A brief introduction to VFB Holidays French specialist VFB Holidays, part of
Travelzest Plc , is one of the longest established and most highly regarded of Britain’s 800 or so tour operators. Started from nothing in 1970 by Michael Bruce-Mitford and his French wife, Françoise Julien, the company is perhaps best known as the pioneer in this country of the concept of self-catering in rural France, now widely known as ‘gîte’ holidays.
Thirty-nine years on, VFB, though by no means the largest operator in its field, retains its leading position as a result of its consistent success in consumer surveys over the past 20 years. To this day, the company remains the ‘French specialist par excellence’, as it has been dubbed in the press.
Although still very much a France-only specialist, VFB has long since diversified beyond its original product, having added significantly to its range of holidays within France. Due to steady, carefully managed expansion over the years, the company now has six holiday programmes featuring, respectively, over 300 holiday properties of all kinds (Cottage Holidays in France), a range of around 100 character hotels (France à la Carte), luxury villas with pool, apartments and hotels in Corsica, discovery tours for small groups (Classic Interludes), River Cruises and an award-winning selection of Short Breaks (including France and Belgium).
Much of VFB’s accommodation throughout France is under exclusive contract; most of it is family owned and run, and in rural or semi-rural locations, with the emphasis firmly upon ‘the real France’, a slogan much copied elsewhere since originally coined by VFB over 30 years ago. All accommodation is inspected regularly by VFB’s own bilingual staff. This ensures that standards are maintained to the company’s own criteria and that sales staff are able to provide detailed information and advice to customers based upon their personal knowledge of VFB’s properties and their locations. It is this policy, above all, which explains the company’s reputation for service, quality and reliability.
This website is designed to bring you the same standards and ease of use as you've come to expect from VFB. It complements our long-established telephone reservations team and, if you prefer to speak to us either to book or to offer you advice on your holiday choice, please do not hesitate to call us on 01452 716 840.
Which? Holiday: Top of the tour ops
Which? members voted us top tour operator in the consumer champion's holiday survey results for 2009.
VFB Holidays scored an overall average of 94% and earned 100% satisfaction for its ‘organisation’ skills. The most common descriptions given by voters were ‘efficient’, ‘dependable/reliable’ and ‘their holidays suit people like me’.
Judged by one of the most discerning and critical of audiences, the Which? consumer, these awards are the absolute pinnacle of achievement for any service-based company to aim for. Some 4,500 Which? members were polled, in typically vigorous Which? style.
Jonathan Carroll, Chief Executive of Travelzest plc, said:
"The recognition of VFB as the Which? favourite tour operator is truly an impressive achievement. VFB prides itself on its high standards and its customer service that really is second to none. We are very proud to have this award winning brand within the Travelzest Group and look forward to its continued success."