France, which hosted a successful World Cup in 1998, beat Turkey 7-6 in a contest which also featured Italy, who were eliminated in the first round of voting among UEFA's ruling Executive Committee at a meeting in Geneva last Friday (May 28).

It was the first major event that France had bid for since Paris was humiliatingly beaten by London in the vote to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The French capital had been the long-time favourite to be awarded the Games for the first time since 1924 but were beaten in the final round by its bitterest rival.

Grospiron said: "Hosting the Euro 2016 is sign of reviving the winning circle.

"This success reinforces the image of a country that is passionate about sports and which has the necessary expertise to organise great sports events."

Grospiron claimed that important lessons could be learned from France's Euro 2016 bid, including submitting a solid technical file and also having the support of the country's Government, including President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has also already publicly backed Annecy's bid. 

Grospiron said: "The more France hosts international sports events, the more experience we will have and the greater chance we will have in being selected to host the greatest world sports events."

Annecy face competition from Munich and Pyeongchang in its bid to host the 2018 Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is due to choose the host city at its Session in Durban on July 6, 2011.

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