Meet our travel partner, Sonia Jones

‘My must-do for a visit to Paris - zipping around the city in a vintage Citroen!’

‘Me in Japan - my Japanese is much better than my French haha.’

‘My favourite sunset anywhere in the world - Antibes!’

Why your love of travel?

My father loved to travel, and he instilled a passion for exploring in me! I took my first overseas trip when I was 2 and have never stopped! I love how travel exposes you to different cultures, food (very important!), languages, history and people. 

Favourite hidden jewel in France?

I have a few! Hands down BEST gem is the Albert Khan Museum and Garden in Paris – most Parisians don't even know about it! 

It’s a lovely, low-key escape from the busy centre of Paris, with beautiful gardens inspired by Japanese, English and French styles. The museum houses an extensive photo collection from Albert Kahn’s travels around the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is absolutely fascinating!

I'm also a huge fan of the French Riviera in December – sunny days, perfect weather for a rosé, Christmas decorations and no crowds! Antibes is always my pick, but Old Town Nice and Cannes are also fabulous this time of year.

And maybe it isn't so hidden, but the Christmas Tree at Galleries Lafayette in Paris is an absolute must-see if you're travelling there in December!

What’s the most surprising place you've ever travelled to?

Luang Prabang in Laos – a quiet town that is a blend of religion, history and daily life. Wandering the streets and admiring its golden temples, rising early for morning alms, exploring the vibrant markets, the way the Mekong winds through the town. Beyond the town, there are incredible caves, waterfalls, bear sanctuaries and beautiful scenery. It ended up being one of my favourite spots in Southeast Asia!

Any time you've ever felt scared travelling?

Sure – it comes with the territory, particularly when travelling solo as a woman. One of the things we really focus on for our clients (and ourselves when we travel) is minimising risk, whether that’s knowing when to prearrange transfers, choosing the right neighbourhoods to stay in, sharing practical personal safety tips for higher-risk destinations, or flagging cultural sensitivities that can unintentionally increase risk, like photography etiquette, clothing choices or public displays of affection.

Is there a place you'd return to time and time again?

Italy and Japan. I have connections with both countries, and travel to both regularly, yet every time I experience something different – a region, a town, a neighbourhood. I love getting under the skin of a destination, and when you speak a bit of the language somewhere, it opens doors and allows you to live more locally.

The most romantic thing to do in France is…

Head to Trocadéro to watch the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower on the hour each evening. It might be an obvious one, but it really is something special.

Beyond Paris, I love Provence for a romantic escape. Beautiful accommodation, incredible food and wine, wandering hilltop villages and markets, sweeping views, and sipping French rosé all day.

The travel accessory you couldn't live without?

Noise-cancelling headphones and an eye mask. I can sleep anywhere with them!

Best place to buy luggage?

July Luggage is gorgeous, lightweight, great quality and easy-to-spot colours. Antler is also fantastic and durable. Whatever you do, don't buy a black Samsonite and expect to spot it easily on the carousel!

Packing cubes – yes or no?

Yes! Always! Every size, shape and colour!

Do you have a favourite travel memoir or book?

I actually love fiction based around travel. Two recent favourites that happen to be set in France are The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood and The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods.

What souvenir do you always bring back from France?

You mean other than the extra kilos I somehow acquire from eating my weight in macarons, cheese and bread?

I love jewellery and scarves. France is perfect for a pair of earrings or a beautiful scarf – chic, timeless, and easy to pack. I’ve also brought home gorgeous drawings and prints, and lavender products from Provence.

*in France and overseas

SJT Team

About SJT

Sonia Jones Travel is an award-winning, boutique travel agency specialising in tailored travel experiences. Based in Bardon, Brisbane, the team of five takes a hands-on, detail-focused approach to travel planning. They arrange itineraries across Australia and the globe, from family getaways and cruises to bucket-list adventures, independent rail journeys, guided tours, and slower, immersive travel.

