Interview with Sabine Leteinturier
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Sabine Leteinturier has led a number of Rick Steves' France tours — and looks forward to leading the new "family" version of The Best of Paris, the Loire and Normandy in 10 Days. She also appears in Rick Steves' Europe TV shows on Normandy and Provence. Sabine taught in the USA for a decade before returning to France, where she lives today with her 11 year-old daughter. She loves turning travelers on to France's rich history and contemporary culture.
What surprises first-time visitors to France the most?
When you go into a French city or even a village, it is very obvious that French people enjoy taking their time enjoying life. We have a café culture, people use the cafés to meet their friends or just relax in between activities. Relating to each other is part of our daily life. The effect is to make people content and relaxed with themselves and others — Americans are always surprised about how friendly people are. Another surprise is that most businesses close for lunch. Eating well is sacred and we do take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal. It is a cultural difference that many Americans I travel with on tour appreciate.
What draws you to the Loire valley?
The Loire valley has always been considered the garden of France, and the chateaux are spectacular, each more beautiful than the other. During the Renaissance these were the hunting grounds of the French kings; to this day the president of France takes visiting heads of states on private hunting parties. As a child I remember visiting the forests to gather chestnuts and pick wild mushrooms. One of my greatest memories is watching and hearing the deer calling to each other during the mating season.
How has being a mom affected your attitudes toward exposing children to travel?
Travelling has always been part of my life. (My father is French and my mother is Italian. I grew up in Paris but spent all my summers in Italy.) Being a Mom has only reinforced the value I place in being open and enjoying other peoples. It is a gift to offer a travelling experience to children. The beauty of children is their ability to embrace new experiences without questioning them. My daughter is bilingual — a little girl who is always ready to visit new places and meet new people. She cannot wait to be on one of my tours!
What was it like to work on one of Rick's TV shows?
I worked on the Normandy and the Provence shows with Rick and it was a really enjoyable experience. I learned a lot by having to reflect on the character of my own country and what it is that makes it so special to me. Rick is a man dedicated to and passionate about his work. During filming he worked hard to do everything the French way, so much so that even he began to slow down — though the food did help tremendously!
What do you enjoy most about being a tour guide?
I enjoy the differences in the group dynamics. The people I have had on my tours have taught me so much and it is very rewarding to help them enjoy their vacations. I also love living and working in such a diverse and rich country as France. In a way, working with Americans in France brings me the best of the two cultures that have had a significant impact in my life. I hope to be able to guide for a long time, and I look forward to spending time with American families who choose France as a destination. It is obviously the best place to be!