth MBE is redefining modern gastronomy. Trained in some of the world’s best kitchens, including Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV, she became the first British female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars for her restaurant Core. Inspired by her Northern Irish roots, Clare turns humble ingredients into inventive, world-renowned cuisine. She also mentors future talent as President of Bocuse d'Or UK.
Octopus Energy
Launched in 2016, Octopus Energy is making energy better for consumers and the planet. Now operating across 27 countries, including France, it provides energy to more than 11 million customers globally. It uses innovative technology to match energy use with moments when green energy is cheapest, making energy cleaner, cheaper and fairer.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world's largest cultural celebration. Every August, thousands of artists and performers descend on the Scottish capital to showcase their work. Founded in 1947, the Fringe is based on a simple philosophy: anyone with a story to tell and a venue to host it in is welcome. In 2027, it will celebrate its 80th anniversary.
Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival transforms a working Somerset farm into a temporary city of over 200,000 people, creating a world-renowned spectacle of music and performing arts. The festival continuously redefines live culture while leading the way in sustainability. By powering its entire site without fossil fuels, it shows that creative scale and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Snowdonia Cheese
The Snowdonia Cheese Company is a Welsh producer redefining cheesemaking. Fourth-generation dairy farmers blend regional heritage with innovative ideas like harnessing their natural environment to mature their ‘Rock Star’ Cheddar deep within slate caverns. Today, their 12 wax-sealed Cheddar and Red Leicester varieties are enjoyed across 35 countries worldwide.
Notpla
Notpla is a UK-based business leading global change in tackling plastic pollution, established by French Co-Founder and Co-CEO Pierre Paslier. Winners of the 2022 Earthshot Prize, Notpla are material innovators developing scalable alternatives to single-use plastic from all natural materials including seaweed and plants. Starting with their edible water bubbles, they now produce a range of plastic-free takeaway packaging.