Pascal Mineau
Founder / General Manager
Pascal Mineau
Founder / General Manager
Born in Tours, a major city in the Loire Valley, I grew up in the cities of Bourges, Orléans, Chartres and Blois. After specializing in Hotel & Management at University, I worked in fine dining restaurants for the next 10 years.
I am in love with the “Terroirs” of France and have a serious passion for food and wine. My work experience as Sommelier, Chef Sommelier and Wine Buyer for SLH led to my first dream-job at the time, Managing a Michelin Star awarded Restaurant. Then, during my compulsory French Military service, I had the privilege of being the private headwaiter of the French Minister of Health and his high-profile Department.
Greater aspirations were realized when I created the Loire Valley « oenotouristic » enterprise, Caves Ambacia (then called Caves Duhard).
I have been a Wine Speaker in: England, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, United States, Mexico, Russia, and Scotland.
I have a real passion for my French culture and its heritage. It means so much for me to be able to share this heritage with you in the best possible way and in the process convey some of that passion. As a pioneer in the world of Oenotourisme, I can assure you that all the winemakers we work with have bottled references in my personal cellar.
Since “Experience” is the living memory of any trip, a genuinely great one can only be authentic if you, the meet men and women who are in love with their jobs and are ready to share their “Savoir Faire” with you (the wine makers, the cheese makers, oyster farmers, truffle farmers, Chefs, and Master Artisans…).
The hand-picked members of our Regional Guide Teams throughout France are all consummate professionals, each one poised to provide as deep of a context and layered information that our clients wish to have.
It is in this spirit that my staff and I began and continue to develop the fine France Intense experience.
My motto is always: “The best is enough.”
Florie COUSIN
Accountant
After obtaining her diploma in accounting and finance, Florie worked in an accounting office for 7 years. During this time she became a professional in all what concerns accounting firms (accounting entry, accounting balance sheet, etc…).
Originating from the very touristic Touraine, she was willing to participate in a more active way in one company; that’s how she joined France Intense team in 2014.
Florie COUSIN
Accountant
Florie COUSIN
Accountant
Andréa CORUCHO
Designer
Andréa CORUCHO
Designer
Andréa was drawn into to tourism by her passion for foreign languages. With Portuguese origins, she has always loved to travel and discover other cultures. She graduated from the famous tourism school in Blois with a degree in tourist management.
She has always lived in the historical city of Blois and knows the Valley of the Kings with all the castles, like the back of her hand. But not to worry, she also knows how to share her passion for all the other different regions of France.
Freddy BOUROTTE
Travel advisor
Born in the heart of Burgundy, Freddy studied 3 years at the University of Dijon in order to become a representative.
After school, he spent one year in London to improve his English.
Back to France, he worked 6 years as School Assistant and started to live in Loire Valley in 2017. Fond of History and Culture, he also worked as guide in different castles during the summer season.
Freddy BOUROTTE
Travel advisor
Freddy BOUROTTE
Travel advisor
Raphael MORAS
Guide
Raphael MORAS
Guide
Born in Rio de Janeiro with french ancestry, Raphael studied and worked with design in Brazil for 10 years before arriving in Paris in 2010 to try a new life and discover his ancestors homeland.
He started working in tourism to take advantage of his 4 spoken languages, and later chose Champagne to live a quieter life with his wife and kid.
It was just fitting to join tourism with his passion for wines, and to become a guide for France Intense perfectly embodied this opportunity.
After 3 years adjusting and learning, Raphael became the Regional Manager for France Intense guides working in the Champagne Region.