In the wake of the global release of Christopher Nolan’s star-studded film “The Odyssey,” one of France’s leading newspapers is turning the spotlight on the legendary home of Odysseus. 

Le Figaro has published a 162-page collector’s special edition, L’Odyssée – Sur les traces d’Ulysse (“The Odyssey – In the Footsteps of Ulysses”), celebrating Homer’s epic while introducing readers to the Ionian island of Ithaca (Ithaki) through its archaeological heritage, dramatic landscapes, and contemporary identity as a destination for cultural tourism.

The July special edition follows a press trip organized by the Greek National Tourism Organization’s (GNTO) France office between May 29 and June 5, during which the editorial team from Figaro Histoire, led by editor Michel De Jaeghere and photographer Sophie Degubernatis, explored the island alongside archaeologists, historians, and local experts.

Rather than serving as a conventional travel guide, the richly illustrated issue combines literary essays, historical analysis, and archaeological research to trace Odysseus’ fabled journey across the Mediterranean. Contributions from leading writers, including Sylvain Tesson and Michel De Jaeghere, revisit the Odyssey as both an enduring work of literature and a window onto the ancient Greek world.

Among the island’s most significant sites featured are the Archaeological Museum of Vathy, the so-called School of Homer, the impressive ancient walls at Alalkomenes, and Marmarospilia, traditionally identified with the Cave of the Nymphs described in “The Odyssey.” Together, they offer visitors a tangible connection to one of antiquity’s most enduring legends.

Although definitive archaeological evidence linking modern Ithaca to Homer’s kingdom remains elusive, the island has long been associated with the epic hero’s homeland. Recent archaeological investigations have continued to shed light on its Bronze Age past, while its rugged mountains, secluded coves, and timeless villages continue to evoke the landscape that has inspired generations of readers and travelers alike.

Alongside its exploration of myth and history, the special edition presents Ithaca as a year-round destination for discerning travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the Mediterranean’s crowded resort towns. Particular emphasis is placed on the island’s unspoiled natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

The publication is expected to reach a wide francophone audience, with an initial print run of 70,000 copies and an estimated readership of 210,000. In addition to France, the issue will be distributed in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Canada, extending its reach across the French-speaking world.

Retailing for €14.90, the collector’s edition arrives at a moment of renewed international fascination with Homer, fueled by Nolan’s blockbuster adaptation of “The Odyssey.” For Greece, it also represents a valuable opportunity to introduce new audiences to Ithaca – not simply as the mythical destination at the end of Odysseus’ long voyage, but as a living island where archaeology, landscape, and legend continue to converge.