I grew up in sunny Provence at the foot of Mt Ventoux, and travel has been a passion for as long as I can remember. At 20, I moved to the UK on my own and that’s where I really deepened my love for new cultures and experiences. Now that I’m back in France, I never stop exploring and I'm always looking forward to the next adventure. Part of my family lives on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, which has also shaped my curiosity and openness to the world.
I’m a nature lover through and through, and I specialise in all things outdoors: hiking in the French and Swiss Alps, cycling through the countryside, kayaking on rivers, or wandering along wild coastlines. I’m just as drawn to culture, whether it’s the buzz of a city, historic neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks, little museums or big ones, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in a local café.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I design tailor-made journeys across France and Europe, from the lively streets of Paris and the castles of the Loire to my home region of Provence, the French Riviera, Normandy, Brittany and Alsace. I also create itineraries in the French and Swiss Alps, where cultural discovery blends beautifully with hiking and other outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for an off the beaten path escape or a relaxed city break, I’ll craft a trip that fits your pace and interests."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I first stepped into the travel industry as a receptionist in a lively hotel in central London, and later in a large holiday village in Provence. During my years in the UK, I tried out many different paths, working as a nanny, a barista, and even as a runner and extra on film sets. When I came back to France, I spent some time teaching English, which only deepened my interest in cultural exchange and human connection. A few years later, working with an American active travel company confirmed what I already knew deep down: that I’m passionate about creating meaningful and personalised travel experiences."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"At 20, I made a lifelong dream come true and moved to the UK on my own, carrying nothing more than a small suitcase. It was a real leap into the unknown, full of improvisation and a few risky choices, but it became the most formative experience of my life, both personally and professionally. I spent my time exploring the country and started putting together my very first travel itineraries, whether for solo adventures or trips with friends, from famous city landmarks to hidden forests and quiet, secret corners of the UK."
Gersende's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Explore Provence's beautiful lavender fields, focusing on the picturesque Sault or Roussillon areas, where the most colorful lavender plants bloom. Along the way, discover authentic Provence, with its typical villages, lively markets, amazing landscapes, and more.
Start by immersing yourself in...
Recent trip reviews for Gersende
Très magnifique!!!
France
|
Apr 22 - May 3, 2026
Glynnis P.
Boulder, CO, USA
| Reviewed on May 04, 2026
This trip was outstanding! Gersende worked with me and planned a wonderful trip that included everything I wanted it to, with additional free time every day. The app was super easy to use and access all of our tickets and meeting places for tours. I’m so glad I found kimkim, I will be back when I plan future trips!
Read more
This trip was outstanding! Gersende worked with me and planned a wonderful trip that included everything I wanted it to, with additional free time every day. The app was super easy to use and access all of our tickets and meeting places for tours. I’m so glad I found kimkim, I will be back when I plan future trips!
Hotel Reviews
Very cute and cozy, the staff were all amazing, knowledgeable and very friendly! It was easy to walk to the Eiffel Tower and arc de triumph as well as access the metro
Authenticity & Character
Cute design very cozy
Location
Close to iconic landmarks and the metro
Grand Hotel Des Terreaux
Lyon
Authenticity & Character
Very nice and authentic building with modern upkeep
Location
Easy to walk to destinations
Staff
All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful
Nice central location in Avignon and literally across the street from the tourism office which was super convenient
Authenticity & Character
Love the modern paint and decor in a nice older building that fits right in with the rest of the city
Location
Easy to walk to all of Avignon from here
Staff
Such kind and helpful staff! They even took our luggage to our room while we were on a tour
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable, only slight downside is our room was very hot
Very cute hotel, nice and close to the train station and old town Nice, as well as a lot of great Brasseries and shopping
Authenticity & Character
Love the Mediterranean decor
Location
Only 20 min walk to the promenade des anglais :)
Staff
All very kind and helpful!
Activity Reviews
Château de Versailles (tickets + audioguide only)
France
I really enjoyed the self guided audio tour. This palace is amazing and the history is fascinating. I’m glad we had a lot of time to enjoy here as there is so much to see
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Latin Quarter Gourmet Tour
Paris
It was a nice tour with a local guide and just myself and my fiancé. She was very knowledgeable not just about the excellent food we had but also the local architecture. I was glad we did this after Versailles because I learned a lot about the architecture from that visit and it was nice having a base understanding. I also loved this included a trip to see notre dame
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was so wonderful!
Transport
We took the metro and only got a little lost!
