Testimonials
Extracts from our client’s e-mails, you can see more on Trip Advisor
Thank you for allowing me to publish them
Superbe!
I cannot recommend Alain highly enough! I randomly found him on the internet when I was looking for someone to drive myself and my 81 year old mother around Provence for a week.
My mother wanted to revisit her old haunts from when she stayed here in the 1950’s. Alain totally understood what we wanted from the holiday and went out of his way to ensure we had a wonderful time. Totally professional, always on time, a great driver and so kind getting us to the right places so my mother did not have to walk too far. He had so many great suggestions of what to see and do and where to eat. However above all this, Alain is a very kind, entertaining and interesting man - and great fun - we really enjoyed his company. Alain totally made the holiday for us. Harriet and Katherine (81).
Harriet, Kruger Park, South
Africa, July 2019
I just had the opportunity to see some of the photos of my parents trip with you. It looked amazing and brought back some memories for me as my wife and i explored the Luberon/Provence in 2005 and I believe I saw some of the same villages and cities (Gordes, Roussillon, Avignon, etc).
I want to thank you for the amazing trip and care you showed them and Marilyn and Jay. My mom keeps saying she would go back in a second!
I promise, if we are back in your area, we will let you know. And please let me know when you come to the states.
Russel, New Hampshire. September 2016.
Hi Alain, Thank you very much for a wonderful experience in Provence.
We enjoyed every moment... Nathalie was a wonderful host. Your program was good and we appreciated the changes we were able to make. Kind regards
Peter and Lee Rich, Sydney. June 2015
Dear Alain, To our tour leader and friend, you have succeded in showing as not only the beauty of Provence but the heart is underneath.
We saw everything we wanted to see plus the added surprises you added. Our memories are long lasting and also our guide who was there for us. Many times making the journey easier. We thank you and are eternally grateful.
Diane and Gregory Leon, San Francisco. May 2015.
Hi Alain,
We were so pleased that our 2014 Spring travel arrangements in Europe allowed us the opportunity to spend a few days in Provence and time with you again - as 2013 - to tour more beautiful areas of Provence .
Again we had a great time as you drove us to wonderful locations we did not see last year. We appreciated your guidance and flexibility as we requested locations that required long drives but you showed great patience with us to allow to see the sites we were interested in visiting. We were not disappointed!
The Van was most comfortable again and your driving outstanding - complemented by your on going congenial manner.
Also we were also most thankful for the guidance you provided to us in dealing with the rail strike and assuring us that we would get back to Paris in time to make our flight home. Your assistance with this was most appreciated.
If we ever return to Provence you will be our first call.
Thanks again for a great few days in Provence.
Ken and Jean, Vancouver ,Canada, June 2014
Dearest Alain,
We just wanted to say "Merci beaucoup"for your exceptional service you provided us while traveling in France. Your knowledge and fun-loving personality are such wonderful assets and immediately put your clients at ease when traveling in unknown territories!
Dan and Judy, Philadelphia, May 2014
Dear Alain,
Alexandra and I wanted to thank you once more for a wonderful trip!! We had such a great time touring Avignon, St. Remy, Les Baux, etc. with you and are grateful for your expertise. I hope we can meet again in the future!Best.
Courtney, New York, March 2014
Again thank you so much for making our time in Provence such a unforgettable visit. The 5 days touring with you was very special for us and we know that your guidance and suggestions allowed us to see twice as much as we would have on our own. We went to so many places we would have never found on our own. The day to day schedule you prepared for us was perfect and your knowledge and information of the area added so much to our appreciation of Provence. Your ability to find the right locations for our photos was wonderful particularly the hilltop villages, sunflowers and lavender fields and we also looked forward to your daily choices for our " Picnic in Provence" lunches. We also were very pleased with your Fiat van as it offered great viewing and was very spacious and comfortable. The cooler in the back was also appreciated.We felt very safe with your driving. By the time we were finished with the tour we came to feel you were a friend rather than a tour guide. We would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone and should we ever return to Provence you will be our first call.
