Testimonials

Lavender,Travel Photography & Provencal Lifestyle Tour 2023

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

Lavender & Heritage Sites Tour 2023

I just can’t say enough about the Lavender & Cultural Tour with Emily. Emily has an in-depth knowledge of Provence, and it shows. From the accommodations to the daily excursions, everything was top-notch and well-planned. The tour was limited to 7 guests; having a small group allowed us to get to know each other and develop friendships. She checked upfront with each of us to obtain any dietary requirements or restrictions, and she made sure that a variety of menu choices was available to accommodate everyone. Emily provided a detailed itinerary for each day, which included both sightseeing and free time. Through Emily’s local contacts, we were able to have unique experiences that other tour guides would not be able to provide. She also timed our tours so that we avoided the big tour bus crowds. If you want a truly memorable experience in Provence, Emily is the one!

Joyce & Luann, Pittsburg

Thank you for the wonderful adventure in France. It was a delight to be led by you through all the lovely landscapes, towns and informing the group of some of France’s rich history. Your tour catered for everyone and was thoughtfully organized and delivered.

Catherine King, Australia

May Day Tours & Biking the Luberon

We booked Emily for a day trip to Avignon & the Pont du Gard. She was wonderful. She picked us up & dropped us off at our accommodation near Gordes. She accommodated all our requests to the point that the tour was extended at no cost. We had a lovely day visiting the main sites in Avignon and a lovely walk around the Pont du Gard. Her restaurant recommendations were terrific for both the day we spent with her and then her great recommendations for other restaurants in other towns we were visiting on other days. We loved her so much we were lucky enough to book her another day and went E – biking for the day in the Luberon ( Bonniuex, Menerbes & Oppede). Highly recommend Emily & any tour she puts together for you!

Marlis, Vancouver BC

May 2023 – Poppy Madness Small Group Tour

I can’t say enough about our fabulous friend’s trip with Emily for 8 nights in Provence. Visiting the 3 regions was especially interesting to see their differences – from Mount Ventoux to the Luberon area and finally Les Apilles! Each was picturesque in their own way. The unique experiences Emily created for us were amazing from garden tours, cooking class, painting workshop, face cream making, galleries, private chef and walking tours. Her driving was so good from pick up at Avignon TGV to drop off at Marseille airport. The Mercedes Sprinter fit the 6 of us comfortably. I look forward to another trip with her!

Judy Moore, California

Our wonderful tour guide felt like a daughter. She took care of our every need as she showed us the Provence she fell in love with twenty years ago. Her easy laid back way belies her attention to detail, and dependability…and did I mention she’s a competent driver?
Emily plans sightseeing excursions based on Your interests and her knowledge of the history of Provence is inspiring. She also seems to know the most unique restaurants and picnic areas imaginable! It was hard to say goodbye to both Emily and Provence.

Linda Mcsweeney, California

March 2023 – A Few Days in Provence

“We had the trip of a lifetime with Emily! She was friendly, fun, very knowledgeable, bilingual and a very safe driver. She took us to some of the most picturesque places in Provence and even accompanied me to the doctor’s office for an emergency, AND was my translator with the doctor! She went above and beyond! Her kindness and expertise were 5 stars. We did not want to rent a car because we didn’t know the roads and having her in the driver’s seat in her beautiful van made the journey stress- free. My favorite part of the tour was sitting in beautiful Cassis at a cafe, watching the sparkling blue sea and just chatting with her about France. She is a wonderful human and I cannot recommend her more highly!”

Scott & Janice Fitzgerald, Boston, Massachusetts

Christmas Tour 2022

“Christmas has come and gone. New Year’s too. Today is the Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas. Many of us will start to de-Christmas our homes or already have. But we learned from Emily that the Christmas season in Provence starts Dec 4 and lasts until Feb 2. Emily shared her passion for Provence with us, its customs, traditions and stories. She even had little quizzes for us so we wouldn’t forget or get them all mixed up! LOL She planned every detail to perfection to make sure we had the best and most memorable Christmas in Provence tour. Charming hotels, Provençal lunches, a courtyard afternoon tea, gourmet dinners with regional wines. Fabulous city guides and even a Tuk tuk tour and picnic lunch by the sea. Christmas, farmers and flower markets bursting with colour and bustling with fun shopping for fruits and nuts to recreate the Thirteen Desserts when we returned home. Searching for Vin Cuit. Magical hilltop villages with lovely shops, starting our Santons collections. Museums, a light show, a concert. Truffle hunting and tasting with champagne. Stamping our own Marseille soap at the oldest 120 year old factory. The BEST 4 minute Christmas night parade EVER! Santons…did I mention Santons? We love them!

LOL And even a few Christmas miracles along the way. l could go on and on but I don’t want to give away all the secrets Emily has planned for you on this wonderful tour. She is the very best host/guide you could ever hope for. Caring, calm and you’ll leave Provence with an amazing new friend. Thank you, Emily, for the most memorable time in your most perfect Provence. It won’t be long before I return!”

Janet Round, Canada