French Travel Service was Britain's longest established independent tour operator dedicated exclusively to France, guiding thousands of UK holidaymakers through the country's most rewarding destinations. From the sun-drenched south to the grand boulevards of Paris, the company built a reputation for combining deep local knowledge with competitive prices on a range of touring holidays, city breaks, and gourmet retreats.
Unlike general-purpose operators, French Travel Service concentrated entirely on one destination, giving clients the benefit of unmatched expertise. That focus translated into carefully curated itineraries covering the romantic capital Paris, the vineyards and medieval villages of Provence, the Atlantic coastline, the Loire Valley chateaux, and the rugged landscapes of the Massif Central. Whether travellers sought a short weekend escape or a longer touring holiday, the range of packages spanned independent travel, escorted tours, and tailor-made arrangements.
French Travel Service made full use of France's excellent transport infrastructure, offering packages built around Eurostar direct from London and Ashford as well as ferry crossings and fly-drive combinations. This flexibility meant clients could choose their own pace, arriving refreshed by train and continuing by private transfer or hire car to explore further afield. Return private transfers between stations and centrally located hotels were included in many packages, removing the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city on arrival.
Among the company's notable featured breaks was an Avignon autumn package combining a direct Eurostar service with a 4-star town-centre hotel in the heart of Provence. Avignon's walled old city, Papal Palace, and thriving food and wine culture made it a strong draw for culturally minded travellers. Beyond Provence, the programme regularly featured Paris city breaks, gourmet and wine tours, and resort stays along the Cote d'Azur, reflecting the full breadth of what France has to offer independent UK visitors.
The operator offered a wide range of France-only holidays including touring itineraries, short city breaks, gourmet and wine retreats, and tailor-made packages. Destinations included Paris, Provence, the Loire Valley, the Cote d'Azur, and many other French regions.
Packages were available with Eurostar (direct from London St Pancras and Ashford International), ferry crossings, and fly-drive combinations. Many breaks included return private transfers between the station or airport and the featured hotel.
French Travel Service was a specialist, operating exclusively in France. The company described itself as Britain's longest established independent tour operator focused solely on French destinations, which gave clients access to in-depth local knowledge rather than the broad but thinner coverage of a general operator.
The Avignon package was a 3-night city break to the Capital of Provence, travelling by direct Eurostar from London or Ashford. It included a 4-star hotel in the town centre and return private transfers. Avignon is known for its UNESCO-listed old city walls, the Palais des Papes, outstanding Provencal cuisine, and easy access to Rhone Valley wines.
The company offered packages across a range of price points, from economy ferry-based self-drive breaks to premium Eurostar city breaks with 4-star hotels. Group and individual travel options were available, and the specialist focus on France allowed the operator to negotiate competitive rates for its core destinations.
French Travel Service Limited was dissolved in November 2018 and is no longer trading. This brochure is preserved in our archive as a reference for the holidays and destinations the company featured during its years of operation.
Note: this brochure is from our archive and is provided for reference only. French Travel Service is no longer trading and these holidays cannot be booked. Details such as prices and availability reflect the brochure's original publication date and are no longer current.
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