ARTICLES
BOOKS
THEMES
. . .
WHAT THE
PAPERS SAY
. . .
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Laurence
has been escaping to France since boyhood and has written many and
varied guides to the country. He has been described by the French press
as a 'charming bon vivant' and by British critics as 'a
witty and entertaining enthusiast'. His passion for all things French
has fuelled countless BBC radio broadcasts including Radio 4’s Allez Lille and his is a familiar voice
on travel and arts programmes.
In France, his appreciation of long lunches and longer dinners was
recognised when he was honoured as a Commander of the Order of St
Nectaire cheese and a Squire of the Confrérie des Sacrés de la Champagne
(although for the latter citation he was inscribed as Madame Laurence
Phillips, which possibly makes him a Dame).
Twice winner of the prestigious Guide Book of the Year award from the
British Guild of Travel Writers, he combines wanderlust with a love for
theatre and work as a critic, playwright and songwriter, and has written
for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His stage work has clocked up more
travel miles than the author, being performed on four continents, from
the West End to the South Pacific.
. . . . .
When
not penning pantomimes, lyrics and love scenes, Laurence is to be found
travelling through France, Britain and Italy in search of the unusual,
offbeat or simply delightful. Having stayed in the better part of a
thousand hotels, from grand châteaux to a former bordello in a church
and eaten unforgettable meals in salons and artists' garrets; stumbled
across overlooked artworks in tiny villages and forgotten princes in
palaces; partied with winegrowers and watched the sunrise with
fishermen, showgirls and sheepdogs, Laurence delights in discovering the
authentic spirit of each destination, making his travellers’ tales a
special experience for his loyal readers.
. . . . .
"Laurence really does have
a love of France and all things French. When you read it, you feel you
really want to visit."
Judith Chalmers, OBE, on presenting Laurence Phillips with his second
Guidebook of the Year Award, at the Savoy Hotel, London, 2004
"Laurence Phillips
guides you round a city with the infectious enthusiasm of a best friend
sharing his closest secrets."
Peter Nunn, BBC Radio Five Live
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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY
The European press call
Laurence Phillips "An entertaining travel companion, with an
infectious love of food, alcohol and anecdotes,” adding “Taking
his hand as he plunges into ‘his’ Paris, it’s like having a friend
who shares your tastes, especially when it comes to eating."
British critics agree. The Sunday Times was first to acclaim his
Bradt guide to Lille as “Best Guidebook” on the city, months
before he won the title “Guidebook Writer of the Year”.
The Times Educational Supplement declares: “You can tell that
Laurence Phillips was drawn to the joys of un petit verre
from a young age and has taken every opportunity to celebrate the
delights since!”
The BBC reckons “He guides you round a city with the infectious
enthusiasm of a best friend sharing his closest secrets.”
And according to The Observer, Laurence’s writing is
“Entertaining, informal and engaging, with a peppering of often
surreal titbits.”
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ARTICLES
Laurence is
a frequent contributor to
the Sunday Times and other UK newspapers and magazines, he also
writes for various travel websites and in-flight magazines. He is
often to be heard on radio programmes and as a guest speaker at
travel fairs and shows. As Travel Editor and France correspondent
of the Canada Post, his monthly Traveldesk and Grill column offers
a highly personal slant on tourism news and trends.
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BOOKS
Author of more than a dozen guidebooks, and contributor to as many
others.
As sole author, titles include
AAA Travelbook France (2011)
Lille: the Bradt City Guides (newest edition 2009)
The Colours of France (AA, 2004)
AA Key Guide Normandy
(2006)
Paris, Lille, Brussels: The Bradt Guide to Eurostar Cities
(2001)
AA Essential Lille (2000)
As contributor
Room for Romance: UK & Ireland
Smooth Rides Guide to France
AA Key Guide France
AA Key Guide Provence
AA Key Guide Brittany
AA Spiral France
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THEMES
-
Laurence is currently exploring the variety of the Languedoc-Roussillon
region by the Mediterranean, and area he is getting to know and
love as well as he does the north of France.
- The
ultimate road trip.
- Lille, Calais and the north.
- Normandy.
- France and the cinema – locations from classic movies.
- Romantic short breaks.
- Self-catering and self-drive holidays.
- Eating your way through France: from roquefort-filled chocolates
to the day it rains herrings.
- France by rail.
- France in a wine glass.
- Theatre and music.
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TO MAKE CONTACT
Laurence is usually to be found in France these days, so best
contact him via email. lolly@laurencephillips.com will always find
him.
To call him in France dial (00 33) 4 67 21 75 66 or in the UK
07956 298 550.
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CONTACT
LAURENCE
. . .
SEE HIS WEBSITE
. . .
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