A French Connection
Bienvenue Ă Oxford
La langue française est disponible pour plusieurs des Oxford History Tours. Des exemples sont l'histoire littéraire d'Oxford, l'histoire des sciences et de la médecine, l'histoire et les sites emblématiques d'Oxford et toutes les visites sur mesure dans des collèges spécifiques.
La fondatrice d'Oxford HistoryTours a vécu en France pendant plus de 20 ans où elle a cofondé la société de voyages Occitanie www.catharcounty.info
Tout comme la réputation d'excellence du pays cathare est venue non seulement d'un circuit historique fascinant, mais aussi d'une introduction à la région aujourd'hui, Oxford History Tours aide ses clients à s'interroger sur la curiosité contagieuse de l'histoire fascinante d'Oxford ainsi que sur le meilleur de ce qu'Oxford a à offrir aujourd'hui.
« J'ai appris le français en discutant avec mes voisins, les autorités et les gens du bâtiment. Même si je suis encore effectivement analphabète, on me dit que je peux mieux saisir les accents régionaux de la France que la plupart des Parisiens.
Depuis mon retour au Royaume-Uni, j'ai toujours le grand plaisir d'avoir encore l'occasion de parler français en Angleterre.
Ayant élevé un enfant dans les systèmes scolaires anglais et français, je comprends quels éléments de la vie anglaise fascinent les adultes et les enfants français et j'apprécie également le confort les plus appréciés par les Français visitant la Grande-Bretagne ou passant du temps ici.
Nos visites sont programmées spécialement pour vous. Si vous souhaitez réserver une visite, veuillez envoyer votre demande avec l'heure et la date et nous vous répondrons ainsi qu'un lien pour payer en ligne en toute sécurité.
In Oxford Sophie welcomes French teenagers and private groups to Oxford today. Her knowledge of what the French enjoy about like to learn about British ways enables Sophia to enhance their experience and appreciation of Oxford.
Sophie is certified by the Institute of Tourist Guiding to give tours in the French language.
Read on for recommendations from clients in France…
Testimonials from France
I have had the good fortune of travelling much of the world through the years, but I have never had such an entertaining and stimulating journey as I recently enjoyed with Sophie and James McDonald, the founders of Cathar Castle Tours set in the breathtakingly beautiful Languedoc department of Southwestern France. What they present is an exciting and adventurous exploration of the 13th Century Albigensian Crusade and the subsequent genocide of the gentle, Buddhist like Albigensois, more familiarly known as the Cathars. It is a remarkably dramatic story partly because they were defended to the death for a half a century by much of the nobility of that region, the very people who should have joined in the crusade against them, which found these gentle people’s beliefs a gateway to a new world of peace and hope in a time of terrifying darkness. It is also remarkable because of the seemingly inaccessible castles where so many of the battles were fought and so many died.
But for me, most remarkable were my hosts, James and Sophie. James is a scholar and business consultant to start with, and Sophie, a woman for all seasons to put it mildly. But both are also lovers of bread, wine, the journey and good company. I left them feeling as my companions did that they had adopted me.
Everything is arranged in advance, from the incomparably charming hotels of the French countryside, lunches and dinners including all the wine you could wish for, to the local transportation, and of course to this deliciously versatile experience. Often, it is a climb to a hilltop fortress to experience the unique way of castle life that existed 800 years ago and almost always resulted in its subsequent and devastating demise – a healthy climb but not too taxing for most by the way; sometimes a visit to the local towns and cities; and even a trip to the vineyards, especially thrilling at harvest time. And always, always, in every way, it is a celebration of the French way of country life, intense, leisurely, passionate, and above all, immensely pleasurable.
For me, my favourite memories will always be the two occasions when Sophie and James, both Renaissance people non-pareil, invited us to their awe-inspiring chateau at the top of the tiny village of St.Ferriol in the foothills of the majestic Pyrenees where they presented us with meals and hospitality straight from heaven.
Go!
Happy travels
Anthony Call, NYC, USA, 2014
Thank you for arranging our stay, for your hospitality, and for the education on the Cathars and Cathar country. I recommend the two of you for your wonderful warmth and efficiency. James is a true historian and geographer of everything Cathar. He is a solid researcher and a splendid teacher. Please list us as fans.
The Cathar region is exciting to visit, not overrun with tourists (except for Carcassonne) and leaves one with memories of gorgeous views.
Susan and Karl Shell, Chicago USA, 2013
James and Sophie, you two are such gracious hosts and kind souls. The personal attention to the tour details and to ourselves was outstanding. James provided a wonderful balance of information on the Cathar’s along with general history of the region and to a host of other topics. Opening your beautiful and historical home was a great treat and I could not be more pleased with your ability to make us feel right at home.
