Rémi is a private tour guide based in Provence, specialising in carefully paced, tailor-made days that explore the region through wine, culture, gastronomy and art.
He works as part of a small team of guides, including Laura and John, who share the same approach and standards. Depending on availability, guests may therefore be accompanied by Rémi, Laura or John, ensuring a consistent experience without surprise.
His work centres on guiding guests through Provence in a way that feels considered and personal, shaped by local knowledge and a strong sense of place. Originally from Provence, Rémi was born in Avignon and grew up between Avignon and Marseille. His connection to the region runs deep and continues to inform the way he approaches each tour, from the choice of itinerary to the rhythm of the day.
From languages and wine to private touring
Before becoming a private guide, Rémi completed a degree in Applied Foreign Languages, specialising in English and Chinese. He then spent several years travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand, an experience that shaped both his outlook and his approach to working with an international clientele.
On returning to France, he trained as a sommelier at the International Sommelier School of Bordeaux. This led to a number of roles within the wine world, including work as a sommelier, wine merchant and wine sales agent. Over time, these experiences naturally came together in a role that combined driving, guiding and wine expertise, allowing him to share Provence through its landscapes, producers and stories. While wine remains an important element of his tours, Rémi gradually expanded his focus. His interest in art, culture and local traditions led him to develop itineraries that reflect Provence as a whole rather than a single theme.
“I am lucky enough to rediscover Provence every day through the eyes of my visitors. Their joy, their curiosity, and sometimes their emotion remind me how special this region is. My role is to guide them gently, so that at the end of the day they feel they have lived something real, personal, and deeply connected to Provence.”
Rémi's personal relationship with Provence
For Rémi, Provence is not simply a destination but a place shaped by memory. Childhood days spent in the garrigue, surrounded by thyme and rosemary, still influence the way he speaks about the region. These familiar scents and landscapes form part of his emotional connection to Provence and underpin his desire to share it with others.
Although he knows the region intimately, Rémi often explains that guiding allows him to see it anew. Experiencing Provence through the reactions of his guests brings a renewed sense of appreciation, reminding him of the impact these places can have when seen for the first time.
A flexible, private approach to touring
Rémi’s tours are designed for guests who value flexibility and personal attention. Each day is planned collaboratively, taking into account interests, pace and practical considerations. Rather than following a fixed route or timetable, itineraries are shaped around what matters most to the group.
Preparation plays an important role. Routes, timings and stops are discussed in advance to ensure the day flows smoothly, while still allowing room for spontaneity. This balance between structure and freedom ensures that guests feel guided rather than directed.
What often stands out to visitors is the atmosphere Rémi creates. His tours unfold with ease, combining informative commentary with relaxed conversation and humour. Travel time becomes part of the experience, and by the end of the day, groups often leave tired but visibly content, with smiling faces that reflect a day well spent.
Preparing for a private day in Provence
Rémi recommends planning private tours as far in advance as possible, particularly during peak periods at the beginning of summer. Early preparation allows for greater choice and flexibility, while last-minute requests can be difficult to accommodate during busy months.
What tailor-made means in practice
Unlike group excursions that impose set routes and shared schedules, Rémi’s tours are adapted to each group. Suggested itineraries provide a starting point, but these are refined through discussion to create a route that feels right for the day.
For guests arriving by cruise, timing is carefully managed to align with port schedules. For those departing from a private villa or hotel, greater flexibility allows for a slower pace and reduced time on the road. Families with children are guided towards engaging stops, while guests with reduced mobility are offered routes that limit physical effort without compromising the experience.
Themes and experiences across the region
Tours are shaped around a wide range of interests. Wine remains a key focus for many guests, but art, culture, food, boating and gentle outdoor activities are also central to the itineraries Rémi designs. Provence offers a varied landscape, and each day is adapted to reflect both the setting and the group.
Timing is considered carefully, with visits planned to suit the light, the season and the atmosphere of each place. Stories and anecdotes are shared naturally throughout the day, often bringing historical or cultural context into moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
Moments of true immersion
When asked about places that best express the spirit of Provence, Rémi often points to quieter moments rather than headline locations. Small lavender fields in the Luberon, visited later in the day with an old stone village as a backdrop, remain a lasting image. He also values the traditions of the Camargue and the experience of joining local producers during the truffle season in autumn.
A memorable day on tour
“There are many days that stay with me, but one in particular always comes back to mind. A young couple were visiting Provence on their honeymoon. Discovering the region was already a dream for them, but wine was at the heart of what they wanted to experience together.
We visited a winemaker I know well in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Sensing the moment, and perhaps caught up in the emotion of the day himself, he invited us into his private garden and opened some of his oldest vintages. Nothing was planned. Nothing was announced in advance. It was simply the right moment.
Watching the couple realise what was happening, tasting wines they never expected to encounter, was incredibly moving. Those are the moments I love most. When a visit becomes something personal, when Provence gives a little more than expected, and when a memory is created that will stay with people long after they have returned home.”
Looking to the future, Rémi hopes to continue expanding the range of experiences available, working with new producers and developing fresh itineraries while maintaining the same level of attention and authenticity. He sees private touring in Provence evolving positively, supported by growing demand for high-quality, personalised experiences that respect the character of the region.
À bientôt,
