The Travel Directors who guide you on your tour are often intimately connected with the destination. They may have toured there for decades, and often have a personal tie to the country itself. This way, you get to see the world through the eyes of the insiders; the locals; the true experts. Travel Director Tim Smith’s connection to France is through his mother, and he spent every family holiday in France. More than that, he can trace his family lineage all the way to French aristocracy! Find out how he sees the country that he shows off to our guests year after year.
What’s your personal connection to France?
“My mother is French and my father is Australian. All my family holidays growing up were spent in France, and I have over 200 cousins around the country and the world. In 2021, I bought my grandfather’s countryside property, where I now live. Both of my maternal grandparents were part of the French aristocracy, and we can trace our family heritage back to the Middle Ages.”
What’s your favorite place to visit on tour and why?
“My favourite place to visit on tour is Bretagne (Brittany). It’s a favourite of the French too, as many people go there on their summer holidays. It has rolling hills, sharp cliffs, beautiful villages, and long sandy beaches. Brittany is the Celtic part of France, so there are many traditions that connect with the rest of the Celtic nations.”
If France were a person, how would you describe their personality?
“In French, there is a term for someone who loves life — they are called bon vivants. This describes the French well. They love their country for its food, language, history, and diverse landscapes, and they enjoy every moment of it.”
What’s the biggest misconception first-time visitors have?
That the French are rude. In reality, the French have strong codes of respect and are very proud of their culture. If you don’t say hello when you enter a store, they consider it rude. If you don’t make an effort to speak their language, they may think you are arrogant.
Is there a stereotype about France that makes you laugh because there’s a grain of truth to it?
“That the French protest all the time. It’s true — but then again, they did have a revolution.”
What question do guests ask you most about France?
“’What’s your favourite French food?’
And the answer is: all of it! France is such a varied country that every region has its own unique specialities — different ways to cook potatoes, make bread, or produce cheese. I think you could live in France for a lifetime and still not manage to try everything.”
What do you miss most when you’re away from France?
“The way people live and their culture — from the rules of greeting each other to the love of wine, food, and family. A French person works to live, not the other way around. Many people take the whole month of August off and go to the beach, the countryside, or the mountains. They want to spend time with their family and enjoy fresh local food outdoors in the summer.”
What‘s your most valuable piece of advice for first-time visitors?
“France is not just Paris. There are hundreds of towns and cities across the country that will take your breath away. Do a little research into the different regions, get off the beaten track, and experience the real France. And definitely learn a little of the language!”
Finish this sentence: “You haven’t truly experienced France until…”
“You’ve had a meal in a French person’s home — with the apéritif, starters, main course, cheese, salad, dessert, wine, coffee, and a digestif of eau-de-vie. A true French experience is about talking, eating, and drinking together well into the afternoon or evening.”
Have you visited France? Do you agree with Tim’s statements? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.