We appreciated all you did in making our visit to Provence such a memorable experience. Hopefully our paths may cross again in the not to near future.
Take care and enjoy the remainder of the Summer and Fall.
Your friends from Vancouver , Canada,
Ken and Jean. August 2013.
My family of 6 took a private tour of Provence with Alain of Ventoux Decouvertes from 2-4 June. We had a very enjoyable private tour with Alain. He went through with us the places that we wished to sight-see and also gave his recommendations of places we must/should see. We appreciated that he was flexible; his planning was well thought-through so we wouldn’t waste time & was also informative of the places we visited. We also enjoyed his jovial nature, giving a relaxed feeling to our holiday (unlike group tours). Alain was always punctual & helpful, and his 8-seater van was always clean. He was also a good time-keeper for us and we were able to sight-see a number of lovely villages without feeling rushed. We are planning to visit Provence again and we hope to engage Alain for another private tour. His rates are also very reasonable!
Sik Suan NG, Singapore. June 2013
As a professional oil painter, I wanted to travel rural Provence for new material to paint. Not speaking the language and not wanting to drive, I hired Alain for seven days. This was one of my best ever decisions. Alain knew exactly where to take me and his fees are a true value for the service he provides.
This is a first class private tour/guide service. His vehicles are new models, clean, and well maintained. Alain is very punctual and most accommodating regarding varying daily schedules and itinerary. He is very personable and fun to be with. He is very knowledgeable of the history of the area and of the many wines of the region. He truly enjoys his job and is eager to please.
I had no personal knowledge of Alain prior to engaging him for this trip. I would now unhesitatingly recommend him. This is a first class, reliable operation that exceeds your expectations. He even exceeds what he promises in his web site. This is one of those rare situations where you get more value than you paid for.
Barbara H. Glover, Greensboro, NC, USA. June 2013
it was a special time with you, and Jeanie and I tell all our friends about the wonderful experience in Provence..Thanks.
Let’s stay in touch.
Jeanie and Jeffrey M. Sanderson, Charlotte, USA. October 2012
I just wanted to say a very big thank you on behalf of everyone in our group for a wonderful time on your tours. I am so happy, actually, everyone is that we chose to have you take us on our little adventures. It was a very good decision indeed. We have fond memories of you and James. Please say a big thank you to him as well...
You were very accommodating, friendly, informative, and very patient to say the least! Being in the travel industry I realize how important customer service can be, especially with “word of mouth” advertising. I have already passed your business card to some friends who are considering touring next year...
Once again, thank you very much for a wonderful time, from picking us up at the train station, to the tours, to taking us back to the train station. It was all excellent. Hope to talk to you soon.
Best regards,
Susan and Bill McIntosh and the group, Toronto, Canada October 2012.
Hello Alain,
Just want to drop a note of thanks for the great day trips to Luberon and Carmargue. Here are the 2 pictures we took for your website as promised. Cheers.
Janel Kok, Singapour. June 2012.
Alain,How are you? We’re in Philadelphia until the 20th I think the highlight of the trip for them was going to Provence. Needless to say, we were all ready and happy to get back here...
I’ll send you more pictures but for now, I wanted you to have this one. We’re already planning to come back to Provence in 2012-2013 so hopefully we’ll see you then.Stay happy and healthy.
Monique and Richaud, Cabo San Lucas. June 2012.
