Francophiles

'Coach holidays for the discerning traveller'

For its spring and autumn holidays this season Francophiles is pleased to offer a variety of tours to the `Hexagon’: some old favourites and some more recent discoveries.

Despite the lure of more distant, exotic holiday destinations it is difficult to tire of France, so close and yet excitingly different, our histories intertwined for over a thousand years in love and marriage, war and invasions. More than double the size of our islands, France glories in contrasting countryside, cityscapes and climates.

The craggy Breton coasts of Finistere, the magnificent cities and powerful fortifications of Belfort and Lorraine, the river valleys and medieval bastide towns of historic Perigord: all these once autonomous territories that we visit are part of the present-day French Republic. France fascinates by its enchanting diversity of terrain as well as its rich cultural heritage and architectural treasures.

Francophiles takes pride in running very special tours to the most interesting corners of France. Each year, tour operator David Williams and courier Diana Martin – who travel with you on every holiday – have been pleased to welcome back many seasoned Francophile travellers and to make the acquaintance of people who have enjoyed their holidays with us for the first time. Whether you come on your own or with a friend or partner your fellow holidaymakers will soon make you feel welcome.

In 2008, Francophiles will be revisiting some favourite destinations: Brittany with its unique stone calvaries never fails to appeal, Picardy impresses with its soaring Gothic cathedrals and sumptuous palaces, Perigord amazes by the sophistication of its prehistoric cave paintings. The elegant spa town of Evian-les-Bains, built on the banks of shimmering Lac Leman, and Lorraine with its mellow autumn colours, and Nancy’s gilded gates, round off the season’s tours with a flourish.

The enjoyment of the traveller is our top priority. Each holiday is meticulously designed with the unusual in mind and each hotel carefully chosen for its high standard of comfort and personal service. Our programme combines tours with local guides with time for relaxed individual exploration. We make our way through tucked-away beauty spots and along a variety of routes in our comfortable air-conditioned luxury coach. As we travel Diana shares with you her enthusiastic knowledge of French life and culture. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel. As you linger over dinner you savour the delicious local cuisine in the convivial company of congenial fellow holiday makers.

In 2008, we look forward to the pleasure of your company on an unforgettable holiday in the France of your dreams. Please select a tour from the menu on the left for more information.