Four French journalists held captive in Syria for more than 10 months returned to France Sunday where they were welcomed by President Francois Hollande, their families and friends.<br/> <br />Hollande called it a day of joy for France.<br/> <br />On Monday, veteran Europe 1 reporter Didier Francois recounts the ordeal to Europe 1.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) FORMER HOSTAGE AND EUROPE 1 REPORTER DIDIER FRANCOIS SAYING:<br/> <br />"Yes there were mock executions, a pistol held to the head. That's part of the range of basic exercises. But overall, as long as there was room for discussion or negotiation, I never really believed they would do it."<br/> <br />Francois was abducted along with a Europe 1 photographer on the way to Aleppo in June 2013. Amateur video which can not be independently verified from that time shows war raging in the one time commercial capital<br/> <br />He says they were held in areas close to the combat.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) ) FORMER HOSTAGE AND EUROPE 1 REPORTER DIDIER FRANCOIS SAY