Dear Alain, Thank you for the excellent arrangement, making our stay in Provence very pleasant and special. Congratulations to France for reaching the finals of the Rugby World Cup 2011.Best Regards
Julie & Victor, Singapour, October 2011
Alain, Thank you for a fabulous day of good wine, good food and good chocolate! Let us know if you are coming to the east coast of the US and we will help you in any way we can. Best Regards
Margo & Jim Joyce, Martha’s Vineyards, USA. July 2011
First, to thank you very much for looking after our clients during their stay in Provence. I was speaking to Barbara yesterday and she told me how much they had enjoyed their time with you and how well you had looked after them. They particularly enjoyed their time in Moustiers - it sounds a delightful town
Ted Clarke, Travel Broker, New Zealand. Tours in June 2011
As part of our cruise in November 2010,my sister, brother-in-law, husband and I were very pleased with our Provence tour guided by Alain Lesomptier. We were picked up promptly at the Marseille Port and greeted with a gift of wine and lavender sachets.
Our first stop was Aix en Provence where we had time to explore, on foot, the elegant street, Cours Mirabeau and visit the famous cafe, Les Deux Garcons. Next stop was Chateau de Beaupré for wine tasting (and wine buying!) We toured some of the most beautiful villages in France…Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Rousillon, and Gordes. We also stopped at Chateau La Canorgue, where "A Good Year" was filmed…gorgeous scenery. We had a delicious lunch at a restaurant that was featured in the film. Thank you Alain, for a wonderful day and a memorable trip.
Kathy & Donn Detzler, Kim & Doug Stickney, Indianapolis, Indiana, November 2010
In September we took an outstanding 4-day private tour with Alain Lesomptier, owner of Ventoux-Decouvertes. We knew we could take the train to some of the bigger Provence cities, but we did not want to rent a car to drive to the beautiful Luberon villages. After reading highly recommended reviews on tripadvisor.com, we contacted Alain Lesomptier.
After numerous, exciting emails, that segment of our 16 days in Provence was finalized. We decided on Alain’s 4 day trip that you can find on his website...
Throughout the four days we visited such sights as Saint Remy de Provence, Le Pont du Gard, Les Baux, Arles, Marseille, Cassis, the summit of Mont Ventoux, the Senanque Abbey, the wineries of Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, the villages of Gordes and Roussillon as well as driving through many other villages along the way...
Alain also help us with transfers to airports and train stations...
We were so fortunate to have had Alain as our tour guide. He is a VERY safe driver, kind, knowledgeable and has a wonderful sense of humor.Because of Alain, going back to Provence is on our "Bucket List". When we do, we will contact Alain once again.
Susan and Sharon, Wisconsin, September 2010
Happy to hear from you, Alain! Thanks for taking good care of us in Provence — we didn’t get lost a single time ;-) Thanks for the photos too, will forward to Leica. We look forward to seeing you in Provence again.Sincerely.
Malu, Manilla, November 2010
Hi Alain, bonjour,
How are you?
Thank you for giving us such a lovely time in Provence in October. Everyone was really happy, and very much enjoyed everything they saw.
Maggie, Brisbane, Australia, October 2010
Alain tour guide and owner of Ventoux-Decouvertes, was the most superb guide for us in the Luberon, Provence area. We based our two days of tours on his suggested itineraries, but customized our choices somewhat in advance. Then as we were talking during the day, he really listened to what we were saying suggesting other options, etc. One of the extras he did for us was take us by the chateau where the film "A Good Year" as shot and we did wine tasting nearby. This was wonderful. He chose fantastic lunch spots that we would never have found on our own, guided us regarding Ventoux wines which we knew very little about (great choices) and made these two days the highlight of our 14 day trip. We visited over the two days these villages - Isle Sur-La-Sorgue, Gordes, Roussillon, Seguret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Bonnieux, Venasque, St. Remy, Les Baux de Provence, Menerbes, Gigondas and others that we just can’t recall! What a fantastic two days of touring with a very fun person.
John & Pat, Florida, May 2010
Kate and I want to thank you for introducing us to Provence in a most comprehensive way. Your knowledge of the history and customs of the regions added to the excitement of the spectacular views.
The local restaurants were fabulous-The 4 day experience was unsurpassed-Looking forward to our next visit.
Kate and Adam, Philadelphia, May 2010
Two weeks has passed since we took the wonderful trip with you.
