Sylvie Franquet

Sylvie Franquet studied Arabic and Islamic history at the University of Ghent in Belgium. She arrived in Egypt to continue her studies at Cairo University, fell in love with the city and stayed for many years, working as a teacher, model, guide and tour company manager.

Deeply passionate about the Middle East, Sylvie has travelled widely across the region and has led many trips over the years. Conde Nast Traveller described her as “a brilliant guide to living history.”

Alongside her travel writing, Sylvie creates art, accessories and jewellery using materials gathered on her journeys. Her work is sold by select boutiques around the world and has featured in Vogue, the Financial Times and other publications. Her collages, needlepoint and fabric sculptures have been exhibited in London, Paris and New York.

She now lives in the hills above Perugia, in Umbria, Italy.