FRENCH LONDON WALK | Recommended by Time Out & NY Times

FRENCH FLAVOURED LONDON
The capital’s French connection in true esprit d‘Entente.

● Private walking tour for families, small groups, birthdays, etc (up to 20 persons).
● 2 hours approx, from Base of Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square.
● Prices and practical information listed below. Bookings: tours@yourlondontours.com.

THEME & ITINERARY
This walk examines the French influence on London, British politics, and the British monarchy. London is the seventh largest French conurbation in the world with a population of over 300,000. French is spoken by a sizeable proportion of the UK's population, the most popular foreign language. And did you know the name Great Britain stems directly from the need to distinguish it from French Britanny?

Of course, Britain and France are neighbours – and like neighbours sometimes they argue, sometimes they try to out-do each other, but in times of trouble they often help each other out. The London HQ of Charles de Gaulle is visited to demonstrate the stresses and strains of this relationship during World War II.

The walk then takes a turn through the capital’s corridors of power, established under French sway after 1066. It was then that William of Normandy was crowned in Westminster Abbey and decreed French the language of the royal court. The British aristocracy is, we find out, originally descended from Norman blood.

Then we move north to the historical French enclave of Soho. Large numbers of British people descend from the Huguenots, or French Protestants, who in the 16th and 17th centuries fled religious persecution across the channel and settled around here. One luminary at the time spoke of Soho: ‘Abounding with so many French so that it was easy for a stranger to imagine himself in France’.

Next we view the French Protestant Church, London’s only surviving Huguenot church, founded in the mid-16th century under King Edward VI. The London obsession with French cuisine is discussed using one of the capital's most renowned restaurants as an example. Plenty of other French connections come into play. At the end of the walk there is an option to visit the famous pub known as The French House, which served as a centre for French Resistance during World War Two.

PRICE
TEMPLE: LONDON’S HIDDEN MYSTERY	2 hours (approx).
PRIVATE GUIDED LONDON WALK (1-20 persons)	£150.00 (per group)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
● General: This is a private walk for families or small groups (up to 20). We do not offer options for individuals to join existing groups. Additional guides required for groups 21+.

● Dates: We recommend early booking to secure your preferred date. Dates subject to availability of guides and access.

● The guide: The walk will be conducted by a fully accredited & qualified guide who will confirm your itinerary and provide a friendly, knowledgeable commentary throughout.

● Meet: The guide will meet your group at the base of Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square. Please make sure your group does not block public access routes.

● Timings: The duration of this walk is 2 hours approx. Start anytime after 10.00. Access to some areas may be restricted in late evenings/weekends.

● Price: As shown in the table above. Payment methods, privacy, cancellation and refund policies and full terms & conditions are listed on our Prices & Bookings page.

● Health & Safety: Clients should be in reasonable health for a 2-hour walking tour. Clients are responsible for own safety when crossing roads, climbing steps, etc.

● Clothing: Clients should dress appropriately for a 2-hour walking tour making allowances for the changeable British weather

● Format: Specially researched and designed by our staff (copyright applies). Exclusive to Your London Tours & associates. For walk/tour combinations see our Pick & Mix page.

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