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Travelling is the best way to understand the world we live in – and though the Internet can be a great source of information, only one’s own experience really counts.

As far as I am concerned, there are a few essential aspects of a truly great vacation:

– Nature created millions of breathtaking landscapes which we have the opportunity to discover. When traveling to those places we have the responsibility to preserve them for future generations by doing our best to limit our impact.

– Everywhere on the planet, humans have built cities, chateaus, and villages in a unique style and in the process created their history and heritage. Knowing some of this history helps our understanding in the present, therefore touring a country with an expert guide opens the windows to a much richer experience at each destination.

– It is so important to meet the locals. Not just the guide but people who are ready to spend time with you to share their knowledge and passion for what they do for a living.  At France Intense Elite you will meet these winemakers, chefs, cheese farmers, painters, ceramists, musicians, designers and many more – and the moments you share with them will be priceless.

– Whether on holiday or not, we must eat at least 3 times a day. The foods and wines of every nation are part of the culture and some of us are so proud of what we have been producing for centuries that we’ve evolved this into an artform, the “Art de Vivre”. It goes without saying that France has a strong reputation for food and wine, it’s another reason to choose your travel agent and tour operator carefully – in order to avoid surprises. With fine dining being an integral part of our identity, we’re keenly aware that there is much more to discover while experiencing the authentic “Art de Vivre en France”.

As a kid, I remember spending fantastic holidays at my grandparents’ farm. I now realize the freedom Jeanne & Maxime had. We had ducks, chickens, rabbits and a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables. My passion for quality food probably started there.

Later on, after 5 years in hotel and management school, I started to work as a sommelier at a luxury hotel in Hertfordshire, UK. I also spent two years in Paris as the private Head Waiter for the French Minister of Health and did the same at The Hilton there as well. As time went by I had the opportunity to work in a number of different restaurants across England and Scotland to finally become in charge of a Michelin-Star-awarded restaurant in Bristol.

When I turned 30 I realized it was time to go home and start my own business. After the extensive experiences in fine dining, I shifted focus to tourism – organizing cultural, food & wine tours across France – purveying the same standards as the luxury hotels and restaurants I had worked in just prior.

I started out on my own, designing the tours, booking the hotels and wineries, and for a while being the sole Guide for my clients. With this success the company organically grew and now we welcome thousands of clients to every part of France from all over the world!

In 2017, I had the unique opportunity to buy a very old and deep historical wine cellar (caves) in Amboise. So now, in addition to France Intense I am the happy owner of Caves Ambacia, where we continue the tradition of making Loire Valley wines with wine tours and special tastings. As perhaps my “pièce de résistance” I was recently inspired to open a nice bistro there which overlooks the River Loire while promoting gastronomic creations of the very best local producers around us.

Since 1990, I have gathered a serious experience in the luxury service industry. France Intense creates and operates top quality tours in France. However, for our Elite customers, I wanted to develop a specific department dedicated to luxury tourism with a dedicated team. This is how France Intense Elite is born.
For you, we have carefully selected the very best hotels across the country. Because you are use to top quality service a luxury hotel is certainly not enough. I believe that your best souvenirs are liked with people more than places. I have learned that, thanks to the numerous Elite customers I had the chance to tour with. They taught a lot and I feel privileged to have met them (including my mentors from the USA).

Thank you very much to Joe & Connie!
www.tenxranch.com

I am convinced that successful holidays happen when we introduce you to the people with a passion for what they do. With France Intense Elite, you will meet local wine makers, chefs, tour guides, farmers, designers, artists ready to share their passion, their culture.
There is no better way to understand a country than meeting true locale.

I also believe that we have a responsibility for future generations. France Intense Elite will always privilege people and site with ethics and nature friendly.

A feast for the senses – on two wheels.  Motorcycle touring, a long tradition enjoyed by the French, Europeans and travelers from all over the world, has never been more in-depth than with France Intense Moto.

If your idea of a dream trip is only about “riding the twisties” in the Alps, please move on – for that is only a small part of what we have to offer…

Ride through fields of lavender stretching to the horizon, take in the rich history at ancient castles, charmed villages, historic vineyards, cathedrals and vestiges of the Roman empire.  Every day it’ll be kickstands down to taste the most amazing culinary creations, with fine cheeses, breads and wines. 

Always stay two nights in a hand-picked selection of Five Star hotels or exquisite homes along your journey of discovery.  We suggest being led by an experienced guide who will deepen the experience at every stop, or feel free to guide yourself with a complete itinerary and GPS.  If you want to ride completely unencumbered, a support vehicle throughout is an available option. 

Either way, no other tour curator can offer what France Intense Moto specializes in: Your ultimate trip!