Testimonials

“We had found Emily Durand on the web and had a wonderful time corresponding with her while preparing a detailed itinerary based upon our interests and requirements. She was very prompt and very precise in her responses which we liked very much.

She was even more pleasant in person and we throughly enjoyed spending ten days with her in Provence. She knew the area very well including hotels/B and Bs, restaurants ( my wife is vegetarian but that was no problem for Emily!), parking and getting to the sights we were interested in etc. She gave us a good understanding of the history, culture, architecture as well as ‘stories and myths’ of each of the areas that we visited. She was excellent in finding alternatives if we did not like something or wanted to change something in our itinerary and this was very much appreciated! Having Emily drive us around in her Benz van freed us to observe the scenic beauty and historical sights of Provence without the distraction or tension of driving.

Overall, we have absolutely no hesitation in whole-heartedly recommending Emily and have already done so to our friends in the USA.”

Arun & Padma Cariappa, Florida

“I’m so thrilled that I found Emily as she added so much value to our 8 night trip to Provence. We hired Emily to assist with our transfers and added touring to our transfer days… Brilliant Plan! In the end we hired Emily for 3 of our 8 days.

She is extremely honest, reliable and her prices are very fair. She accepts credit cards and does everything possible to ensure your comfort. Emily picked us up at Marseille Airport and transferred us to our AirBNB in St. Remy. She organized a unique and magical picnic and generously offered to procure essential groceries as we arrived on a French Holiday and she knew the markets would be closed. We chose to explore St. Remy on our own, but Emily supported us with recommendations for restaurants and hikes.  After 4 nights in St. Remy, Emily picked us up and toured us around Avignon and Gigondas, where we did a beautiful hike together. She then transferred us and our luggage to Gordes for the next 3 nights.

Emily is so knowledgeable about the history of the region, but more importantly she is really a great driver. She has a beautiful Mercedes 8- passenger van that is very comfortable and safe. Emily is happy to customize trips to individual needs and I would highly recommend her and would absolutely work with her again.”

Kecia & Helen, Portland, Oregon

“Hi, Emily I just wanted to thank you and let you know how pleased we were to meet you and were so impressed by the tour you took us on around Avignon! You were very warm and knowledgeable about the area and answered all of our questions. Your van was top of the line as well as your service!! I will not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family visiting the area!”

Connie Schuler – Alberta, Canada

“We had the best time with you on our tour of the Provence region! You planned out the best two-day tour! The hiking in the wine grove and wine tasting in the villages of Seguret and Chateauneuf-du-Pape you planned were great. The village of Les Baux de Provence that you walked us through and gave us all the history is still something we are talking about! The place where Van Gogh stayed and painted in the monastery gave us insight into his life and those who loved and cared for him! Thank you, Emily, for all your kind ways, brilliant descriptions of this amazing area and willingness to shape our tour just for us. We also loved your beautiful van! So fancy, comfortable and fun to ride in.”

Cheyrl Waslen – Alberta, Canada

“We recently returned from France and wish to leave a few comments on our experience.

At the top of my bucket list is a visit to Provence France. My husband and I are not world travelers and were somewhat hesitant about this trip, we were anxious about almost everything, the language, the travel and the fact that we were in a foreign country. Despite all these concerns we bite the bullet and decided to go for it. We booked a package with My Private Provence.

Much to our surprise and delight, the experience could not have been better. We experienced Provence as if we were locals and had been living there all our lives. This experience will stay with us forever. Never have we been able to enjoy a vacation as we have on this visit.
We were very happy to see so much of Provence and sample the food and its people.

Our tour group was only made up of seven people. Such a small group allowed us to fit right in with our visits to the many villages. A small group is great, but none of this could have occurred without our tour guide, Emily.

Emily was born in the US and has been living in Provence for 22 years. She helped us with all aspects of our visit. She knows the places of interest and knows the best times to visit these places. She speaks French fluently, so we had no problem with communications.

I highly recommend using Your Private Provence if you are contemplating a visit to this area.

Thank you, Emily, we hope to see you again.”

Barbara and John Gorman, South Carolina

“Thank you so much for a wonderful week. It was everything I had hoped for and more.”

Wendy, Australia

“Your Private Provence is our trip of a lifetime.  Emily is truly the Queen of Provence, and she planned our lavender tour with 100% awesomeness, and 0% fluff.  Sure, other guides can take you to the sites and drop vapid and empty descriptions of various sites and monuments, like reading off a script, but how many people can truly make the stories come alive because they literally live there.  Do yourself a favor, perish all thoughts about going with another tour guide, Emily and Your Private Provence is the only way to go.”

Elaine & Wei, New York

“There are those who are capable of fulfilling dreams. You are one of them. Thank you.”

Michael & Dolly, Michigan

“We had a wonderful time exploring Provence with Emily as our guide! With her intimate knowledge of the region, Emily was able to weave into the itinerary places of interest for which we had made special requests, and was able to suggest good alternatives when necessary.

Emily’s deep knowledge of Provence came through best as she led us through several little villages — the little nuggets of information she shared along the way certainly helped us appreciate much better the history of the places we visited. Friendly, open, and very helpful, Emily makes an excellent private tour guide.”

Lacretia & Melissa, Singapore

“The beautiful, relaxed culture of Provence makes it an ideal vacation spot for first-time guests and return visitors alike.

As a return visitor, I reached out to Emily to see some of the hidden treasures I was on unable to see during my first visit. She asked me what I enjoyed, what I wanted to see most, and how I’d like to spend my time. From there, she tailored an itinerary specific to me.

She was able to encompass all I requested and made excellent suggestions! I had an incredible time exploring Aix, Marseille, Luberon and the Camargue region. I learned fun facts about the region, tasted native delicacies and when I made a special, yet at times unique request, Emily obliged. She’s flexible and easy to be around. Incredibly accommodating and well versed in the culture of the villages that make up the region. Months later, I remain well pleased. Thanks, Emily!!”

Myra Jackson, Illinois