Fabienne Charles

Fabienne Charles was born in east central France in the heart of Burgundy a region renowned for its fine gastronomy, wine, and old stone villages. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in philosophy, she then studied languages in Dijon for 2 years, with the idea of being a tour guide and translator (if that didn't work she figured that being fluent in English would help give her a “passport” for traveling, which was a passion).  After leaving the university, she decided to pursue her love of literature and music, and began working in book and music stores in Marseille where she settled in 1988. However, her passion for cultural discoveries, independent travel, the invigorating feeling of spending time outdoors in wild, pristine places was still there..

Following Confucius's words, "choose a profession that you like, and you will not have to work one day of your life" she decided to pursue her dream of traveling and being a tour guide. Starting with groups of French teenagers abroad in 2001, she began guiding and dedicating her time to building human relationships with her creativity, energy, flexibility and ability to entertain. She continues to lead youths, adults, French, Canadian and U.S. travelers both in France and abroad.

Willful and determined, she pushed herself to the limit in the Himalaya range this winter. Fabienne is new to cycling and will continue to push her limits with new challenge as a tour leader for ExperiencePlus! in France beginning in 2011.

“Fabienne has a huge heart and is dedicated to helping her customers have a good time. She was unfailingly helpful in practical ways but also in sharing French culture with us and patient with those of us trying to learn and practice French. We were always asking her how to say things, what something meant, etc. I learned a lot.”