Diane O'Neil:

My desire to explore France began in high school, where I studied French for 3 years. After spending my senior year in high school as an exchange student in the Philippines, my desire to travel became stronger. During the first two of my 16+ year career as a flight attendant, I guided tours in Paris for other airline employees in my spare time.

Five years ago, my husband visited France for the first time. He too quickly came to love the almost endless varieties of wines and cheeses, delicious cuisine, the beauty of the countryside and towns, and of course the wonderful people we met. 

In 2003, we lived in France for four months. The first month we studied French at an "immersion" language school.  The other three months were spent one each in the Loire Valley, Dordogne Valley, and Paris. In each place we attempted to meet as many people as possible and to learn about their lifestyle and culture.  

Once we returned home, the idea of  returning to France regularly and introducing others to everything we'd come to enjoy so much blossomed into a business.  In addition to guiding tours, I've done extensive research and traveled to France many times to personally visit the B&B's and restaurants we now use on tours. 

My husband Dan (an airline pilot) acts as driver and assistant guide. 

We returned to the Institut de Francais for another month of language study in Febraury 2008.

Click on the following links to view  articles written by Diane O' Neil, that have been published in

TheCulturedTraveler.com and BonjourParis.com 

 http://www.bonjourparis.com/Articles/Destination_France/Market_ho!_Saturday_morning_in_Sarlat/