
Stephen Molloy
Originally from New Zealand, I was attracted here to follow the 2004 Tour de France. I'm now based near Lyon. I get to show people around this incredible country, introducing our local guides, choosing the best boutique places to stay and creating the best days out for our travelers. My biggest buzz is hearing great feedback from those who have visited special places I suggested to them.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I know and work all across France. The places I have recently travelled in are Provence, Corsica, Brittany and the Alps. I used to live in the beautiful 12th Arrondisement of Paris.
The activities I frequently organize are active pursuits like Via-Ferrata and cycle tours, and foodie/wine-lover retreats in one of the many glorious wine regions. I suppose I also specialize in genuinely creative ways to experience Paris. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I had spent most of my twenties travelling for fun or for work, following a family-trait inherited by my globetrotting parents. I had the opportunity to explore some stunning spots across the planet like Bougainville and Timor-Leste and then a long traverse of central asia by classic motorbike. Once set up in France I changed from being a town planner and humanitarian logistician, to working in something far more special and light hearted - creating tailor-made journeys."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"The most memorable experience has to be a cycle tour through the Gorges de Tarn and the Ardeche with my wife and daughter. Most days were spent swimming and camping and while my daughter slept in the trailer, we'd cycle up-hill and down-dale before refueling at a Bistro. The grand landscapes and cultural highlights just got better day after day. The last two nights were spent in an Eco-lodge - a bit of cocooning on full board basis was our reward."
Featured trips & expertise

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, & Colmar - 7 Days
Explore the highlights of Eastern France on this week-long itinerary. With Champagne tastings, wine routes, and historical villages galore, you'll get to experience the best of the region's offerings. Start in Reims to visit the famed Taittinger Champagne House, the head to the Alsace region to see the towns of Hunawihr and Riquewihr.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, & Annecy - 8 Days
Explore Eastern France on eight days of outings on this itinerary. Sip Champagne in Reims (no it doesn't rhyme), scope out the Germanic influence in Strasbourg, and cruise the canals of Colmar before you end your trip sampling Alpine cheese on the banks of Lake Annecy.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 9 Days
Kick off a nine-day tour of the knockouts of Eastern France as you follow this itinerary. You'll taste Champagne in grand estates, wander through half-timbered villages, and sample wine and cheese on the banks of Lake Annecy as you explore in the company of expert guides.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 10 Days
Float through Eastern France on a bubbly Champagne cloud as you follow this 10-day route. After you make your way through the Champagne houses of Reims, you'll traverse the German influences of Strasbourg, cruise the canals of Colmar, and stroll the shores of Lake Annecy and promenades of Nice.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 11 Days
Follow eleven days of excellence along the excitement of Eastern France with this agenda. You'll stroll through the Champagne houses of Reims, streets of Strasbourg, and vineyards of the Alsace and Lorraine. Top it off with some Alpine cheese in Annecy and a dip in the waters of Nice before you depart.

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 12 Days
Keep Moët & Chandon in a pretty cabinet and eat cake just like Marie Antoinette on this 12-day itinerary fit for a queen. You'll sample the Parisian pastries of Le Marais, artworks in the glass of the Louvre, and elaborate architectural facades of Strasbourg, Colmar, and Alsace. Sip wine with cheese pairings in Annecy before ending the trip on the beaches in Nice.
Recent trip reviews for Stephen

Wonderful trip! · France - Nov 14 - Nov 18, 2019
Stephen's planning was exactly what we were looking for! Each of the guides/tours he booked for us were excellent - we learned a lot and had a blast the whole trip. Our hotel was also outstanding. Could not recommend his services more!

Hi Jessica
Thanks very much for your feedback and kind comments. I will use your validation of this hotel, to continue using it for some upcoming trips. Thanks for that!

Spencer's bar mitzvah trip · France - Jun 13 - Jun 23, 2019
Overall, we had a wonderful trip. In general, the excursions Stephen planned and booked for us were a big hit all the way around. A couple didn't quite make the grade, and I'll mention below specific thoughts on some of the elements of the trip.
The hotel in Paris was not up to the standards it should be to be rated 3 stars. I would not recommend it to anyone. The first room they gave us was ridiculously small for 3 people. The lamp shade was torn, the bathroom sink fixture was broken and the... read more