A typical day for B&R’s veteran Experience Designer, Jérôme Boré, might easily start with him feeding his donkeys, chickens, and house pony, Percy before tapping a tune on the piano.
With the backdrop of southern Loire’s wine region from his 17th-century farmhouse, it’s no surprise Jerome’s handcrafted journeys have been inspiring B&R travellers for more than 20 years.
Born in France, Jerome began traveling the world as a young adult captivated by food, wine, travel and languages. He spent about 9 years in Athens where he worked in international travel and met his wife, Monica. (Lucky for Butterfield, Monica is Canadian and introduced Jerome to Toronto!) Twenty-two years later, Jerome weaves his personal flavour and colourful background into curated trips discovering his homeland, France.
Vital Stats:
Years in Travel Business: 20+
Years with B&R: 13
Countries/Regions of Expertise: France, Spain, Greece and good knowledge of Portugal and Italy
Countries visited: France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Morocco, Tunisia, Canada, Cuba, USA, UK, South Korea, Russia and Ireland
Countries lived in: Born and currently living in France, previously lived in Greece (9 years) and Canada (12 years)
Trips planned (estimate): 110+
Trips guided: Loire Châteaux Biking, Bordeaux to Dordogne Biking, Burgundy Biking, Atlantic Coast Biking, Alsace & Champagne Biking, Normandy Biking, Puglia Biking,
Q&A with Jérôme Boré
What’s your favourite trip you’ve ever taken? (I know, I know, but try to narrow it down to one!)
A recent trip to the West coast of Brittany where we enjoyed daily walks as a family along a scenic coastal path known as “Sentier des Douaniers.” This waterfront path was created in 1791 by custom officers (hence its name!) in charge of keeping an eye on trafficking and on the pillaging of shipwrecks. Between sea and earth, the trail snakes from rugged coastlines to rocky points passing dunes, beaches, coves and ancient stone villages. The landscape offers breathtaking views and a variety of sceneries.
Favourite trip you’ve ever designed?
The trips I plan are as varied and unique as the travellers I plan them for, so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. There is however, one highlight that stands out for me. I had a traveller with a Phd in prehistoric archeology and because of his background was very interested in visiting Dordogne. I planned a 7 days itinerary with a focus on the prehistoric caves of the region and surprised him with a private tour of one with the most spectacular cave drawings and geological formations. This cave is usually packed with tourists but to be able to wander though completely alone was a thrill for him.
Favourite hotel in the world?
Tough, I have more than one! One on my favourites is the Loire Valley Lodges, an amazing and original hotel with a limited number of private lodges nestled 4 meters high in the tree crowns of a lush forest, in the heart of the Indre Vallée, France. Each lodge has a large and seamless bay window which makes you feel as if you’re diving into the forest landscape and be one with nature, magical!
Favourite restaurant in the world?
Tough question again because there are so many great restaurants I know and so many new ones to discover! I’d say Les Jardiniers , a small farm to table sustainable restaurant with a huge organic garden right beside it. It is ran by a lovely couple, Chef Virginie and her husband Hervé who serve the most delicious and seasonal food showcasing authentic local cuisine from my beloved region of the Loire Valley.
Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?
Bisou in Paris, between the lively Oberkampf Street & Le Marais district. There is always a nice buzz in this cozy and creative cocktail bar. Here, there is no menu, they will surprise you with Bespoke cocktails based on your request.
What’s one destination you haven’t been to, but want to visit?
One destination on top of my list of places to visit is Tanzania in East Africa. I’ve always had a real fascination with animals and feel that it’s such a privilege to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, so Tanzania with some of the best national parks is a no brainer.
This might be a tough one. Of all the trips you’ve planned so far, which would you say was the most memorable—either for you or for your travellers?
I was once asked by a traveller to organize a surprise birthday evening for her and her husband during their trip to Paris that I had designed. I knew he was a huge Springsteen fan, so after pulling a few strings I was able to book a table at a well sought-after restaurant and also get two tickets to a sold-out Springsteen show at the Stade de France. They were over the moon! They sent me a thank you video, which was very gratifying.