Emily’s Lavender and Photography Tour is, as stated, a private, and I would say INTIMATE, experience in Provence. From the first evening in L’Isle sur la Sorgue everything about the tour is carefully crafted to create a sense that one has become “at home” in Provence. The accommodations at the converted stone farmhouse are comfortable and well appointed, creating an intimacy that speaks of “part of the family.” In addition to breathtaking venues for photography, each day provided a creative destination (like a Gin Distillery, private home cooking and truffle hunting) to further draw us into the heart of Provence. Despite the abundance of experiences, and wonderful meals and wine, the pace was leisurely, as each day also provided time to enjoy the extraordinary infinity pool positioned against the beautiful mountains. In addition, the careful tutelage of Raina, that she dubbed “Contemplative Photography,” inspired the novice as well as the experienced photographer.
This tour was a once in a lifetime experience providing an extraordinary opportunity to become “part of Provence” for a week.
– Patty Markley, PA
I am happy to write this testimonial about Emily and “Your Private Provence” after spending one wonderful week in July with her, photographer leader Raina, and a lovely group of ladies photographing lavender fields and villages. I was pleasantly surprised with the included Provence experiences including gin making (never expected that!), foraging/cooking class and lavender distillery tour.
Emily herself is very knowledgeable about the area and drove us everywhere in comfort in her beautiful transportation van. She is an excellent driver on those sometimes crazy roads and situations. Our accommodation was very nice and meal and restaurant choices very fun and interesting. At all times she was calm and pleasant and in complete control of the group. What more can you ask for?
– Lisa DeRea Frederiksen, Monaco
Coming from a 10 day solitary driving trip in Provence which included many beautiful sights, medieval villages, lavender fields, and local markets and museums, I was nevertheless ready to relinquish the driving – and especially the parking – to the capable hands of Emily and the searching for photogenic lavender fields to the creative eyes of Raina. Even though I have avoided tours in the past, preferring to discover places on my own, I more than appreciated the added advantages of having a local, passionate resident plan an itinerary based on a deeper knowledge of the area and its history. Through experience and meticulous planning, Emily was able to fit in more villages, more stimulating activities, more (and better) food, more wine and more lavender into a single day than I had been able to do. And all this at a relaxed pace, no rushing here and there. Emily herself embodies these two qualities — qualities which are not often found together: She is extremely organized and meticulous while remaining low-key and relaxed. All of us in the tour group, most of whom were meeting for the first time, felt immediately comfortable and we all appreciated our glimpse into the off-the-beaten-track pleasures of Provencal life provided by Emily and Raina. (Another bonus: I am thrilled with my sunset lavender photos!)
– Terry Dale, California