SWOON: Pérouges

Thinking of joining us on our October trip to Lyon? This month’s SWOON subject makes the perfect side trip. Perched on a hilltop 30 minutes outside the gastronomic capital, Pérouges is a charming medieval town straight out of *un conte de fées — but it almost didn’t survive.

A popular film set, Pérouges is loved by locals and *les tourists for its well-preserved 15th-century ramparts, stone houses and cobblestone streets. And let’s not forget those delicious galettes de Pérouges (think a sweet, brioche-like flat pastry with sugar and a touch of *citron).

Once a thriving hub of linen weaving and trade, the town fell into disrepair with the Industrial Revolution. New roads and railways bypassed Pérougues, its population dwindled, and buildings were so neglected that razing was on the cards in 1909.

Thankfully, a group of passionate locals came to the rescue – buying and restoring the historic houses and protecting the village’s medieval character for us to enjoy for centuries to come.

*fairytale | *tourists | *lemon

10 Things to Do in Honfleur

Joining us for our trip to Honfleur? Here’s a list of 10 of the best things to do in the quaint Normandy town – perfect for planning out your *temps libre.

Not coming this time? *Vous allez nous manquer, but don’t worry. We’ll be sure to raise a glass when it’s time for #8.

*free time | *We’ll miss you

Back from Morocco

Nous sommes de retour* from Morocco with de grands sourires*, gorgeous souvenirs (more on that soon!) and fabulous memories. What a feast for the senses (and stomach) it was.

Interested in seeing what we got up to? Head to our Instagram account for (near-daily) vlogs about our adventures. Perhaps it will entice you to bite the bullet and join us on one of our 2025 voyages*!

Not on social media? Pas de problème*. Check out our trip report page where you’ll find all the videos waiting for you.

*We’re back | *big smiles | *trips | *No problem

Voyage 2026: New Destination!

Get excited, foodies! We’re planning a fresh new location for our Lingua Franca *voyages in 2026 – a city regarded as the gastronomic capital of France that’s home to no less than 16 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Any ideas? This might help. On any given day, you might drink in the history of a city that was instrumental in *La Résistance, peruse the many traboules (hidden passageways) of the Old Town, admire Gallo-Roman ruins and sample produce from famous food markets such as Marché Saint-Antoine Célestins.

Hungry after your morning French lesson? *Pas de problème. You'll find satisfaction in local specialties like saucisson brioché, tarte à la praline and Salade Lyonnaise. Oops, we may have given the game away there…

Stay tuned for more information soon.

*travels | *The Resistance | *No problem

SWOON: Nouméa

Fancy practising your French with native speakers but not thrilled about a long-haul flight? Look no further than the tropical haven of Nouméa – just a short 2-hour flight from Brisbane in the heart of the South Pacific.

The capital city of New Caledonia, Nouméa offers warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and pristine beaches with turquoise waters and coral reefs loved by snorkellers. Blending French sophistication with authentic island charm, it’s the perfect place to explore lively markets and historical museums, savour the fusion of French and Melanesian cuisine, relax, unwind and pratiquer un peu* with the friendly locals.

And we have some bonnes nouvelles* – we still have a few spots left on our April Nouméa trip. We’d love to see you there!

*practise a little | *good news

Photo credits (L to R)

Top line: joel-t, Mlenny, Stephanie Monot, Krittakorn Phongvijitsoph
Middle line: Franc-Comtois, Daniiielc, Caroline Hernandez, Julie Modeste
Bottom line: Sébastien Jermer, Julie Modeste, Bon Vivant, Nick Sarvari

Have You Seen Our Travel Vlog?

Are you tempted by our summer school in Paris or keen to join us in Nouméa next April? Then make sure you check out the Lingua Franca travel vlog, where we document all the highlights of our trips.

From une dégustation de fromage* in the capital to un tour de dromadaire* in Morocco, there’s plenty of content to whet your appetite. And perhaps even inspire you to join us on our next overseas French adventure!

*a cheese tasting | *a camel ride