The royal Chateau de Chambord in Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France. The Chateau of Amboise in Loire valley is a World Heritage site.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Applicants must have earned at least 500,000 yuan in the past five years and have records of travel to other European countries, Beijing Utour International Travel Service Co public relations manager Li Mengran says.

Still, she expects the new policy will boost France's already high popularity among Chinese.

"It's at the center of Europe and a top choice for Chinese," Li says.

"We've seen significant increases in the numbers of Chinese tourists to France after the country shortened its visa procedures to only a few days last year," she adds.

Visitors are wooed by the country's food, wine, art and shopping. Most visit in summer, when lavender blooms.

"Many Chinese, especially couples, are drawn to it as a romantic icon," Li says.

Zhou Shihan and his wife spent their honeymoon in France from July 22 to Aug 8.

The package cost about 76,000 yuan ($11,875).

They didn't visit neighboring nations, although they could have.

"We only wanted to tour France," Zhou says.

"We're obsessed with the country's history and romantic feel."

The Louvre was the highlight for him.

"Even those without professional backgrounds in art are moved by the ambiance," he says.

He also adored the lake and mountain views of Annecy, where the couple yachted. The area also offers paragliding and diving.