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."
Stephen's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Traverse Eastern France for two weeks as you travel through this tour. After two days of exploring Paris, you'll sip Champagne in Reims and wine in the Alsace and Lorraine....
Explore Eastern France in eight days of outings on this itinerary. Sip Champagne in Reims, scope out the Germanic influence in Strasbourg, and cruise the canals of Colmar before...
Take a new excursion every day of this 18-day Eastern France itinerary. You'll stroll the streets of Paris and sample your way down the Avenue of Champagne before riding in a VW...
Recent trip reviews for Stephen
Wonderful trip!
France
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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
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Jun 13 - Jun 23, 2019
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