Thank you for a wonderful 5 day tour with you in Provence and we really enjoyed it and will like to come back and see you again in the future.
Betty and Peter,Boston, May 2010
Alain, we had a wonderful time with you showing us around Provence. We should have hired you for one more day. Next time we will be sure to reserve our time with you and also recommend you to our friends.
Dave,Philadelphia, May 2010
Now that Jerry and I have returned to Portland and recovered from our 19 hours on airplanes, I wanted to follow up with you and say again just how much we enjoyed our two days with you. It was much more like being with an old friend than being with a tour guide. You gave us tons of information, showed us great places and made our visit as enjoyable as it possibly could have been. I so appreciate your suggestion that I visit the Fragonard perfumerie while we were in Nice.
Cindy and Jerry, Portland, Oregon, September 2009
Alain, speaking for all 7 of us, the Johnsons, Rascos, Wells & A. Bradley had a great time in Provence thanks to your expert tour leadership and cheerful personality. Thanks again for the tour of your homeland and for the expert and pleasing way you conducted the tour. Best personal regards to a happy and successful future.
Georges, Little Rock,Arkansas, September 2009
The 4 days tour with your professional touring service was fantastic. You were our friend much more than a tourist guide.We had good weather ; good sceneries ; safe drive ; good foods ; good wine and good sleep. The 3 hours dinner in the vineyard allowed us to see the beautiful sun set which was never experienced in our life. The scene was too good to remember ; the wines were too good to taste and the stomach was too full to have a good sleep. Last but not the least, the tour was to short for us to apart.The tour had casted a deep memory and these wouldn’t have been happened if not under your warm and professional services. Thank you ! Good luck and take care.
Andrew and the group from Hong Kong, July 2009
On behalf of my family, I want to thank you for taking care of us during our 3 day tour. You are a gracious person and a wonderful guide. Everyone enjoyed the tour, food, and wine. Your dining recommendations are very good. I hope that we will meet again someday if we get a chance to visit your area. We will recommend you to our friends & family who wish to tour Provence.
Krisinda, April 2009, Manila , Philippines
Barbara and I wanted to thank you for the wonderful tour. We appreciate you tailoring the tour to our specific requests and the frequent stops for me to take photos of sights along the way. The timing was perfect and we would not have been able to see as much without your knowing how to get to close to the best spots for viewing and picture taking. The balance of your comments and giving us time to explore on our own was excellent. Thanks again for such an enjoyable tour.
Barbara and Paul, Atlanta, March 2009
I want to thank you for the wonderful tour of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Seguret and Chateauneuf du Pape. The four of us all agreed that this was the most spectacular day of our vacation. The southern Rhone, it’s people and the countryside are amazing. Your friendliness, knowledge and flexibility made it all the more enjoyable. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone I know coming to the area.
Thanks again.
Matt, Chicago September 2008
We arrived back in Australia last week from our 5 week trip. It was all wonderful and it is very difficult to come back down to earth again as I’m sure you will appreciate.
Once again, thank you for such a wonderful 3 days of sightseeing in such a personalised way, we shall truly never forget it. Provence is such a special part of the world, absolutely amazing
Sue and Alan, Australia, September 2008
We made it home alright, thank you for your guidance in Provence.
I cannot forget the beauty of Provence, you are lucky to live there. I will strongly recommend my friends to go there, however we have to make sure they will be picked up from Marseille by you for their travel.
Jessica and Francis, Toronto, August 2008
We got home two days ago. We had a great time and loved the lavender tour! All the towns we visited were very charming. We definitely have to go back and spend more time on each town.
Omar and Fabiola, Miami, July 2008
Bonjour Alain,
We just wanted to thank you for our lovely "Lavender Tour." You were a great quide and we appreciate the knowledge you shared with us, and your friendly personality. We went to one of your suggestions for dinner (the one with "Comptoir" in the name, and it was great! Thank you for dropping off my bag the next morning. Hope you did not have to go too far out of your way. We’re sending you a couple of shots so you do not forget us. Perhaps we will meet again.
