Meet the guides

Sue worked in the airline and travel industry for 14 years before creating “Toujours France”, including 12 years with Ansett Airlines and 2 years teaching the Travel & Tourism diploma at NMIT. Toujours France comes from an original concept, Sue’s philosophy being to provide for guests who are interested in discovering France more fully and personally than is usually experienced on larger group tours.

Due to Sue’s ongoing French connections and friendships, she is always familiar with current affairs and trends, so that Toujours France guests benefit from the most up-to-date vogues, from great shopping, “hidden” local restaurants, new attractions, museums and markets.

She lived and worked in Paris for 3 years, the highlight of which was a stage at the Australian Embassy. She also holds a Diploma in Advanced French with extra studies in Art and History. Her grand passion for France extends from history and art to cuisine, wine and local traditions.

Kate Stedman is a highly qualified historian who for many years was Head of History at a leading Melbourne school. One of her major areas of expertise is the WW1 Battlefields of the Somme and Belgium, and she also has a passion for medieval studies.

Kate joined the team at Toujours France in 2002, and since then has led numerous tours all over France, and personally developed our itinerary for the “Battlefields of the Somme & Belgium” tour, with a focus on Australian sites and battles. Kate’s vibrant nature and extensive knowledge add a terrific perspective to her tours.

Nadine and Martine have been leading tours for Toujours France since 2004, and also operate their own small tour company in Provence. They are both qualified History and English teachers and have a unique local knowledge of the French culture and traditions in each region, and delight in introducing our guests to hidden “secrets” in each area.

Leonie joined Toujours France in early 2006, as tour and travel consultant. Leonie has over 8 years experience in the travel industry, working for retail and corporate leisure travel companies.

Leonie has studied and lived in France, and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies, French and Human Resource Management.

Naturally a Francophile, Leonie is extremely "au fait" with French culture and travel, and has an extremely comprehensive knowledge of all of our itineraries, including personal experience of our barge cruises.

Celebrated cook, author, wine producer and media personality Ian Parmenter has been working with Toujours France since 2006. Ian’s tours are a delightful combination of cooking, history, culture & traditions. Ian is a passionate Francophile and a charming host, whose knowledge of the food and wine of each region is exceptional.

As well as staying in charming hotels, Ian’s guests dine in some of the region’s most prestigious restaurants, as well as unknown local “gems”, and also enjoy the rare privilege of personal cooking classes and wine tastings with Ian.