Who are we?
Cecilia, born in the Netherlands, has lived in Saône et Loire for over 30 years. Passionate about culture and wine production, she has been working as a professional guide and interpreter since 1992, and created an association of guides in 2007.
In order to respond to the growing demand and diversity of river cruise companies, the association spotted an opportunity to offer services in this industry.
Sarah, with a diploma in marketing and a wealth of experience from working for a transport company in Lyon, joined the venture in 2013.
Together they created Go Côté Saône, obtaining their license to operate as tour organisers in 2014 : Go Côté Saône became a travel agency!
With over 10 years experience on the ground as a chauffeur for top-end tourist operators, Dominique joined the team in 2015.
Cécilia Erken
President, founder and local guide
Dutch, French, English, German speaker
+33 (0)6 62 85 58 14
guides.cote.saone@gmail.com
Sarah Thevenard
Co founder
French, English speaker
+33 (0)6 16 22 87 37
gcs.sarah@gmail.com
Dominique Alezard
Logistics
French, English speaker
gcs.dominique@gmail.com
Go Côté Saône is a travel agent, but that's not all !
We work with a team of independent guides who support and complement each other!
Meet some of our guides ….
‘I have known Cecilia since 1995 and have worked for Go Côté Saône since its creation. The GCS team and the guides are fantastic!
I guide in a great number of sites in Burgundy and Rhone-Alpes, I adapt to the groups and to the individuals in order to provide accessible and personalised commentary. Some say I have a unique sense of humour!!’
Philippe (French, English, German speaker).
"I've been living and working in Burgundy since 2002, both as a tour guide and a ceramist. Originally trained in dance and theatre arts I performed on the London stage until I decided to put on my backpack and travel the world! It was while studying for my Master degree in Art History that I began guiding, and this has led to a specialization in the historic monuments and art treasures of Burgundy. Working for Go Côté Saône has been a fantastic way to learn and appreciate more about the region that I call now home. Our team of guides has a broad range of specialisms and the sharing of our knowledge is one of the factors that make this job so interesting. Learning all about wine production and meeting and working with wine producers throughout Burgundy and the Beaujolais has also been a huge bonus in working for GCS. I love passing on the fascinating science of wine making to visitors, not to mention the pleasure of driving through the most beautiful countryside that France has to offer." Jonquil (English, French speaker)
"Working as a professional tour guide since 2014, Marion
first studied literature and book trade. After a significant professional experience with bookshops in Switzerland, she came back to Burgundy.
Born and bred in Dijon, now she has chosen Chalon-sur-Saône as nevralgic center of its scope, getting everyone who's ready to follow her to meet this beloved land. From Lyon to Dijon, from vineyards to historical buildings, you will get to know various aspect of a lively region that you will never forget."
Marion (French, English and Spanish speaker)
"My name is Sophie. I'm guiding for almost 15 years now, mostly in Burgundy, Beaujolais and also in Bresse where I'm from. I love landscpaes, farming, arts, history, wines...
Go Côté Saône is a human size agency far away from standardization and where we work as a team.
Come and let us guide you !"
Sophie (French and English speaker)
Perrine (French, English, Spanish speaker)
"Lesley has worked as a guide-interpreter and guide-lecturer for more than 20 years, and has been with Go Côté Saône since its creation.
Her initial studies wer in literature; guiding is a sort of storytelling after all. Fascinated by history and architecture not to mention wine, Lesley loves to share her enthusiasm for her adopted country with those who visit, finding the stories behind the dates and names bringing the landscapes to life. She guides in English and French, and appreciates the co-operative atmosphere of the GCS team."
Lesley (English, French speaker)
"I've been working as a tour guide since 2000, working all around France and in different countries in the wolrd. I'm now only working in Burgundy, my birthplace, and around Lyon. It's a real pleasure to share the love of my region with other people."
Annabelle (French, English, Italian speaker)
"I've been working as a guide since 2012. I was born, raised and I studied in the beautiful region of Burgundy.
Wine, history, gastronomy, nature, Burgundy and it's surrounding regions have so much to offer, and thanks to Go Côté Saône, I'll be very glad to introduce them to whoever wants to !"
Emeline (French and English speaker)
"Fell in the big pot of tourism and travel there is... oh la la ..!! so many years, I never came out..
After several years of wandering around the world as tour leader for French groups, I went back to university to get my National Interpreter Guide card in order to introduce our beautifull country of France to foreign visitors. My suitcases being put in the heart of my native Bresse region, it is there, between Lyon and Burgundy that I have pleasure to explain them, with lot's of conviviality, our traditions, ou history our specialties.. our "terroir" ... our life ! Member of the friendly and dynamic team of Go Côté Saône since its creation, I work in French, English or German."
Sylvie (French, English, German speaker)
Sophie (French, English, Spanish, Italian speaker)
"I'm a tour guide since 2009 and I work especially in the area where I live called the Auxois, on such site as Alésia or the Fontenay Abbey (worl heritage site). There are a lot of wonderfull and small hidden sites in this hilly countryside, amongst the fields, woods, meadows and hedges. I'm not only interested in history or architecture as I like to approach a territory by its landscapes and its traditions as well. I appreciate the diversity of Burgundy so I enjoy to guide in different sites : Dijon and its old town, its gastronomy, Beaune with its stunning medieval Charity Hospital, the château du Clos de Vougeotin the middle of a grand cru ..."
Esther (French, English speaker)