Our best.
Ralph & Cheryl, New York City, July 2008
We thank you so very much for a marvelous and outstanding tour of Provence. It was perfect and it was exactly what we wanted. The pace was just right for all of us. Both days were so delightful and memorable!!! The colorful hilltop towns of Roussillon and Gordes were charming with all of the flowers and scenery. The view from Gordes and the view from the location across from Gordes are magnificent. We loved all the different colors of Provence. Our tour of the seaside town of Cassis was just lovely. We enjoyed the boat tour and the Calanques which was very different from anything we’ve seen.
Katleen and Dieter, California, June 2008
How are you doing? I have just been back to Hong Kong. Thank you very much for your tour on May 24. We had a great time and we are looking forward to our next Avignon trip! I like the panorama of the Gordes especially! Next time we will come here to visit the blooming lavenders.
Vanessa, Hong Kong May 2008
We were all very impressed with your ability to tailor the tour to our ever changing wants and desires. While many of the cruise passengers could tell of their driving tour of Provence, not many of them had the adventure of wine tasting in Provence, especially since we had not asked to in advance! I personally enjoyed the lunch we shared in Lourmarin.
Barbara, New Jersey, September 2007
This is the 5th day I have been home. I think of Provence all of the time, and I give you a lot of credit for making our Provence experience even nicer than it would otherwise have been.Thank you for every one of your many acts of kindness.
Marlena, Chicago, September 2007
Hi Alain,
Great to hear from you!!! FonFon was a beautiful spot, however we missed you helping us out with the menu!!!!! We struggled thru and the meal turned out fine.
Glad to hear you are well and have some time off, enjoy it.
Sincerely.
Peggy, Virginia, July 2007
Thank you for a wonderful tour. We went to Venasque, Brantes for lunch, Crillon le Brave, Isle sur la sorgue and La Fontaine du Vaucluse! Wow! My Favorite were Mont Ventoux with the wiew and the "berger" Jean Paul.
Amber and Spero, Maryland, september 2007
Would not have been able to see Saint Rémy de Provence without the tour- Very worthwhile! Thank you.
Ms.Fernando, Seattle,WA, July 200
Alan, Sam and luke Winward have enjoyed your company, your knowledge and your enthusiasm for wine when you come to Melbourne, you can reach us.Thank you again, very cool.
Sam and Luke, Melbourne, June 2007
Gordes’s scenery was breath taking. Merci.
Yoshi and Mariko, New york City
Wonderful Trip
Mia and Mora, Dublin, June 2006
Would not have been able to see Gordes without the tour- Very worthwhile! Thank you
Ms.Fernando, Seattle,WA, July 2006
Trés bon! Very much enjoyed my tour day with Alain
Peter, Seattle, WA, July 2006
Merci Beaucoup, we had a great 1,5 days with Alain and appreciated the customized approach.
Vicky, New York City, June 2006
Merci beaucoup pour un bon journée! you have been very kind and knowledgable. Le meilleur pour toi.
Emma, New york City, August 2006
Alain is a very good guide, driver and also quite a good friend. we enjoy this trip!
Seven People’s group of Lavender, Beijing, July 2006
Vous êtes trés sympathique et le tour était magnifique!
Sarah, Vancouver, July 2006
Merci beaucoup pour ce voyage.Vous êtes trés sympa!
Judy and Ling, Beijing, July 2006
Alain is a good funny guider! Avignon and Sault are really beautiful and you should’nt miss them.
Tian and Ji, Beijing, July 2006
Alain is a friendly and fanstastic guide! We can finally see the lavender field because his kind help! Thanks Alan
Wendy and Terence, Hong Kong, July 2006
Thanks Alan very much! you bring us an unforgettable lavender trip! Next time we’ll come in july and we’ll invent you to take us go around! thank you very much
Huang Wen Lin, Taî Pei, July 2006
