Exploring with Provence Authentic Tours

Jessica and Elodie are celebrating an anniversary. These tourism graduates launched their travel agency Provence Authentic one year ago, in January 2015. Originally from Lyon, Jessica has lived in Provence for a decade, and Elodie is local. She was born in Carpentras, only 15kms away from their headquarters in Vacqueyras.

These trilingual ladies (French, Spanish and English) have school credentials (tourism degrees) and guide-interpreter licenses. They have worked in the industry touring groups throughout the region for the last ten years. Jessica and Elodie decided to start their travel agency offering support and advice for visitors looking for unique tours in Provence. They called their company Provence Authentic because they want their clients to experience the “real” benefits of the region and not the crush of mass tourist venues.

Provence Authentic offers a range of fully customizable tours for a maximum of 6 people. Half-day and full-day excursions to discover Cote de Rhone wines or traces of the Roman or hilltop villages in the Luberon or sunflower fields the list goes on according to your tastes.

Vacqueyras might seem like an unexpected place to base a travel company, slightly off the beaten path in Northern Provence. Still, the location speaks to the company philosophy – discovering the unexpected. This is an area that rewards both the outdoor enthusiast and wine lover, with fabulous hiking in the Dentelles de Montmirail and the potential to sample famous “cru” wines from the heart of the Southern Rhone Valley and nearby Châteauneuf du Pape.

Given their understanding of Provence and specifically the northern Vaucluse, we asked the ladies to share some “where the locals go” tips with readers.

DISCOVER our three favourite villages

Séguret one of Les Plus Beaux Villages in France

Le Crestet perched on a hilltop

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

TASTE local specialities

Truffles – Intensely aromatic, the “diamond of the kitchen” has been recognized as an exclusive gourmet cooking ingredient since the 18th century in France. Although the French production of the Périgord truffle has declined in the last century, it remains the global leader at approximately 45% of the total output. The southeast (Provence, Dauphine and Languedoc) within France make up 80% of that total.

Nougat

Muscat (a naturally sweet wine from Beaumes-de-Venise)

RELAX near Vacqueyras

While enjoying a picnic lunch in a vineyard

Walk in the Toulourenc River with a guide

Spend a few nights in a holiday rental or a B&B in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Are you planning a trip to Provence this year?

Consider Provence Authentic for guided tours of all the major cities (Aix en Provence, Avignon, Marseille, Gordes, Orange, etc.). Alternatively, book a customized excursion and discover the “real” Provence.

Disclaimer: Provence Authentic is a Perfectly Provence sponsor.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).