Behind the scenes, ahead of the curve
As Operations Manager at Provence Holidays, Carolin ensures the moving parts of the business come together seamlessly. From defining procedures and improving tools to overseeing the guest experience after arrival, she works across all departments with one goal in mind: to make things run smoothly - quietly, efficiently, and always with an eye on what could work even better.
From Châteauneuf-du-Pape to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
“I love having an overview of the entire business - working across departments to define procedures, improve tools, and help things run more smoothly,” she explains. “It’s about making people’s work easier, while helping the company grow.”
Carolin is the Operations Manager at Provence Holidays, responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly across the business. She works closely with every department, helping to define and refine internal processes, questioning their efficiency and documenting them together with the team to drive continuous improvement. She also coordinates the systems behind post-arrival guest support, supports the tools the team relies on every day, and collaborates with a specialised lawyer to ensure regulatory compliance and client protection. While the post-arrival team liaises directly with property owners and concierge partners, Carolin plays a key role in optimising the framework that enables this collaboration to run effectively.
Originally from Germany, Carolin brings over two decades of international experience to the role. Her background includes working as a product manager in the leisure industry, leading marketing and business development for Rhône Valley wines at Ogier in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and managing post-sales operations for a fast-growing French company. Her career also took her to Dubai, where she lived in a highly international environment and began learning Arabic as a way to connect with the local culture.
She joined Provence Holidays in March 2024 as part of the concierge team, initially for a five-month position. But her impact was immediate. By November, she had stepped into the role of Operations Manager, bringing a sharp eye for structure and a passion for helping others work more effectively. Fluent in German, French, and English, and with a working knowledge of Spanish, Carolin thrives in the multilingual, fast-paced world of Provence Holidays. She likens it to her experience in the luxury wine industry - dynamic, detail-oriented, and shaped by an international clientele - but with better views.
What she enjoys most is having a broad overview of the business and helping to streamline the day-to-day operations of her colleagues. Based in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue since 2005, she is deeply rooted in the region and has no plans to live elsewhere - not with the mountains and the sea just a short drive away. She often recommends her hometown to guests, and on her days off, you will find her walking in the surrounding countryside with her dog or revisiting timeless favourites like the Carrières de Lumières and the hilltop village of Oppède-le-Vieux.
“I love working across departments and helping shape the way things work. When the processes are clear and the tools are right, everything flows better - for the team, for our partners, and especially for the guest.” Carolin
Carolin's favourite village | L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Carolin’s favourite village in Provence is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where she also lives. Known for its canals, antique shops, and vibrant markets, the town strikes a perfect balance between charm and livability. “It is just the right size,” she says. “There is always something happening, from local festivities to riverside strolls, and the Sorgue running through the centre gives it a calm, refreshing feel.” Beyond the town itself, Carolin enjoys taking short drives into the surrounding countryside to walk in the valleys and woods, especially in the quiet moments between seasons. She also loves revisiting the Carrières de Lumières art experience and spending time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which she describes as timeless. Whether recommending a scenic walk or simply sharing the rhythm of daily life in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Carolin’s local insight always comes with a quiet appreciation for Provence’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
Favourite local restaurant | La Balade des Saveurs
For a relaxed yet refined dining experience in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Carolin recommends La Balade des Saveurs - a long-time favourite among locals and returning guests alike. Tucked into a quiet street just off the main canals, this warm and welcoming restaurant serves seasonal Provençal cuisine with a creative twist. “The atmosphere is always calm and consistent,” she says. “It is the kind of place where you can truly enjoy a thoughtful meal without any pretension.”
The menu highlights local ingredients and is constantly evolving with the seasons, while the wine list reflects the best of the surrounding region. Whether seated inside the cosy dining room or enjoying a summer evening on the shaded terrace, La Balade des Saveurs offers a perfect balance of authenticity, quality, and comfort- exactly the kind of understated excellence Carolin appreciates.
Favourite place to visit | Oppède-le-Vieux
“It feels untouched,” she says. “There is a real sense of calm as you walk through the village - it invites you to slow down, explore, and take it all in.”
One of Carolin’s favourite places to visit in Provence is Oppède-le-Vieux, a lesser-known hilltop village with a quiet, timeless charm. Just ten minutes from Coustellet, it offers winding cobbled lanes, ancient stone houses, and breathtaking views over The Luberon. With its dramatic ruins, peaceful church, and the wild beauty of its surroundings, Oppède-le-Vieux is the kind of place that stays with you. Whether for an early morning stroll or a quiet afternoon escape, it is a spot Carolin returns to often - one that captures the soul of the region, away from the crowds.
Carolin’s recommended experience | Carrières de Lumières
For a cultural outing unlike any other in Provence, Carolin always recommends a visit to Carrières de Lumières near Les Baux-de-Provence. Set within a former stone quarry, this immersive art experience transforms monumental rock walls into a living canvas through light, sound, and motion. “It is completely immersive,” she says. “Even if you are not especially into art, the scale, the music, and the emotion of it all is unforgettable.” Each year, the exhibition changes to spotlight iconic artists - from Van Gogh and Cézanne to Dali and Klimt - inviting visitors of all ages to step inside the world of the masters in a way that’s both moving and accessible. For Carolin, it is the perfect way to combine culture, creativity, and the raw natural beauty of Provence in a single afternoon.
Favourite property | Bastide de Goult
Goult, The Luberon | 19 people | 8 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms
Set deep in the Provençal countryside, this peaceful estate is a collection of multiple stone buildings surrounded by greenery - the kind of place where you can wander barefoot between shaded terraces and private corners, completely undisturbed. Carolin describes it as a calm and restorative place, ideal for guests who appreciate nature, quiet, and space. What stands out most is the layout: several separate living spaces, spread across a large garden, allow every generation to find their own rhythm. Whether that means a nap in the shade, a long lunch on the terrace, or simply the luxury of peace and quiet, this is a home where everyone can fully unwind. It is a perfect choice for a three-generation family looking to reconnect, while still enjoying their own space.
Hidden gem | Cloître Jean Roux
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | 16 people | 8 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms
Located in the heart of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this historic townhouse is Carolin’s personal pick - not only because she lives nearby, but because it offers something incredibly rare: a spacious, serene retreat in the middle of one of Provence’s most atmospheric towns. Once inside, you would never believe you are just steps from the cafés, markets, and antique shops. The house is full of history, but the interiors are bright, airy, and surprisingly generous in size. The garden and pool offer a peaceful contrast to the buzz of town life. Carolin’s perfect Sunday here would begin with a morning stroll through the local food and antiques market, followed by lunch at La Balade des Saveurs. After a sieste back at the house, she would take a dip in the pool – or perhaps set off for a late afternoon kayak from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, floating gently back to town as the sun begins to set.
With a background in wine, international business, and project management, Carolin brings experience, organisation, and warmth to every part of her role. Whether refining internal systems, supervising guest arrivals, or guiding the team through each season, she helps Provence Holidays deliver the kind of calm and consistency that lets everything else shine.
À bientôt,
Carolin