B Zulpo, Chicago, USA, 2012
Thank you too for the opportunity to experience 13th century Occitan life in a particularly turbulent period of its history.
The magnificent scenery and delicious food, organised by Sophie, absorbing history by James and all shared with such good company have given us a perfect week.
G Blayney, Gloucestershire, UK, 2012
Thank you too for the opportunity to experience 13th century Occitan life in a particularly turbulent period of its history. The magnificent scenery and delicious food, organised by Sophie, absorbing history by James and all shared with such good company have given us a perfect week.
Elizabeth & Gerald, Fleetwood, UK
Absolutely excellent. We enjoyed every minute of our tour
John and Lisa, Boston, MA, USA
We joined a small group of people for a Cathar Country Tour - it was a truly wonderful and memorable experience, exceeding all our expectations. James and Sophie were perfect hosts;...
Not only did we enjoy the history, but also the fine food and wines of Languedoc; this included being dinner guests of James and Sophie at their stunning château in St. Ferriol. The camaraderie between our hosts and everybody in the group was exceptional.
We highly recommend Cathar Country Tours, 5 stars all round and "thank You" again to James and Sophie for their attention to detail and individual needs.
Peter C, September 2014, TripAdvisor
In September 2014 we joined a small group of people for a Cathar Country Tour – it was a truly wonderful and memorable experience, exceeding all our expectations.
James McDonald and Sophie Duncan were perfect hosts; James shared his in-depth knowledge and understanding about Catharism in such a captivating and entertaining way that we were all hooked!
The itinerary was well planned, visiting a variety of Cathar sites which illustrated very well the turbulent history of the so called heretics – complemented by some superb scenery.
Not only did we enjoy the history, but also the fine food and wines of the Languedoc area; this included being dinner guests of James and Sophie at their stunning château in St. Ferriol.
The camaraderie between our hosts and everybody in the group was exceptional.
We highly recommend Cathar Country Tours – 5 stars all round ***** and “Thank You” again to James and Sophie!
Peter & Margot, Norfolk, UK, Nov. 2014
Dear Sophie, dear James,
I'm finally home in Utah, the Gateway to Nevada, wishing heartily I was still in Languedoc. Thank you both for two wonderful days. I learned so much and had a wonderful time. I will muse over what I've learned for years to come.
Ann Chamberlin, USA, 2014
I loved every minute of it. Thank you.
G Van Sant, October 2013, NY state, USA
I just wanted to thank you both for organising a fascinating trip for us. We both loved every minute. I am now having to accustomise myself to lunch without that delicious rose wine. It was fun, too, meeting the Shells. We shall be so much more informed when we visit another castle, wherever it is.
Dr R Jones, Stroud, UK, 2013
If you’re looking for an experiential journey back in time to the 13th century Cathars, I highly recommend James and Sophie MacDonald’s Cathar Country-Languedoc Tours. James’ in-depth academic knowledge of their history and the local terrain is extraordinarily well balanced by Sophie’s organisational skills in providing client comforts. For the history buff and researcher alike, this experience is one that won’t disappoint.
Gaye Mack, MA, USA, 2013
We have never been on an organized holiday where the food has been so consistently good.
E Blayney, Gloucestershire, UK, 2012
James and Sophie have done a superb job with the Advanced Cathar Tour. Once again you are in the pleasant company of James, Sophie and your driver, Robert who is always so courteous. James threads the story of the Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade into the tour so each little village or landmark comes to life - the Languedoc is a spectacular backdrop to the saddest of stories.
James links personal Cathar experiences to the brutality of the inquisitors. He also attempts to balance the stories when appropriate to do so
Follow the steps of the Counts of Toulouse and the inquisitors while you dine in superb restaurants, drink fine wines and engage in deep conversations with James and new friends. Sophie's choice of Hotels and restaurants were hand picked for quality and comfort. Once again visit their beautiful château for dinner and pinch yourself that this is really happening. Highly recommended.
Elayne & Katrina, Australia
Thank you for arranging our stay, for your hospitality, and for the education on the Cathars and Cathar country. I recommend the two of you for your wonderful warmth and efficiency. James is a true historian and geographer of everything Cathar. He is a solid researcher and a splendid teacher. Please list us as fans.
Karl & Susan, Cornell University
James and Sophie have succeeded in combining the best of both worlds with their Cathar Country Tours.
Sophie's gracious and enthusiastic efforts to make certain that clients are well looked after in the realm of creature comforts, is the icing on the cake! I have no doubt that their continued tweaking of offerings and details in order to meet client's desires and needs, will guarantee further success in years to come.
Shaman5, TripAdvisor