If you choose us to travel in Bordeaux and its surroundings, there is a high chance you meet Hela: read the portrait of one of our best guide in Bordeaux.
Today, let’s meet Hela, a passionate guide who will introduce you to Bordeaux! Hela is a Boston-born French-American with Egyptian roots. She moved to Bordeaux in 2007, and her passion for French gastronomy, architecture, history and culture led her to study to become an accredited guide. She has, ever since, guided hundreds of travelers yearly across the plazas, paths and windy cobblestone streets that give Bordeaux its charm. Over the years, Hela has surrounded herself with a talented team, allowing her company to grow and to meet specific needs.
Also do not hesitate to visit our website and see our suggestions of itineraries in Bordeaux.
Hi there! In a nutshell, I am American born to Egyptian parents with French kids, so I have the best of 3 worlds and Bordeaux is home. I started my company in 2013 and before that I was exporting delicious Bordeaux wines representing small local producers. From the Landmarks tour over time I have developed a team and we have over 17 themed tours!
I created a cultural podcast opening the doors to the French market where culture was brought to you on your sofa during confinement. It is still running and as a hybrid media community after having had a couple of articles in the local press and Forbes France. I have never worked longer nor harder and am hopeful for the upcoming years and will have gained the French travel market by having done so.
Situated in the southern part of the city, off the beaten path rue Camille Sauvageau leading up to the Church of Sainte Croix. The south is the Bohemian part of town!
Yes, the cobble stone side streets just off the main shopping streets. But if I had to think of one thing, maybe the caramel colored Garonne river which has played an historical role as Bordeaux was first a port before a city!
The guide needs to think on their feet, be flexible but also kind, humble and accommodating. As an accredited guide, knowledge is key as are the historical factors to highlight the experience of our visitors, but it comes secondary to character.
Oysters with a glass of Entre-Deux-Mers wine is what comes to my mind right this second.
The beauty of the southwest France is the diversity of the fruits and vegetables and the traditional crockery! The benchmark of cabernet sauvignon in the world is here in the Medoc, that I know is true. As a dessert which is dangerously good is La Dune Blanche, a cream puffed pastry! Oh la la!
Of course! It is more like an anecdote. My great great great Grandfather was an Englishman, head of the Egyptian railway system. One of my clients, Caroline, who was sitting across from at lunch, also English. Well guess what? Abdullah Pasha Al-Engilisy (The English), was her great great great grandfather. So, the moral of the story is the encounters we make are enticing and the world is a small place!
The breathtaking landscape and the scent of pines at the Bay of Arcachon when climbing the Dune of Pilat to the beautiful solitude of the Dordogne River.
If you ever travel with us, you might encounter Hela for one or many of your tours. Do not hesitate to contact us or check our sample itineraries 100% customizable directly on our website.
If you enjoyed this portrait of one of our local insider, check out our portrait of Cécilia: a specialist of Burgundy.