After-hours Louvre intimate evening tour
Paris
I love that this was after hours, it made looking at the art less stressful without the big crowds! I heard some horror stories of trying to see the Mona Lisa in particular and we didn’t have that problem! I wish I had more time, but I need an entire day just to spend at the louvre!
Quality of Experience
Spectacular getting to see these famous pieces in person
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Aria was our guide and she was soooooo incredibly knowledgeable about everything!
Transport
Got lost after getting off the metro but there was a number to call on the Kim Kim app and we were able to find out guide after that!
Lyon Old Town Food Tour
Lyon
Our tour guide, Nate, was so friendly and knew so much about Lyon! He showed us some great landmarks around the city in addition to taking us to taste some amazing food!
Quality of Experience
You get to eat a lot of good food and drink great wine, but also see a lot of lyon
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nate was awesome!
Transport
A short walk from our hotel!
The Beaujolais Wine Route
Lyon
Our guide, Romain, was great! He knew a lot about wines and the entire region. I like that we got to experience 2 very different wineries
Quality of Experience
The small tour group with fellow wine lovers was great!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Highly recommended Romain!
Afternoon Wine Tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France
Our guide was excellent, we got to see a lot of the country side near Avignon, and taste some exceptional wine! I’m so glad we brought some back with us, too bad we can’t take any more!
Quality of Experience
Simply beautiful country and wonderful wine
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Best of Luberon in an afternoon!
France
It was great seeing so many small countryside cities and having free time to explore! Roussillon was my favorite :)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rémi was awesome!
Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence Small Group Tour (Full day)
France
I really enjoyed getting free time at each stop and our guide also pointed out his favorite things and fun landmarks at all the places too! We loved Antibes and definitely want to spend more time there in the future!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Monaco, Eze and La Turbie Tour small group tour
France
This tour was great, I just wish we had more time in Monaco! Océane knew so much about all the history of every place we went and was an awesome guide!
Quality of Experience
Great history and beautiful views. Loved learning about the perfume too
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Océane was excellent!!
Local specialist: Gersende Rambaud
Gersende Rambaud
Local specialist in Beaujolais, France
| Replied on May 05, 2026
Hi Glynnis! Thank you so much for your review - I'm so happy to hear you've loved the experiences and hotels I've selected for you 😊 And THANK YOU for the lovely photos! It was a real pleasure talking with you and putting this trip together! Feel free to reach out if France calls again! 😉
Dream Vacation!
France
|
Apr 22 - May 3, 2026
Derek S.
Denver, CO
| Reviewed on May 04, 2026
We will definitely be using KimKim for our future travel adventures. Every day and outings Gersende planned for us were a dream come true. Gersende was able to plan what felt like the very best France has to offer. We will be coming back over and over!
Read more
We will definitely be using KimKim for our future travel adventures. Every day and outings Gersende planned for us were a dream come true. Gersende was able to plan what felt like the very best France has to offer. We will be coming back over and over!
Hotel Reviews
This boutique hotel is absolutely adorable! Perfectly located for access to a really nice Metro line and you can easily walk to both the Eiffel Tour and Arc de Triumph. The complimentary breakfast they offer is delicious and there’s plenty of cafes nearby to satisfy all your tastes. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Grand Hotel Des Terreaux
Lyon
This charming hotel is in the heart of Lyon and was easy to walk to all our tours and sightsee. Perfectly situated to take advantage of all your gastronomic dreams! Plus, the AC worked!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room smelled a little musky but the furniture and building are historic enough it makes sense.
Perfect location to experience the very best of Avignon and diagonal across the street from the tourism office where all the tours meet. The bed and shower were particularly comfortable. Unfortunately, the AC didn’t work and it took quite a bit of work to figure out how to open the windows. The room felt like a sweltering sauna the whole time we were there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was extremely comfy and had an easy to use shower though the tub is extremely high so getting in and out could be a struggle and the AC didn’t work which made the room feel like 90 degrees.
This was by far the best hotel we stayed at on our trip. The bed was the most comfortable and it had the best shower. The courtyard is perfect for nighttime wine and snacks. The staff was incredible and the complementary breakfast delicious.
Location
It’s a two minute walk from the train station which made it somewhat convenient. However, you have to walk down several flights of stairs which was a challenge with two weeks worth of luggage.
Local specialist: Gersende Rambaud
Gersende Rambaud
Local specialist in Beaujolais, France
| Replied on May 04, 2026
Dear Glynnis & Derek,
It was such a pleasure putting together this very special trip for you! I’m so happy to hear you had a wonderful time and that the hotels were exactly what you were hoping for.
Thank you for your lovely feedback—it really means a lot—and for trusting me with a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime! 😊