FRANCE VACATIONS

France As It Should Be Seen

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Expertise That Opens Doors

Seeing France as it should be seen means travelling with insight, care, and confidence.

We design journeys that go beyond the expected — shaped by firsthand knowledge, trusted local connections, and a deep understanding of how Australians love to travel. Every itinerary is thoughtfully planned around your interests, comfort, and pace, ensuring a seamless experience that feels personal, authentic, and truly French.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

Your French Adventure, Tailor-Made

Culture

A deeper connection to France’s way of life.

The Arts

Where creativity and history intertwine.

French Flavours

Food, wine, and unforgettable moments at the table.

History

Stories that shaped a nation.

Scenery

Landscapes as varied as the journeys they inspire.

EXPLORE

Discover France Vacations

With over 40 years of experience, we know France inside out — and we love sharing it with you. Our expertise, long-standing relationships, and deep local knowledge allow us to create journeys that feel effortless, authentic, and unforgettable.

Who We Are

We explore France regularly — from its great cities to its hidden villages — so we can uncover unforgettable experiences for our clients. Every itinerary is created with care, balancing comfort, value, and seamless logistics, while reflecting how you want to travel.

Established in Australia in 1984, we offer the reassurance of working with trusted experts who know France intimately and are committed to creating journeys that feel personal, effortless, and truly memorable.

Sonia Jones

Co-Founder & Director

Sonia’s passion for France began at age 10 when she lived and went to school in Paris. Fluent in French, she knows the country intimately — from its iconic cities to its lesser-known villages.

Over the years, Sonia has sought out the special places to stay, eat, and explore, shaping journeys that feel authentic and deeply personal. Her recent campaign introducing Australians to France’s canals and waterways has been particularly successful.

Having also owned an apartment in Montpellier, in the Occitanie region, Sonia brings first hand insight and genuine local knowledge to every itinerary she creates.

Trevor Jones

Co-Founder & Director

Trevor has a deep personal connection to France, shaped by both history and travel. His father landed on the Normandy beaches during the early hours of D-Day, June 6th, 1944, while other family members served in WWI and documented military history.

Trevor travels to France regularly and brings a thoughtful, detail-driven approach to itinerary design, particularly for clients interested in history, culture, and meaningful travel experiences.

Nadine Jones

General Manager

Born into a travel-loving family, Nadine’s passion for discovery began early. With a sharp industry mind and a love for adventure, she ensures every trip is meaningful and well-managed.

Her love for the travel industry is matched by her passion to find suppliers who can give clients the essence of their destination. Trained by the best from Qantas Holidays, she understands the supply chain of the travel industry, the meaning of great staff and what it takes to make sure a company is viable. She has an adventurous spirit — just ask her about her trips to Sudan, Rwanda, Mozambique and Madagascar, to name a few.

Tracey Fidone

Office Manager

For over 30 years, Tracey has been ensuring that every Hawthorn Travel itinerary runs smoothly. She’s known for her attention to detail and deep understanding of client needs.

She is an outstanding travel technician and knows how to extract the best options for your travel dollar. Her organisational skills have been part of the backbone of Hawthorn Travel for over 30 years.

Heather Testro

Travel Advisor & Master Cruise Consultant

Heather brings decades of travel experience and a love of discovering France through its landscapes, villages, and waterways.

Heather has enjoyed discovering picturesque medieval villages, vineyards, and the rustic countryside while French barging in the Champagne region. Her travels have allowed her to experience France at a relaxed pace, uncovering the character and charm of its regions.

She has connected with suppliers and tourist bureaus during the Atout France trade show in Toulouse and has explored the Occitanie Mediterranean shoreline and mountain range, as well as soaking up the energy and atmosphere of Paris, the City of Light.

Alycia Burke

Travel Advisor

Alycia’s connection to France began in the mid-1990s, travelling extensively as a backpacker and returning many times since.

First visiting France in the mid-1990s, Alycia travelled widely as a backpacker, gaining an authentic understanding of the country and its regions. She has since been fortunate to return on numerous occasions, each visit deepening her appreciation for French culture and lifestyle.

Among France’s many regions, Provence remains her favourite, admired for its distinctive landscapes, rich culture, and enduring appeal.

Eloise Tropea

Travel Advisor

Eloise brings a lifelong appreciation for France’s culture, travel experiences, and regional diversity, shaped by early visits and a deep personal connection to the country.

Having first visited France as a child and later returning as an adult, Eloise developed a lasting passion for French culture and travel. Early French studies – and a fondness for ordering a pain au chocolat – deepened her connection to the country and its way of life.

Eloise enjoys helping travellers discover France beyond the obvious, drawing on her knowledge of its regions, culture, and everyday rhythms to design journeys that feel personal, thoughtful, and genuinely French.

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Experiences Tailored to You

Inspired by a deep love of France, every journey we design is shaped by your interests, pace, and style. From iconic highlights to lesser-known treasures, each experience is thoughtfully curated to feel personal, authentic, and unforgettable.