Lavender and Vine is the new name for my business running small-group tours to France. We have been organizing “Experience Provence” tours with my partner and friend Lisa for over 10 years, until she retired a few years ago. I decided to continue under this new name “Lavender and Vine,” the quintessential crops of Provence.
I studied French at the University knowing I was more interested in using it for real-life experiences than to teach. My first full-time job was at a small tour company in Nebraska where I organized and then led bus tours all over the U.S. and Canada for nine years.
I first visited Provence in 1996 and fell in love with the landscape, the colors, its people, food and culture, and knew after that first trip that I wanted to create a life where "Provence" would play a leading role. Soon after, I started the business “Essence de Provence,” selling lavender products first at the local Farmer’s Market (in Lincoln Nebraska), through my website, and eventually supplying catalogs such as French Country Living, Gardener’s Eden and others with products made in Nebraska with raw goods imported from Provence. I moved the business to Washington D.C. in 2010 and sold Essence de Provence a couple years ago to focus on organizing and leading tours , painting, and more creative endeavors.
Enjoy fresh food markets, restaurants and the warmth of the locals and discover your best self in a place where “joie de vivre” is an art. We find exceptional large homes to rent for 10-12 guests. So you can unpack and make this your home during your stay. Get to know the nearby villages, the landscape and your fellow artists. We serve many meals at home, so that you can just focus on your art and then enjoy nutritious, complete meals at home. We try to take care of the details so that you can focus on your art. Our properties offer great views and setting for painting right from home. We also take you o short excursions as requested.
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Watching others discover this magical place and lifestyle gives me the thrill that I have been lucky enough to experience for over 25 years. With many years of experience as a tour planner/guide, a fluency in French, and an intimate knowledge of this special place, I would love to share this unforgetable place with you. Please join us to Experience Provence.